February 10, 2011

Sun, Sand and Sea...

As we slowly move towards mid February, the sensation of winter's finale becomes slightly more obvious.
The allure of the Ice Lady is slowly fading, yet we all know too well that her reign isn't ending just yet.

At the commencement of this second month, my entire being becomes slowly infused with a certain longing. A longing that only intensifies in strength by each passing week. It makes me daydream and my perception travels to warmer latitudes, where the tropics rule. Where hot sun is on the menu and the warm sand and the clear sea - in all the shades of green and blue - is the place to be.

To all of you who too feel the onset of mild winter blues and long for some sun and sea, I dedicate the collage below.

It is compiled of photographs depicting the stunning shores I have visited in my life - some were rocky, some were sandy. Some are in the Mediterranean, some in the Caribbean or the Atlantic Ocean. Even the North Sea can surprise us at times with its seemingly tropical beauty. Sometimes the seas were dark blue, at times green or turquoise - but they all had one thing in common - they lifted my spirits and soothed my soul.

(Please click the image below for a larger view)

31 comments:

Christmas-etc... said...

"The allure of the Ice Lady is slowly fading..." I love the way you put that! It is so true! We are so excited about the onset of winter but then... get to this point and are a bit tired of cold. The truth is, waiting for Spring to arrive makes it all the sweeter when it does! And you in the northern lands have all of Summer to enjoy as well!
Your collage is just lovely - you have been to so many really special beaches!
Blessings to you dear, Zuzana!
Ann

S. Susan Deborah said...

I echo the first line of Ann. the line described beautifully the fatigue of winter. Here it is the opposite. Since it is always sunny, we always want winter to extend her stay in our place.

Such different climes but still we remain connected.

Joy always,
Susan

Elisabeth said...

One day, Zuzana you might include the shores of Australia in such a collection, some sandy, some rocky, some blustery, and others balmy.

We ave all climates here, from the extremes of the antarctic in Tamania in the depths of winter to the heat of the tropics up top near Darwin and Cairns and beyond.

Thanks, Zuzana, for reminding us of the cyclical nature of weather.

Brian Miller said...

you have cisited some gorgeous places...having lived on the beachfor a couple years...i def feel that longing...the sun & sand...salt air...ahhh....

Anonymous said...

There's nothing quite as gorgeous as the blues and greens of tropical ocean waters. It's one of the only ways my husband can relax 100%... to be on any one of these beaches.

Di

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

YEP! I am THERE...tired of winter and ready for a CHANGE in weather. In our part of the world the late winter, early spring often brings lots of rain...and I begin to sound a bit whiny when I LONG for blue skies rather than GRAY!

Wonderful, WARMING photos Zuzana!

Claus said...

Beautiful blue skies Zuzana! That one from Brazil took my breath away! We are in summer, so I'm feeling a bit guilty (but lucky!) to have this wonderful weather when many are deep in snow. While I live in a tropical country, living in the city, far from the ocean, doesn't make me very happy. I will, though, visit the Pacific Ocean sometime in April. Woohoo!! Cannot wait!
Sending you warm thoughts and hugs from sunny Guatemala! hang in there!

Myrna R. said...

I was born in the tropical island paradise of Puerto Rico. While I love my mountains and the desert of New Mexico, your words and the collage of such beautiful beaches, made me realize that I miss the ocean.

(Thanks Zuzana for your kind words in response to my last post.)

Sukanya said...

Aahhhhh... Sun, Sand and Sea... Im so looking forward for the winter to end.. And true Zuzana.. The blue green sea always seems to sooth me and refresh me. The collage is absolutely lovely. Loved the Croatia and Puerto Rico beach clicks especially. Very beautiful.

Cheers,
Sukanya

Julie Hibbard said...

Stunning. And the photos are wonderful too. You brighten so many peoples' lives, Zuzana.

Anonymous said...

Your beach photos are so gorgeous and make me long for the warm sun and blue water. Our morning temperature here was -5 today. We are very winter weary, too. But I looked at the extended forcast and it says the temps will be 50 degrees next week! Hard to believe, but I guess it's possible : )

Unknown said...

Yes! Thank you... definitely hit the Feb blues this week! You've inspired me to go digging for some of our very own beach scenes boost for this week!
Thank you Zuzana!
Beautiful beaches you've visited!
Deb

Laura said...

beautiful images Zuzana...thank you for bringing a little warmth and sea breeze into my day:)

Ms.Chief loves wigwams! said...

well, there's only one thing for it . . pack ya suitcase .. one must nourish the longings within :)

Hilary said...

A wonderful and warming collage, my friend. You certainly have traveled a lot!

Bhushavali said...

Stunning shores indeed. Love the turquoise beaches!!!
Top For Sale - 2
The most beautiful eco-tour - Parappalaru Falls

Colleen said...

Zuzana, beautiful beautiful images! I feel the same, I am longing for warmth, for the relaxation that comes with it! I also agree about the North Sea, it can be so incredibly beautiful and surprisingly lovely to relax near!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rajesh said...

Stunning shots, very scenic.

Gal Friday said...

Just two days ago, so sick of the cold and knowing we still had a ways to go(April?), I was looking up info on places in and around Tampa and Sarasota(we have family down there) and remembering those powder soft sand beaches and the...warm SUNSHINE!
Then I stop by here today, see your photo(taken in Florida) and all the other photos, and feel as if I have been away somewhere warm already.
If we can hold out a little longer(or else have an opportunity to actually go somewhere warmer right now), we'll have our warm beach days....

Anonymous said...

I'm sure these warm sunny places will melt the Ice Lady's heart.
You are quite the world traveler!
:) Lord Thomas of Wellington

Anonymous said...

As we are snowed in during the worst snowstorm yet - and that's saying something - these beaches look great!

laoi gaul~williams said...

i have spent days now longing for the warm sun and the colours of the plants and tree's around me.
its been a long hrd winter and i hope a mild spring is not too far in the future.

Margie said...

Hi Zuzana
Oh, it's lovely to be at your blog again, been so long for me!
Your gorgeous collage made me smile :)
Such beautiful beaches you have visited.
Wish I was at a beach today, running in the sand.
I guess I would have to be content with sitting if I was at a beach as with this ankle, I would not be able to run! LOL!
Keeping it elevated as much as I can and hoping it gets better soon!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures!

Margie xo

SandyCarlson said...

These are wonderful photos. You have an eye for the beach!

Velvet Over Steel said...

Beautifully written!! I had the 'blues' on Tuesday for sure. It was the coldest day of the season -14 before windchill.. brrrr!! Finally we started a warm up today & I even saw the Sun, at least for a little while. :-)

Thank you for the Sunshine & warm pictures!!

HUGS,
Coreen xoxo

steviewren said...

Your collage is beautiful! What a comparison. Each locale is so different, but all are stunning views.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

All beautiful... But Oh My!!! Crete! -sighhhhhhhhhh-

Perhaps some time you'll do a post on being in Crete...? For all we who never will be, but would love it. :-)

Hugs and ♥'s...

adrielleroyale said...

OOoohhhh how I love the tropics... How I long for their beautiful beaches, warm sun and laid back atmospheres. Beautiful pictures, I sure hope I get to travel as much in my time :)

Rustique Gal said...

Zuzana,
I'm SO with you on this! I long for warm colors and breezes and sun on my skin! Your collage is lovely. I'm sad for your lovely yellow flowers, how bravely they showed their faces in February! It's coming, though, I can feel it! As the days get longer, I feel better and more optimistic every day. Enjoy yourself...
Sherry

Kath said...

I am longing for some warmth. It has been very windy here and we really feel it on this hill.
Beautifully written, as always, i wish you sun-shine and many sun-drenched kisses ;-)

Zuzana said...

Ann, Susan, Elisabeth, Brian, Di, Jill, Claudia, Myrna, Sukanya, Julie, LadyCat, Deborah, Laura, P, Hilary, Bhushavali, Colleen, Rajesh, Tina, Lord Thomas, ladyfi, laoi, Margie, Sandy, Coreen, Stevie, Amelia, adrielle, Sherry and Kath – thank you dear friends for your compliments on my photography and for enjoying this walk down the tropical memory lane with me.;)

Glad I could bring a bit of sunshine into your late winter days and hopefully some of the images warmed your mind and soul.
Thank you as always for your kind words that in return warm mine.

Xoxo
Zuzana