The Sea Has Many Voices

See the big seafoam green chunk in the upper left? Ten o'clock position? Guess how I found it?

I take time every day to walk the beach. I try to go out at low tide, because that's when the ocean is most likely to reveal its treasures. Lately, I've been on the lookout for seaglass. When I find a piece, I go all giddy with joy.

One article I read suggested that 80% of the garbage in the ocean comes from the shore. Whether seaglass comes from a landfill and makes its way to the water or whether it is tossed overboard, doesn't matter. It is the journey the glass takes--riding up and down in the waves, grinding along over sand, and getting polished by other debris--that creates the interesting surface.

Almost any oceanside gift shop will sell you "seaglass." However, most of this has never been anywhere near the water. True seaglass is usually wafer thin, and most of what you can buy in a cheesy giftshop is thick. I must admit: I'm tempted to buy a tumbler so I can experiment making my own "seaglass." It's a great way to recycle old bottles. But there's something magical about finding a piece of colorful seaglass under your feet.

The best method I've discovered for finding seaglass is to stand in the surf at lowtide. Choose a place where a lot of shells are rolling around. Look down into the water. The glass will show up. At first you might not be able to discern it, but eventually you'll see the deeper colors moving among the shells--and those are usually seaglass. Yesterday a beautiful piece of deep green glass roiled past me. I tried to grab it, but the surf took it away too quickly. I did get four pieces of deep brown seaglass. (Beer bottles, but pretty!)

So I tried another technique. My sister has been telling me about "angel runners." (Some call them "spirit runners.") These heavenly beings are called into our lives for a specific purpose. For example, looking for a parking space? Call on an angel runner to find one for you.

Sounds pretty wild, eh? Well, I was with Jane. We were in a crowded parking lot. She said, "Angel runner, angel runner, find me a parking space." Immediately to our right, a car backed out.

I figured: What the hey?

I walked the beach chanting, "Angel runner, angel runner, find me some seaglass." And guess what? I found that huge seafoam green chunk in the picture up above.

Have you heard of angel runners? Ever call on them?