Driving through a state park

Road trip to Virginia Beach for my first art retreat!  Had to put my toes in the water before checking into the hotel:

Sky and Sea

Writing in the Sand

Twigs and Shadows

Shore Finds

Surfing, anyone?

Stone and Pebble

As I was walking on the beach, I was reminded of an Old Irish Blessing-

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face…

It feels primal, beach combing. Like being an archeologist, searching for treasures on the shore among the scattered array of pebbles, pieces of shell, the occasional piece of sea glass, or feather.

A wet leaf with many tones of green and brown made it look like it was trying to experience all 4 seasons at once.  Twigs and branches were artfully arranged, casting long shadows. I kept turning around to head back, but was propelled further down the beach, drawn in by colors in a shell, or a wave bringing new patches of things to investigate.  The brilliance of the sun’s shimmering path on the water was mesmerizing.  My gaze studied the horizon line where sky melded into the sea, and I stood for a long while to soak up the calm. The ocean always feels like coming home. Can’t get this in the city!