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Discovering Sand Dollars (SOLS)

8/1/2011

 
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“You have to bleach them?” 

I looked down at the small brown disc in my hand, embarrassed. “I thought sand dollars were white.” Strands of feathery seaweed floated around my ankles.

My beach companions stared at me. I skimmed through my memories of collecting shells. No, nothing surfaced relating to sand dollars.

Minutes earlier, a casual walk along the shoreline had dissolved into a free-for-all treasure hunt at the first sighting. I found just two (with some needed help) while others had stacks. 

“No, they are alive. Feel the velvety side. You soak them overnight and they turn white. They're beautiful.” 

Alive?

“I, uh, thought they were just hard shells.” Appalled even more by my lack of ocean life knowledge, I stroked the soft side of what I now knew was a sea urchin. A live one.

I found the exhilaration of the quest evaporate then. I stopped searching and waded on.

Donna Smith link
8/2/2011 01:22:42 am

Same deal with starfish! It changes things though when you realize that you have to kill them to collect them!

Linda Baie link
8/2/2011 02:24:20 am

It seems to me that after your learning, you went the better step forward, & decided to use that knowledge responsibly. People who kill the little creatures for their own enjoyment aren't exactly taking care of the ocean. Your writing showed us much, in such a succinct description. I enjoyed the words so much, will copy it as a terrific example of show, don't tell.

Elizabeth G
8/2/2011 07:55:13 am

I just love this post. You could have been writing about my first sand dollar experience. Ocean life is always a wonder to me. It sounds like you had a wonderful learning experience.

elsie
8/2/2011 09:52:41 am

What a great piece! Loved the beginning question. I could feel your horror at the thought of putting a live creature in bleach. I'm with you. I didn't know they were still alive on the beach. The ending was perfect.


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