Coastline Treasures

While on a trip to Savannah Georgia we went on a bay cruise.  We cruised along the shoreline watching the pelicans diving for food and the pods of dolphins swimming frantically.  There was a shrimp boat in the bay casting off some of its days catch into the waters.  These dolphin figurines were such a delight to watch against the beautiful sparkling waters and skyline.

The dolphins raced around the boat jumping up into the air trying to seize these delicacies.  They showed off their physical abilities while prowling for this food; jumping, twisting and turning to be the first one.  They were not afraid of the fishermen or the boat as they had come to know them quite well.  I wondered if this was a daily occurrence for these playful sea mammals.

As a kid I would go fishing with my dad.  He loved to get up in the early morning hours to catch the first fish of the day.  I wasn’t as eager as he was about getting the first fish or putting a worn on the hook.  We would get all our fishing gear together along with fresh worms and head for the dock.  I have to admit it was beautiful, calm and quite.  All you could hear were the birds singing, the breezes blowing and the lapping sounds of the water against the boat.  The vision of the sun rise and all its magnificent colors were breathtaking.   As we took the early morning ride to our fishing destination we would sit quietly taking in the sights.  While fishing we would visit, laugh, me squirming as I baited the hook, and dad trying to be patient while teaching me.  It didn’t matter, at least to me, if we caught anything or not, it was about spending time with my dad.

These were very precious moments spent together.  I often think of them fondly and find myself wanting a piece of that memory close at hand.  To recreate these memories I have added fishing home décor.  Whether I tuck a figurine on a shelf, hang decorative plates or wall décor, they all bring me sense of joy.   You too can bring back memories by adding home accents.

While on a trip to Tybee Island in Georgia, we went on a boat trip taking us through the bay and up the river.  The waters were clear and the sun made each wave sparkle in its light.  We could see many birds; I was especially delighted by the pelicans.  They were fun to watch as they circled then drove to catch their prey.  We could see the occasional fish jumping up into the air and the dolphins playing in the wake of the boat.

What was the most surprising to me where the numerous lighthouses, day beacon and buoys.  At every turn there they were marking the path keeping us safe and leading the way.  I was intrigued by the different lighthouse figurines; some were on the shoreline and some were in the waters.  I was told that the tides make the travel treacherous without their guidance.  What I did not realize was that the lighthouses in water were on dry land at low tide.  I was glad to know that these sea markers were there to safely guide our way.

Dolphins are carnivorous marine mammals and relatives of whales and porpoises. Despite their meat-eating habits, they are actually quite friendly, and I was able to swim with two dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico last year. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I thought their skin would be rubbery, but it was soft. 

The dolphins I swam with were well-trained and seemed very contented, performing many tricks, pretending to dance with us or shake our hands, and if you were brave enough, doing a trick where two of them swam in tandem and threw you a few feet across the pool (I did this, too-it was fun). If swimming with a dolphin is something you have always wanted to do and you have the chance, I really recommend it. Of course, the water park sold crystal dolphin figurines, T-shirts, and everything else you can imagine that might have a dolphin on it.

Here is a week-end project that will be fun for the entire family; making a beach birdhouse.  Start by getting a plain wooden birdhouse; you can build one or buy one at your local home building supply store.  Next, go to your local craft store and search the isles for miniature beach scene items.  It can be a beach ball, surf board, beach chair, life rings, crabs or anything else you desire.  Pick up sky blue, ocean blue, sand and white craft paint.  You won’t need much; the small 4-6 ounce bottles will do the trick.

Be sure to prime the wood of the birdhouse before beginning.  Once dry, paint the roof sky blue and the house sand color allowing time for it to dry before adding clouds to the sky and ocean blue along the base of the house.  Using a hot glue gun, add your miniatures along the house creating your beach scene.  Once done, hang it in your yard and watch your feathered friends enjoy a day at the beach!

While taking a drive down the California coast to San Diego I could see the large Mission Bay Harbor.  What a gorgeous day, clear skies, winds blowing, and the harbor filled with sailboats.  It was breath taking, as I don’t remember ever seeing that many sailboats in one place.  We pulled over just to get a better view. The bay was filled with these beautiful boats just gliding across the waters, or so it appeared.

Mesmerized by these small sailing vessels, we drove to the docks where there were dozens of boats.  Some were smaller, some taller, some with simple furnishings and others well decorated with nautical décor.  I couldn’t keep my eyes off them while walking among all the different kinds of vessels in awe as I have never experienced the open waters.  I dreamed of what it would feel like with the wind blowing in my face and being in the vastness of the ocean.  As I kept dreaming, I was planning on when I could make it a reality.

My husband inherited Aunt Kate’s drop leaf table and chairs.  For years we stored it in the attic as it was just too small to use, or so I thought.  Many years went by before we cleaned out the attic only to rediscover this table.  It was a beautiful table from the 1950’s with dark stain and petite claw feet, both sides dropped down.  As we reexamined this table we realized that it would make a great accent table in the entry.

We slid it in place along the entry wall with the sides down to create a narrow landing.  We added a tall vase with flowers and an antique dish to collect car keys on the way in.  Above it on the wall we hung two smaller pictures that were framed and matted the same, one on top of the other.  With very little effort we were able to create a welcoming entrance.

Dolphin art and statuary have been memorialized throughout history.  The Triton Fountain of Rome, Italy by the greatest sculpture of the Baroque period, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is one example.  Built in 1642 of travertine, this fountain was the first of its kind for the reception of public waters.  Built to provide water from the Acqua Felice aqueduct for public water use as well as a decorative fountain, all previous fountains were passive basins.

The Triton fountain features a muscular Triton, a merman, who in ancient Greco-Roman legend is a minor sea god.  Kneeling on an open scallop and with a conch shell to his lips creates the venue for the fountain’s water.  At the base of the fountain are four dolphins with their mouths open and tails entwined holding the scallop.  This dolphin décor fountain is just one example of history and art using dolphins.

When we think of wall plaques we often think of awards; photos with a plaque labeling the event, trophies, and other accomplishments.  But decorative wall plaques can be much different than these that are well suited for the office.  In 1848, the French used the word plaque as a definition for an ornamental pate or tablet.  Since then, the definition has expanded tremendously; today there are gamut’s of definitions.

Today’s decorative wall plaques come in all shapes, sizes, and materials.  They can be used inside or outside depending on the materials used, metal, woods, or stone.  They can be incorporated into wall groupings of photos or stand alone to make a statement.  Outside they create a decorative element to add to the décor.  When choosing a wall plaque, choose one that will fit into your present décor; classical, contemporary, chic.  Wall plaques add style and dimension to an otherwise flat arena.

I love ships and the open sea; the sky that goes forever, the smells of salt water, the spray of the ocean, and the sounds of the lapping water along its edge.  Ships have been a part of history since time began and a recent trip introduced me to the schooner.  This multi-masted sailing vessel has two of more sails that are parallel to the body of the ship.  They were popular with trades that required speed; slaving, privateering, blockade running, fishing and pirating.

Schooners were most popular in the United States and Essex, Massachusetts was their most significant shipbuilding center.  Essex built more than 4,000 schooners and most were used for the fishing industry along the Massachusetts coast.  These fabulous ships of the 1800’s can be preserved as a wooden model ship; I brought one home and enjoy it every day.