{places nearby that inspire me}

For as long as I can remember I've always lived near the beach. In fact, most of my childhood memories center around the shore and the many days I spent collecting shells and swimming in the warm salty water. I also remember the boardwalk and playing games in the arcades, buying ice cream, and going to the flea markets near the sea. I loved growing up in South Carolina, I can't think of a better place to be as a child and I certainly have fond memories of my life there. For this reason, whenever I need to clear my head I always drive to the coast. I'm in New England now about 45 minutes away from the ocean but I still try to visit the beach when I have free time and can spend at least a few hours roaming the shoreline. I can't believe that just yesterday I was standing on this very sand, camera in hand, enjoying 62 degree weather and today I awoke to a snowstorm with my car completely buried under a mountain of white. These photos were taken on Plum Island, adjacent to Newburyport, Massachusetts which is located about an hour (by car) from my home. Isn't it pretty? We have no shells, the sand is beige (not white), and the water is usually very cold and dark blue but it's still a very pretty and serene place to think, draw your name in the sand, and reflect on all of the blessings in life. I don't want to forget yesterday so these photos are here to remind me that warmer days are not that far away. They will also remind me of how refreshing the salty air felt against my skin coupled with warm sunshine. I'm reminded of the sound of gulls soaring above, waves slamming against rocks, and the way the sand crunched beneath my feet. Speaking of the sea, this summer (fingers crossed) when I'm back in my German apartment I'm hoping to visit the coast and go up to Denmark (Copenhagen) to have another meet and greet for bloggers like I did last year in Amsterdam and Berlin. I can't wait to see the coast in Denmark and to photograph it to see how it differs to the New England shoreline. (photographs by holly becker)