“Forget” the news, we’ll just keep laughing, and splashing—thank you very much.
When I posted the pics on The Faces of Fun at the Super Bowl Splash: https://tinyurl.com/3ttre7cc I thought it was complete. But upon reviewing my iCloud photos I saw shots I had missed and discovered different views of others.
I thought I’d share my finds with you again. And once again I’d like show how this bounding joy on our Long Beach shore shines against the bleak “news” of the day.
On this same blue planet: screams of horror, shrieks of joy.
It is this contrast—this relief of light against gloom—that adds so much power for me. And to revisit my photos from the Super Splash I was moved, once again, by this tide of joy washing over the trials of our times:
Sure, we still have Putin’s artillery crushing children in the arms of their moms. And recently America endures toxin-filled trains falling off tracks like so many Lionel toys of my youth.
But on top of that, I’ve been watching the details of the unfathomable SC Murdaugh murders. It’s a retirement thing, you see; you watch a trial for a bit and you’re hooked, day after day.
It confounds me how a man can kill his wife and son, especially in this most gruesome way. I watched this grisly murder trial when I should have been bringing you some fun photos and stories of shore life. But I watch in my constant effort to understand our human condition.
I still haven’t.
But,
when I did turn from horror TV
to revisit our Sunday by the sea,
the photos came alive for me.
As I said in my original post, we Americans have a way of digesting—or indigesting—the news of the day—then move on.
So I moved on:
The Make-A-Wish Foundation http://tinyurl.com/5n78apdk is a worthy cause, for sure. And in helping the Foundation to help others, our hearts are eager to Splash for cash.
But it’s fun too.
Most splashers undress courageously
while others dress outrageously.
Some of us stopped and stared
at the illusion of a bottom bared
but the ballerina in a pink tutu
Put a wide grin on most of you:
See also:
https://leebythesea.me/2014/02/03/they-grinned-and-bared-it/
https://leebythesea.me/2014/02/06/polar-bear-plunge-part-two/
https://leebythesea.me/2016/02/09/super-bowl-sunday-splash/
https://leebythesea.me/2017/02/02/coming-together/
https://leebythesea.me/2017/02/08/polar-bear-plunge-2017/
https://leebythesea.me/2020/02/04/the-bold-and-the-bare/
Be well,
Leebythesea
Categories: Polar Bears
leebythesea 
Diane,
My ever faithful follower, thank you once again. And also once again, I’m so glad to put a smile on your face, my friend.
Be well,
Lee
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Joan,
Than you so much for your appreciation of my posts. I enjoy putting them together, but it’s so nice to get such heartfelt words from readers, like you.
Yes there is much tragedy in the world today, but I’m optimistic for the future. The good things don’t get much coverage. It’s a media money thing. But stay positive and continue to enjoy the company of positive people.
I do what I can to put a smile on a face or two. So nice to hear it put on one yours.
It’s too bad that you are unable to see the sea these days, the sight of it for me opens my blood vessels, relaxes my muscles, eases my my mind. The shore is therapeutic, you need a good dose of it, young lady.
Thank you again for your very kind words. I’m so glad to be a bridge to the sea for you, my friend.
Be well,
Lee
Sent from my iPad
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Lee these are wonderful photos! Thank you for sharing them! You made me smile as usual Lee! Be safe and healthy my friend!
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Hi Lee,
Once again you are able to pull us away from the daily horrors that are pushed on us 24/7.
I just turned 78 and have decided that I only want to be around happy positive people. This is not the world I grew up in and since I have no children I find I can pretty much ignore the bad stuff since it doesn’t have an impact on “grandchildren” Maybe that’s a cop-out, but it works for me.
I look forward to your posts and always end up smiling and happy. Happy I found you. Your pictures are a blessing and seeing all those smiling faces is wonderful.
Enjoy your beautiful world by the sea. I’m sad that since covid I haven’t been able to make the trek from Catskill to Long Beach. You are my connection to the ocean that I need so badly.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Joan Razickas
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