Shelling is beach therapy. I love a long walk along the water’s edge searching for wildlife and picking up a few beautiful shells.
Yesterday at Sanibel’s Bowmans Beach, the crowds disappeared as we walked passed the families set up for their beach day with umbrellas, coolers and beach chairs. The further we walked, the quieter my mind became. Everything else on the planet slipped away other than seeing a big wide open beach with shells, sand, water and sky.
Then the trance began. It’s like I’m being hypnotized each time I’m at the beach when I hear the waves wash up on the sand with jingle of shells rolling back and forth.
When I walk along the shell line from a recent higher tide I’m searching for shapes, textures and colors of the shells I know so well. Aha! A SHARK’S EYE hidden among the ARKS, KITTENS PAWS and VENUS CLAMS.
There are days when the shells are piled high or washing up at your feet in droves but long walks like Clark and I took yesterday are my absolute favorite. It’s what keeps me going back time and time again. It’s my beach therapy.
Amazingly enough when we got back, I got a little surprise in my email inbox. I’m in a short little film about shelling! I was asked in an interview back in February about what I love about shelling. Well…. everything actually! But then it all boiled down to how it makes me feel- I’m just so dang happy when I’m on the beach and shelling takes my mind to another galaxy. It makes me appreciate how beautiful this life is. It’s just that simple. I am over the moon shell about this video, humbled and honored that I was asked to participate in it.
I hope you enjoy!
PS- Oh and yes- That’s Elliot Sudal (Shelliot- heehee ) in the film too. See? I told you he isn’t just a fisherman, he’s a sheller! CLICK HERE to read my post about him.
Excellent Pam! You really put it into words!
Well done. Enjoy!
Awesome video !! Pam your smile just BEAMS!! The Shellbasador for Sanibel !!
Great Job !!!!
Amen shell sista!🐚🐚🐚
Do you ever get attacked by no-see-ums?
I was on the island last week–in fact my friends and I went on your shelling trip on the 20th.
After four days spending a lot of time walking on the beaches, my friends and I were completely covered in little bites that turned into itchy welts. Not fun.
Pay attention to the wind before going. If the wind is out of the East, take your bug spray. If the wind is out of the West, no worries!
I watched the video yesterday! It was great and I wanted to jump on a plane. I hope I have a chance to come back next year! It’s a slice of heaven!
Makes me want to come back to Sanibel Island so much more….ha ha, as if that were possible! Great job, Pam!
Very beautiful and so very true. I go out for a long walk on the beach and just happen to find beautiful little treasures all along the way. My mornings are filled with peace and serenity…and a few special treasures in my bag make the day even more fulfilling. Love the beach!
We are lucky enough to have five miles of beach to walk on that during the week is usually completely empty – that is my favorite time to walk, no music – just listening to the waves :)
You said everything perfectly! You captured my thoughts that I could never find the words for. Friends and family think it is just about finding shells! I will share this with them and they will understand! Thanks Pam!
Pam,
Loved the video! Your photos are beautiful! You are a natural, and you make me want to get back out there
and go shelling even though I thought I had a life time supply!
Ada
Beautiful, Pam. I WANT TO BE THERE!!!
I agree with Julie!! Well done, Pam!!
This just brought tears to my eyes- “moments of time you’re reflecting on life.” I love Sanibel Island-when ever I am there I feel happy and peaceful and at awe at the beauty that God has created. I enjoy the shelling but the wildlife is appealing too and the sunsets are spectacular night after night. I feel close to God when there and I think that is why I come back time after time. I come at least several times a year and in different months and it is always the same-BEAUTIFUL.
Great film Pam
Shelling Sister Susan-Panama City, FL
Loved the video. I feel the same on Sanibel
Great film—Shelling on Sanibel Island has given me a new lease on life!!
We were in Naples for 3 months this winter and visited Sanibel 10 times while there. My wife and I find time slips magically away while on the beach. It is mesmerizing to just walk and look and before you know it 3 or 4 hours have passed. It is a wonderful feeling.
When did you go so as to avoid the traffic?
The film captured Sanibel and Captiva perfectly. It also captured you perfectly as well-your enthusiasm and joy for life came across. You are truly San/Cap’s best ambassador.
WOW!!! Thank you, Pam, for making us want another visit to Sanibel…We have only been gone for a month and it already feels like an eternity. I agree with Marilyn! That film captured the islands and your love for nature on the islands perfectly! Thank you for a wonderful therapeutic session, Pam. Looking forward to our next “live” therapy session!
I’ve been off-line for a couple of days, so I’m just seeing this now. As everyone has said, you are a fantastic spokesperson and ambassador for Sanibel and Captiva. Your love of the beach is infectious and you and Clark must be so proud. (And Shelliot did a great job too. :) )
Is there a person or group who would be interested in teaching a shelling class to a girl scout group so they can earn their shell badge please contact me at motherpann@yahoo.com
Phyllis, call the shell museum! They have programs for jids
Really enjoyed the video, the sights and sounds bring me back to a peaceful place. One of the my best finds while visiting Sanibel is new friends, those fellow shellers you only meet once or the ones you see every year you visit. Pam you and Clark are a very special couple.
That was wonderful Pam! We’ll be in Sanibel on guys 18th! I can’t wait for those quiet walks!
I loved watching the video. You express so well the excitement of shelling. While I watched, I wanted to grab a bag and hop on a plane. :-)
Four friends and I will be returning to Sanibel next weekend for a week of Shell Therapy. Can’t wait to feel sand in my toes and Gulf breezes on our walks!!