“The Power Of The Ocean Is Inconceivable. Its Strength, Unobtainable.”
~Terry Pottinger
©Photo by one of my most cherished friends, Judy Birman / Haifa, Israel
What a magnificent gift! And what a brilliant idea to set this world in Awe. As I ponder this profound present Nature has bestowed on us, my body reacts with goosebumps. What can we give back to it in equal measure?
As I stand on the shoreline,
wet sand seeping through my toes
With my eyes closed, breathing in the smell,
the salty ocean connects me to Its power source.
In my next breath, to its undisturbed peace.
This dynamic energy soars through the center of my being,
and lifts it to unimaginable heights.
Even when the ocean’s mighty fury shows itself,
there is a calmness that doesn’t wander.
Like the eye of a hurricane where its secretive silence lives deep,
there is nothing except the movement of where tranquility rests.
How euphoric it is to imagine being in this kind of stillness,
this kind of sanctuary.
What can we give back to It in equal measure?
Our appreciation,
our joy,
our deep connection
and breathing in the glory of Its presence.💖
“We Are Like Islands In The Sea, Separate On The Surface But Connected In The Deep.” ~William James
©Photo taken by the Author / Newport, Rhode Island
I took this glistening, compelling picture at “The Cliff Walk” in Newport, RI. This stretch is a 3.5-mile walk with incredible all-encompassing ocean views. On the other side are beautiful mansions that overlook these waters. We would go in September when the weather was perfect, and the manicured back lawns on the estates were open, so sometimes I would stretch out on the grass, close my eyes, and allow the sound of the crashing waves to soothe my spirit.
“DARE TO LOVE YOURSELF AS IF YOU WERE A RAINBOW WITH GOLD AT BOTH ENDS” ~Author & Poet Aberjhani
Photo By Jeff Pottinger / Maui
This beautiful scene was taken from our vacation balcony a few years ago in Hawaii. The weather was in between rainfalls, and this rainbow was our gift for visiting. The shark below is relaxing, waiting for some visitors to come by for lunch.😳
Kidding.😉
It was a piece of driftwood, but in my imagination, it was a shark. It makes for a “catch-your-breath,” hand-to-heart kind of story...don’t you think?😅
It was so warm that relaxation came easily when I’d go out in the water, even when a huge tortoise slowly swam by me; I just watched. It paid me no mind, and kept going. It was such a peaceful creature, and as it left, I returned to being one with the water.
“Oceans Separate Lands, Not Souls..” ~Munia Khan
Photo By Jeff Pottinger / Pitlochry, Scotland
We were visiting family in Scotland a while back, and they had a little vacation place just down the way from this picturesque scene. The home, built in the 1930s, was made out of rock. Our cousin’s grandfather built the stove into the rock wall. The floors creaked as we walked, which gave me the thrill of visualizing past stories, which was their view😳.
I could envision myself on a small ship in the 1800s, wishing I could live on one of the hills surrounding this masterpiece. It is simply breathtaking.
“Let The Waves Carry You Where The Light Cannot.” ~Mohit Kaushik
Photo by Jeff Pottinger / Cardiff By The Sea, San Diego
A couple of years ago, we had a family gathering in Cardiff By The Sea in San Diego to celebrate our son and his husband’s engagement. A few of us shared a VRBO, which was taken in the backyard after a rainstorm at dusk. I visualized heaven opening up to share its profound beauty for all of us to see and admire.
“A RIVER SEEMS A MAGIC THING. A MAGIC, MOVING LIVING PART OF THE VERY EARTH ITSELF.” ~Laura Gilpin
A wall photo found at a beach shop On Edisto Island, South Carolina, taken by a local artist (Unknown)
While enjoying our yearly Timeshare on Edisto Island, we walked into a quaint little shop. There was a picture hanging on the wall that caught my eye. When I asked about it, the store assistant said that the local artist who took the photo saw a beautiful Nature scene and snapped the one-of-a-kind photo with their camera. (Wow! Can we say “Gifted”)
As you examine this piece, you will notice a lot going on. The river behind the driftwood splashes itself against the rocks, twigs of unique shapes and sizes sporadically intertwined.
In this picture, I instantly saw myself. Before I say anything more, look at the art photo again and see what speaks to you. When visitors come to our home and examine this river scene, I ask them the same question.
Some say they see a small squirrel; others say seagulls flying and a crab with a tail. I see a woman running through the pieces of driftwood with her hair flowing behind her. Both her arms are outstretched, one ahead of her and the other behind. Her torso moves gracefully ahead as her limbs follow. Do you see her? No one in the store saw this woman until I pointed it out.
Of course, I bought it because, when Nature calls me that clearly, who am I not to listen?
Our relationship with Nature is very unique and personal. The closer we connect with It, the closer It comes to us and opens our eyes to its beauty, wisdom, and splendor. Sharing this with others brings awareness and growth to our surroundings.
Thought to ponder:
We have patiently awaited the warmth of this time of year; it is here, so what creative plans have been swimming in your beautiful mind? Will you allow them to unfold and experience the richness of today? There are so many options. Think about what will give you joy, curiosity, and adventures. Maybe turn onto a street you have never seen. Here is your beginning, and where will you end?
Thank you for stopping by and reading or listening. May the day be filled with all that you desire to bring joy, hope and peace to your life.🦋
©2025 Terry Pottinger