“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach—waiting for a gift from the sea.”
― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea
I am learning to look closely, and in doing so, I am learning about patience and faith.
Most of my life has been spent not far from the ocean. Whether I am sitting on a beach or diving a reef, I am always at rest when I am by the sea. For the past several years, I have been looking closely for small details on the beach that I may have missed in the past. The tide line is full shifting surprises, and it provides the chance to find small joys in color, form, and substance. When I am looking at the pattern of a broken moon shell, or the mites of color in the sand, I am able to slow down. I am learning to shift into the solitude that Anne Morrow Lindberg wrote about in Gift from the Sea, and to really listen – to the sea, to my heart, and to God.
I photograph what I find in the sand without moving or altering what I see. Most of the photos have only minimal editing when I get them home. I like to look for new colors, shapes, and patterns, and I am never disappointed. There is always something new and wonderful with each tide . . . if I have the patience to look carefully.
Tide Line Still Life 
Hey thanks for stopping by my blog … BVI looks beautiful !
Thanks! Just curious…. what identifies these as BVI?
Hey I’m not that smary honest … remember you mentioned BVI so it was an assumption … guess we know what they say about assumptions !
🙂 And the diving was fantastic, too! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Likewise:)
Love your beautiful idea about your photo. After all, it’s always those little things that count.
Thank you so very much! You are right – the little things sometimes mean so much more. Thanks for liking my blog. Visit again soon!
I do enjoy your blog. By coincidence, today I posted shell photos. Quite unusual for me since I rarely get to the coast these days. I’m quite envious that you can do an entire blog on shells! 🙂 Of course, I did take hundreds of beach photos during my few days there so there will be more. But I love your photography – gorgeous light and subjects.
Thank you so very much! The beach has been my refuge from when
I was very young. The weather doesn’t matter, just as long as I can hear the water . . . Or be under the waves! I am delighted that you like the photos, and yes, I did enjoy your shore photos today. Enjoy your weekend, and make a memory or two! Best, Maggie
Great idea! The pictures are fantastic!
Thanks so very much, Mike!
You are capturing little miracles! Awesome! Blessings, Robyn
Robyn, thank you so very much for your kind words. I hope my photographs continue to delight you. Best, Maggie
Beautiful collection of images here with these amazing gifts from nature!
Thank you so very much. Having just perused your site, your kind words are a compliment, indeed!
Excellent blog topic! I’ll be returning. Regards from Thom atvthevimmortal jukebox.
That should read immortal jukebox.
Well, not sure what you mean, Thom, but I am glad that you stopped by! Thanks so much for the follow, and I look forward to perusing Immortal Jukebox when the day quiets later. Best, Maggie
Such lovely photos! I sense a kindred spirit — I’m also always pointing my camera at the little scenes I find before me in the sand and the rocks. Happy to find your blog.
P.S. Love the quote!
Thanks so very much.
I am so pleased that my photos delight you! Thanks also for the follow. I look forward to perusing your site, too!
Best,
Maggie
*smile*!
Your pictures are inspiring!
Thank you so very much! I would very much like to photograph some of the tide lines on the beaches in your photographs! Beautiful! Do come back and visit again; it is delightful how small the world becomes through blogging. Best, Maggie