I know you think it’s strange…talking about a beach trip when everyone else is talking about turkeys and Christmas trees…but for the last eight years my childhood friend Nan and I have made our annual pilgrimage to Seagrove Beach, Florida in the Fall. The first trip was for healing our spirits. I had lost my mom to cancer and had just cleaned out her house and put it up for sale. One of Nan’s friends was in the final stages of cancer. So we decided that a trip to the beach might be what we needed…and it was.
We have returned to the same spot every year and it always seems to be just the antidote for gloomy weather and dragging spirits. This year was no exception.
There were lots of little examples of the beauty of nature…pure perfection…
…and a rather curious wriggling “pickle” creature, which, when rolled into the water…
…gracefully unfurled its dragon wings and morphed into this! Amazing!
Of course, I had to check out the local Goodwill store! lol I left empty-handed, but have not stopped thinking about that chair! But $49.99…hmmm…
The trip would not be complete without lunch at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach…my favorite, though very funky, restaurant!! That’s the smoked tuna dip salad with the best tomato basil dressing on planet Earth! Yum!
Of course, we did some sight-seeing...loving Fall in Florida!
And we saw some beautiful sunsets…ahhh!
So I am reserving this chair for next November. Won’t you join me?
Thanks so much for stopping by! Please head on over to Mary’s at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday to see one of her beautiful mosaics and to find out how you can play along.
And then join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday to see what's going on in her beautiful home and to see all sorts of changes! You have to admit that my pickle creature was quite a metamorphosis! lol
See you next time! A la prochaine!
I adore you and your wonderful website! The things you love echo in my soul too! Thank you for your beautiful influence and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, I always love all your photos and all your wonderful descriptions. You make me feel like I was there with you. I'm so glad you had a good time and it was medecine for your soul. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteGM my dear friend...Oh girl I felted like I was right on the beach with you...some strange things live in the ocean....Its no wonder I love pools so much ha ha!!
ReplyDeleteNow Debbie that is the most amazing candle girl that must have taken them some time to melt all that wax down it...I did that once with a wine bottle and it took many candle to get it looking just right...Then my Grand daughter when she was 3 picked it all off and was so proud to tell me "Granny Look all Clean" ha ha!! another great memory of my Candace ha ha!! BRAT lol!! Oh girl hows your new grandson is he baking good?? Your Page is just a beautiful girl I just love seeing pictures of her great family...Well friend I hope all is well on your side of the mountain...Many Blessings my dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
Debbie, your photos are beautiful! I truly felt I was with you on the beach. There is something healing about walking on the beach...it always soothes the soul. How wonderful that you have made it an annual pilgrimage with your friend!
ReplyDeleteThe palm tree with the fall leaves banner is priceless. How else do you think we Floridians can experience fall...during the fall? Our couple of trees which actually change colors do so in late December/January. I miss fall, but would hate to give up my Florida life. (As John Denver used to sing, "Hey, it's good to be back home again!")
Jane (artfully graced)
Debbie, this trip not only refreshed YOUR soul but recharged my batteries as well. What a beautiful place to visit! We go to FL every winter for a break from Ohio's winter snows but we've never been to Seagrove Beach.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile at your photo of the palm tree with the falling leaves on the banner....too funny!
I always enjoy my visits to your blog.
fondly,
Rettabug
No Debbie,i donot think this is strange.I think it's wonderful and necessary.Enjoy yourself.............Anniepoo
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, nothing better and refreshing than a late, like November, holiday,I love your pictures, very special ones. We have been to Florida several times in November and the weather is so great then, not too hot, just nice. Oh my, I want to go again, maybe next year???
ReplyDeleteGlad you had fun, Debbie! I love that area and get up there some with Mr. Magpie on business trips.
ReplyDeleteI never kind find deals at our thrift stores. It's usually at antique malls where I find the best goodies. Or garage sales.
Love to you...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Hi Debbie! Signs of fall on a palm tree - well maybe a little funny but them I live in California so it's the same thing out here!
ReplyDeleteI love that being on vacation didn't stop you from thrifting even though you didn't find anything.
The last time I was in FL was in the 80s - a LOOOONG time ago!
Love all your pics, Bonnie
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos, Debbie. Oh, there is nothing I like better than time on the beach. We usually go to Outer Banks, NC each year but we didn't make it this yr. :(
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just returned from six days in Paris. Of course I thought of YOU!! :) She said next time I'm going with her! OK!
Donna
Hi Debbie, I´m so happy you had a great time with your friend, they are always there when we need them.
ReplyDeleteMuchos cariños
María Cecilia
Debbie, I'm so happy that you shared some more pictures from the beach. These are gorgeous! I love the seashell mosaic, you could print and frame that one. And the sunset, ahhh indeed. And thanks for the shots from the Red Bar! It really looks like a fun place. What a wonderful trip, there is nothing more relaxing than being on the water. Hugs, Kat
ReplyDeleteSo happy you have this great tradition and a friend to share it with. It sounds and looks delightful. I enjoy your photo arrangements of it. Holly
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend time with your friend! Enjoyed the photos, and enjoyed spending a few minutes with YOU! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteThe beach is wonderful and restful and I only live 20 minutes from it and hardly go there!! I need to make the time!
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, Oh I love the pictures of the beach and that gorgeous white sand. Love the four shell mosaic. I took a deep sigh and enjoyed my trip to the beach vicariously through you. It was a great trip. Hugs Kathysue
ReplyDeleteOh the beach looks wonderful! We're planning a trip to FL for the first week of May -- Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie! Oh, how wonderful for you and your friend. Seems like we were both bumming it on the beach. I think your bumming was better though! Beautiful photos. That much for a chair from Goodwill? Shame on them! Your little food looks so delicious!
ReplyDeleteYes, of course, I had on my tiny pearls and my tiny heals! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Hi Debbie!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great tradition going, even though it started under sad circumstances. But now you treasure the spiritual renewal. Love that!!
Was that a snail?? Minus the shell?!!
Love all your beautiful pictures and the chair was fabulous. I am a chair addict! lol!!
Have a wonderful week!! :-)
xoxo
Janie
Debbie, your photos make me feel like I'm sitting on the beach myself. You are an amazing photographer. I so happy you and Nan had a rejuvenating week. We all need those kinds of vacations. How special that you have a childhood friend with whom you still share a friendship.
ReplyDeleteBack home myself from my family weekend trip. Looking forward to a cooler week here.
All the best to you for a great week ahead. ~ Sarah
Thanks for taking us along on your beautiful vacation.....I too love seashells and sunsets and yummy food!!!...LOL
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been having a lot of fun. I love the beach mosaic. the little creature is cool looking. The sunset is gorgeous. All great photos.
ReplyDeleteWowowee! There is something in the beach chairs and blue and white striped umbrella that is so inviting! Love the pearly shells and that little wiggling creature. Your photos are crystal clear!
ReplyDeleteEbie's Mosaic.
I'm new here and wanted to say that your photography is beautiful. I love the shot at the top mosaic with the striped beach umbrella. And the sea creatures!! Very cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat part of Florida were you in? You know I'm in Naples. If you went to the Goodwill here they think they are a one of a kind antique store. I foound amazing prices when we were in Missouri, literally 1/4 to 1/5 of the price.
ReplyDeleteCheri
Oh Debbie, what a wonderful trip! Love the photos of that amazing sea creature! Thanks so much for sharing at MM. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I can see from your photos how healing it must be. Would love to be on one of those beach chairs.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. I LOVE Florida......anytime! I am very curious about your pickle creature. When I saw the first pictures, I thought it was a sea cucumber....but when I saw those"wings" unfurled.....I realized it was not! Do you know what it was?
ReplyDeleteWow! Again, you took me to this fabulous beach and if I could jump through my computer screen and be there I would do it in a flash! haha! Great post and I can feel my cares just slipping away! Cindy
ReplyDeleteDebbie, love your photos. I'm so envious of your Florida trip. :) I have been to the Red Bar too. Yes, it's very delicious!
ReplyDeleteDebbie-A personal metamorphosis is always the best kind and the beach is always "good for what ails me". Fall is a great time to go to the beach--you can get in any restaurant! I love the Red Bar! Great photos--thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures, especially the blue umbrella and chairs. Wow! That one makes me want to be there!
ReplyDeletewell, I can say the beach makes it all a bit nicer!
ReplyDeleteSarah
How wonderful! Love the picture of the fall leaves on the palm tree.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!!! I wish I was there, that white sand looks so inviting.
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice trip to Florida without leaving my computer chair.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that you go each year to the same spot and rekindle memories.
I am taking you up on your invatation!! Yes I would love to join you ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the Ocean surf playing in the back ground -- what a lovely setting you set for us all. Beautiful.
If you have a moment would love you to stop by and give me your thoughts...
TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥
Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great antidote from the hectic pace of life! Great shots! Although the morph thing would have had me running...
ReplyDeleteHey Miss Debbie! Totally love your serene captivating trip to the ocean tonight with the soundtrack to boot! :) You are a gifted blogger...YES, you are! My favorite too was that "chair"... I'm sure you have been thinking about that one! Sometimes a womans gotta walk away.....totally okay! Even though it may take you weeks to get over it! ;) Hugs...~CC Catherine
ReplyDeleteDebbie, tu es vraiment artiste avec un appareil-photo. Tout est tellement original et créatif. J'aime bien les pieds dans l'eau et le petit animal dans le "shell" (trop fatiguée pour chercher le bon mot!). Je voudrais retourner à la plage! à demain! Linda
ReplyDeleteWOW what gorgeous pictures!! And such a special tradition!
ReplyDelete*hugs*deb
What a beautiful place, Debbie! Looks very relaxing and your photos are so beautiful especially the sunset. Beautiful mosaics too!...Christine
ReplyDeleteI loved all your pictures. It made me want to pack up and head for Florida. This is one of our favorite destinations too. Great mosaics.
ReplyDeleteI would love to join you! What a beautiful post! I needed some beach time.
ReplyDelete~Rainey~
Hi Debbie!
ReplyDeletethanks for taking me to the beach! It was so much fun to feel a p[art of your adventure!
As a beach dweller myself, nothing about your post seems unusual. That said ... I think this is a wonderful tradition and I enjoyed the 'virtual' inclusion in your adventure. Beautiful photos and marvelous mosaics! Love the kitties at the bottom too ;-)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
FAB day at the beach! LOVE the sea creature... AMAZING!
ReplyDeletegirl, we enjoy the beach in the late autumn. our favorite time to go to FL is November! no crowds -- cooler. yay!!
ReplyDeleteAround here, we love the beach in the fall. It is quiet and you can hear the waves crash..very soothing and calm. Looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteSusan
oh! those are soo lovely sceneries! thanks for sharing to us through that wonderful mosaic :)
ReplyDeleteu may view mine if u have time
Debbie, I'm so glad you shared your beachy pictures. There's nothing like sand and sun to refresh your soul. I'll just pretend I've been there...loving the sounds of the seagulls too. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. So glad you got away with your friend for some down time. Love your pictures--so soothing. Delores
ReplyDeleteThe beach sounds like the perfect place to soothe your spirits! What a perfect getaway and beautiful photos. I needed a little warmth today :)
ReplyDeleteHi Debby. I don't live too far from Seagrove Beach and really enjoyed looking at your photos. It is truly beautiful here in the fall and winter. Summers are sort of brutal though :o)
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie....that picture of the chairs and beach umbrella's on the sand....I'm dying over here...i so need a trip to the beach..I haven't been in ages...would you like more company next year? all the pictures were great and I'm glad you had a good time, love the picture of you outside the GW!...hope to see you during the holidays...Karyn at The Bloom Girls is suppose to have a get together on 12/11....I don't know if Susan is still planning something....Sue.
ReplyDeleteLove the sound! I'm leaving it on your site while I check other computer stuff... so soothing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful time! I love the mosaic of the beach and the food looks great too.
ReplyDeleteYou're too funny (and like me)! I always try to find the local thriftstore no matter where we go!
ReplyDeleteThe beach looks like a lovely place to be this time of year. Today is drizzly here.
Manuela
Your pictures are great!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI was delighted when I saw where you'd taken us! I know it's not even cold yet in Tennessee, but we're headed toward winter ... and a trip the beach sounds very appealing!
Mr. Pickle Creature IS amazing, as are all your beautiful photographs. And good for you for taking time to check out the GW while you were there ... ya never know...!
Have a great weekend!
Bill
How wonderful that you have a friend to share this special tradition with. I bet you come home so refreshed. Your photography is more amazing with every post.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Dawn