Beach combing & creating sea treasures

We are so blessed living in beautiful South West Scotland
only a stones throw from many beautiful beaches & coves
Every once in a while we hear the call of the sea and head off
 for a sniff of the salty air & a listen to the songs of the sea.
Perhaps catch a glimpse of a mermaid or two.

We have so many favourite beachy memories
* cooking marshmallows over a driftwood fire at Carrick shore

* dipping nets to catch flitting shrimps at Mossyard
* stargazing into velvet midnight skies at the Dhoon.
 * * *
Did you know here in Dumfries & Galloway we have
one of only 4  dark sky parks in the Western world!

 The sea holds such magic & the words of this old song conjures all!

"Sea Fever"
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way,
where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
 by John  Masefiled
*

As we walk the shorelines along balmy seas or stormy waves
 we keep a wary eye open for treasures thrown up from the deep.
Delicate crabs shells long empty, worn seashells just ready to string
mermaids purses, elusive pelican foot shells & barnacles long abandoned
And once even a seaweed strewn child's tiny bicycle!

I collect these offerings from the sea & take them home to my studio
 "Shades of the sea " are the creations I make from my findings.
Driftwood & shell chimes with delicate coloured ribbons

As the breeze catches a chime you can hear a delicate noise
the song of the shells, bringing thoughts of the wonderful ocean to mind
and as the mobile moves, its individual pieces shift & change about,
forming mesmerising sculptural shapes.

You can find my driftwood chimes for sale here & here

Talking of magical things if you love mermaids & magic as I do
you may love this series of books a dear friend recently introduced me.
 Set in Cornwall they are called "Ingo" written by Helen Dunmore.
Do go & take a peep, they will keep you mesmerised.

So i shall leave you with the sound of the sea in your ears
& the tang of salt on your tongue.
I wonder do you dream of sea shore wanderings,
and what would enchant you there?
Do you have a favorite sea poem or story to share here?

If you love magical seashore happenings,
click here to be whisked away to a true tale of my wee lass,
her message written in the sand and a dream that came true.
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next week a tale or two of Autumn x