There’s almost nothing quite so steadfast as beachgrass. It digs in deep to keep beaches from washing away, holding its place through hurricanes, blizzards, and seasonal sleep. On its own a blade of beachgrass is unspectacular but together, in vast schools, they glimmer like a thousand mackerel, swishing through salt air just the same — as one entity.
We don’t pay these things enough thanks — these proud and plain and useful elements of ourselves that keep life from washing away. They are placekeepers. They do the humble work of rooting magical things.
I’m delighted to share with you my Bel Kai Designs necklace, the newest treat added to the Capture Collection of Shutter Sisters photographic jewelery. To celebrate, we’re giving one away today. Comment here by midnight PST to be eligible. Tell me this: what helps you keep your place in this life?
Jill F says
My family keeps me grounded , centered and honest.
spencercasa says
jesus.
MR says
my children
heather says
True friends.
Wayfaring Wanderer says
The belief that dreams do come true…
amy says
my family and friends
AnnGeeDee says
My husband.
Natalie @ribboncubes says
Definitely my son! All I need to hear is that one little word "muuuummmmmmeeeeeeeee" LOL
Kelly Langner Sauer says
oh wow – that one is beautiful! what keeps my place in life? my God. whether I want Him or not on a given day. I am just His.
angelica says
my husband keeps me from flying away or sinking down.
my kids keep me coming back for more.
my writing keeps me alive, and
my photos help me see everything anew
Jennifer says
This guy:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cardboardsea/4943720410/
rachel says
early mornings…they feed my soul.
lucy says
sunlight after a rainy week. it makes things fresh and gets me recharged all over again.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucyloomis/4948141002/
Marcie says
A daily yoga practice..and sometimes a calendar to mark the days:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1282
Rosie says
My husband – he is always there for me, in good times and bad times (as stereotype as this may sound).
Kelly Symes says
Keeping faith in myself – that despite all that I hope for and want to achieve… who I am in this very moment right now, is enough.
Christa Allgood says
My husband…..no matter what's going on in my life he is always standing by my side!! AND my kids whenever I'm down and wondering why do I do this to myself I just think about my three wonderful kids and the world makes since.
natalyn says
My faith in the Lord and my precious family.
Misty says
My husband, my kids. They are my anchor, they are my wings.
Morgen says
There are 2 things that keep me centered in life. My husband and art. I don't feel "normal" unless I get the art out. Whether it is taking pictures, painting or rearranging a room, I have to do something creative. And my husband, no matter how bad the day is or how badly I want to cry because of things that are going wrong, just hearing his voice brings me back from the edge.
Tracey Kolbrek says
the way my husband loves me
Alison says
Quiet.
Bettina says
My children. They are my everything!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4884584348/
ToniM says
My beautiful friends keep me grounded and centered in my life:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michel92/4943451469/
Sheila Cain-Sample says
My family.
Monica says
My family keeps me focused on what's important. More specifically my mother helps me keep my place in this world. She is my touchstone and my best friend.
Kim Ket. says
God and family
Carolyn says
My family and my faith. Hands down.
Robyn says
Oh, definitely my family. They keep me going.
Christineellen says
My family. I've moved 18 times in the last 18 years so home is where we are for the time being. My family is what keeps me grounded.
Cheri A. says
My family keeps me feeling alive. My quiet time keeps me centered and grounded.
daysgoby says
Writing. With it, I can put the Black Dog, the Carnival Cat, and all the other animals in my life into perspective.
Miss Giny / Au Pays Des Merveilles says
My love (my fiance โฅ )
Dani says
My amazing family : )
Katherine says
Myself. Believing that I am good enough. Good enough for my husband and my children.
Shari says
The divine creator!
Shaiya B. says
Jeremiah 29:11!
B. says
My mother. And my own faith in myself.
Jodi says
My kids–Meredith age 11 and Miles age 5
marina says
the beauty of the nature around us, a sunny day, the strength that I can find within myself, and all the people who love me.
Elizabeth says
My Children
My Husband
Hope
Love
Grace
Robin at Recess says
Peace. I cling to it.
Jessi says
My beautiful babies: http://andthatshowyoudoit.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-morning.html
Leigh says
My dear friends and the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Xan Barnard says
My soul mate – my wonderful husband!
Katie says
Mountain dew? Just kidding, I would say remembering the grace I receive daily.
Le says
My husband…he anchors me
melissa says
the dance.
thank you, kate and shutter sisters for this exquisite offering. what beautiful artistry…the images, the prose, the necklace. gracias.
Laura says
My mother keeps me grounded..at 25 I can honestly say she is my best friend, and has been all my life. She has been through so much pain and heartbreak yet she still enjoys life and takes it for what it is. She is the person I talk to when I need a reality check, advice, or just a really good laugh. She keeps my place in this world and I can only dream I could do as much for my children.
Amanda says
Once upon a time a very wise woman told me I needed to stop a minute and watch the grass grow. Those words began the very root of grounding/meditation for me~
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedivinemissm/4700914902/
elainepill says
my daughters keep my feet on the ground, but also make me feel light as air. they are sweet, funny , serious, energetic and beautiful.
Erin says
My faith in God. Without Him…well…I don't know where I'd be.
Faith Hope & Cherrytea says
the Trinity & hospitality of Father, Son and Holy Spirit ~
a brief post 'endings and beginnings' concludes with my true north http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com/2010/08/endings-and-beginnings_16.html
thanx for asking & thanx for offering your giftings!
alayne says
Amazingly beautiful necklace.
What keeps my place in life is to be present. I always try and cherish every moment for what it is and not get swayed by what's next, what happened yesterday or the many what ifs.
Jennifer says
living an authentic life
Stephanie says
Those little moments when God does something to make you laugh and remind you that he loves you always.
froddard says
I've recently uprooted myself after spending the first 35 years of my life surrounded with family and friends and familiarity with my land. As I'm settling into this new place, I'm realizing that these people and places from home still ground me without tethering me – knowing I have this strong connection to where I'm from is finally giving me the freedom to explore who I can become.
amy z says
Husband. Daughter. Faith. Photography. The order varies by day and circumstance, but they never fail.
Christine says
My children and being alone in silence……
Peace.
Mamie says
Usually my Inner dialogue with Self. We talk, argue, decide then run it by real people… So it is probably the real people that really ground me.
Beautiful piece. I <3 it.
jenn says
my secrets. if i get a little obsessive about how life SHOULD be, my secrets are the embarrassing, humbling moments or parts of myself that i think of that remind me that i'm resoundingly imperfect, and not everything can, or will, go according to plan.
Paige Isom says
Daily meditation and creative expression. I wouldn't survive without these two things. Reading/learning is a close runner-up!
Erin Faye says
My husband and family keep me grounded.
This is a beautiful necklace!
Leah says
My girls keep me here and, oddly enough, make me want to keep it all together. My husband tries to keep me from floating away. And, a good run.
Abby O. says
My Jim…. He has kept me from losing myself in the daily ins and outs of life, work and myself. Without him in my life, I would literally be a wreck. He's my rock, my sound of reason and my best friend.
Melissa M. says
My ginormous wall calendar ๐ Couldn't live without it.
Leah says
Oddly enough doesn't sound right. I mean that for all the chaos and stress and tears they cause, their forthright honesty, their joy in the most mundane and their unconditional acceptance makes me want to keep it all together and to be their roots.
AppleTree says
Yoga.
Heather says
My daughter, something to hope for and living a simple life.
spread your wings says
my loving and supportive family
NTE says
I guess what holds me here is my relationships, just like anybody else. Deep roots.
Jen says
Man, some days it's just coffee.
shirley says
Oh, my faith in God, for sure.
Diane says
my adult son helps keep me in my place. When my mother died, I came very close to leaving this life as well but it was only because of my son that I chose to remain in my place on this earth.
jeanine says
running. music. yoga. photography. i'm digging this necklace, kate. beautiful collaboration.
Angella says
My husband, my kids, my writing, my photography. All together, and separately.
kristin says
good lord lady you are GORGEOUS!!! that photo of you in the hammock is amazing!!!
love your creation. i too have a special connection to beach grass, my happy place.
XO
kristin
Katie says
My husband, good food, and quiet meditation.
jenna says
my testimony, my husband, my kids.
Lisa C says
There are 3 people in my world who fill my soul. Two of them are stuffed full of innocence and constantly asking questions. The third loves me for everything I am and everything I'm not.
Jeanne says
Believe it or not it's my job. The relationships that form there are like no others I found in my life!
southbeachmom says
My two children who I love more than I could ever imagine. And sitting in my den looking through pictures on my computer of my kids growing up and the things we have done as a family.
bridge says
nature. always nature.
Laura says
Sitting on the deck at the cottage, remembering all that is solid and real in the world.
that, and the love of my family.
breeann says
The hope that this will happen everyday:
I watched my second sunrise here this morning. I love sunrises and sunsets (sunsets more) because they are a bordertime. The lines (albeit fuzzy) between night and day. Itโs as if for these moments, the entire earth stands still with held breath and then release a long satisfied puff of air once the sun crests or disappears. I like sunsets more because they use a more diverse palette of color. And they feel more peaceful. Like the earth is relaxing after a long day of intense light and color and movement and sound. I can feel a sigh of peace at a sunset. Sunrises are blessings. Sunsets are grace.
Sunrise over the Monterey bay starts with a diffuse red/orange light behind the hills to the north east. The bay itself is shrouded and edges softened by the marine layer that is so low it looks more like the train of a bridal gown, running all lace and filigree across the water, than funeral dressing. The marine layer, though visible only on the water, is still in the air, softening the hillsโ outlines so that the red/orange light, which is now turning more orange/yellow, doesnโt seem to have a locus. As time passes, the light behind the hills intensifies and begins to gather at one loose point. On our side of the hills, it is still misty and grey and dark, as if the light is gathering its strength behind the hills and wonโt release itself to the bay until it can leap out in full force. The outline of the hills are sharpened as the light goes hot and white behind them. Their edges now have a fierce white line along their spines like Andy Goldsworthyโs piece with the raw sheepโs wool running along a stone wall when the light hit it. Will it happen now?
Now?
Now?
The light, still only behind the hill barrier, gets more and more focused. More and more intense. Rays of stunning white/orange shoot up into the sky. But still no release. The white line along the ridge gets so bright, you almost swear itโs the sunโs rim somehow expanded over the entire horizon. But no.
Everything is holding its breath (even the sea lions are quiet).
And then.
And then.
And then.
The whiteness contracts to a pinpoint, and the sun appears, spilling light into the bay like an avalanche. And just like that, the bay turns from a dead grey to molten silver, the air and sky go a bright grey/white. There are no other colors: only white, intense grey, and silver. Birds take wing and fly, dark specks, straight into the sun.
This silver/white phase lasts a while. Then it transitions to soft and muted blues like a Japanese painting of hills and water. The marine layer (which is ever present) is almost invisible and still softening lines and focus. There are pinpricks of dark blue fishing boats clustered on the light blue bay. The hills behind are layered in light and dark blues. The blue phase gets lighter and lighter until a few hours later, in almost an instant, the full range of colors apparent: the bay, a deep blue; hills, gold/brown and green; etc . . .
But for that morning moment, in the silver/white and blues stage, the world is pretty monochromatic. As if God is mixing his hues on the palette for the day.
Christian @ Modobject at Home says
Quiet moments at home.
Candace says
A cool breeze coming through the windows on a warm summer night.
Aly Sev says
My husband and our boys. They remind me why I'm here and keep me going when I think I can't go a minute more.
ABerninger says
The fact that reality is this life is short ~ let's enjoy it!
Jenn N says
Cooking keeps me grounded. Planning, shopping, chopping, preparing (with love) and feeding people. Brings me back to my centre.
Anna says
My family and my art give me joy, strength, and purpose.
Lindy says
My husband is my rock, the one that helps me with everything and anything. And my two boys, well they are the icing on my cake!
Lu says
Being present. Right here and now.
MelanieMH says
Coffee and good friends.
Without either, I'd most definitely be lost.
Jenny Modesitt says
My children and their father.
Natalie says
my two cats, dog, and meditation
Marni says
My two daughters that I just think the world of.
Jamie Solorio says
My husband keeps me most grounded along with my children. This necklace is SO STINKING BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for the chance to win!
The Other Laura says
My family keeps me grounded.
Melissa Jones says
My family. They are my center.
Mrs Soup says
Those are gorgeous! And finding those moments of peace in my life are what keeps me going.
Jamie Lapeyrolerie says
Definitely my faith in Jesus, my family and amazing friends!
http://lifephotographylove.blogspot.com/2010/08/light-austin-texas-international.html
Meghan says
My dogs and my photos.
Sivy says
That time each morning, the 10 to 15 minutes before the alarm goes off, because I am already awake and I can just lay there in the warm bed and just breathe. Usually the husband and kid along with the dogs and cat are all piled in the bed as wellโฆ and all I can hear is the deep breath of everyone else being asleep and it is just so peaceful.
brittany says
family.
gonzomama says
my family, hope, and perseverance.
absolutely love those colors.
Angela says
No doubt about it: my cats.
http://angela-hemming.blogspot.com/p/flotsam-and-jetsam.html
Christie says
My husband. My son. My parents. My books. Rest and quiet.
Ann says
My children keep me sooo grounded…..
Michelle says
My friends, my child, and bits of alone time.
Tracy says
my daughter and husband.
exquisite necklace!
Eileen says
My family, my husband, my daughter.. and my MOMS group!
tammy b says
without doubt, my 3 beautiful girls.
cigi says
hope and a spiritual perspective…
Shannon says
My kiddos!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/4508945012_4ee6eb53e7_z.jpg
Jacki says
My son without a doubt.
Krysha Abbott says
Jesus, family, and anti-anxiety meds-in that order.
Shannon says
Here's the appropriate link!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42202684@N08/4508945012/
JenCoen says
My Family
Laura O'Hanesian says
Nature reminds me to be hear now. It is a comfort to me to see the trees growing and the flowers blooming through the seasons of life. Your blog is a joy. Thanks for all you do!
Laura O'Hanesian says
OOPS! Be here now!!! *blush*
RebeccaFH says
My faith. (My husband does his part, too. ๐ )
amanda says
cliche maybe, but my husband and kids keep me grounded. they remind me i am strong, i am enough, i am love.
Kat says
Time of contemplation
Stephanie says
art + beauty
suzy says
love. it's all about love.
Jennifรฉe says
Congratulations – what a gorgeous necklace!
I'm another one depending on the people in my life to help me stay grounded.
Amy says
Words. Spoken, written, sung…it's always about the words.
heather says
laughter
Gail says
Like many others here, it is my family that keeps me in place. Without them I would be lost.
Yet another beautiful Bel Kai Collection necklace…I still can't decide which one I want the most:)
stacy a says
faith and true friends
Lindsay Garrett says
My husband def keeps me grounded.
I found my purpose in life through the birth of our daughter…motherhood. She is everything to me. Everything. I can't wait till I have a whole gaggle of children surrounding at my feet. Can't wait!
Beautiful pic. Makes me want to go lay in a hommoc on a beautiful summer day. The necklace is beautiful!
Sylvia says
breath…
Sheri says
absolutely my children,!
schmutzie says
Love keeps my place in this life. The love of my husband, the love of myself, the love of my craft.
PS. That necklace is gorgeous, Kate.
Katrina says
My wonderful loving Husband and Three Son's.
Kylie says
Hope and Love.
Becky Sue says
My family!
Chelsea C says
My mom. She is my best friend and 1/2 of my support system.
My boyfriend. The extent of his love amazes me and I can't imagine life without him…the other 1/2 of my support system.
My alone time to reflect and think.
Any creative expression I do myself and any creative expression I see from others.
JeneilS says
Beautiful necklace. Happiness helps me keep my place.
xanthe says
You look amazing Kate! Congrats, your necklace is beautiful x.
joey says
Certainly my husband and four boys keep me grounded, but seeing them through my lens helps me remember how precious it all is. Very cool necklace!
not2tall1 says
Being outside helps bring me peace and helps me remember I really do have a place in the world.
My husband helps keep my mind in place by helping me lose it once in a while (in a good way, mostly).
My friends and family back home help me remember that even when I feel slightly out of place in my adopted country, I will always have home and comfort and sanity and insanity and love with them.
kelly says
I used to think that I needed solid, ordinary things to keep me rooted. But, it is just the opposite. I need the risk, the dare, the uncertainty to remember that I am present in this life, in my own skin.
Mary says
God and my husband/best friend
Caroline says
My faith. My family.
Heather in Ga says
Jesus and the promise he has for me.
Meg says
vanilla frozen yogurt topped with blueberries. Always the end to my most hectic days. One bite and I am instantly back in that, "Oooooh yeaaaa. Riiiiight" state of mind ๐
jan says
My family has always been what has grounded me in this life. And my love for learning. Thanks for all you contribute to us all!
Evil Pixie says
Without a doubt, my little sister. She keeps me moving forward, prevents me from looking back, and helps me to laugh out loud.
Michelle Adams says
My husband and my sons…
Thanks for the chance!
Lee-Ann says
the lake
AnnaNova says
hope. hope that tomorrow will be better, that things that are going not so well in my life will sort themselves out…somehow
Elaine says
Everyday I feel blessed to be able to look upon water to the West, mountains to the North and trees all around me. Proud, beautiful and strong, they ground me and are my place keepers in the city where I live.
Erin in Kona says
Family — husband, parents, siblings, niece and nephew — are a motivation. And photography gives me a creative outlet that I really, really treasure. Seeing my growth there has helped, too.
Andrea says
ooooohhhhh….. it's LOVELY!!!
Gabi says
definitely my family. They are the reason why I'm looking forward to another day.
Michelle says
love
Jennelle says
what helps me keep my place in this life?
memories stoked in thanks, recognizing God's provision in each
entangled because they've been recalled and drawn upon in the presence of the newer ones,
and the newer ones are laid and settled with the faith of the previous
Ashley says
My babies
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40383774@N07/4949053775/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40383774@N07/4882815626/in/photostream/
Leslie says
My friends… The necklace is beautiful!
julieh says
my family, my students, dogs.
Sharon says
My husband and kids help keep me grounded. Reality is right in front of me . . . and joyous.
Julie B says
My faith.
Breanne says
The people that love me…
Gielle says
What keeps me grounded is religion. It's so important to me, and it reminds me that I can wake up and look forward to creating something meaningful every day. It makes us realize there's more to life than the facts. The little things count too, that's why we have photography, to capture them ๐
Sarah W. says
My Brad – spouse and friend
Jeannine says
My husband, he gives me enough space to do what I need to or want to but as soon as I seem to get lost he brings me back and centers me.
Nicole says
Family. Always.
Destiny says
Grace and restoration; and trips to the ocean that remind me of just how little I am, in the grand scheme of things, and how absolutely great He is. Perspective!
ashley says
Routine!
staci says
God, then my husband and children.
Karen says
The veterans I serve everyday.
KDS says
My morning cup of coffee!
Heidi says
My meditation practice, best friends, and the sea are what currently anchors me.
Your new necklace is gorgeous…I'm sure it would help to ground me too! ๐ thanks
soupatraveler says
gorgeous necklace! thanks for a chance at the giveaway!
my husband and our dog (our little family) hold me together. in the meantime, here's what i'm telling myself now: focus on your present with dreams for the future so your past is one you want to tell : )
Robin P. says
My friends.
Lorena mora says
My family does, especially my kids.
Sally says
Family, Friends, and Faith
Jenny says
Maybe I need to rethink things…but my first instinct was to say photography as it slows me down, gives me reason to pause, and reminds me to look for the joy in my beautiful chaos.
Kristie Wise says
my faith in jesus christ!! without it would have lost my mind a long time ago!
Robin says
absolutely my faith in God and acceptance of Jesus as my Savior – without him, nothing else matters!
Clara says
As far back as I can remember, books and reading have been a bedrock for me. I treasure the peacefulness of losing myself in a good book. Whatever is going on around me, I emerge from reading calmer and refreshed.
elflyn says
My partner and children.
Jessica says
Many things keep me grounded in this life. My family and precious 6 month old nephew, my friends, my faith, and my awareness of people and places in this world that are hurting. These things help me to remember why I am here and what my purpose is in this life. To love, to have compassion for others, and to do what is right when no one else will.
This is a beautiful necklace! Thanks for the opportunity to possible win it! ๐
Anne says
love
Laurie says
Right now? Salty air, the sound of waves, Tillamook chocolate and peanut butter ice cream, a good mattress, the kids kissing the baby through my belly.
Kait Palmer says
Jesus.
Barb says
Seeing and being seen
Tiffany says
Water keeps my place here… water and the interconnectedness of all living things.
mandiegirl says
My faith in God & that He has a plan & purpose for me.
blue elephant photography says
my husband. he is my everything โฅ
michel says
these are lovely! writing it all down keeps my heart and head in check
littlepurplecow says
Beautiful, Kate.