The Joy of Family

How has everyone survived the holidays?  Mine was certainly a whirlwind of activity!  But what a joy it was to have both of my sons and their families visiting us this year.  To have them over, at the same time, rarely happens as one lives in Oregon and the other in New York.  So, needless to say, that was my very best Christmas gift.  That, and meeting my newest little grandson for the very first time!  I was one happy mom and grandma, that is for sure!

One thing happened, while we were opening gifts together, that I want to share because it was very special and comical at the same time.  My youngest son and his wife opened a rather large gift.  Much to my surprise, it was one of my framed photos that had been on display at the Quality Bayside Resort in Parksville, where my sons were staying.  (Fabulous place, by the way.  They went out of their way to ensure my family's stay was perfect.)  My son's wife came over to give me a big hug and to thank me.  With a puzzled look on my face I said, "I had nothing to do with it!"  She looked over at my other son, who started to laugh.  My eldest son had seen my photo hanging on the wall at the hotel and decided to buy it as a Christmas gift for them!  How special is that?!  We all had a good chuckle over that.  My sons never cease to find ways to surprise and impress me.  If you like, you can click HERE to view the photo my son purchased.  (I can't post the photo here because it warps when I try.... very strange indeed!)

My business partner, Cheryl, is enjoying her winter home near Yuma.  I must admit, however, that I do miss her.  But I'm glad she is enjoying herself with her 'second family', basking in the wonderful warmth of the climate and the people.  I don't believe there is one day when she isn't doing something!  She gets invited out to dinner by people constantly, she goes to the local quilting group, she gets involved in the numerous events that take place in the park... what a gal.  Her energy never ceases to amaze me.  And she is no spring chicken either.  (And she is probably going to kill me for saying that!)  Anyhow, she is indeed an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to know her.  (There, hopefully that makes up for my last comment!  Whew!  But it is true.)

So, do we have any new creations on our site?  Certainly!  Here are a few to feast your ocean-loving eyes upon... 

 Antique Copper & Seashell Bookmark

 Ocean Treasure Bottle

 

Gift Box

Handcrafted Seaside Bookmarks

Our New Seaside Serving Tray

Cheryl and I decided to try our hands at some something brand new for A2Sea Creations. Here is our first seaside serving tray that we designed and handcrafted together. It can double as wall art by just adding a hanger on the back. It would make an ideal gift for a bride who is having a beach wedding, someone who lives near the ocean, or for anyone who loves the sea!

Our new seaside tray won't be for sale on our site, however, we hope to have a few for sale in a local gift shop. We shall see... if so, we will keep people posted here and on Facebook. For those of you on Facebook, here is our link... A2Sea Creations on Facebook. Please consider becoming 'A Fan' and help us spread the word! That would be much appreciated. Now, off to Oregon I go to see my son Matthew, his wife Cristina and my adorable grandson, Levi. Yay for me!

The Sea and Me

'NIGHT FLIGHT' - PHOTOART BY MICKI FINDLAY

What is it about the sea that draws us? There is a serenity, a peace and a sense of freedom that is difficult to find in our man-made, hectic, noisy world we have created. And have you ever noticed that when you go walking along the ocean, that people smile at you? It's as if the sea washes away the barriers between people... it fills us with something bigger than ourselves and our problems.

The sea is a magic place and I think that somehow we are closer to our Creator there. Not because God is any more there than anywhere else. But because we are away from the multitude of voices and distractions that clutter our minds; where we can actually hear and feel God in the purity of the ocean air and the calming sound of the waves rolling in. The ocean reminds me of music for music has the same magic in the way it can reach down into our very souls and break down human barriers.

Perhaps the sea is not where you feel and hear God. Maybe it is in the forest. Perhaps right in your garden. Wherever it may be, I think we do ourselves a great disservice when we do not find that place and somehow fit it into our busy, distracted lives and recharge ourselves; find peace and joy.

Just some thoughts for the day. Have a good one!

More from the Oregon Coast

GOLDEN SANDS - PHOTOART BY MICKI FINDLAY

I have to admit that even though I am crazy about Vancouver Island and will be forever loyal to it, I truly was awestruck by my experience on the Oregon Coast. So please bear with me as I continue to post photos from my trip of this beautiful area. This particular photo is my latest of Cannon Beach. I did alter the colour in this photo with some 'Quick Draw McGraw' maneouvers, but regardless, Cannon Beach is truly breathtaking. And what a quaint little town! I felt so at home there and could easily see myself living there. My poor hubby might never see me though because I would be taking pictures constantly, I fear. So if you ever have a chance to enjoy the Oregon Coast, I highly recommend the trip! Be sure to stop by the Sea Lion caves! Unfortunately I wasn't able to take very clear photos, as you aren't allowed to use a flash.

I am looking forward to having coffee with my dear friend, and partner in crime, Cheryl. We have been like two ships passing in the night lately, each visiting with our own families and taking trips and such. So it will be so nice to catch up and plan our next adventures for A2Sea Creations! September 29 we will be at the Nanaimo Farmer's Market when the cruise ships come in. I will not be there as I will be in Hawaii (poor me) but Cheryl will be and her good friend Janice volunteered to help out. Thank you Janice!

Well I had better get going or else Cheryl will call and I won't be ready! Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Memories and Music

CANNON BEACH, OREGON - PHOTO BY MICKI FINDLAY

Holy cow! I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged! I have been very very busy finishing a huge wedding song contract so I have been a little preoccupied, to say the least. But today I finally got it all finished and packed up ready to ship to Ontario. What a great feeling... especially because the recipient is so happy with her song! It is very creatively fulfilling for me.

As for my trip to Oregon to visit my son Matt, his wife Cristina and my adorable and funny baby grandson Levi, what a treat that was for me! I took the slow way down to Roseburg, along the Oregon Coast; a breathtaking part of the world. The ocean is crazy wild and there are so many quaint, old, interesting towns along the way. I took in the Sea Lion Caves which amazed me... so much so that I stood in one spot for over an hour because I could not pull myself away from the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of sea lions sitting, playing and nuzzling. Some of the males challenged each other on the rocks as the violent waves came crashing over them. It was a memory I will never forget.

I so enjoyed getting to know my grandson. I feel so blessed that I was able to be there while Levi did some new things for the very first time. He had changed so dramatically over the course of a year and I have missed so much, sadly. But he sure made up for it while I was there!

As far as A2Sea Creations is concerned, much of our work has been put on hold during the summer months as Cheryl and I have caught up on time with our families that live so far away. However, I did make some new wire-wrapped sea glass pendants and one is now for sale on our site. Cheryl has been making magnets for our upcoming Nanaimo Farmer's Market. (Sept 29th) I will be posting more info about that soon. We sold a couple of items and I just mailed them off to Iowa today. I love how the internet makes our world so 'small'! I get to talk with people all over the world and know that our creations are being enjoyed in so many faraway places. So cool!

I hope everyone is having a great summer and spending time catching up with loved ones also!

Off to Oregon!

Well I have to say, I am terribly excited about my trip to Oregon to see my son Matt, his wife Cristina and my darling, funny, delightful grandson, Levi. I am leaving tomorrow for Victoria, bright and early, to take the Black Ball Ferry Saturday morning. What a great way to go! No long waits at the border; no having to drive through crazy, scary Seattle. And I have decided to go the scenic route all the way down the beautiful Oregon Coast. Good thing I have a battery charger for my camera and two extra batteries. I learned my lesson the hard way when I was in New York to see my other son Gord, and ran out of juice. No more!

My grandson was born in November of last year and he has changed so much and I have missed all that. What a sad thing. So now it's time to get down there and become re-acquainted with little Levi and enjoy being a grandma. What a gift that is! I hear he throws up an awful lot so I'm thinking that it's a good thing I have a few more clothes this time. Oh well... all part of the fun! lol

I am having a great summer. I hope that whoever might be reading this is having a great one, too! Off I go!