I spent a little while on the beach today with Cal. He was "driving" our famous Tonka and I was looking at seashells and wondering at the ocean. I think even after I've come to the beach every summer for the rest of my life, I will still be in awe of it's changelessness and yet how it is always different - where and how the waves crest, the different patterns the tide makes in the sand, the pieces of life that wash up in the ripples.
A few months before we were married, David and I were in San Diego for New Year's Eve. He had been there a few days earlier for a friend's wedding and I joined him for the holiday. We walked on the beach a bit - it was cold of course, but we happened to find a perfect sand dollar. I love it's perfection, it's whiteness, it's symmetry and beauty and fragility. Last year, I collected a few similarly perfect shells.
This year, for some reason, I am drawn to the kinda jumbled, mottled looking shells. And the fragments. I've found some beauties - one that looked just like a little foot, the way it was shaped oblong with little ruffled "toes," and a couple broken shining spirals from little conches. I found myself especially looking at the fragments with their beautiful colors and interrupted stripes, the circles that started so small once and spun out in purple, coral, pearly white and gray...
Even looking at what was left in the broken edges, it made me think of the piece of a perfection they were once part of. I could imagine in my mind's eye what they were meant to look like, and it made me really love and appreciate the immensity and infinity of what I saw in the sea.
I just enjoy wondering at the beauty and incredible creation of this world. Just like the ocean, there is no end to the awe I feel about it.
(Calvin has gotten it into his head that we need to mail some shells to Dad. So, um, I think I might have to figure out a way to mail shells overseas. And Dad will have to enjoy bringing them back in his suitcase...)
8.06.2006
An Incomplete Thought About Perfection
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10 comments:
I love the ocean! Living in a land locked state for the last 20 years makes the trips to the ocean extra special. Every time we go we collect sand and sea shells. We've got a cool collection going!
What lovely thoughts about the ocean, shells, creation... kind of awe-inspiring and restful at the same time. I feel the same way walking through a forest or just being outside.
Just what I needed on this fast sunday morning. Thank you.
I would caution you against sending shells overseas. Some countries frown upon that (being from NZ we are very cautious about we bring into the country as the rules are quite strict.) Don't want you to get into trouble!
Thanks for the post.
Glad you enjoyed your awe inspiring day at the beach.
Hope your enjoying your vacation.
Rena
I look forward to getting the shells! The immensity of the ocean and its vastnees always put me into a philisophical frame of mind.
Such a deep thought for a vacationing mom!! Hope you're enjoying your trip - it sounds as if you are :)
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! My husband says there is no location to vacation that is more soothing to the soul than a beach. I agree!
It sounds like you're having a really peaceful experience/vacation. Loved this post!
This is a great post - and as a geologist - I know exactly what you mean about the creation of this world. I studied it for years in school, but am always awe struck whenever I actually get out "in nature" and look at the majesty around me.
Sounds like you are having a great time while your "shows on the road" (that still cracks me up!) The pictures above of the boys are awesome.
Regarding the shells for Dad - why not just mail him some "whole" ones and then he can imagine what they once looked like, when they arrive in pieces? :)
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