Bittersweet...

I'm writing this post as therapy...

My youngest is leaving for college in the morning for the second time.

When he was a freshman, we loaded up our truck and caravanned to the university for their "Move In Day." You know the one...you park about 2 miles away from the dorm and carry everything that your child will need for the next six months. {If you're experienced, you bring a dolly and an extra friend.} The weather is usually102 degrees and the dorm rooms are warm because of the constant opening of the main doors. Then there is the luck-of-the-draw as to what floor they are assigned to and whether or not there is an elevator. 

As that luck would have it, our son was on the third floor, no elevator, and after 3 - two mile treks, he had everything needed. Except for a couple of things...of course.

A trip to Target was inevitable...something, I swore I wouldn't do on this particular day.

Ahh...the never ending joy of parenthood.

All kidding aside, it really was fun. It's kinda a rush...brings back memories of my college days.

The Freshman are crazy excited...the parents smile, but you know inside their hearts are breaking as they leave their "pride and joy" to fend for themselves.

I remember thinking...what will he have for dinner?

As it turned out, he had a great experience and matured quite a bit. He did eat, washed his own clothes, and made it fine with out me. imagine that!

Now that he's a sophomore, he's made the transition from dorm to apartment. In fact, it's a 4 bedroom, 4 bath place...and that's fairly standard! Gee Whiz! What happened to bathrooms at the end of the hallway and the expected "flush" to be yelled as not to scald your friends in the shower!

Needless to say, he's very excited. Independence...well, with Mom and Dad footing the bill.

As you might imagine, my house is crazy. It looks a bit like a tornado has hit as he goes through his things and packs. It's fun to see what he's chosen to set up in his new place room.

Our old turntable has been reclaimed and is now the "cool" thing, perfect for a bachelor pad. Too bad we already sold our 4ft speakers. I'm sure that would have been a huge hit...literally.

So it goes...tomorrow morning, he loads his own car and makes the trek by himself. I'm trying to be strong and stay busy, it's still hard. I know I will miss him...he's really a lot of fun to be around. But, I know it's the right thing to do.

 He's building his memories and learning along the way.

I'm learning too.

Parenthood...not for the faint of heart.

Refining...

Each year as I get wiser, I refine my true favorites. I have a lot of "likes" as I'm sure we all do, but I must definitely have a "thing" for textures. As I look around my home, it's the textures that always catch my eye, it's the different textures that always make me smile.

On my last trip to the seashore, I picked up a few sea urchins. They were washing up in droves, but I only took a few. Why? I don't really know why I didn't pick them all up. I wish I would have....they were just going to dry out on their own anyway. {I was very careful to make sure they weren't alive.}

So, the three I took, came home with me. As I was unpacking, only the skeleton was left.

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Just look at the symmetry. Isn't it amazing how there are two larger columns, then two smaller columns...and looking at the sea urchin when found, you'd never guess that there was such a gorgeous sight underneath all those spines. Add to that the colors: lavender, olive, taupe....who knew?

If you look inside...there is a very special part of the skeleton. I don't know what it is for, but again, very symmetrical.

A few years back I made candle sticks with purchased shells. I didn't appreciate how beautiful they were until I was actually shelling, looking for the "perfect" shells.

They too are so beautiful, unique...

No matter what I change in my home, no matter what season rolls around, sea shells seem to always be a part of my decor. I love them...

Treasures of the Sea...

One of the best things about vacations is seeing new things. Whether it's sightseeing, shopping, or seeing natural sights, I'm always glad I brought along my camera!

I could so live in this beachy cottage. Love the color!

This sign made us laugh each time we crossed the bridge.

Nauti Turtle...Ha!!

Since we were in Florida, we had to sample the fruit!

Delicious!

Great gift shop too!

...love these handles...

...these would make me smile while being in the kitchen...

So true!

I think I'm still on this time...

I should have brought this home with me...it would make a great centerpiece.

Our next stop was Old Time Pottery. I had heard so much about it in blogland, I just had to see for myself!

It was loaded with items...and didn't disappoint.

Here in Texas we have Garden Ridge Pottery, it's very similar.

We had to stop at the local Home Good store.

...loved these seahorse plates...

...cute...

This almost came home with me!

...so simple...

...great pieces in turquoise...

After our shopping trip, we ended our day relaxing on the beach, our favorite time.

These guys were always waiting for us...

Poor little sea urchin stranded in seaweed...

He was glad we saved him, I'm sure...

Can you see his mouth? Looks like a beak, doesn't it?

More Sea Pork...

and a King's Crown Conch.

...great camouflage..

Now you can see him better. I think he might be a type of Brittle Star.

What a great way to end the day.

Funny little guys...

I guess one reason why I love the beach is that each day is different.

It's hard to imagine that, but it's true.

I hadn't seen this before, I guessed it was someone drawing in the sand.

But upon closer inspection, I saw who was actually doing all the drawing!

It was a Junonia.

They were everywhere!

Take a guess of what this is...

and his cousin.

Give up?

It's called Sea Pork.They are creatures that house tiny zooids. 

However when washed up they are no longer alive.

Want more information? Click here and here.

There was quite a variety of shells...

...and for some reason these guys were washing up.

See the color of the spines?

When it had dried out, the skeleton was lavender.

Absolutely beautiful.

The gem of the day...a little starfish.

I took a quick picture and threw him back so he could grow a bit more...

that way I can find him again on my next trip. ;)

I have to say that my favorite part of each day was watching the sun set.

Truly amazing.

Sunsets...

I just completed my first week back at work...

...and on quiet nights like these I dream of quiet nights on the beach.

Sunsets that are relaxing...

...and so beautiful

Welcome Back...

If you're here, you made the trip back over to Blogger. Thank you...

I'm not too tech savy and Word Press was a little out of my league...Blogger is easier for me to navigate. So from the bottom of my heart...thanks for following me back home.