Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sand and sky




It was after Labor Day, and she was on the beach. In her swimsuit. Her mother would have been horrified; when she was growing up in New York, swimsuits were banished the day after Labor Day. She remembered swimming all day long, trying to store up enough of the slippery cool wetness and hot sun on her back to last a whole winter.

Not that winter started the day after Labor Day; nope, even in New York there were lots of warm days left after Labor Day. The lake stayed warm and inviting right into October, some years. But no one went swimming after Labor Day. Not ever. And, after awhile, she'd stopped asking why, stopped trying to argue her swimsuit back down from the attic, and absorbed the rule into her own way of looking at the world.

There was no swimming after Labor Day.

But here, on the California Coast, they didn't seem to know that rule. She wasn't alone on the beach; there were lots of other people basking in the sun and cavorting in the waves. Toddlers building sand castles with their young mothers; older couples walking hand in hand on the hard sand; single people, like her, their towels and cell phones marking their boundaries and connections to the real world. She made circles in the sand with her big toe for awhile, checked her messages; then, self-consciously, got up and strolled down to the ocean.

Looking furtively around for any sign of her childhood, she defiantly waded into the surf.

© 2008 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

14k gold-filled chain maille, seed beads, and lampwork beads by Melissa Vess of Inner Realm Creations. Hand fabricated, bead embroidery princess length necklace.

9 comments:

Claudia said...

E' uno spettacolo incredibile ... what a wonderful beadwork!

Mary Harding said...

Beautiful necklace. I love the way you incorporate the wirework with the bead work. So seamless. I saw your work on Art Bead Scene. Fab.

Joanne said...

Yet another stunning peice!

Maggie R said...

Your work is fabulous! I wish !!!! I had to stop beading for awhile due to an eye problem whic I hope will be better soon.!! However,I did enjoy doing bracelets, but nothing complicated... Now I am going back to look at your work and drool!! VBG
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie

- egy robot - said...

This piece is absolutely stunning!

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous! I love the colors you used and of course the design is exquisite!

Anonymous said...

Wouaouuu! It is very beautiful! Magnificent necklace
a big bravo

Anonymous said...

I love this piece and its wonderful that you use stories with your work. I love it! Thankyou for being true to your art.

Anonymous said...

This piece is so lovely. I particularly enjoy the way you've combined the rings, wire wraps and the seed work. Excellent stuff. ;-)