Sandcastles are not just for summer.

With Summer in South Australia now over, and Autumn now leading the way for Winter, my mind has been cast towards pondering some fun outdoor activities that could be possible on those bleak, maybe blustery and definitely cold Wintry days that are coming our way.

Often the thought of such seasonal weather puts an immediate chill in one's spine, and for some, right through to the bones... but it had occurred to me that things don't necessarily need to be that way. Maybe it all comes down to changing the habitual thought in order to make way for a new improved existence...

I don't know about others but I do know I have become a creature of habit over the past few years, hiding away in my cosy studio during the cold months... a sort of hibernation …but one that deprives me of the necessary sunrays, however reduced, that is needed for the feel good to keep synthesising with my system.

My natural love for sunshine, beachy summer days and entertaining seagulls shouldn't stop the moment the cold sets in... but it does get tested. Gone are the days where in my 20's I would be able to brave a cold wind in surf wear, like some warrior princess stalking the carpark for a cold water tap to wash off the sand and sea. It's now all thermal layering and sensible footwear to take the grandkids or dogs for a beachcomb stroll along the waterside.

Over the years in my travels I have managed to experience various beaches and coastlines of various natural formations; different places have different gradients of sand, not just in colour but in texture and constitution. I have to say that so far whilst there is such wonderful places like Marion Bay, it is still the Limestone Coast which does it for me.

The sand is unique, a much more coarser and darker colour, the coastline stretches for miles in its rugged glory, scattered in between banks of lava reef, creating inlets and natural reserves for the native wildlife like seal and penguin.

If you like fishing, its great for that; the rock lobster is rife literally fringing the foreshore, the schools of fish like salmon that inhabit the area and tuna which use the tidal currents to migrate routinely pass by within arms length, makes it a perfect few hours of relaxation.

But what about those of us who are loving the beach but not the fishing, and while beach fossicking is a much loved classic natural endeavour, need something a little different every now and then to stir the creative energies... there is always kite flying, and there are some amazing festivals that do have exhibition kite flying throughout the year.

I have taken an interest in sandcastle building as a creative outlet for winter.

You can get quite inventive and some people have managed to turn it into an art form. With sand sculpture festivals now emerging, it is a great way to bring out that inner child and connect with a community experience which is all inclusive. I'm sure the whole thing has been around since the beginning of time.... but in these modern times where we gain a much more busier consumer based lifestyle, our downtime suffers, and consequently our creativity.

Sand sculpture is a great way to reconnect with nature, with that feel good creativity buzz, but also with sand in the hand, texture of sand uniquely stimulates the anatomical sensory receptors, breathing in salt air is good for cleansing the lungs and assists with boosting the immune system.

As much as I love kite flying, you may be able to see why I prefer the sand sculpture now. Kite flying is great for those wishing to elevate from the low energies, but its sand sculpture which is a grounding force, and so when I am feeling boxed inside the studio where everything is stimulating but not natural sourced, hitting the beach for a good gritty sand castle build can be quite cathartic.

So, sandcastles are not just for Summer, they are for all year. =)

When was the last time you hit the beach and built a sandcastle or sand sculpture?

Much love.