Down The Shore

So I was sitting here this morning "Down the Shore" (a truly Jersey phrase) contemplating all that down the shore means to me. Here I am drinking my coffee, watching the sun come up over the water, trying to catching what little breeze we are going to have on what is going to be a hot and humid day, and all I can think is....this is so NOT what is being broadcast about New Jersey on TV these days.

This is what Down The Shore is for me.....

- Slow mornings with a cup of coffee, saying good morning to the ocean - before anyone else gets there.
-Taking a walk along the boardwalk at Seaside Park or Island Heights.

-Going to Mrs. ObCo's for fresh donuts first thing in the morning before they sell out.
-Watching the sailboat races on Barnegat Bay on Saturday mornings from the bulkhead.
-Crabbing off the pier in Island Heights and trying to figure if fish heads or chicken skin is the best bait.
-Waiting till after the first full moon in July to go crabbing because that's when the crabs will be over 5 inches.
-Watching my husband and son play in the waves and body surf together - knowing that this is what my husband's father did with him and what my son will someday do with his son.
-The annual family gathering and days filled with so much laughter and good conversation.
-The whole family building sandcastles together.
-Coming home from a day at the beach and pulling together a fabulous seafood meal with lobster and crab and corn on the cob and eating till we're stuffed!
-Grabbing a seat under the tree with a glass of wine and having some quiet conversation after a full day of activities.
-The Fourth of July Bike parade in Seaside Park - with all the families and their decorated bikes and the kids riding as fast as they can past the fire truck's gushing fire hose - while the mom's stand back trying to figure out how to get past without getting soaked.
-Arriving Down The Shore and going "Once Around the Lagoon" before we head to the house.
-Staying at the beach all day till that "perfect light" arrives and just watching the beauty that is The Jersey Shore.

My summers are filled with moments that will take my breath away for years to come. They are calm and beautiful and special times that I know I will never forget.

I will be doing a limited number of "Down The Shore" sessions this summer. Call and book your session soon. 908-868-8023

Peace and Love,

Gail

Taking the Indoors Out

We had a little bit of fun last week. I have this cool, funky chair I got at Home Again, a totally awesome furniture consignment shop in New Providence. I love this store and have gotten some really cool things there. You should check it out. (http://www.homeagaindesignnj.com ).

My little friend, C. and I took my chair out into my garden to have a change of scenery. I loved the idea of taking something and putting it where you normally wouldn't see it. And then I had a little more fun creating a beautiful work of art for her that looks a little like the Anthropologie ads! She is such a cool, hip little girl! Love her!!!!