The Wisdom of Kids

Just recently I was reminded that kids are much wiser than we give them credit for.

While we were vacationing at Ocean Isle last month, I took a stroll by myself on the beach at dusk.  It was so peaceful and beautiful. But something disturbed me....

There was a lot of trash. And suddenly my heart felt heavy. I will never understand people who leave their trash on the sand when they're at the ocean.  No one is that important or that busy that they can't take a few extra moments to make sure they've left the beach as they found it!!!  I must've seen at least ten of those fluorescent spoon/straw thingies on my very short walk. This is the type of thing that weighs heavily on my mind and my heart. I'm not the type of person who can leave it and then not think about it anymore. If I've seen it and done nothing, then I am just as guilty.

The next morning was our last day at the beach. Sophie was playing in the water. I took a trash bag to the beach and collected Sophie and told her we had some important work to do. She was excited! We started walking and I pointed out all the trash and explained that we were going to clean it up.  Why us, she asked me, when we didn't put it there?  Well, Sophie, the beach gives us so, so many things. We have a lifetime of beautiful memories from our times spent at the beach. Sand and saltwater seem to cure just about any ailment, physical or  mental. The sun gives us loads of Vitamin D. The beach is a home to all kinds of creatures....the sand dollars that Mommy loves so much, the amazing dolphins that we're always searching out, the lovely birds of which we take so many pictures.  The beach gives us many things....isn't it about time we give something back???  Don't you think the beach will be a happier place with less trash?  It didn't take long and she was on a mission....searching out every bottle top, straw, umbrella tag, drink bottle, etc that she could possibly find.

A while later, we approached an area that was crowded with people, beach chairs and umbrellas.  I started to turn back. Sophie said we needed to walk further. I said to her, "Soph, there are a lot people here....I don't want to make them uncomfortable by picking up trash all around them."  And do you know what she said to me?  

"Mommy, that's silly, if there are more people, there's more trash."

The wisdom of that statement stopped me dead in my tracks. Those words came out of my little Sophie's mouth ~ words that I'd never uttered but she'd figured out on her own. It made me happy but also sad. You best believe we then cleaned up all around those people. As Sophie pointed out to me, maybe it's a good thing if they're uncomfortable ~ maybe they'll actually clean up their trash! I can honestly say that was one of my proudest parenting moments. It made me feel that I must be doing something right. 

For as long as I can remember, I've been searching and searching for people like me, with similar interests......possible vegetarians, earth-minded folks, gardeners, animal lovers, etc.  Just as I'd given up trying, I found a little someone....walking right beside me....that little gal who calls me Mom.

I am such a Bird Lover. Really. Big. Bird. Lover.

One of my most favorite places to see and photograph birds is at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve on Hilton Head Island.  I've posted about it before. We were there on Monday and I managed to get a few shots that I really like. Our purpose was to look for gators (Sophie's Kindergarten class mascot!) but it was much too hot and I think they were all at the bottom of the lake. We saw not a one and we usually see several. Anyway, it must be my antisocial side but nature and wildlife are my favorite subjects to photograph. I get so excited.  But these birds.....oh, these birds....they literally take my breath away.  Who gets to be THIS gorgeous???  

My camera is a simple point and shoot. Clearly. But I've already warned my family that, once I save up enough for a Canon EOS, they will have to set me free for several hours just so I can go to the Forest Preserve and take pictures of birds.  Doesn't that sound just heavenly?

Here are a few other shots from today that I like.....the non-bird ones....I'm not an artist or a painter but these images seem to me to be the type that would inspire someone to paint a lovely scene....

Hilton Head is just beautiful.  Of course. On Labor Day weekend, it's full of people. For me, the Forest Preserve is the quietest and most serene place on the island.  Yet, when we go, we're usually the only people there.  Am I the only one who finds that odd?  Am I really so different?  Are we? These are the kinds of questions I ask myself.

For the Love of Pelicans

What is it about them that makes me love them so?

Note:

I tried to get a shot of a pelican swallowing their catch and I managed to get the two below. Not perfect but you can at least tell what's happening.  Bon Appetit!

PS ~ I have to give Alain credit for the photo of the pelican on the posts. He took the picture even though I did ask him to (wink wink).

A Birthday to Remember

This year we gave Sophie a choice ~ to celebrate her birthday at the beach or to have a party.  Before we could even finish the question, she was shouting, "BEACH, BEACH, BEACH".  As much I love planning and throwing parties, I think she made the right choice.....

After spending the morning at the pool, we ate lunch and then enjoyed some birthday cake, a delicious fruit tart from Fresh Market.

Sophie has always loved Playmobil and this was our gift for her.

She wanted to play with it immediately so I set it up out on the balcony.....away from Clara's busy hands and where some spilled water wouldn't be a big deal.

She wanted to stay out there playing for hours.

Clara banged on the sliding door for at least half an hour until you could barely see through the glass.

After a DELICIOUS dinner, I thought it would be nice to go for a sunset walk on the beach.

We encountered many, many horseshoe crab shells that had washed up on shore. This one (above on the left) was the biggest I've ever seen.  Those are Sophie's feet above to give you some idea of the size.

Soph and Clara tried hard to pose for a nice photo together.  I think this was the best shot we got.

We had an awesome time watching the many, many pelicans that were diving for fish.

Sophie made many sand drawings......

....so we decided to have a little fun. 

  

It was the most beautiful night.

Happy 6th Birthday, Sophie!

From Where I Sit

Clara is napping. Alain took Sophie to the pool. I am just sitting on the balcony drinking a warm coffee that Alain picked up from the bakery for me. It's so quiet and very peaceful.  Would you like to see what I see?

  

Aren't you glad you said yes?  

Life is good this morning, eh?

PS~

I have a confession --> I like to stalk the folks who are on their boats....like this guy....he's been working so hard scrubbing his deck all morning!

I LOVE MY BEACH BABIES!

 

I've never considered myself much of a beach person. But my girls are natural beach babies and Sophie can talk of little else. I had so many reservations about taking Clara to the beach at this age. That was senseless. She took to the water like I've never seen a baby do before. And she didn't try to eat sand, not even once!  I'm telling you....these girls are slowly converting me.

Who Else Loves Sea Birds?

Is it just me?  Because, without fail, they take up the bulk of my pictures....

This little guy looks good from both sides, doesn't he?  What a cutie!

I loved the colors on this one!

Most of my bird photos look like that last one. They're FAST and getting them in the frame is a challenge!  

PS ~ To answer my own question, I think Clara loves the sea birds as much as me. She would get so excited when they were close by.  And she would grin from ear to ear while squealing, "Ba, Ba, Ba". I think Scout and Atticus may have something to do with that!