I love, love, love walking on the beach and collecting treasures. I often cannot pass by a beautiful broken shell because I love picking it up and imaging the life it’s had…where its been, the struggles its faced, and admiring the beauty it still possesses. So, it’s no wonder that I have quite a collection of bits and pieces of shells that were once whole, beautiful sculptures. And, I love them…I love what they stand for. I love that no matter how their edges have been chipped away, how there are holes letting the light through, or how crumbly they may become…well, they remind me that no matter what we go through in life there is always the constant beauty of our core…our heart. And, we still have so much to offer to the world around us.

Kind of like this unique shell. Yes, it’s missing lots of pieces that used to make it whole, but it is lovely to me. And, it is actually functional. Yes, as an artist I am always looking for unique and interesting objects to play with, and this shell makes the perfect writing tool! I absolutely love how it fits perfectly in my hand, as though it was made just for me. My fingers fit perfectly into the little grooves making it so easy for me to write wispy words and draw whimsical friends.

I love dipping it into my bottle of india ink and just allowing it to somewhat take over my hand, guiding me freely as I sketch thoughts from my heart. The moment I spotted it along the water’s edge one day I knew instantly that it would be perfect for this. And, oh, my, I am quite certain I let out a little giggle when I realized just how it fit my hand. How sweet for me to come across this shell…how amazing that it is like a prized possession to me now. I keep it in a special place ~ it makes me feel oh, so special when I pull it out at my studio table.

Can you imagine how many people may have walked by this very shell and just passed it by? You see, it’s all in how we look at things. If we WANT to see the beauty around us, in others, and in our circumstances…we will. And, because we try to see things with this perspective, well, it becomes easier and more likely for it to just happen without us even trying! It becomes our more natural state of mind! I love that!!

Whatever you are facing today, know that there is still beauty in your world. And, yes, it may not be exposed just how you want it to be or how you thought it would. Know that there are bits and pieces of you that are so very beautiful, talented, and amazing no matter how broken you feel…no matter how many times your edges have been chipped. There is always someone that will see your beauty…remember this though ~ YOU seeing it is the most important part!

I was working on this post earlier and stopped to do a few other things, and of course, got sidetracked and ended up spotting an email from my mom the other day. We were traveling at the time so I missed seeing it.  I took a peek at the video she shared with me and couldn’t believe how perfect it is to go along with this post.  I hope you enjoy it…I just thought it was too meaningful to pass up sharing with you here!  🙂

Hugs to you!!

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