“The golden moments in the
stream of life rush past us, and
we see nothing but sand; the
angels come to visit us, and
we only know them when
they are gone.”
~ George Eliot
For All the Saints
sand
The Brushstroke of a Moment
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wildflower,
hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour.”
~ William Blake
Sand Bar on Marco Island, Florida
Dining Outside the Home: Sand Bar on Marco Island, Florida! Talk to any local about an island favorite off the beaten path, and you’re sure to hear about the Sand Bar. The drinks are cold, the bar bites are amazing, the music is lively, and the cheers come in waves. With walls of big screen televisions, there’s bound to be something interesting to pique the conversation, should the need arise. From startups to salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, or platters, the favorites keep coming. Happy Hour often means standing room only, but that’s part of the allure for stopping by. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner offer specials that are worth checking out, too. Being open every day all year long kinda proves this local joint is spot on. Better check it out.
The Message Lives On
“God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.”
~ William Cowper
Shells of Sea Creatures
“One cannot collect all the beautiful
shells on the beach. One can collect
only a few, and they are more beautiful
if they are few.”
~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Dog Day Afternoon
“In this big ball of people,
I’m just one grain of sand
on this beach.”
~ Aurora
Sand Between My Toes
“A simple life
is good with me.
I don’t need a whole lot.
For me, a t-shirt,
a pair of shorts,
barefoot on a beach,
and I’m happy.”
~ Yanni
If Chihuahuas Could Talk
Just like people, I suspect not every dog automatically loves the beach. Take a chihuahua, for instance. Typically, they enjoy being cuddled, carried around in the crook of a young lady’s arm, or nestled in a canvas bag above the crosswalk of heavy footsteps. While rambling barefoot along the oceanfront this morning, I passed a gal sunbathing on a blue striped towel. She didn’t seem to mind reclining close to the shoreline beyond the reach of crashing waves. Like a sleep number bed, the sandy beach conformed to her body shape. The Winter sun was brightly shining. Although the temperature was rising, the cooling sea breezes felt refreshing. About six feet away the tiny brown dog was sitting with a look of displeasure on its face. One paw was raised above the beach as if to keep the fine, loose grains from getting between its toes. It slowly turned in my direction, blinked its eyes, and shifted uncomfortably as though a few light brownish pebbles had already lodged into the derrière folds of its short fur bottom. I could practically read the chihuahua’s thoughts:”This is ridiculous!”
“How much longer are we going to be here?”
“I’m thirsty and this ocean water tastes like salt.”
“I have sand in my ears.”
“I have sand between my toes.”
“I have sand in my butt cheeks.”
“And I want to go home!”
If only chihuahuas could talk.
Grains of Sand
“Under Construction” read the message on the crumbling sand sculpture just beyond the grassy knoll. Only a few days ago, the mountain of sand was as solid as a rock, resembling a holiday billboard wishing all a “Mele Kalikimaka”, or “Merry Christmas”, in Hawaiian. The sandman artist returns every year, about this time, spending hours of daylight creating unique sand sculptures for all to admire. Tirelessly he hauls water in gallon buckets from the seashore and packs sand in a special technique that cements his efforts for a day or two. Many observers stop by to take family photos. Others chit-chat in friendly conversation. Still, eventually, the sculpture becomes irresistible to toddlers and young children who see it as a climbing apparatus found on the neighborhood playground. Being “King of the Mountain” is much more interesting to their immature minds than the artistic expression of an old soul.
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