Remnants of what was there
Time falls and erases everything but an indentation in the sand
The horizon beckons you with illusions of glory
Live at the edge
Without looking back
Know what the future can and will offer
The grandest gifts
If only you are willing
To uncover the truth
That would hold you back
Dig deep in the sand
Maybe make a sandcastle or two
And as the gentle waves lap behind you
Follow the rays of the sun
To the periphery of your mind
And meet your soul’s yearning with love
I was at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, last week. There was the creepiest fog I have ever seen (well, with the exception of the hot springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado – I wrote a short story about that – If I can find it maybe I will post it.)
It was really hard to take photos because I couldn’t see the screen of my phone. To my surprise, when I got back to my condo it looked like I switched the filter to black and white – but I didn’t! The beach was broadcasting in black and white, all on its own.
WHERE’S THE STARFISH?
This starfish indentation was wild! It looked so fresh, and yet there was no starfish to be found in the area for miles.
“The starfish teaches you and helps you as a spirit animal to learn how to heal yourself over time and to fill up your void by replacing it with something bigger and better.” (CLICK HERE if you would like to read more about the starfish symbolism from Your Tango)
(I wonder if an indentation of a starfish counts as seeing one?)
Ah, to heal yourself over time; now you’re speaking to my soul! This healing journey feels so vibrant right now. I am moving forward and learning so much. It feels like everything I have let go has made room for something bigger and better.
When I originally wrote the tagline for my blog – Heal and Free Your Soul – I didn’t completely understand the depth of meaning. I guess it’s something you have to experience to really get it and I was lucky my intuitive soul knew. But trust me, as you peel back layers on the emotional healing journey, you DO free your soul – And a free soul lives authentically.
ANOTHER LONELY BEACH CHAIR
What a great set-up. It looks like they have everything they need (and it was the only visible color on the beach!) There’s something about empty beach chairs that touch my heart with melancholy. I wrote a post a way back – an ode to a dear friend called LONELY CHAIRS – CLICK HERE to read the post.
BIKERS ON THE BEACH
There were bikes galore riding on the hard sand. You can barely tell, but the Atlantic Ocean is in the background. Also, notice the gulls in the mist.
CHILDREN, AND SEAGULLS, AND DOGS, OH MY
Children played as dogs walked, and a seagull flew overhead and eavesdropped on the beach frolickers.
SEEING IN BLACK AND WHITE
I love color, and I’ve always said that Florida broadcasts in technicolor and I marvel at her beauty.
But there was a strange beauty viewing this South Carolina beach in black and white. It somehow seemed with the colors stripped away there was an incandescent peace that reached to the depth of my soul.
I know I am changing each and every day, because I know that in the past, I would not have seen the beauty in this grayscale beach day.
Seeing beauty in unexpected places feels like a new and exciting way to live. I have the feeling it may just become easier to find the next one, now that I have experienced this.
Here’s hoping you get to view life in technicolor, but on those days that are broadcast in black and white I pray you see the beauty in that too!
Blessitude!
Lorrie <3
01/28/2024
I saw this little fella on my walk today. I think he’s a baby blue heron…but his beak looks a little different…
I couldn’t resist adding a little Florida Technicolor!!
Lorrie, your photo of the three cyclists looks timeless. It could have been taken years ago. It brings the phrase, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ to mind for some reason. It’s a good photo!
As is your missing starfish. You do like photographing mysteries, don’t you? 🙂
‘Remnants of what was there’ opens up avenues for different possible futures, in my mind, as we try to explore where the missing may have gone to…
You’ve got me thinking this evening!
Hope you’re well. 🙂
Thinking is good, Tom!! Thanks for YOUR thought provoking words here 😊 And I love that you singled out the three cyclists!! That is my favorite (missing starfish a close 2nd) of the bunch. There was something about it that I couldn’t quite articulate…but I think you have!
Haha…life’s mysteries…yes! I do have an affinity there! Perhaps it’s just a wild imagination, cuz I’ve got that too 😉
I am well…thank you. Sending my best to you and hope the same for you!!
🙂 Thank you. A wild imagination is always a bonus!
😊😊
Lots of great photos Lorrie. I love the mystery of fog. Glad your journey is in a good flow. Hugs
Thanks, Brad 😊 It sure changes what we see…the fog!! Hope things are good with you too! Hard to believe January is ending soon!!!
I think we are blessed in seeing it all Lorrie. To share this world in all ways, and ours in seeing it for who we all individually are. You got to see you in that black and white, see beyond what was there because of who you are. And the starfish? I think that was you too, daring you to see past it, which you most certainly did. Great share.
Beautiful post kind lady, a hearts share beyond that black and white. Thank you 😀❤️🙏
Ah…what a super wonderful response, Mark!! Thank you for seeing me the way YOU do!! I totally get what you are saying, and to be honest…I don’t think I would have even a few years ago. I just feel so blessed to be on this journey…feeling things, seeing things…BEING things!!! I could go back and feel sadness for the time I wasted…but there is no time for that. Everything happens in perfect timing, and I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. It is so special to share the journey with those who understand. So, thank you, my friend. Thank you for the beauty and authenticity that you always share!
Sweet Blessings, Mark. Sure hope all is magical in your world <3 :)
There are those things that hold us for a long time, bumping us with such a variety of experiences so that we can see from all angles, understand, and finally let them go. And many times I thought I had gone beyond those moments only to see ‘another way’. Spirit would nudge me for my understanding and in answer I would get an affirmation or the great silence, meaning I haven’t understood. We all get those days I suppose.
Currently dealing with a not fully understood from the past, hence the quiet patch. I’m still here…but not. I still have things to see. My integrity because of this very journey is being tested from those many angles. I thought you just stood in that love and integrity in all you did, but in this any direction taken is bound to hurt someone. I’m being asked to understand from many angles. Your post is timely Lorrie ❤️🙏
Oh, Mark…I can feel the pain of the decision you have to make. It is never easy to hurt people, especially when you spend your life trying to do the exact opposite! I wish there was something I could do to help you, something I could say. What I feel compelled to say to you, is that deep down…in that place of full honesty…total authenticity…you KNOW which direction you need to go. It is not a perfect solution, but it really is the only solution. And even though you will not escape this without some proverbial blood on your hands, you (and the others) will be okay, when all is said and done.
And I also had a very strong feeling to pull a “THEN” card from my deck…so give me a second while I get them….
“BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND OF ALL THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE. YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH WHATEVER YOUR HEART DESIRES.”
And then I thought…everyone could use an “AMEN” card – “I AM FULLY SUPPORTED. ALL OF MY DREAMS ARE POSSIBLE.”
Don’t know if either one pertains to what you are going through…but I sure hope so!
Sending lots of love…and comfort to you. Look forward to seeing your posts again <3
Thank you Lorrie, the blood on my hands bind me to it. Maybe this chance to at least heal myself and others from what I understand now. I will at least stand in the love that I have found because of it. Thank you for this share kind lady, may it go where love does indeed stand in our hearts ❤️🙏
Amen to love, Mark. Will be keeping you in my thoughts…and prayers <3
Thank you kind lady 😀❤️🙏
The photos are lovely and so is the poem.
Hi Cindy…awwww…thank you so much! I honor those words coming from YOU!! Here’s to all good things! <3
The starfish and the three bikers. ❤️❤️❤️ both timeless and beautiful in monochrome.
Yes, Liz!! I guess when many have the same opinion, that says something 😉 I had no idea how the photos would turn out because it was so hard to see my phone screen…so I just shot away. I did not edit the photos at all…and both of the ones you mentioned seemed a little special to me. I do think the one with the 3 bikes may just have to be a book cover for one of my poetry books!!
Hope things are going well, friend…miss you!
I love Hilton Head! I went there for three vacations as a child and it was my favorite place then, I’m glad you are finding beauty in more places than ever before. I’ve always felt melancholy has a particular beauty to it that really calls to me~ like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
I love that you love it there, Kristen!! It’s really funny because the first time I ever went there I had a really bad experience. But something told me to go back…and I have several times. There’s something about the “low country!” And I couldn’t agree more about the beauty of melancholia! It’s like the heart has to express all the love…even the heartbreak at times…
Hope things are going well for you…have you gotten into a rhythm yet? <3
Yes~ even the heartbreak!
I’ve gotten into many rhythms with my teaching schedule b/c each time I get into a groove, they change my schedule~ ha! Keeping me on my toes! It’s all good though 🙂
It probably IS really good…better than just going along with the day to day…spice it up 😉
Have a super wonderful weekend!! <3
I might just keep wondering about that starfish, Lorrie! Wow!
Right? It was crazy! Such a perfect indentation…and yet it was so far away from the sea that it couldn’t have been swept away. I really looked for it. The only thing I can figure is maybe a child picked it up…? But I was counting on the spirit animal message anyway 😉
Sending lots of good energy and wishes your way, Ka!! <3
Thanks Lorrie! I remain optimistic but times are rough all across the board! Sending love back!
I can feel it, Ka. And know that I keep you wrapped in the brightest light, full of love…and a giant hug to boot!! Keep that optimism because it will change!! <3 <3
Beautiful post, Lorrie! So much food for thought, too. The starfish reminded me of dealing with grief. Seeing the impression and knowing it was once there – just like feeling our loved ones with us, even when they’re not in sight.
And I actually didn’t find the chair lonely. For me, there was another story. The person sitting there was out running or frolicking in the water. What a lovely comfy spot to return to after enjoying the outdoors! There’s always alternate stories to tell!
I just love though, how your writing evokes many stories and insights. Keep writing and sharing. Yes, there is beauty all around us if we look for it! Even with fog!
Hi Judy!!! Love, love, LOVE your take on the chairs! And the idea that there is always an alternate story. Isn’t that the truth…we can always tell another narrative and change the way we feel. I think that is how I have been able to make the biggest changes in my life. And oh! YES…how beautiful likening the imprint of the starfish to our grief! Perfect!! Yes…I see it. Wow…just so many ways to see, feel, think!! Thanks, Judy 🙂 There really is beauty…so much beauty. Sending lots of love!! <3
A beautiful inspiring post Lorrie, full of mystical musing … As Tom said that photo with the three bikers, Timeless.. It in fact reminded me of the days the bicycle was invented, all one needed was a Penny Farthing bike in there to make complete lol
As to the vanishing star fish.. Star fish have the capacity to regenerate from lost limbs I believe, and recreate their whole bodies in some cases… I think this was a fitting find Lorrie, As our own healing journey’s are testament in rediscovering parts of ourselves once lost 🙂
And the vanished complete starfish form.. To me is a sign we have risen, moved beyond the material.. 😀 ..
You are seeing beauty in all forms… No need always to see in Technicolour.. 😉
Sending MUCH love dearest Lorrie… a most beautiful read and so enjoyed walking with you along your beach xx <3 <3 <3 xx
OMG, Sue!! I had no idea what a “penny farthing bike” was…and the second I saw it, I was like “YESSSSS!” Haha…and the fact that you saw it as a photo back when the bicycle was invented. I love how everyone sees something just a little bit different…and yet kind of the same!
The most amazing thing is that these shots were basically shot…sight unseen. I had no idea if any of them would come out-even a little bit! I think that makes it even more special to me!! And maybe there is a huge lesson there about trust!! That I don’t always have to SEE exactly where I am going, but rather to trust that it is all in Divine right and timing!
And oh!! Your starfish thoughts!!!! YES! We have risen just as sure as that starfish did!! And “rediscovering parts of ourselves once lost!!!” I am dab smack in the middle of that process right now, Sue!! But you already knew that…didn’t you??? Hehe.
Thanks for taking the walk with me, Sue 🙂 This life is a miraculous journey, and it is much better with beautiful souls like you to take the ride with!! Sending lots of love and light!! <3
Big smiles… and you discovered a Penny Farthing lol 🙂 And allow Life to work through you as you grow new limbs, new ideas, new pathways like the starfish growing limbs..
Life is Miraculous.. and rich, once we allow it to flow..
Lots of love der Lorrie xx <3 xx
Thanks, Sue😊💜 Just love the insight and symbolism and you can bet that I am taking it all in!! Yes to this miraculous life!!! And to the flow 😊 Many Sweet Blessings, Sue. Hope all is super across the pond!!
All is perfect Lorrie thank you… Have a lovely weekend to come xx <3
😊You too, Sue!💜
The older I get, the more I see beauty in areas I couldn’t see it before. I think that’s one of the few benefits of aging!
Yes, Ann! It is! Haha…nice way to rationale 🙂 But it is truth…oh my goodness…I am becoming my mother!!! 😉 Hope all is well!
I love your photos Lorrie. There’s something so deeply peaceful in each of them that stirs me. And I’m generally drawn to colour (as most of us are) but sometimes we need that stripped away to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. You definitely found it here. Especially love the grey one of the three cyclists. And that starfish, he was meant for you! I’m a big believer in signs. Thanks for sharing all of these and also your very evocative words. I really did feel them deeply. Big hugs and warmest wishes my friend. 💜
Awww…thanks Miriam! I’m so happy you enjoyed this post. And I love that the two photos that spoke the most to me were also the ones you were drawn to!! In fact, a lot of people who wrote mentioned those two specifically 😊 I am not a “photographer” by any means…but it’s hilarious that the beat photos I ever took basically happened by accident!…I couldn’t see the screen…so just guessed…and snapped!
I’m a big believer in signs, too, Miriam. Ii feel like I am getting better and better at recognizing them…and listening to my intuition also.
Thanks for stopping by and adding your beautiful energy here! 😊💜
Just loved this post, Lorrie. I love the fog. I find it mysterious and beautiful. Your photos are so cool and I see this as a Blessing in your life that you experienced fog on a beach. It makes you think does it not? And you are so right in that the more we peel the layers the more we see and the more we see life as a miracle, leaving us pondering and seeking. May your day be truly blessed! Much love to you! ❤️
I can only imagine the photos you would have taken, Amy!! I really couldn’t see anything that I was shooting…so it was kind of like a present all wrapped up and when I got home I opened them!! And it has been a present all along…all of the symbolism and comments from wonderful souls who get me to think deeper!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your big, beautiful energy here!! <3
It must have been an incredible sight ~ fog and the beach are such a great combination, and you captured amazing shots of the ambiance. The Starfish indentation was my favorite, although the lonely beach chair is perfect for the feel. It is funny, yet wonderful, how we can find beauty in the world no matter the weather or mood 🙂
Thank you, Randall 🙂 You know how much I appreciate your photography. This “photo shoot” seems like spirit was in charge considering I couldn’t even see the screen of my phone to see what I was capturing!! It was an incredible day…one that I won’t forget, especially because I really did see it as beautiful (and I don’t think that would have been possible even a few short years ago.)
Here’s to capturing the best moments!! Have a super wonderful week!
Those moments are the best in photography when you know the scene is good and trust your senses 🙂 Cheers!
Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Absolutely| Thanks for stopping by 🙂