beach love

My favorite antidote to months of racing through the demands and commitments of daily living. An irresistible invitation to slow down, let in a little joy and savor a better pace of life. And probably my favorite thing about summer. I can't really explain what it is about that vast expanse of sand, sea and sky that helps me re-discover that feeling of inner abundance and brings me back to a place of peace and calm. I can let my cameras sit on a shelf and forget about them for weeks, when presented with the opportunity to spend time at the beach I will always pack as many as I can, giddy with anticipation and excitement.

Today share your love for the beach. Let’s celebrate the sense of freedom, connection, the pure and unbridled joy, and the beauty of the ocean.

garden mascot

In an attempt to keep the bunnies from devouring my new garden, I borrowed a fake owl that would surely scare them away. I sat him next to the spinach, looking menacing with his huge yellow eyes and angry eyebrows. But the next day I looked out my kitchen window to see a large rabbit sitting right next to the owl and gnawing on some green bean seedlings, likely chuckling at my ridiculous attempt to frighten him. But despite the owl's failure to do his duties, he stays put in the garden. I've grown a bit attached to him, I think. So instead he serves as a photo subject, backed by a healthy crop of black-eyed susans that match his eyes beautifully.

This is my first attempt at a real vegetable garden and surprisingly, it seems to be going well so far. What's growing in your garden? Please share your photos with us!

explore your senses

As I look up through the tress, and be in the moment....

I hear delightful birdsong,

I feel the soft breeze on my face,

I see the dappled light through the leaves,

I smell the intoxicating lavender at my feet.

My senses are alive.

Where have you been lately that brought your senses alive? Share your moments here today.

the fever

"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself." ~ zen proverb

I fully admit I have spring fever.  I have no shame in that. I lie belly down in the grass as the sunlight dances on each beautiful blade.  I feel my shoulders loosen, my face relax into a smile, I run my fingers across the tops to feel the soft new growth. It only took a few days of that much needed sun to bring it back to life and me along with it.  I feel the long winter fall away as I lie here in the grass. I want to linger in it. Inhale deeper. Stretch and grow.

Wash on the line. A new pair of sandals. Freshly painted toes. A bare shoulder. Blossoms. That first blush of sunkissed skin.

Do you have the fever? What speaks spring to you?

beach party

Ben and I stumbled on this party at our local beach today..... 

As you can see, true beach weather has not yet arrived. Our feathered friends have the place all to themselves, and they seem to be loving every minute of it. It's hard to see the variety of 'folks' at the gathering...but there was a duck, a few geese, a gull and another fella I can't quite identify.  

Ben and I walk the trail from town, that leads to this very spot, each day.... it's certainly not a sandy ocean beach, but we sure do LOVE it.

Today share a little glimpse into your world....  the beach, the trail, the back yard.... wherever you may find a little inspiration and sunshine. We'd love to see it.