Driftwood Beauty

Sorry about the infrequent posting of late.. I just got hired to a new part-time job at the YMCA!! And started in a more official role as apprentice at the studio.  Between the 2 it will be a 42-45 hr work week so the posts may continue to be infrequent over the next few weeks as I get adjusted. 

In the mean time I want to share some more of my adventures in Florida! While in St. Augustine my Aunt took me to the Baliker Gallery. We went on a week day so we couldn't go inside because the gallery is only open during the weekend but Paul Baliker has a lot of his driftwood sculptures outside so we walked around the grounds. 

 I had never heard of the artist, Paul Baliker before, but he works in both wood and bronze and his work is stunning!

 This looked like a work in progress with the dragon head emerging from the drift wood. 

 This statue was my favorite. I'm pretty sure it is made entirely of driftwood and it is absolutely incredible! There are so many things to capture your eyes. 

 The central character is a big octopus surrounded by all kinds of sea creatures.

I love natural drift wood but this beautiful art work took it to a whole new level!

Crescent Beach and Sea Shells

One of the best parts about having family that lives down d'ocean... is how close and convenient it is to well.. go down d'ocean when visiting them! 

Crescent Beach is one of my favorite beaches... and this was my 2nd time ever going. I guess I can be decisive about some things! 

I'm not much one for putting on a swim suit and jumping in the ocean or even going to lie on the sand and sunbathe but I do love walking along the waters edge and getting my feet wet while beach combing for sea shells. And of course taking pictures! 

And Crescent Beach is one of the prettiest beaches to go do just that! The sand is uber fine and white so you feel almost like you're walking on moon dust! And the shell pickings are colorful and varied. 

Oh The Things...

Oh the things I have to share from this wonderful trip you'll see... 

Things,

like new elephants including the largest and smallest of my collection now, 

Beachy Things,

 of tidal pools, sun soaked beaches and salty sea shells, 

Artsy Things,

 like Dali architecture, Craftsman homes full of pottery and so much more, 

Crafty Things, 

like back alley trashed mirrors turned into future photo props and vintage quilts once beloved by my Nana that need repair, 

So many things I'm excited to share. 

But for now just a peak at the fresh beachy air!

 Cocina Beach in St. Augustine Florida from Sarah H. on Vimeo.

Some New Friends

I've been having so much fun on my Florida getaway. Its been really wonderful getting to visit and stay with family. From the financial aspect it's allowed me to take this vacation without having to spend much more that gas money and some fun money and from the social aspect has really allowed some great time to reunite with loved ones and have long unhindered conversations. 

If you know me, you know I always enjoy some quality time spent catching up on things! 

But I've also made some new friends while I've been down here in Florida. Non of them were very chatty but we had some staring contests which was fun ;)

This sea turtle was just hanging out on the front porch of her sand hole right by the board walk out to Crescent beach. So I stopped and we eyed each other for a few minutes. 

In Gulfport on the bay wall in front of my Grandmother's condo I spent the morning dolphin watching with this blue heron while he surveyed the bay for fish. 

And at the St. Petersburg Pier this Pelican seemed to enjoy me and my camera, happily posing for the camera and letting me get really close. 

I'll be back to blogging regularly next week with lots of posts from all my Florida travels! For now I think I'll go work on my tan ;)

Oceans

Taking in His glorious expansive creation!

*lyrics from Hillsong United: Oceans on Zion album