Beautiful Bay

 

I remember the first morning I met Long Beach Bay in Noyac, Long Island. My family and I had entered a Nature Walk area and chose a trail with many chipmunks running around and little wild chickadee birds that would perch on your hand in exchange for a sunflower seed. It was amazing to have birds living in the wild get as close as that.

While walking, the trail became quite shadowed and semi-dark because the high growth of the surrounding trees and bushes had pushed out most of the sunlight.

As we continued to walk, the trail gave way to a complete opening in the overgrowth. The sun appeared like a rocket blast and became so strong, it hurt our eyes. Little by little, our sight adjusted and we continued to walk on.

Our next steps had us walking on a sandy beach with the brightest sunlight glowing everywhere. Past the sand was a clear, blue bay with gentle waves dancing back and forth towards the shore. The sun’s rays bounced off the waves causing sparkles of light to shimmer and shine everywhere in the water.

We were so fascinated by this part of the bay that we made it our business to find out how far it traveled on. After what seemed like a very long car drive, we found a part of Long Beach Bay that was used by beach goers.

What a wonderful beach area this bay made! The waves were much smaller than ocean waves, which meant little tikes could be safe swimming and having more fun playing in the sand. If you looked at the bottom of the splashing waves, you could see hermit crabs in abundance. Shells were everywhere, on the sand and in the water. Seagulls dove for clams and then took them to the empty part of the parking lot, dropping them from the air, causing the shells to break open and expose tasty clams to eat.

I spent fifteen summers falling in love with Long Beach Bay and, since we parted, I miss it more than anyone would know.

Ellen

Apples

 

Chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. In a heavy pan, melt ½ stick of butter. Add the chopped apples and sprinkle with cinnamon, cloves, and a little salt. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Remove the cover. The apples will have released quite a bit of liquid. At this point, add sugar or another sweetener. I use date sugar or date syrup.

Cook for another 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Serve hot over ice cream or apple pie. It can also be eaten hot or cold.

Simple, delicious, and good all year long.

Georgia

"Friends"

 

One of them was carrying books. The other was holding tea. The afternoon hush was gentle enough to trust. A hello passed between them. They knew, without saying much, that they belonged in each other's company.

Georgia

"Memoir"

 The worst job I ever had was a very long time ago, and I felt it in my bones every morning. I’d wake up with that familiar, gnawing dread of the day ahead.  

One morning, right before leaving for that atrocious job, I picked up a tiny piece of watercolor paper. I stood at the kitchen sink with my half‑wet paints and made a quick little pumpkin — nothing fancy, just a small sketch to steady myself. 

But something remarkable happened. My whole body softened.  moved in. It was in that quiet moment; I realized that art — painting, making, creating was something my routine needed, something my spirit needed, something I needed. 

I never looked back. Every day since I make something small and new, a gentle promise to myself that creativity will always have a place at my table. 

Georgia