Brookgreen Gardens

Posted on by Annie

I suppose it wouldn’t have been surprising to me that Brookgreen Gardens is a *sculpture* garden if I had bothered to read the website before I walked over there. I showed up, thinking there would be gardens, perhaps not in bloom yet, but still interesting enough. Instead, there were sculptures. Lots of sculptures. And I wasn’t really in the mood for appreciating them. So I wandered around taking pictures of what did interest me. This tree was gorgeous (yeah, me and Judy Dench, man…) And the lake had a heron and some good reflections. There was an exhibit under construction…

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Weekly Update: Feb 14, 2018

Posted on by Annie

Still here in South Carolina, still walking on the beach every day, rain, clouds, or shine. Been a lot of clouds and overcast skies the last few days, making it feel more like a Seattle winter than I’d prefer. But today, the sun broke out after noon and everyone was out walking on the sand, soaking up that liquid Vitamin D. The cover photo for this post shows just how brilliant the afternoon turned out to be. But, what better weather than foggy and cold to tour Atalaya Castle, a private residence back in the day? Not a lot to…

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Sunday Serenity: Finding the Way

Posted on by Annie

Sometimes the beach itself is an excellent metaphor of the way to work through a problem. When I start wrestling with something, everything feels unclear, as if all the paths are fogged in and I can’t see a way forward. Then slowly, over time and with much thought, the light begins to appear. I see things starting to form, ideas take shape, paths appear. And then, there it is: the right decision. The sky clears, the path is taken. Sometimes on the way to your dream, you get lost and find a better one.  Lisa Hammond

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Sand Treasures

Posted on by Annie

There are few things more fun than treasure-hunting as the tide goes out. Big shells, little ones, agates worn into ovals by the waves, it’s all there if you slow down and take the time to see what’s at your feet. Over the last week, I’ve collected my favorites and tucked them into a big shell to enjoy in my trailer. These shell fragments are lovely to look at and run a finger over their ridges. These have been worn smooth by the waves so that pattern and color are all that remain of what they once were. And then…

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Weekly Update: Feb 7, 2018

Posted on by Annie

It’s been a quiet — and somewhat lazy — week here at Casa Alto. Today, for example, consisted of errands, groceries, laundry, and a long walk on the beach before the rainclouds moved in. I’ve been walking on the beach every day, enjoying the wind and waves, and the bits of seashells and rocks I’ve been collecting. And dodging the little plovers who hang out here, too. I love them. My favorite bird, the much bigger pelican, has been much in evidence this week. I wish I had a bigger, better lens to capture their power and grace. And to…

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