This summer, I had several visitors from out of state and the number 1 request of each visitor was “can we go to the beach?” and naturally each time my response was YES! I had a treat for my cousins when they visited – I took them to see the Florida sea turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. Everyone should have this event on their bucket list. The hatchelings break out of their shells and thrash about together causing the walls of the nest to collapse and the bottom of the hole to rise. Once near the surface, the hatchelings wait until the sand temperature cools to emerge. Therefore most emerge after dark. Once out of the nest, the turtles scramble to the water and swim offshore where they will live for several years in seaweed beds drifting along the Gulf Stream. As the turtles grow older they move into coastal waters.
Sea Turtle Coastal Pillow
Of course the image in my head was a bit different than the actual ‘image’. In my head, the turtles live in the lighthouse on the hill. They are welcomed into the world by a bright blue bird and brilliant light emitting from the lighthouse guides them home.
Snorkeling is an item on my bucket list – but I must confess, the idea of being under water terrifies me – so I snorkel in my head – and what I see is an octopus hanging out with mythical sea creatures. (I wish mermaids were real – how cool would that be!)
Under the sea?
My brother had a pet Seahorses when he was in high school. When it died, he preserved in a mason jar for several years:) I added a seahorse to one of my creations and made a pillow for his grandson.
Seahorse Pillow
Did you know that seahorses are mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world, and prefer to live in sheltered areas such as sea-grass beds, estuaries, coral reefs, or mangroves.
Have you ever flown a kite? OMG, so much fun! as a kid, my dad an I would make kites and run along the beach as the wind hoisted our kites in the sky. I had a chance to share the experience with my God kids this summer.
Seriously fun!
Yep! it was a beautifully, colorful and fun summer – but it’s South Florida, we have 2 more months of summer….
xoxo
Al
