Words of Wisdom "SEAS THE DAY"

There is nothing like the feel of driftwood polished by the waves. Who knows how far each piece has traveled to arrive on your beach. Just drifting on the open waters. Weather plays a tremendous role in directing driftwood pieces to shore. When I find a piece on my favorite beach, I am so excited as they do not turn up too often.

These brand new driftwood signs by talented artist Gina Fedderson of Isola Bella are engraved upon washed ashore driftwood with the gentle reminder to SEAS THE DAY. As you can imagine, as each piece of driftwood is unique, each sign is its own. The smaller version measures between 4" - 7" and comes with a removable jute string for hanging. Perfect size for your desk, your boat or hanging from a kitchen cabinet knob. Rest one near your shell collection. The larger size will measure at least 9" and can sit on any surface. Install simple hanging hardware on the back for a wall display.

A reminder to all of us that we should SEAS THE DAY . . . everyday!

Beach Decor Signs

I have to admit, I am a fan of those sentimental beach signs (in moderation) with the inspirational quotes about how wonderful beach life is. I know, I know a lot of people frown upon the idea that you need to be reminded of where you are. I do have a few signs in our beach house. I find that when I am running up and down the stairs and I reach the bottom where our "Live a Good Life" sign is, I often stop, reread it, smile and breathe. I like to share my feelings about life at the beach with my guests, who are usually beachlovers like me. I also have the "Together on the Sand with You" sign hanging in a subtle spot in our bedroom which I gave to my husband as a gift for Father's Day. I am still looking for a spot for my favorite sign, "Shell in Your Pocket", well because that one says it all. Outside of our front door we hung the "Welcome to the Beach" sign resting on a piece of driftwood I found on the beach this past snowy winter.

So, I guess these signs are exactly that . . . signs to me to slow down, remember where you are and breathe!

My Favorite Beach Hour

My favorite hour at the beach is 5 o'clock and after. Most of the families with younger children are washing off their sand toys and repacking their small truckload of beach items. Very tired children are eyeing the path off the beach and back to their homes . . . at this hour of day and with their tired bodies, it looks like a daunting journey. Been there.

We have been vacationing at the same beach for 19 years and have truly loved watching our children grow up down here. Carrying the sand shovels, the castle molds, the wiffle ball bats, not to mention enough food to last the day, we were tired before we even got to the beach. My husband and I still smile and reminisce whenever we see the little kids carrying their buckets of water from the ocean to their building site. By the time they reach their destination, not much water remains. Now everyone carries their own beach necessities themselves . . . ipods, a book, and of course, football and bocce ball.

You hear the lifeguard blowing his goodnight whistle signing off for the evening. The beach patrol has already come to collect the emergency rowboat. The lifeguard turns over the big yellow stand. The beach is officially closed. By this time, our young adults have left the beach headed to the bay for more adventure.

Now it is time to really settle in and relax. Our lovely stretch of beach is always relatively quiet, but now there is the actual silence you can only hear on the beach. Waves reaching the shore, sea gulls crying for treats. Further down the beach, teenagers are chatting on the lifeguard stand. And, the now the kites come out.

At this time of day, you need to look toward the bay to follow the sun. When that little chill begins to finds its way into the air, it is time to go chase the sun to the bay to see another glorious sunset. Sunsets on the bay are just another benefit of living by the sea!

Shells on the Beach

"May you Always Have a Shell in your Pocket and Sand in your Shoes"

Finding shells on the beach is truly a treasure hunt. Strolling along until you spot something that will compliment your never-ending shell collection. My Golden Retriever, Sadie, spends almost as much time as I do looking for shells on the beach! My shells do not have to be perfect. When you add them to your basket at home, you never seem to notice the chips. The way I look at it is, a shell with a few imperfections here and there, is kind of like the laugh lines we accumulate as we age! I keep a shell everywhere, even in my car, so that when I am far away from the beach I love, I can still keep the sea close!

Our online beach decor store carries a sign that displays my favorite beach sentiment: "May you Always Have a Shell in your Pocket and Sand in your Shoes".