The Tale of the Ancient Conch Shell

catching small moments

a conch shell held to my ear

tells me stories of the 

sea

of winding paths lined with blue cast shadows

horizons that beckon and tease

one more hill

sea-salt fragrance 

freedom

 

giddiness and joy

sailing boats crested over

  effervescent enthusiasm of little boys

 their big splash

one hundred things to search for

dolphins slipping like quick silver

 in and out of view,

 bopping heads of surfers

pirate ships or mermaids

imaginations race with the wind,

tickling waves 

quicksand slips beneath my feet

Hanging Out in North Carolina

Grabbed the camera, a few clothes,  one coke, one root beer and my trusty iPhone with AT&T navigation!  We were heading to the eastern coastline of North Carolina. When we lived in the FAR FAR WEST I barely knew the location of the tucked away southern states on the map. Now we want to explore everything down, down, down south. Dramatic country landscapes, endless acres of crops, flowers and trees,weathered tobacco shanties, drooping vacant porches, scrumptious mom and pop BBQ diners, Civil War historical sites, smoky-blue Appalachian Mountains ( we westerners view them as hills), bigger bugs and snakes, take it all and toss with liberal doses  of friendliness. Southern Charm!

Add to that amazing birds.