“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” -Picasso
Oh I love the ocean and in January we had the beach to ourselves. The temperature was a warm 68 degrees. There’s something so healing about the ocean – the quiet sounds of the rhythm of the surf is so renewing – calming and balancing. And then, of course, there’s all that wonderful fresh seafood available.
As soon as Watson’s paws hit the sand, he twirled and ran and jumped – digging his paws in leaping instead of walking. I’ve renamed him, ‘Moon-Doggie’ (Gidget movies-surfer dude). But sadly Tybee Island imposes a $200 fine for dogs on the beach. Thankfully we didn’t get caught. I don’t think we could claim ignorance cause there are signs posted everywhere. In our haste to walk along the water that first day, we didn’t see any of them.
So the next day we drove to Savannah. Savannah is a very dog-friendly place. Most of the stores allow you to bring in your pup on a leash. We had lunch outside on River Street and watched the big boats go by. Watson got his head rubbed from dozens of passers by – so he had a blast, too. Then we walked the streets of downtown where there’s some really cool architecture and every couple of blocks is a small green park with benches and statues and historical markers – so much history happened in Savannah.
On our way to Savannah we toured Fort Pulaski which is a masonry civll war fort. The aged bricks that were handmade in Savannah are really beautiful. It appears they had been painted white at one time but the sea air has caused most of the paint to fade leaving really interesting patterns. The arched doorways and small framed windows were amazing and made me want to get out my paints. Here are a couple of photos:
I’m anxious to get in my studio today. I am behind in all of my classes. I sold my pottery wheel this week. I made lots of pots on that thing. I’m keeping my slab roller and kiln, but just can’t imagine doing any more production work. And I’m so in love with making marks on paper and wood panels these days.
“All the wonders you seek are within yourself.” -Sir Thomas Brown
I have never understood beaches that don’t allow dogs!!! Glad Watson had fun anyway.
The sea is calling to me, I will have to attend to that call at some point this year.
Isn’t it wonderful to be in love with what you are doing? Nothing better than that.
Happy creating.
xoxo
Yeah – we were really bummed about no dogs on the beach! And Watson just went nuts as soon as his paws hit that sand. There are a couple of beaches near here that allow dogs that we’ll go to next time. Silly me. I should have checked.
It is wonderful to be inspired and happy in your studio.
A lovely waft of holiday air…, I can almost hear the crash and crump of the waves hitting the beach, and hear the sea gulls! It is so much fun to see a nice dog like Watson discover the sand and the sea, they enjoy it so much. I guess a dog playing on the beach reminds me of some distant childhood memory of being at play, when the sand was for building sand castles, and the air was for whirling around in with arms stretched out like a bird… Talking of sand castles, that is an interesting brick building. Very impressive and heavy looking arches. Anyway, must dash, but glad to see you’re having a great holiday. P. xx
Hi Peter – nice to see your comment. Yes – the ocean is the best! And dogs do enjoy romping in the sand and water. Love your description – sand castles, dogs playing and twirling as a child in all the endless space.
I didn’t want to go to Fort Pulaski. My husband Bob is a history buff and loves exploring old forts — yawn I thought – boring. But this masonry fort was beautiful – not as a fort – but in line and texture. Very inspiring.
So great that Watson got to play on the beach, and you didn’t get caught. Unfortunately there’s too many irresponsible dog owners, who spoil it for the rest of us. We have a beach dog ban all summer, but they’re allowed on the beaches in winter.
I’m glad you sold your wheel – money to spend on your current interests – yay!
Love those pictures of the brick fort – I’ve nicked both of them, and if I ever use them, I’ll credit them to you. It’s neat the way the colours have faded/changed and the patterns they make.
don’t worry about being behind – you’ll find time to do as much as you need to – you’re a woman!
hugs and blessings
sue:)
Hi Sue – yes it was great to let Watson visit the sea without spending $200! YIKES! Someone told us that Tybee is home to a bird that’s almost extinct and that is the main reason for no dogs.
I can’t wait to take my wheel money to the art store
You are welcome to the photos. Fort Pulaski was surprisingly beautiful.
Hugs to you too!
xxoo
Amazing how dogs get so excited near the ocean, too. I almost mentioned the dog bans, but didn’t know where you were going. Some will let dogs on off season, or if there are no endangered species mating at that time. I know the turtles are a big deal–i’d love to volunteer on a night watch when they hatch sometime. Was surprised it is illegal to pick or cut sea oats and some flowers along the nc coast, but they are in danger too. So many don’t touch rules in a place that invites touch and exploration.
Those old bricks and patterns look wonderful.
Watching Watson experience sand and surf for the first time was just joyous! He pranced and twirled and turned to look at us – as if saying ‘can we move here?’ We laughed and laughed. I do agree ‘intellectually’ the need to protect our beaches and the critters that inhabit them- and so sorry some folks don’t respect that – so much so that we have these bans in place. Thankfully there are some beaches that our open to dogs – Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island in GA. Hilton Head allows dogs before 10am and after 5pm. I think Topsail beach in NC is dog friendly. My fault for not checking on Tybee’s policy.
When we lived in Florida lots of folks volunteered to assist the turtles during their egg laying time. Wish I had done it.
I was surprised by how beautiful Fort Pulaski was- took lots of photos. The lines and the arches, the small windows and the aged brick were amazing.
What a great trip you had. Those curved brick doorways (and alcoves) appeal to me, I love all the Southern forts; years ago we went to some amazing ones in Alabama. I must get to Savannah one of these days.
I don’t know why but I am saddened and a tear came to my eye when I read you sold your pottery wheel; sometimes I’m affected by things and I don’t know why and can’t put it into words.
Oh I just went back and read you kept your slab roller and kiln so I feel better now. I know it’s about you, but I guess I’ve been so inspired by your clay work in the past I was feeling a loss. Some of your painting surfaces remind me of your clay surfaces especially the one in the next post.
Hi Linda – yeah – I love Savannah. You and Gerry should visit when you can. It’s taken me a year to be able to sell my wheel – so – yes, there is some sadness for me as well, but I haven’t used it in over a year. I haven’t even fired my kiln in about 7 months. I am excited about what I’m learning and doing now though and have great plans for the future! I am happy that you enjoyed my clay work. I hope you will continue to visit my blog and be inspired by my 2-d work
wow bold move selling your wheel but it makes sense if that’s not where you’re at any more…. love the brick work and super architecture totally replaced by the concrete mass theses days….love your new pieces BTW
)
Hi Ang – isn’t that old fort cool? Love the arches and the weathered brick. Yeah – it was hard to sell my wheel – took me a while to do it, but I needed the space and I haven’t used it in over a year!