Orenda Ayashe

Gotta get away or go nuts, that's how I see it. But it's not always to get AWAY from anything it's to go TOWARDS something.

Quality Inn Ocean Shores. oceanshoresqualityinn.com. The front desk clerks were super friendly and informative. The room was clean, quiet and comfortable.

The seaside hotels didn't used to have these reminders but since the likelihood of major weather events has increased in the last decade or two, it is fitting and appreciated.

This grocery store has been around longer than I've even started coming to Ocean Shores. It was packed when I popped in. Seeing it still here in town makes me happy that some things DO stay the same.

With a giggle, I entitled this photo based on a cute remark that a dear friend Bobbi said. When she saw my long shadow legs, she said, "Oh how you've grown!"

Ever since I was a kid, beaches have always been my magical place; no matter the weather. I was pleased and happy to have sun here on the coast after weeks of rain in-land.

This artistic natural scene seems almost deliberate. Like the sky was saying "Hi people on the shore! Look up! Check THIS out."

I really enjoy finding art in natural settings. I occasionally study and read about the natural designs that Youniverse creates (tree branches look like our veins, planets look like our pupils, whirlpools look like tornadoes, desert sands look like our fingerprints, etc.) In this photo I just like the repeating ripples...like glass.

Thank You Sunshine What a joy it was to have the sun rays shine on me for the afternoon as I sat in the hatchback of my Honda van with a beer, snacks and fun talks and texts with friends.

Amazed at how well my Droid takes photos. This had to be the height of some beautiful sunset moments over the ocean.

A breeze picked up and a chill swept into the air as the sun slept in the water. Along with beaches, sunsets are extremely touching parts of Life for me.

I usually do all of my journaling on Sundays, so after complimentary breakfast in the dining area, I sat outside in an old wooden bench with fading brown paint on it. I wrote while the bright sun bounced off my white sweatshirt. A father and son quietly played mini-golf.

I received a map on how to reach the North Jetty. I'd been here several times before but it's been years. This part of the beach at Ocean Shores is "wilder". The waves crash against the rocks here.

The morning tide was out so there was a lot of good, packed walking sand and many precious little sea treasures to look at, touch, wonder over and adopt.

This Seahorse sculpture along the main drag, is one that must have been constructed within the last few years. I think it's a nice addition to this touristy but always fun little area.

I brought home special slippers that I bought in town, soft fudge, a few rocks and shells, the remainder of IPAs I didn't drink, shampoos from the hotel room and a driftwood branch.