We are back in the Pacific Northwest now, but haven't yet had a chance to check on the Pacific Ocean. (I'm pretty sure it is still there -- it always seems to get along just fine without us.)
These pictures are from the other Coast -- taken on our last trip to the Gulf while we were in Florida.
I put the picture part of this post together while we were still at the Canal Cottage, but didn't have time to post them before we closed things up for the season.
We don't bring shells home any more (from either Coast). We live in small spaces and it would be very easy to fill up every available surface with these treasures.
So we take only pictures. (And on the beach, we don't even leave footprints.)
I spent some time trying to find names for some of these shells -- instead of doing whatever I was supposed to be doing. But I didn't have much luck. Either there were no matches at all (like of the one above) or there were too many -- several that looked quite similar.
So please enjoy -- as we do -- just for the beauty and the wonder!
Thank you to the hosts of the following four wonderful sharing opportunities: Laura's I HEART MACRO; Gemma's MONDAY MACRO; Judith's MOSAIC MONDAY and OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY (because we're still too busy getting caught up here on this coast). (OWT is hosted by the team of Lady Fi, Gattina, Arija, Sandy, Sylvia, and Jenn.)
I love shells and usually have to collect just a few from whatever beach I visit. But taking photos takes up less space. I do hope you get to the Pacific soon. Just to make sure it's still there.
Posted by: Gaelyn | July 18, 2015 at 05:25 PM
Really beautiful photos especially with the sand in the background.... Michelle
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | July 17, 2015 at 07:55 PM
There is something about treasures from the mysterious sea!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | July 17, 2015 at 06:07 PM
What beautiful [photos of the shells. Take only photos and memories - I like that.
Posted by: Barb | July 16, 2015 at 07:25 PM
I love shells too. Yours are truly beauties. In both color and shape :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep | July 15, 2015 at 11:55 AM
Dearest Sallie; Seeing these pretty sand and shells, I reminisce my young days my father took us to the beach♪ I remember collecting and made summer homework. The forth one is really beautiful (yes, whatever its name is)♡♡♡
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | July 15, 2015 at 04:50 AM
The reason why I love Cancun is because of the excellent beach combing to be had. These are lovely shells.
Posted by: Photo Cache | July 14, 2015 at 04:13 PM
Sallie, Great shell pics! Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.
Posted by: Sylvia D. | July 14, 2015 at 11:20 AM
All very beautiful and creative shells photography!
Happy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | July 14, 2015 at 09:27 AM
I do miss the ocean and the sand and shells...your beautiful shares have brought me so many wonderful memories flooding back!
Posted by: Donna@Gardens Eye View | July 14, 2015 at 08:52 AM
Haha, haven't we all been carried away by collecting shells to bring home. Much cleaner and less space to take photos as you have to look back on.
Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday Sallie.
Posted by: Judith @ Lavender Cottage | July 14, 2015 at 07:18 AM
The shells are lovely.
And I also find there is no room in my life for such 'treasures'.
Digital photography has made it so much easier to collect things I want to see over and over.
Posted by: VioletSky | July 14, 2015 at 05:09 AM
A lovely collection of treasures. Virtual treasures are the best, but I must confess that I have lots of stuff that I need to get rid of.
Posted by: Gunilla | July 14, 2015 at 02:18 AM
Lovely shots. :)
Posted by: Adam Jones | July 14, 2015 at 02:02 AM
Their texture, colour and design are beautiful. What a great way to spend your time - shell hunting.
Posted by: fun60 | July 14, 2015 at 01:40 AM
This is a wonderful collection and takes up just virtual space.
Posted by: Indrani | July 14, 2015 at 12:04 AM
Gorgeous shells Sallie! I would be so tempted even though I am trying to get rid of clutter. Yes, the Pacific is still there and beautiful as always:)
Blessings, Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | July 13, 2015 at 11:10 PM
Beautiful. As a kid I would used to collect them.
Posted by: Rajesh | July 13, 2015 at 09:10 PM
Your shells are so pretty! I like to know the names, too, but don't always find them. But, that's ok. I still enjoy them.
Posted by: bettyl - NZ | July 13, 2015 at 06:36 PM
Welcome home to the northwest, Sallie!!! Oh, I do love your collection of shells and the images you've captured!! They're one of the things that I love most about the beaches!! Hope you're enjoying a great new week!!
Posted by: sylviakirk | July 13, 2015 at 05:58 PM
Oh my, this is a beautiful collection of shell images.
Posted by: Felicia | July 13, 2015 at 05:43 PM
Shells are so beautiful. Your images are wonderful. I like your method of collection -- by picture! Lovely! Happy Monday!
Posted by: Snap | July 13, 2015 at 02:11 PM
These shells are all so beautiful! How do you resist taking them home?? :) Your way is much better, though: taking a photo that you can always go back and look at. Plus, it's there for others to see. What stunning images for your blog today!
Posted by: Gail Dixon | July 13, 2015 at 12:38 PM
Sometimes that is exactly what we should do; "just for the beauty and the wonder!" I love these photos, Sallie. The top one is so well done. It reminds me of the drawings of an artist/illustrator I appreciate, Marjolein Bastin. Very lovely.
Posted by: Penny | July 13, 2015 at 09:24 AM
I'm nutty about shells, always have been. I appreciate these lovely photos. Thank you!
Posted by: Dianne | July 13, 2015 at 08:11 AM
Beautiful seashell photos and mosaics. I hope you're enjoying your time in the PNW - up here on Vancouver Island we've had hazy skies but it looks like things are clearing up. Hope you get to the Pacific ocean soon.
Posted by: Lorrie | July 13, 2015 at 08:11 AM
A wonderful collection of shells! They are beautiful! And also your photos! :)
Have a great week!
Posted by: Mary | July 13, 2015 at 06:23 AM
Pretty shells. I would love to visit an ocean beach to collect shells!
Posted by: EG CameraGirl | July 13, 2015 at 05:00 AM
Amazingly beautiful post, very reflective and tranquil! Thank you!
Posted by: Cathy | July 13, 2015 at 04:54 AM
all these shells are so beautiful !!! especially the the white and yellow one :-)
Posted by: ak-ut | July 13, 2015 at 04:22 AM
Fabulous shots Sallie and I love how you have framed them.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | July 13, 2015 at 04:13 AM
Nice shots - there is always something to photograph on a beach.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | July 13, 2015 at 03:18 AM
Beautiful!
Have a great week!
Posted by: Lea | July 13, 2015 at 12:41 AM
These are really gorgeous shells !
Posted by: Gattina | July 12, 2015 at 11:38 PM
I agree that the ocean gets along quite well without me checking on it - but - I don't get on so well unless I can be on or by the ocean! The shells are beautiful - I especially like the ones that are so worn down by the ocean that they are hard to recognize.
Posted by: Mick | July 12, 2015 at 11:30 PM
It's great seeing the seashells. I don't get to see many here in Iowa.
Posted by: Ratty | July 12, 2015 at 10:58 PM
What a great collection of pretty seashells you got, Sallie!
I picked-up some at Marina Beach in Madras, when I visited India.
Now, they are in our fountain.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!
Have a Wonderful Week!
Namaste :)
Posted by: Chandra | July 12, 2015 at 08:39 PM
Pretty markings, they accentuate the spiral of the shell. I have a few shells, but I'm also out of room to get more. I didn't see many shells on the beach in Oregon.
Posted by: Hannah | July 12, 2015 at 06:52 PM
Beautiful shells. We don't take them home any longer either. We just enjoy them, maybe take a pic and put them back for the next people.
Posted by: Yogi | July 12, 2015 at 06:37 PM
We collected those and never knew the names. I think we still might have a jar full somewhere. I'm just glad you had a shell of a good time before you went north!
Posted by: Lowell | July 12, 2015 at 05:33 PM
I love your shell photos and I'll keep this in mind for the future. I have jars of shells now and I'm running out of room. Love seeing the pretty sand. It's been to hot to take a drive to the beach. Enjoy your week as you spend time up there! Sweet hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | July 12, 2015 at 05:32 PM
hope you get to do an ocean check soon! :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | July 12, 2015 at 05:26 PM
Sallie! Those sea shells are so fabulous. I don't think I've ever seen such beauties on the Southern California beaches where I grew up. I'm so glad we are cooling down in the Pacific Northwest! Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: ellen b | July 12, 2015 at 04:33 PM
Love the sea shells. We no longer pick them up either but I still have the ones we collected 40 years ago. Happy memories
Posted by: Florence | July 12, 2015 at 03:54 PM
I'm fascinated by beautiful sea shells. Used to collect them every year on vacation in Florida. These are lovely.
Posted by: Pat | July 12, 2015 at 03:15 PM
I started doing the same thing A photo shell collection.... when I lived on the coast in Brooklyn! I saw so many cool shells but had no room for them I did however create a crab leg collection!
Posted by: Sondra-SC | July 12, 2015 at 02:48 PM
I just love the freedom of taking pictures and enjoying them later. They are so light to carry and preserve memories and the wonders all around us without added burden. We have a few similar shells that we gathered and purchased here on the west coast. They look nice in containers but having them in a digital album preserves them in a beautiful way.
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | July 12, 2015 at 02:34 PM
Hello Sallie, I love the pretty seashells, mosaic and your images. I pick up a shell once in awhile and I like to look for the seaglass. Enjoy your day and the new week ahead!
Posted by: Eileen | July 12, 2015 at 02:19 PM