Live Life Like An Ocean Wave

Myrtle Beach SC  Nikon Cool Pix L120

 I have realized that to live the most peaceful life I can in stressful situations, I had to be a flexible and flowing as an ocean wave moving back and forth towards land.

It is important to evaluate the situation and decide calmly to work hard on the things I can change and to let flow around me the things I cannot change. The ocean waves do not become angry at the rocks blocking it's way on the beach. It will slowly erode the surface of the rock over a long period of time or the rock with dislodge and float away in the currents.

I have had to be honest with myself about what I direction I am taking in life, career and my art. Forcing myself to settle has never be the path to a peaceful mind and spirit. I have learned the hard way to step out on faith and follow my dreams and goals. What you fear will master you.

Ocean waves have to encounter many obstacles while flowing towards the shore. Each barrier is met with power and grace at the same time. I want to be calm, graceful, faithful and powerful against all negative situations that life throws at me. Stressing out about anything does not lead to good health or positive productivity.

I always get the biggest laugh when I watch the seagulls and sandpipers stand with their tiny bird legs in the water searching for food totally unintimidated by the crashing waves. The birds are watchful of the rhythm of the waters but they do not let the size and force of the waves stop them from reaching their goals.

Flow forward in all things.

Peace

Thank you for reading

Thomasina

Mermaid Wall Plaque Art From Christmas Mouse

Every since I was a little girl, I have always loved mermaids. I actually read the very sad ending Little Mermaid story from Hans Christian Andersen long before I ever saw the Walt Disney very happy ending animated movie.

 

I think of mermaids as beautiful strong magical free spirited mysterious women who live on both land and sea. The ocean is such a magnificent powerful full of life place, I think it would be incredible to call that huge body of water home.

 

Whenever I am at the beach, I always look for any mermaid anything I can find. I happened upon this mermaid wall plaque at the Christmas Mouse in Myrtle Beach, SC.

 

 The first time I saw this piece on the wall of a staircase in the store, I did not have enough money to get it. So I went home, saved up my money and purchased the mermaid then next time I went back to the beach. You wouldn't believe how excited I was that it was still there on that return trip. The store does not have a lot in backstock for certain items.

 

I am sure you noticed, my mermaid is sitting in a crystal vase I got from Marshalls years ago. For some reason, I do not want to put her up on a wall yet. Hopefully I can find some sort of stand to sit her in.

 

The sea shell fan and her hands are very well done. It can be really hit or miss with mermaid art. There is the tacky, overly sexy, bad design and the good. I am very very picky when it comes to the pieces I add to my collection.

An overhead view of the mermaid plaque sitting down into the vase. Those are some really big shells on her boobies right? LOL!

I was drawn to this piece because it is very well made. The overall composition, the design of her beautiful face and the artistry. I have seen a lot of very bad mermaid art - we are talkin' scary bad art and poor quality. I will be doing a post on a piece of ulgy mermaid art I did buy - I just could resist.

This close up of her hands holding the shell is so well done. As an artist, I know personally, hands are very hard to draw let alone sculpt. For the price I am very happy with the quality of this piece.

Love this very affordable price. There are other stores that have amazing mermaid art but the price point is extremely out of my small budget range. This company Midwest CBK is apparently for retailers only. So your best bet to purchase this or something similar is at the Christmas Mouse or on Amazon.

The design of the facial features of my mermaids is very important to me. I love her serene graceful pose.

I really wonder if the scales and the tail were carved by hand or if this is a mold. It looks like it was carved to me. The material it is made of seems to be more of a kind of resin not a plaster.

I was so glad the "distressing" is very minimal. My other mermaid statue had too much rough distressing for my taste and I am trying to figure out how to paint over some of the gouges in the surface.

The facial expression reminds me of Madonna art.  Eyes gazing off to into the distance calm and meditative.

Here is a full view of the whole piece. It was actually very hard to photograph these plaque for some odd reason. I really do prefer this plaque to stand rather than hanging on a wall.  I probably want to enjoy observing the piece close up than on a wall in the distance.

The plaque measures about 13 inches tall and at it's widest point (the tail) it is about 3inches.

I was really lucky to find her but now I am on the search for black mermaid art. There seems to be a huge void in the market for them. I am writing a mermaid novel and one of my dreams is to have a whole line of multi cultural mermaids in all colors and shapes to represent the beautiful diverse women of the world.

I Love Sugar - A Fantastic Fun Candy Store In Myrtle Beach, SC

Look! Mermaids! Their tails are made from candy

I don't have enough words to describe how much I love this store. It is I Love Sugar - a candy store in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Fun, colorful, kooky, sweet, happy, huge I could go on and on. I get so much energy and inspiration from bright fun colors and when I walk into this store I can't do anything but smile.

Candy filled tables and very comfortable chairs

It is located on the main "strip" of Myrtle Beach very near the boardwalk. This store is gigantic. The first time I went into the space, mouth just dropped. It is beautifully appointed with all kinds of fun treats to each for children and adults.

Look at how organized everything is. I love how everything has it's place and it does not feel cluttered at all. I don't know how in the world they keep it so neat and clean. The creative merchandise displays and art are an big part of what makes the store so appealing.

If you have been following my blog for a while (and please do on Blogger LOL!) you know I am obsessed with mermaid. I look up and saw this beautiful mermaids and knew this place is going to be one of my favorite places to visit in Myrtle Beach.

 



Hopefully one day I will meet the owner. I would love to ask him where he came up with the store's concept and who designed layout and displays of the store. It is a happy place that kids will love on sight. It is so much fun to watch the kids run around and enjoy the store.

Usually I don't like cement flooring, but it really works in this colorful crazy decor. It actually calms down and centers all the many colors and grounds everything.

 

 

 You can buy the candy in boxes or individual wrapped pieces. But I always get the loose candy sold in the self serve bins that you put into cute clear plastic bags with tongs or a scoop. There is a huge selection of loose candy in several display units around the store. Then you take it to the register and the sales associate will weight it.

It is a little pricy but I always just get a little bit at a time. Also along the store's back wall is a very impressive row of tall jelly bean dispensers. Just be careful not to pull the lever too hard or a huge splash of jelly beans will fall into your bag.

These tables face the street next to a floor to ceiling window. I enjoy people watching especially seeing how people's faces light up and smile when they look in at the all the candy and the bright colors. I was so inspired by this. I want to create things (words and art) that make people smile and laugh.

Mermaids are my spirit mystical beings. When I see a mermaid random somewhere, I think that mermaids find me where ever I am. I was really impressed with how these mermaids were done. I am very picky about mermaid art. I love this concept of photos of women with the candy creations for the mermaid parts.

A very close up shot of the preserved rock candy enclosed in the glass table top. I would love a table like this at home.

The gummy bear table close up. Followed by the M&M table. The tables are not very big in size. They are definitely eye catching. I wish I had thought of this idea.

To top things off there is even a Gelato ice cream counter beside the cash register. All the bases have been covered for any kind of candy you could think of .

I prefer visiting when it is off season and not very crowded. This store is special. You have got to see it for yourself and have fun while you are there.

Thank you for reading my post.

Thomasina

A New Day. A Clean Slate. Don't Waste It.

Myrtle Beach    January 2016 with a CanonPowerShot ELPH 170 IS

I love sunrise and sunset at the beach. The symphony of soothing colors playing in harmony on the brightening or fainting sky is truly awe inspiring.

Watching the sun rise over the ocean waves gives me have so much hope and enthusiasm for the fresh new day. At the end of a day at the beach, watching the sun set over the ocean horizon, I feel thankful to have lived another day of life.

Life is too precious to be wasted. Every breathe is a gift. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by. I appreciate life so much now. Getting through the hard times in life has made me stronger and more aware how precious life is.

My goals are to have a peaceful, creative and productive life. I love encouraging people to be their best and live life to the fullest.

Watching sunrises and sunsets fill me with respect for the Creator and the creation. I hope you will have a wonderful inspiring day today. Go pursue your dreams today. Give yourself permission to live the life you always wanted.

Thank you for reading my post.

Thomasina

Peace

 

 

Waves from the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach

 

 

 

The beach has always been a place of peace, relaxation, happiness and mental cleansing in my life. As I drive down to South Carolina, all of my problems fade away to nothing. The constant chatter in my mind is silenced.

 

 

There were many years when I was unable for many reasons to go to the beach and my life suffered because of that. Being near the water (a lake will do in a pinch LOL!)  instantly makes me focus my calm energy and smile. I will never ever take for granted any trip to ocean after so many years of wanting to visit and being unable to.

 

 

It's my "inner mermaid" longing for her ocean home beneath the crashing waves that pulls me towards the coast every chance I get.

 

 

I am sending out this peaceful foamy sunlit wave to you. I want to give to you the same peaceful calm strengthening positive energy I receive every time I stand on the sandy shore.

 

Today is your positive hopeful productive day. Believe in your inner strength. Run towards your goals.

 

 

Peace be with you my friend.

 

Thank you for reading!

 

Thomasina



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marilyn Monroe Christmas Ornament

 

 

I know Christmas was last month but during the first couple of weeks in January, you can get really good deals on discounted Christmas decorations. Plus it's Marilyn Monroe! LOL!

 

On a beach trip to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, I was browsing the clearance shelf in the Christmas Mouse at Barefoot Landing, and there she was. I was so excited.

 

This is probably the first time I have ever seen a Marilyn ornament like this before. The photo is surrounded by silver  is actually really good clear quality.  It seems to be printed (not glued) onto the center of the ornament.

 

The sides and back of the piece are a very pretty frosted dark pink and red color mixture with two stacked letters" M"in white.  It is topped by a silver shiny mesh bow and string for hanging on the tree.

 

The ornament is a 2012 Official Licensed Product from Museum Masters International. I guess this is not official Estate of Marilyn Monroe merchandise? It was regular priced $11.50 and I got it for $5.00.

 

Christmas in January? I actually enjoy Christmas "stuff"  a lot more when it not the hectic

stressful Christmas season.

 

Here is a link to another Marilyn Monroe post on my blog. Enjoy!

 

Thank you for reading!

 

Thomasina

 

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I hope you all are having a wonderful peaceful lovely day today. I took this picture at Myrtle Beach this past Sunday. Looking at this picture brings back relaxing memories of a fun day in the sunshine.

My trip down to the beach was a last minute decision. I wasn't sure if there was going to be any problems because of the recent flooding in South Carolina. I did not see any damage in the areas I visited. My prayers and positive energy to everyone affected by the flood.

Life for my has been going very well lately.  I have been busy with work and getting my house ready for the coming cold months. Organizing and decluttering are huge projects I have going on now.

Never give up on your dreams and your goals. Last year was a very difficult time but things slowly got better.

Do the things that need to be done. First things first. Work hard everyday to move forward.

Today's post is meant to motivate and encourage you to keep on keeping on even when things are not going very well. Keep moving forward

Thank you for reading!

Thomasina

Sunrise At Myrtle Beach

Watching the sunrise at Myrtle Beach, SC  yesterday morning was not only an awe inspiring sight but it reminded me of how blessed I am. 

I am inspired to paint sunrises over the ocean. I actually became emotional watching that glowing orange and gold  ball of light rise out of the ocean. 

There was a time when I longed to be able to travel to the beach but I did not have the finances or transportation. As a result, I never take for granted being able to travel outside my city limits. 

Roadtrips help me clear my mind, inspire and motivate me. I definitely have a travel bug. 

Thankfully, I did not give up my dream of going to the beach again and after a lot of hard work I visit the beach more than I ever had.

During hard times and dark sad moments, it is easy to want to give up on your dreams. Do not ever give up on your heart's desire. 

You might have to change your plans or revise your strategy but stay focused on getting what you want.

Everyday do something to reach your goals. Believe it is possible. 

If you don't think you can, you are definitely right.

Thank you for reading my blogpost.

Thomasina

Thank You So Much For Your Support!

This tiny little blog has just gone over 3700 page views! 

Thank you all so very much for stopping by and reading my posts. I am deeply honored and humbled by your support.

My blog is not fancy with all the bells and whistles of other blogs. I mostly post from my iPhone 4 because of computer issues but I don't let that stop me.

It's been fun sharing my interests and hobbies with the world. We can all learn from each other. I have met some wonderful new friends online.

My goal for my blog is to be a place of encouragement,repurpose/reuse, creativity, hope, inspiration,faith, crafts, lifestyle, beachlife, art, crafts, books, music, DIYs, jewelry, and  how to save money.

It has been a huge blessing and learning experience having this blog and I can't wait to see how it grows and changes.

Thank you!

Thomasina

Comment below or you can contact me at Thomasinawords@gmail.com

Have A Beach Day Everyday

Go after those dreams. Never give up! But don't forget to make time for those "peaceful time at the beach" moments. 

Your time is so precious. Seek balance and peace. 

Take Care and Bless You!

Thomasina

Photo: Taken by Thomasina at Myrtle Beach, SC

Foggy morning at the ocean

This is my first time experiencing fog at the ocean. Be aware, this not a blurry pic. It was pea soup fog . "Dracula ridin' to port up in his boat in a horror movie" fog. LOL!

Pardon the dramatics but thick fog over a huge spanse of deep water was kinda freaking me out. 

At first, no one was on the beach (Myrtle Beach, SC if you are new to my blog) it seemed creepy, lonely and endless. After a while, I saw some rather spry senior citizens walking their dog like "this is no problem where everybody at"? 

I had a good laugh at myself. A bit later, I ventured outside into the misty air just as the fog was burning off in the sun.

 During this beach trip, I saw the ocean in other types of weather besides sunny for the very first time. Needless to say, I definitely have a very healthy respect for the power of the Atlantic ocean. 

Nature is big, beautiful, and ever changing. But nature has a tremendous amount of both power and mystery.

Thanks for reading!

What If I Had Waited "Until"

I've been doing a lot of thinking about how to live life in a more positive and more productive way. 

One thing that has definitely made a difference is to stop waiting "until".

"I will not go to the beach until I can stay at a fancy hotel."

"I will not start a blog until I have that cool Canon camera the beauty gurus seem to all have."

"I will not do this or that until the perfect moment happens"

This is the perfect recipe to how to completely waste your life. Just do it right now with what you have available. Be resourceful. Be creative. Be flexible. 

I don't have the best camera and have been plaqued with annoying computer problems but I have decided to not allow that to stop me from blogging. 

Are you waiting for someone to give you permission or their approval? Give yourself permission to go after your dreams and goals. 

Right before my recent beach trip, there was a series of obstacles and disappointments, while none of them serious, they almost made me want to cancel my longawaited trip. 

I sat down gathered my anxious thoughts, stepped out on faith and went on my trip. 

Waiting "until" would have made me miss out on one of the best beach vacations I have ever had. 

Don't live in fear. Have an attitude of perservence. You are smart enough to think of a solution that will keep you moving forward. 

Tomorrow it will be 2015 - a brand new year. Please don't hinder your positive progress by waiting around doing nothing "until". 

Thanks for reading!

I Found A Mermaid!

Every time I go to Myrtle Beach, SC, one of my favorite things to look for when I go shopping is mermaids.

I absolutely love mermaids. They (like the real ones) are very hard to find. Well at least the ones that pass my strict criteria: must be beautiful, graceful, not trashy or skanky and the mermaid  item must fit neatly in my very tiny budget. 

The happy and thoughtful mermaid sign was purchased at the year round Christmas store Christmas Mouse located at Barefoot Landing

in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The price was only $3.75. I was very happy to find a mermaid I really liked for that low price.  

The sign is made for a very thin lightweight wood and painted a pale pink. The mermaid figure is a silhouette in black. The letters are in green. 

This is one of a few items I've gathered to start my mermaid collection. 

Other mermaid "sightings" while shopping posts are on the way. 

Thanks for reading!

Myrtle Beach 2014 - On The Way To The Beach

South of the Border - It's a lot of things: It's a rest stop, motor inn (another word for motel?), souvenir shops, amusement parks and attractions, and they sell fireworks. I'm always glad to see the big sombrero tower because I tell myself I'm half way to Myrtle Beach.

 
                                                           The tower with the sombrero on top.

I loved  this t shirt with the glitter accent on the sandals. This picture does not do it any justice because it looks so much better in person. But twenty-one dollars for a regular t shirt - no way. Maybe ten dollars.

This gorgeous tree was located in the South Carolina Visitors Center. I gathered a lot of brochures not just for Myrtle Beach but other cool places to visit in the state.

Driving into downtown Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I love the feeling of driving down this street and knowing I am finally back in the city and beach I love so much.

                                   Close up shot of the South Carolina Visitor Center's Christmas tree.

LOL! This is a mechanical mermaid in a miniature golf amusement park across from the McDonald's. She was the first mermaid I saw on my trip. Her tail moved up and down. 

One of my first pictures of the beach. I grabbed some McDonalds and headed to the beach to eat with an ocean side view. 

I was at Myrtle Beach only for two days and this day had sun and the next day was gloomy (but still beautiful in it's own way). Thankfully I took a lot of pics on the day with the most sun. It was perfect temperatures for both days. Comfortably cool or outright warm temperatures in December? Strange but wonderful.

A walkway to the beach. I love peaceful pictures like this. Crowded beaches are not fun for me at all. Very few people were at the beach. It was mostly me and lots of cute old people. 

McDonald's in Myrtle Beach. I loved the beach themed decor. Surfboard tables and water reflection picture tables. This actually reminded me of a scene in Veronica Mars where Veronica and her dad are having breakfast in a really tacky super decorated beach themed restaurant.

More pictures from my trip are on the way. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanks for reading!