Bringing Home The Beach
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lois_Kean]Lois Kean
Since
moving to the central Alabama area seven years ago I have learned at
least one important thing about the folks who live here. They go to the
beach. They not only go to the beach, they know Gulf Shores and Orange
Beach like the back of their hands. I've never mentioned a trip to the
beach without receiving recommendations for places to stay, to eat and
fun things to do.
If everyone in the area doesn't own a condo at
the beach, they have a relative or at least a friend who does. While
this has so far failed to get a free stay on the beach, I have gotten
lots of good suggestions for enjoying my visits to the coast.
One
trip a year just isn't enough for most central Alabamians. Two seems to
be the minimum and why not? It is a short drive and the roads are good.
The gas prices are; well it is a short trip. While you could do a long
weekend, most seem to spend at least a week soaking up the sun and
walking on the white sandy beaches.
When you reach a certain age,
and I won't suggest what that age may be since it is different for
everyone, the late night and more boisterous entertainment lose a
certain charm. Drinking beer after midnight at the Flora Bama comes with
greater consequences and a much longer recovery time. So I am left with
visiting museums, eating at different restaurants, and walking along
the beach. There is also shopping, which is entertainment for me and
generally a drag for my husband. Some also spend a great deal of time
collecting seashells.
You see these people walking on the beach
looking toward their feet and quickly understand they are searching for a
rare Sand Dollar or some equally sought after shell. You might wonder
just why the fascination with seashells? Certainly they can be
beautiful, but just what do you do with them once you return home.
After
many years of collecting seashells along the Gulf of Mexico's beautiful
beaches from Sanibel to Orange Beach, what to do with the shells
remained a question in my mind. Sure you can put some in a vase on top
of the sand that didn't spill in your car. Relatives and friends fail to
appreciate shells as birthday gifts, especially after the first one.
You can display one or two on your buffet or an end table, but that
could leave enough shells to pave your driveway.
Why did you
collect shells would be a reasonable question and the answer is equally
simple: just for the love of seashells. Over the years I have learned
how to identify hundred of seashells. But it had come to pass that I had
a virtual plethora of shells in my home.
Alabamians, along with
other coast visitors, often buy a variety of items decorated with
seashells. Many of them made in China. Why not bring some of the coast
home? Why not make beautiful handcrafted shell items right here in
central Alabama? And that is what I do.
So friends, if you see me
on the beach carrying a recyclable bag and looking at my feet, you'll
know that I'm collecting seashells for future projects.
Lois has
collected seashells for many years. She recently decided to use those
shells in crafting. Lois makes many interesting gift items with
seashells including; crosses, wreaths, angels, ornaments, shadowboxes,
and much more. You can see her creations at Shells By Lois http://www.shellsbylois.etsy.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bringing-Home-The-Beach&id=7761514] Bringing Home The Beach