There is nothing more soothing to my soul than the sounds and scents of the ocean.
Luckily, living in Florida, the ocean is just a short drive away...
Although I live on the Gulf of Mexico, my sanctuary is a small strip of beach on the Atlantic Ocean, just south of St. Augustine...it's called Crescent Beach.
I first discovered this beautiful beach when my brother owned a condo here...
Shortly after my family moved back to Florida, Big Brother asked me why I never used his condo. Of course, I asked, "Condo? Where is it?"
That very first trip began my love affair with this beautiful beach...
Not only did I fall in love with it, so did all my boys. When given the opportunity to choose vacations, every one of them asked to return to Crescent, year after year...even after my brother sold the condo.
There is something special about this place...
Perhaps it's the wide, flat beach...perfect for skim-
boarding...
Maybe it's the waves...usually good for surfing... or for riding boogie boards... or for body surfing...
Maybe it's the beauty of the natural dunes...the sea oats waving in the warm (or freezing) breeze...
Maybe it's the wildlife that lives along the shore...in the dunes...in the bird sanctuary that abuts the shore...or the dolphins frolicking in the waves...
Or it might be the surf-fishing...at least that's what my husband loves...
Whatever it is that draws me, it's one of the few places I have found where I truly RELAX...
I sit here
...sometimes with my sketchbook and pencils
...sometimes with my Bible
...sometimes
...just with myself...and I dream.
I get back in touch with ME...
It's my sanctuary...
In honor of World Ocean's Day, I am giving away one of my original crab paintings...The winner will receive her/his choice of one of these three...
This is one of my "bling" crabs...custom designed with YOU in mind...This lady is toting a Chanel shopping bag, wearing pearls, shiny silver bracelets, and a huge diamond ring. It was designed as a gift for a lady who truly loves BLING and shopping! And it began a whole line of crabbies! It's done on a flat canvas board (can be framed), measuring 6" x 8". The winner can choose her/his own colors and choice of bling...
This is "Blue Crab". A kaleidescope of colors defines this more traditional lovely. (It's about as traditional as I get!) The cerulean blue continues onto all sides...She measures 8" x 10" and is ready to hang...
"The Patriotic Crab" has a lot of personality and is a perfect summer painting. Many of my customers have several "holiday" paintings which they switch out for each season...This one is July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, all rolled into one...It's painted on a 9" x 12", flat board canvas and can be framed...or just propped up on a stand.
To enter this drawing, all you have to do is leave me a comment, telling me what love about the ocean...and which painting you would choose to win. Tell others about my giveaway (and leave me a separate comment), and I'll give you a second chance to win! The drawing will be held early next week...post your comments, soon!
(This giveaway is limited to US and Canada...sorry to all my other international friends.)
I am linking with Shellbelle...for World Ocean's Day and Susan for Outdoor Wednesday. Come join the party!!!
Head to the beach...even if it's only in your mind!
Jane
