From July 8, 2012

Every now and again I get myself out of bed in time for the magic I tell myself I should get out of bed for all the time.  Thank goodness the moment lasts when I do finally make it.  On this particular moment, somebody from the Villa was using a lacrosse stick to throw a ball for his Lab, and that dog flew like the wind to fetch that thing.  That was to my right, and it was a gorgeous sight.  

To my left were the three or four turtle patrol volunteers with their multiple plastic bags of litter they had collected while I was still tying on my sneakers back at the house.  They are out every day doing the same thing for the same reason:  because they respect the beach that is the nesting ground to many a sea turtle.  I join them in their labor of love, though I am not a member of the club.  

In the evening I fill holes and break down castles that might become obstacles to nesting turtles.  And I make myself unpopular with the mommies and professional photographers who stick their subjects in the dunes for the Christmas card photos by reminding them it's illegal to be in the dunes.  I walk away wondering how they can be here in this magical, beautiful place that is larger than any life we can imagine yet still think it's all about them. 

How to tell ignorant people the sand has dreams as it awaits the turtles, and the sun's rising affirms the beauty and wonder of the wait?  I wish I knew.

Skywatch Friday