The Christmas holiday is over and my children have all gone home to their various exciting lives. On New Year’s day we drove to the airport in Bristol and as I was sad to see them all go, so we decided to have a day at the seaside. This always cheers me up and blows the cobwebs away. Burnham on Sea may not be exotic but I love it! It has miles of sand and is almost deserted out of season, so that is where we headed. My little dog, Dayna, seemed totally confused at first so I imagine she has never seen the sea before. However in no time at all she was having fun chasing the waves and shaking the sand off her tiny legs. As the wind blew her tail and ears waved in the air. Instant laughter and a dreaded day reworked into a blessing.
New Year’s Day on Burnham Beach in Somerset
Soaring and screeching
Seagulls over sinking sand
On Somerset shore
So much fun on a deserted beach
Storm in a rockpool
weaving waves into whirlpools
Miniature maelstrom
First taste of the sea for Dayna
On a New Year’s day
Windy beaches are deserted
To Dayna’s delight
I am starting 2013 by clearing space for beauty and joining the Mindful Writing Challenge entitled Small Stones. A small stone is a short piece of writing (prose or poetry) that precisely captures a fully-engaged (mindful) moment. The process of finding small stones is as important as the finished product – searching for them will encourage you to keep your eyes (and ears, nose, mouth, fingers, feelings and mind) open.
Why don’t you go out and buy yourself a gorgeous notebook, start writing your small stones, and you’ll be in the river too.
Heavenhappens 
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What a great way to lift one’s spirit. Water, especially with a good windy beach, does the same for me.
Did you notice, Heavenhappens, what a phenomenal photographic effect you have in the first photo of Dayna? Look at the shadow…it’s a perfect Thunderbird. I had to enlarge the photo to have a better look to make sure it was a dog!
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I didn’t notice I am ashamed to say but now that you have pointed it out it is obvious x and very funny x Thanks for reading x
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The sea is very calming to me — balm for my spirit.
I can imagine after having a household full of loved ones, it takes some adjustment to the quiet once more.
Nonetheless, Happy New Year!!! May your year blossom and flourish beyond your wildest imagination!!
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Thanks Becca x It was a busy Christmas but very special as we had little baby Stanley for the first time. I have to say I am quite enjoying the peace now! Best wishes for your year too, you are writing a great deal at the moment and it is all so wise and wonderful x
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Lovely photos. Isn’t the sky wonderful in winter!
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It certainly is especially when the sun shines ~ a rarity in England in January!!
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Hi,
Lovely photos, it’s amazing how most dogs love playing on the beach, and to have a beach to yourself that is the ultimate. 🙂
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Yes it was a joy to have the beach to ourselves x There were people on the promenade but clearly ‘only mad dogs and englishwomen go onto the beach on 1st January’!!
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The sea sure has a magical calming effect… Have a blessed 2013!!
Loved the second verse.
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Indeed the sea is amazing. I watched the Life of Pi film this week though and it reminds me of how treacherous the sea can be too!
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