Relaxing weekend with inspiration!!!

This was one of those....just sit back and relax....kinda weekends. Nothing planned (limited budget ya know) and not really anything happening around town. We decided that after the Chazman and I slept most the morning away HEY...it was a Saturday....AND....apparently we needed the extra sleep!!! So sweet to sleep in late every once in awhile. Now, where was I? Oh yes...our relaxing Saturday. We decided that we would go back down to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. I love this area...it's the way the beach and surrounding areas were before anything was built on the beach. I know that I have told you about our beach walkabouts there but I don't think that I have really told you about this amazing "natural" area.

I'm not talking about a small area either....well...if you look at our complete coastline then perhaps it would be. It covers 7,000 acres of natural beauty. It stretches from Hwy 180 (Ft. Morgan Road) in Gulf shores all the way down to the opening of the Fort Morgan Historical site. This stretch of road is a wonderful drive, since it is a peninsula....that means most the way down you can see the ocean.

See what I mean....surrounded by the ocean. At the very top or the end, however which away you look at it, is the historical site of Fort Morgan. I promise that we will go and visit there soon and take some photos to show you. It's a really awesome place and the last time we went we had someone following us around. Not someone that could be seen either. BUT...that's for another day.

The wildlife refuge not only has a wonderful beach area but it also has some amazing hiking trails. Trails that run through some amazing saw palmetto trees as well as magnolias and our famous big old oak trees. All are natural to the area and none were planted, although at times when looking at them you might think that someone did plan the trail out and plant them. Mother Nature was this trails designer. There are some raised wooden boardwalks along the way. These trails take you over marsh land and we all know what loves to live in the marshlands. Gators baby...gators!!! Seems we may have another photo trip to take....down to the trails.

Saturday though, we went to the beach area only. Walked for about 2 miles and found some shells and feathers and something that we aren't quite sure what it is. It's bone we know and I have to admit that it has my muse singing up a store to use it somehow.

Most of the shells we find are broken pieces but that's alright. I can always find a way to use even those. Tell me what YOU see with this one broken shell and then I'll tell you what I see!!

Well...what do you see? Just a shell or something else? I see an angel wing. I'm thinking of doing a clay sculpt and painting with this one. Perhaps a small angel (clay) kneeling down on that small piece at the bottom and her wings being painted inside the shell. I just love that I live where I have so much inspiration just laying around waiting to be picked up and seen.

We found several more broken shells that are already telling a tale themselves as well as some seagull feathers. The Chazman is collecting them and wanting us to make something together with them. Perhaps some dragon wings??

 I'm falling in love with the tiny odd shells or housing that is left behind by barnacles. We are getting quiet the lovely collection. I love these tiny ones attached to one of the shells we found Saturday. This shell would look pretty sitting in a bowl with sand and a few other small shells.

Now let's take a test...see who actually reads my post and who just looks at the pretty pictures...HAHA!! How far did I say we walked? No fair going back up to look. Of course I would have no way of knowing if you did...so go ahead!! ^_^  Yeepers....we walked 2 miles and me being the old ancient one that I am, we had to stop and rest a bit. The Chazman would tell you it was so he could play in the sand...such a sweet boy he is. So I think I will just go with that. We stopped to let the Chazman play in the sand...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!! While we were sitting we took out the binoculars so get a better view of what was out in the water. Several oil rigs....I think the hubbikins counted seven in just one area. The lighthouse of course (I showed you that one in my last walkabout post) Pelicans, seagulls, sand pipers and those funny birds that look like big ducks that dive down and swim under water for at least a minute or two looking for a tasty fish or jellie.  OMGOSH....he came up with one. Thank goodness for binoculars. After getting up and walking on for awhile longer and turning around to come back we got to see the dolphins. First it was just three of them.....slowly swimming along. Then about 5 minutes after them came a pod of about 7. One of them flipping his tail each time he came up. It actually looked like he was trying to get the one in front of him wet. Well, ok they are already wet but ya know what I mean....looked like to siblings playing.  Each time we have gone on our walkabouts these characters have showed up about the same time. I could sit and watch these playful creatures all day. See why living on the coast is such a soul replenishing experience filled with inspiration.

Ohhh me...I almost forgot to tell you about another beach character that we had a bit of fun with. We were walking back to the opening to leave and I just happened to look down at a small indention in the sand. Remember, we are at a wildlife refuge so there is no telling what we might be blessed to see. I borrowed the Chazman's walking stick and gently poked at what I thought was a dead crab. OMGOSH...he so was NOT dead. He bounced up and up came those pinchers. I took the stick and gently started touching them and he would make this little chirping sound and "click click" at us. That was his indention and he was going to protect it. I would move and he would turn and follow me...the Chazman would move and he would turn and follow him. We started giggling and he started chirping again. We didn't bother him for long but it was amazing watching him....watch US!!

Until next time...Hugs, Regi

Thursday Inspiration

Greetings Moe!! Just doing my morning walkabout to get some inspiration. Yep,yep...morning Elmo!! Just staring out at the vast blue ocean to get mine.

Hey wait up Elmo!!! I think I will join you on that walkabout. I need some inspiration. Slow down..will ya?

Whew...that Elmo sure can walkabout fast. I think I will just walk by myself for a bit. Whew...I'm pooped!!!

OK I think I will just stop and stare out at the ocean again. She always gives me inspiration...and a few other gifts..if I'm patient.

See....she left some sea floor beauties. Not much I can do with them but I know a human who can do amazing things with them.

As you can see, we have some very whimsical and comical characters that live here and I am always being whispered to when I see them.(or look at the beauties that the ocean does offer up to us)  Now, I'm off to make a few tiny mermaids to go with these shell bases. What are you working on today?

Until next time........HUGS!!!

Wordless Wednesday (Sunrise on the beach)

Tropical Tuesday

A good friend is staying at the state park down here and called this morning to ask if I wanted to go and sit on the beach for awhile. I told her to let me think about it. Well...that thought took all of 2 seconds...LOL!!        She came and picked me up and off we went. I have to admit that I felt a twang of guilt at going since the Chazman was in school and he wouldn't get to go but that thought lasted about a second too. Ohhh not really...I always feel guilty when I go somewhere and he doesn't get to come...which is why I usually don't go anywhere without him BUT I'm glad I went today. Everyone needs that occasional one on one time with a good friend.

Every time that we have gone on the weekends, the beach has been so crowded but today...well....there were only a few people. It was nice sitting and listening to the waves and talking. However...we weren't alone for to long.

It began with one lil bird catching his morning snack.

 Then it was one lil guy just sitting and watching the waves coming in...just like we were.

Then it was several more of his friends just sitting and watching.

Then a few more dropped in.

All of a sudden...we didn't feel quite so all alone anymore.

Deb and I both sat there and just watched these characters and characters is a perfect word to describe a seagull too. They aren't afraid to sit next to you. Of course we all know the reason for that....they are just waiting for you throw some of those crackers you are eating in their direction. They will sit and hummmmm at you....they will laugh at you and they will sit and just stare at you. Deb and I both had two get very close to us.

Deb's lil friend posing for his closeup!!

My lil friend fastly became five more and I think they were looking at me toes. I plainly heard one of them saying "MINE MINE MINE"

It was a lovely day....being with a good friend....soaking up the sun....listening to the ocean sing her song and being entertained by such a funny group of characters. Who could ask for more?

Ohhh we figured out the perfect way to walk across the hot sand too.......just let a friend carry you!!!!

Until next time......HUGS, Regi

Spring Break is over!!!!

WOW...what a fun week with the Chazman!! It went by wayyyy to fast though so we are counting down til summer break is here. YEA!! I just love having my lil guy at home with me but I am so happy that he loves going to school too. He was looking forward to getting back I think...he has made some really good friends and he was ready to find out what they did over the past week as well as tell them what he did. Ohhh to be young again.

Yesterday was a BLAST!!! We met up with my sister and her family for the Easter brunch over at The Hang Out. What's "The Hang Out"....you ask? Well, it's probably one of the oldest establishments here on the coast. Been around since the 50's (yes that almost makes it antique but we so won't go there..ri iight??)     It of course has been updated over the years and is a really cool place to go eat and play. Yeppers, I said play. They have games outside, a HUGE sand pile, a small bungee jump (one that let's the kiddos jump up and go higher and higher) a bubble maker and for the adults an awesome stage and sound system to hear some really awesome bands play. Of course since it was Easter...there was a surprise visit from the Easter bunny himself and a HUGE egg hunt. Our group of kiddos had a blast....take a peek

Now that the break is over.....it's time to get back in the studio and get some work done....or play done...depends on who I'm talking to and who's asking...hehe!! I have so many whisperings from my muse since she apparently  had taken a break too. Don't ya just hate when that happens. I know I do, she is a constant chatter bug for a week or two after. Mermaids and babies seem to be her favorite topic....perhaps merbabies even. I know I have been collecting some beautiful shells on our beach walks of late and I think it's time to start using them. What do you see when you look at them?

 I did finish up another gypsy corsage this weekend. I love finding inspiration in the things that surround me, especially our town. Foley has some beautiful gardens and landscaping scattered all around the Uptown area and a few weeks ago in the flower beds on the corners they had some awesome looking plants. I grew up with them in my great grandmother's and grandmother's gardens so I knew what they were. Do you know what these are called?

They are called "Hens and chickens" and aren't they pretty and so so unique. The botanical name is Echeveria. One of the simplest plants to care for because they don't need care. Just water them once a day, once a week, it doesn't matter because they will thrive no matter what. I wanted to capture them in a corsage with a Southern Ooaks twist of course. Here is my "Hen and chick" corsage.

Mine even has mother hens face in the middle....LOL!!! It has such a Springtime look to it and like all my corsages it won't fade or wilt....ever!!!!

So I  guess it's time to push away from this computer and get some work ummmm playtime in today. I hope that you have a wonderful Monday and until next time..........

Hugs,
Regi

Listen to the Ocean!!!!

FINALLY....we had some amazing weather this weekend. High in the 70's....light breeze....bright blue skies..just the perfect weekend. I even got to wear my flip flops...YEAH ME!!! I know I talk about my flip flops a good bit but I just adore them...really I do!! I do need to paint my lil piggies though but that's another story or not..hehe!!

The weekend starts on Friday after the Hubbikins gets home from work. Friday's are never to terribly exciting but we always enjoy them. Time to wind down from the week and relax. Usually it is spent watching some favorite TV shows (Supernatural being one of them....I try so hard not to "drool" in front of Hubbikins but it's really hard...so very, very hard ^_^) and eating pizza. The Chazman of course is either playing one of his games and bouncing back and forth in the family room with us to watch TV or playing with his GI Joe's at the dining room table. Sometimes I just sit and giggle to myself as Chaz and his Dad have a volume war. Chaz playing and forgetting we are sitting there and letting his men have a loud time and Dad turning up the volume to the TV. Just a relaxed night. HEY...we all need one at least once a week....ri iight???

My last post, I told ya'll about our Saturday treasure hunting so I won't bore you with all those details again..LOL!!  I did think you might like to see the conch shells that we found. My muse has gone from whispering to full out singing about using them in my next ooaks..even more so than in my last post. What do you see with them??

They are beautiful and you can really hear the ocean when you put them to your ear. The BIG.. HUGE..HUMONGOUS..ENORMOUS one is going to take some cleaning up but that's a part of finding treasure!! I'm thinking of carrying on with a mermaid sculpt I did a few years ago. You might remember it.....The "Mommie and baby". If not and would like to see it then just click HERE and you can read about them. With the new ooaks I'm thinking of making it be the mother teaching her daughter some things that every growing mermaid should know. Still in the thought process but being pushed at me pretty hard..I must say..LOL!!

Sunday was a fantastic day here. The weather again was perfect for our weekly beach walk. So many pretty shells were washed up with the tide and just laying there in the sand for whom ever wanted to rescue them. Finding full unbroken shells is wonderful and truly is a treasure found but I even love to find the broken ones...they have so many uses. Headpieces for the mermaids, tops of staffs, and necklaces. The Chazman even found two broken pieces of sand dollars that look like sharks teeth. I don't think I will be talking him out of those...for some reason he wants to keep them. Imagine that!!

Aren't there some beauties here? See the transparent looking ones....I think a mermaid must have lost some of her scales. I really love the ones where Mother Nature has already placed a hole in....perfect for turning into jewelry. If anyone ever needs a few shells for a project just let me know. I will gladly send you some...you just pay postage. I do all the hard work collecting them for you. Not a bad deal, eh? I do all the walking up and down the beach....listening to the waves hit the shore....smell the fresh salt air...listen to the seagulls hollar and pick through the shells. Ohhhh all the hard work and in such conditions. OMGOSH...I'm so bad...sorry....I just love my beach life!!! Here are a few more pics to rub it in show you our beautiful beach time.

I love the seagulls and little sand pipers. They don't seem to be bothered by the cold water AT ALL!! They weren't the only ones either. The Chazman splashed and jumped around....grabbing my hand and wanting me to get my feet wet with him. So of course, being the loving, playful mommie that I am....I walked out in the water with him. WOW....was that the biggest mistake I have made in awhile. I told him that the water was freakin freezing. He said...." Oh Mom...you will get use to it" and then I relpied with teeth chattering..."Ohhh Noooo I won't and you aren't getting use to it either...your feet as just getting NUMB". He just looked at me and giggled and waded back out into the water. The only way to get him out of the water was to let him play in the sand. So while he played (which means he preceded to bury his legs..hehe) the Hubbikins and I sat on the blanket and watched the seagulls fish for their mid morning snack. Flying over the water and then gracefully diving in...coming up with a fish. This was the beginning of the race though...for as they dove in to catch the fish and flew back up into the sky their buddies were patiently waiting and hollaring "MINE MINE MINE" as they tried to take the fish from them. Never saw the fisherman lose one but I'm sure there have been times.

A wonderful weekend...I hope you had one too. Thank you for visiting with me. I love when you do, so please leave a comment...I love those too.

Until next time...............Hugs, Regi

Wordless Wednesday...my town

Wordless Wednesday

Saw a Promise.....

Seeing a rainbow is something that always makes my heart sing. To me there is almost nothing as beautiful. A reminder of when God washed away all that was bad and started life anew with a promise that He would never again flood the earth. This is how our Saturday morning began!!

Now this maybe be how the day began but it didn't stay that way for long....rain rain rain came pouring down. No worries though...we welcomed it with open arms. It does tend to cool things down a tad bit and with our heat index this summer even a tad bit is a great big welcome. This gave us a reason to go thrift store shopping. All three of us love to go and see what treasures we can find amongst what some may consider just junk. Of course the Chazman found him some treasures....he always seems to. Hubbikins found himself some much needed tshirts to wear to work. You should see what being a welder does to a tshirt. NOT a pretty sight, believe me. Anyone need any dust cloths...LOL!!!!!  I found some beautiful glass bottles....they are going to become collector dolls in the near future. My muse started singing as soon as she saw them.....a witch in her wedding gown.....a bumble bee faery and a ghoulie or ghostie. Found some glass to use for bases too. It seems I have this thing for glass lately but hopefully that's a good thing....riiiiight??

After our treasure hunting, Hubbikins decided we should come back home and take a break and the Chazman agreed. So home we came....the Chazman went to his cave to play with his bag of goodies, the hubbikins went and keep the sofa company while he watched tv through his eyelids. It just amazes me how men can do that....and....OMGOSH....don't even dare try to take the remote away while they are in this state. "HEY...I was watching that" is what will come out of their mouths. I always find this amusing and to make it even more so one day I decided to really get him. I wiggled the remote out from under his hand, very carefully mind you, and then slowly started turning the sound down until I was sure that not only was he watching through his eyelids but his ears had become so insync with his snoring that he didn't even know that I had turned the tv completely off and posted a note on the screen that said "Quite please..the man is watching this."  For some reason he didn't speak to me the rest of the day. But that was a good thing too because I was able to read in peace and quiet. Now that I have totally gotten off on a tangent, let me get back to our day.

As normal with coastal living, it can be raining one minute and clear skies the next. It did rain for awhile (long enough for someone...no names mentioned...to take a nap) but when it finally stopped we decided to go take a walk. On the beach of course. Chaz and I love to walk along the shore and find shells. Chaz loves to find piece of broken sand dollars. He says that they look like monster bones. Do you think he has a muse sitting on his shoulder? We did find a bag full of some wonderful pieces.

Hubbikins likes to sit and watch us and watch all the ships way off in the horizon. While he was sitting he noticed a couple taking photos of something laying on the beach. Of course being the nosey curious folks we are we walked down to see just what had them taking pics. We don't know if some thing killed it or it had just passed on but it was BIG and had the most beautiful blue hues.

Chaz is like his momma and loves nature. We were sad that this lil guy had come to his end but we did get to see one creature that was walking and breathing and was very interested in the Chazman until the Chazman became interested in him...LOL!!!!

There were several visitors on the beach yesterday. The Herring for one....the seagulls singing their song of "Mine...mine...mine" and the tiny little sand pippers that dip their little beaks in the sand to gobble up the tiny muscles and then run as fast as they can before the waves get their feet wet. So many things to see....you could just spend the afternoon sitting and watching and not even realize that the whole afternoon has passed on by. We were just about ready to leave and OMGOSH...a merbaby appeared...I kid ya not.

Ohhhhh oops...it was just the Chazman...hehe. He was watching a school of tiny fish jumping out of the water.
I think he was hoping to see a dolphin chasing it's dinner but no such luck this time.

A day that began with a rainbow ended with cotton candy skies. A most perfect day and one I wanted to share with YOU!!

Until next time.....HUGS,
Regi

Wordless Wednesday