Sea Shell Fairies on Siesta Key at Siesta Sands on the Beach

As I love to do when I visit a beach, especially my beloved, Siesta Key, I leave behind a thank you fairy after collecting shells during my stay.  

I wonder if anyone ever sees them?  I always hope a small child finds her and feels the joy I put into her.

This week, I had a never ending slew of shells to chose from, and took advantage of that by making a second sprite.

Sugarwings loves this beach too. We got in too late on Saturday night to get out in the sand, but the minute we woke up, we were out to greet the day at our home away from home for the next week.

Have you ever flown a kite at the beach? This was a first for us, but will be a tradition from now on.

(This is the yard of our condo, perfect for its beautiful views, and for providing space to play in, far enough away from the Gulf that I don't have to worry about Sugarwings being tempted by the water)

The first day, I had my eye on this umbrella that the wind had taken up into the brush.  It was there all day, no one claimed it by dark,  so I sent my husband through the scrub and sticker plants to scoop it up for Sugarwings to play under.  It was slightly broken, I guess the original owners didn't want it. (We did leave it out in case someone was looking for it)

Their loss, our gain! It was just what we needed for her to stay in the shade to play in the sand.  We also purchased a couple of folding chairs, and that made the trip much more comfy, for sitting out by the water and reading.  I don't know why I've been too cheap to do that in the past.  Low beach chairs are about $10-15 at Walmart, and we could use them all week.

 It always seemed wasteful when I'd thought about buying one in the past, but isn't when I realized that when I go to other hotels that have chair rentals, I pay $25 for one afternoon to borrow them.   Silly that I hesitated to purchase a seat for less than I'd rent one. 

I might even buy an umbrella next time, since chances are we won't be lucky enough to have one blow our way again. And it made the trip so much better for my grand fairy.  

Sugarwings was as dedicated to shell finding as I was.  We bought her a boogie board, but the waves weren't cooperating.  She used it instead as a shell transport system, pulling it behind her as she searched for treasure in the shallow water and then placing them on the board to bring them back to shore.  

We didn't have Dewdrop with us by the water, she was spending the week with her mama who lives in Sarasota.  How lucky for me that I needed to deliver her on Spring break to my favorite city in the world?!

We had a very laid back week, with some chilly temperatures that required jackets on the beach a couple of days, and I picked up a slight illness that slowed me down, while my poor husband had a horrid bought of the flu with on and off fevers.  Still, if you aren't feeling your best, where better to rest up and take it easy?  We sat by the water in our folding chairs, watched the waves and our pretty grand fairy. 

 I'll miss you, Siesta Key! 

 

Comments

[Suzanne]

Sugarwings is lovely and so is her Grandma💗🌸

[Linda Folster]

Looks like a wonderful vacation Karla. I just love your shell fairies!

[Marilyn in Missouri]

Karla ~ what a wonderful week you had with your precious Sugarwings!! Thank you for sharing.

Also, wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog and reading and seeing your life. I have followed you for a while now and miss the other "girls" (Beth, Debbie D, and Elizabeth). Seeing Karlas Cottage is on my vision board and I hope to stop by one day and say "Hello"

Marilyn in Missouri

[Karla Nathan]

Thank you, Linda, I love making them!

[Karla Nathan]

Aw, thanks, Suzanne!

[Karla Nathan]

Marilyn, I think that Debbie still blogs sometimes and Beth does for sure, but not regularly. I miss the days of a long list of new posts to read on a regular basis too! I just keep plugging along, because by now, it is more of a habit for me, like keeping a diary. I hope that someday, my grand fairies will start at the beginning and read through to relive all the adventures we had together.

[Tina-Marie Hamilton]

Gorgeous! A hint for a cheap umbrella next time a Goodwill or local thrift store. I live in Coastal Virginia, and our thrift stores are always filled with them. And then, you can donate them back. So much cheaper than the rental! P.S. I live by the ocean and still love to visit other beaches, the miracle of relaxation!

[Karla Nathan]

Great tip, thanks! Ive been known to check dumpsters too, a couple of years ago, people threw away some beach goods at our condo.