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Experiencing Awe at the Beach

What is Awe

When I visit the beach, I often experience awe. Awe is defined as an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like: dictionary.com

In addition, when I experience awe, it is the sensation that causes you to stop and take a deep breath and fully experience the joy of the moment. Experiencing awe results in a feeling calm,and relaxed. Physical manifestations of awe include an improved mood. To learn more about awe, I recommend the book, “The Power of Awe by Michael Amster and Jake Eagle

Spending time at the beach experiencing awe;

As an example, when beachcombers spend time at the beach, we marvel at the majesty of the waves. We hear the sounds of the sea. In addition, we smell the salty tang in the air . We sense a feeling of awe or marvel, fully absorbed in the moment. We gaze at the treasures at our feet, shells, sea glass, anemones, and breathe in deep the wonder of it all, captivated. I find my focus shifts and I experience a sublime sense of awe.

Beach in Southern Oregon
Beach in Oregon

As I create sea glass art and sea glass jewelry, I hope is that you revisit the beauty of the sea and the peaceful serenity that is experienced there.

Sea glass art

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Celebrating 2 Years

Finding sea glass
Finding Sea Glass

It’s hard to believe that I am now celebrating 2 years as Susan’s Jewels of the Sea. I didn’t realize when I picked up that first piece of sea glass that I was starting a new chapter of my life as business owner, entrepreneur, and sea glass jewelry designer. I’m so thankful for this journey and all the people I have met along the way, and for the support of family and friends.

I learned how to build a website, market my business on social media, photograph my jewelry, and further develop my skills as a jeweler. I enrolled in online jewelry courses , took silversmithing classes at a local jewelry studio, and began selling my jewelry at an artist’s collective.

Susan’s Jewels of the Sea

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Meet the Maker at Susan’s Jewels of the Sea

Let me introduce myself

I’m Susan, the creator and founder of Susan’s Jewels of the Sea. I design sea glass jewelry using real, collected sea glass. My goal is to create joy and inspire you. I find my inspiration by the sea. I love the story of transformation in our own lives and how this is illustrated by sea glass. Click on my YouTube link to learn more

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Sunny Sea Glass Travels on Washington Ferries

Sea glass travels in Washington involve some ferry travel to access all the islands. The SanJuan Islands Islands comprise over 400 islands and over 478 miles (769 km) of shoreline.  There is an extensive ferry system that allows acccess to explore these islands, each with unique features and attractions.

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Touch Nature Global, Making a Difference

Touch Nature

“Touch Nature Global is a freedom business that provides employment to trafficked women by giving them a way out through the handmade soaps. The founder of this company, Josephine saw the plight of mothers in Nepal and felt called to help them.”( quote from website)

In 2004 , I learned firsthand of the work Touch Nature does while visiting the country of Nepal . I observed women making candles and soap. At their plant nursery, I saw the plants grown and harvested for essential oils. I met Josephine and was able to see her enthusiasm and joy for this ministry, and the women she works with. Touch Nature provides childcare , and a safe haven for these families.

So what part can you play in supporting these women?

Purchase Touch Nature handmade soaps and candles as a gift to yourself or for someone

or

Become a social media volunteer Like, comment and share on social media to increase awareness. Website: touchnature.com. Visit their Instagram, or Facebook page.

Josephine said, ” Touch Nature to me, is a safe haven. It has provided light that has brought many out of the darkness of slavery, trafficking and poverty. Alongside with my team here at Touch Nature, we hope to empower more women to step out of darkness. I believe that through Touch Nature many will be reached, rescued and restored.“( website)

Touch Nature, From Visit to Nepal 2005

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.

Mother Teresa

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Heart of Africa Necklaces

My heart has been touched as I have traveled in the past as a medical professional, but what has left a lasting impression on me has been the number of childrens that are orphaned. Did you know that 12% of children in Uganda are orphans, over 2 million by Unicef estimates? I was shocked to learn this. What can you do?

I have formed a relationship with an orphanage in Uganda, Hope for Africa Missions Orphans Ministry. They provide loving care to over 120 children. My goal is to offer an opportunity for people to purchase a Heart of Africa necklace with proceeds from every necklace sale going directly to the orphans.

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10 Reasons To Love Sea Glass

Jewels of the Sea, Unsplash Josh Sortino

1. Just like you, each piece of sea glass is unique.

2. Each piece bears the marks of its journey.

3. True color shines through the imperfections.

4. Age creates a beautiful layer of frost.

5. Each new discovery of sea glass brings you joy.

6. Some pieces are hidden awaiting your discovery.

7. Other pieces of sea glass are readily visible bringing instant joy.

8. Sea glass once trash is now considered treasure.

9. Sea glass unites people around the world in celebrations of awe and wonder.

10. Sea glass reminds me of the work of transformation that occurs in my life .

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Sea Glass Hunting, California

Sea glass stack from recent travels

It’s spring vacation, beautiful weather in California and time to visit some of the beach. We selected 4 beach areas for our sea glass hunting expedition. My husband is very supportive and enthusiastic about helping me find sea glass treasures. Our teenage son joins us, although his preference is connecting with friends on social media, he is good at spotting sea glass.

Davenport

Our first stop is Davenport, home of fabled sea glass. Discarded bins of artisan sea glass from the Lundburg glass studio washed into the sea when a creek overflowed, which resulted in beautiful glass being washed into the ocean. We planned for an arrival at low tide, but brave sea glass hunters venture into the dangerous waves to capture Davenport sea glass. We did bring a shovel to dig in the sand, and found a few small pieces of ordinary sea glass. Perhaps next time, I’ll plan a longer time to dig in the sand, but this was also a road trip, and the road was calling to us.

New Brighton Beach was our next stop. We were able to spend morning and afternoon sea glass hunting. The landscape of the beach looked very different at high tide than low tide. My beach shoes were a welcome addition and allowed me to wade in the water. Probably this was my favorite beach for walking on, and logged about 5 miles a day of beach walking.

Seaside has a long stretch of nice sandy beach. There was lots of sea glass. There was a person hang gliding there, so that was fun to watch, but most of the sea glass was rough and jagged, not the smooth, frosty pieces. Of course we know that the conditions on any beach vary greatly from one day to the next, so, this was just our experience there. Cambria’s Moonstone Beach is enchanting. There are so many beautifully colored pebbles. I found myself just picking them up even through they weren’t sea glass. The multicolored pebbles made finding sea glass among the many colors quite a treasure hunt. See if you can find the one piece of sea glass in the small stones below. Hint, it’s green.

Thanks for visiting these beaches with me. Please share with your friends. I would love to hear from you, please comment or ask questions.