Monday 31 December 2012

The turning tide


 A dramatic walk, full of incident.


 I tripped over a branch buried like a snare in the shingle,
but did not this time lose my glasses,
only my dignity.






And here you see the moment when husband and son
stood at a fairly safe distance on posts.


Followed by the moment when husband,
(as I fondly imagined), was wisely stepping down to retreat,
only to discover that in a fit of uncharacteristic bravado,
he had decided to move forward
onto the next post.
See that approaching wave?
Not pictured is the moment 
when he realised the folly of this move.

Son engineered a spectacular pratfall of his own
after attempting a controlled slide down a steep shingle bank.
( I think he did it to make us feel better.)

Joyce Carol Oates said of Saul Bellow's characters that they,
'not only survive their snarled problems and pratfalls 
but learn from their experiences
and are articulate about their learning.'

This may be a good enough aim for 2013.
I leave you with a selection of beach bouquets
and my best wishes for a Happy
and almost pratfall free,
New Year.








5 comments:

  1. I'm quite certain you maintained your dignity admirably , but poor husband .... far too chilly to be immersed , even briefly ! And how kind of son to keel over in sympathy .
    The cockades you found on the shingle are rather wonderful .... I must go beachcombing soon ....
    Happy New Year !

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  2. Oh my goodness, hope all is ok! Best wishes for 2013!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  3. Pratfalls of others certianly brighten your day :0)... we went to the sea too but photos are nowhere as beautiful as yours - we endured torrential rain and the tide was out. All the best for the coming year.

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  4. You managed some beautiful photos in spite of it all. Happy New Year!

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  5. Wonderful photos so it was all worth it!

    Best wishes for 2013 - may it be a good one for the Useful + Beautiful crew.

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