Into the Sun

10" x 14" watercolour on 300# Arches cold-pressed paper

Most times, sandy coastal beaches are scoured flat and broad but, other times, especially after storms, they are bumpy with riffles, puddles and pools that collect reflecting water. I recall when my kids were young how much fun it was to run in bare feet, puddle to puddle, each warmed from the sun. Some puddles were so large to become ponds that enticed the kids to dive in for a shallow, splashy swim, after which they’d run into the colder surf, squealing with delight and shock. We’re all older now, more sedate—walking along a puddled beach into the sun seems a satisfying alternative, at least until the heat of summer returns and, regardless of your age, you’ll kick off your shoes and wade in.