Here in Alabama it has not been the best summer season. The Oil spil looms large on all of our minds. On the Gulf coast we are beach people. Even if we live 5 hours from the beach, most of us go as often as we can. It is virtually impossible here to fine someone who doesn't at least have family and friends effected by the Deep Water spill. I believe that the spill added to the economy and the even more oppressive than usual summer heat has drasticly reduced attendance at some shows.
As an artist whose inspiration comes from nature it has been difficult to exude my usual positive attitude. My husband grew up on Pensacola Beach and we go as often as we can. It is a place of magic and memories for us and our 4 year old child who felt the sand in her fingers there for the first time at 3 months and the water by a year.
We made the trip down from Birmingham the week before the oil arrived on the pristine, sugar white sand. If you have never been to that area of the Gulf it is hard to imagine but the sand is truly white. It was nesting season and the water and shore were teaming with life. We had an amazing time but there was a sadness to the trip as we knew that any day the oil would come. What would become of the already endangered sea life and sea birds? What would become of the people who make their living from tourism and the sea that have already seen so much devistation in recent years?
The day the first pictures were posted of oil on the sand, I sat and cried. I felt helpless and angry on so many different levels. Would it ever be the same again in my lifetime? For now I have my memory of the pristine beauty that had existed for so long.
I believe Mother Nature will have her day and no matter what we do the earth will heal. The question is, will we be here to see it?
As I said before I am normally an optimistic sort so I look forward to Fall. The holiday show season. Perhaps by then the leak will be stopped and people will be looking forward to the holidays. We can only hope!
I wish you all a wonderful and successful summer season and I promise to make my next entry more uplifting!
