Siskiyou Writers’ Club: Ocean Love

The Siskiyou Writers Club is open to all folks with a passion for creative writing of all genres.

By Carolyn Anderson

One of my greatest pleasures is being on the beach. I love the sounds, smells, sights and feel of the sea with the tide lapping on the shore and the mighty crash of the waves spraying high over the rocks. I can’t think of a better feeling than satin sand between my toes, the tiny grains conforming to every step, and the ocean breeze spraying my face. I love walking barefoot in the sand, wading in the water, feeling the force of the tide sweeping the sand out from underneath my feet. I love the challenge of the waves chasing me as I race to reach shore before they catch up to me, teasing me. The waves rise and fall steadily as if they are breathing in the golden sunlight and absorbing the fresh ocean air.

I love sitting on the beach for hours, sifting through the sand looking for treasures like sea glass and agates, or special shells and rocks and driftwood. I love the feel of the warm sun beating down on me. I love wading out to the tide pools and looking at all the marvelous creatures attached to the rocks. Starfish, sea anemones, barnacles, mussels; I am fascinated by all the mysterious, wonderous species of sea life.

I love watching the sea birds frolicking on the beach, and flying overhead. As they call out to one another, I try to imagine what they are saying to each other. Are they having friendly conversation? Or are they warning the others of impending danger? Or, perhaps they are notifying their friends of an especially good location of a kelp bed for a tasty meal. The gracefulness of the birds and the formations they make in flight with their flocks are a wonder to me.

I grew up in the desert, but every summer when I was young, my family visited the central California coast, giving me a passion for the beach. At the first sight of the ocean, I roll down the car window and breathe in the fresh sea air.

I love the memories made on the beach with cousins when we were young, running and playing in the sand and sea, climbing on the rocks with the waves crashing around us, our moms close by sunning themselves on their beach blanket, probably reminiscing about their own childhoods.

I love remembering the fun my own children had on our summer visits to the coast; the sand castles we made, trenches we dug, driftwood structures we made, kites we flew. I wouldn’t mind reliving a lot of those carefree days.

I love any sunset, but a sunset over the ocean is most spectacular! As the sun begins its’ journey below the horizon, a calm settles over me as I savor with deep respect and appreciation nature’s beauty.

All my uncertainties and fears quickly fade away when I am on the beach. When I compare everyday life problems to the vastness of the ocean, my problems seem to diminish. I can tell the ocean all my secrets and worries and the ocean listens, whispering back to me that everything will be okay. The ocean holds me when I’m falling down. It is the one constant and consistent in the world. I can always depend on the gentle waves to soothe and comfort me, and the smell of the saltwater to ease my troubles, and the feel of the warm sand beneath my feet to ground me. The ocean can’t leave me or let me down when I need a good friend and understanding.

For me, the ocean is powerful and fascinating, and I hold much respect for it. A once-a-year visit is not enough sea therapy for me. I find myself day dreaming about lying in the warm sand listening to the soothing rhythm of the waves, as if they are breathing sighs of relief.

The sounds, smells, and sights of the ocean bring me peace and security.

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We generally meet the last Thursday of the month in various locations throughout Siskiyou
County. You are welcome to join us.

Our next meeting is Thursday, September 26, 2024, 5:00PM

at the YMCA in Yreka.

For more information about the club:
contact Bob Kaster, 530-598-5204, email [email protected]
or Mike Grifantini, 530-710-4882, email [email protected]