Yesterday at Baker Beach I sat and leaned against a log as I looked out at the ocean.  Immediately I saw whale spouts and breeching and felt my heart rise and fall in sync with something more than a little self.

My friend Elaine Chan-Scherer planned part of her 60th birthday celebration as a gathering of friends to clean up the beach.

The beach looked immaculate but we set out with bags in a group that soon settled into units of two or three for deeper conversation and intimacy. Doing so, we began to look more closely at the sand.  Yes, there were little pieces of plastic and cigarette butts.

With each bending down to pick something up was a realization and satisfaction that here was something that would not go into the digestive system of sea life.  Up and down I went like a sandpiper on the beach pecking not for goodies but for the joy of being part of an ecosystem shared. Try it. It’s fun!!