This Crab Saw His Shadow

Punxatawney Phil’s got nothing on a Chesapeake Blue Crab

There was a time the Groundhog was as accurate as most weathermen – but that time ended decades ago. Now February 2nd is more a reason for day drinking in Punxatawney, Pennsylvania than for anything truly scientific.

chesapeake blue crab predicting the weather
A Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab can predict the weather with as much accuracy as Punxatawney Phil.

Whether the Pennsylvania rodent sees his shadow or not there are still six and a half weeks until Spring. Here in the Mid-Atlantic region those six weeks of weather can be warmer than average, colder than average or a mixture of random temperatures and precipitation events. Rather random, right?

crab weather meme data sample
Here is a data sample for the “Crab Weather Meme” as posted on social media – one of a few groups less than 24 hours after posting.

The weather throughout the Mid-Atlantic does reflect all four seasons. Sometimes we see them all in the same week – well, not really all four seasons but possibly anything from snow to sunny and 70s within a couple of days. Rather random.

Surprising Engagement on Social Media

What’s cool about the above image is that it was a “meme” I created as a funny post on social media. It was posted to Twitter and a couple of Facebook pages and groups. People must have liked it because I was totally shocked at the engagement it created. On FB it received over 800 “Like-Love-Laugh” emoji clicks, over 200 “shares” and over 100 “comments.” Maybe people are tired of the same ol’ same ol’ news reporting from some field in western Pennsylvania. Besides, who enjoys steamed groundhogs every summer? Right?

Link to the original image: Maryland Crab Lurking in an Assateague Marsh

Oh, by the way. It doesn’t matter if the Blue Crab sees his (her?) shadow or not. The weather outlook will always be the same. Randon, right?


Catching the Sun in Her Arms

A solitary driftwood tree embraces the rising sun in her outstretched “limbs.”

The eastern coast of Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. One such beach, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a stunning coastal paradise that will take your breath away. This secluded beach is surrounded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss and the salty air gives way to a unique landscape. Driftwood Beach, itself, features sun-bleached driftwood strewn along the shoreline, giving visitors an otherworldly experience like no other.

Catching the sun in her arms on driftwood beach.
Catching the Sun in Her Arms on Driftwood Beach

Welcome to Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA! Whether you’re a resident of the area, or visiting from afar, this spot is not one to miss. With its stunning views and unique landscape, Driftwood Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. The shallow coast and tidal flats are an ideal location for wading and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy the beautifully weathered driftwood that lines the beach, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA is a little-known gem. The beach is covered with light brown, smooth driftwood that looks like large, intricate pieces of broken shells. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia
Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach is located on the northeastern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. To get to this secluded paradise you must first drive through the main recreation area of the island. The beach does not have any access from the main road but there are a few parking areas along the road and paths leading to the beach.

The iconind lone tree on Driftwood Beach at dawn
The Iconic Lone Tree on Driftwood Beach in the Pre-Sunrise Light of Dawn

The beach on this island is now covered with driftwood in all shapes, sizes, and shades of brown and gray – creating an ethereal atmosphere for any visitor. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature as one strolls along Driftwood Beach and encounters amazing examples of driftwood – from small pieces to entire trees.

With its unique landscape, this beach serves as an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or exploration.

driftwood beach rowboat
The hull of an old boat that has turned to driftwood is silhouetted in the morning sunrise.

To browse wall art and home decor items with Driftwood Beach photographs, you can click the images above or the links below.

Link to: Catching the Sun in Her Arms

Link to: Iconic Lone Tree of Driftwood Beach

Link to: Driftwood Boat

Link to: Bill’s Driftwood Beach Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery


One Cat Eye Looking Directly At You

Have you ever experienced the feeling of having a cat eye looking directly at you?

Being “stared at” by a cat can be both an unsettling and fascinating phenomenon. Cats have a mysterious quality that is hard to explain. Their piercing gaze often draws us in and holds our attention as if they are trying to convey something we don’t understand.

Cat's Eye
Cat’s Eye Staring Directly at YOU

Not surprisingly, this bizarre experience of being scrutinized by a cat has been explored by some of the world’s greatest thinkers, from ancient philosophers to modern psychologists.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was the first to wonder, “Why do cats have such a penetrating gaze?” In his book On the Soul (De Anima), he wrote, “Why is it that a cat’s eyes appear more intelligent than those of dogs and all other animals? Is it because cats’ eyes are more similar to our own in shape?” Aristotle also noted that dogs and other animals have a “lower soul” than humans, but cats seem more like people. Thus, by the time of the Renaissance, cats had a reputation for being sneaky, malicious creatures. And unlike dogs, they really didn’t have any use for humans—other than using us as food dispensers, that is. Cats would be seen more as a source of entertainment, rather than an actual pet.

cat's eye expressionism
Cat’s Eye Staring Expressly at YOU

The Cat and Religion

Cats are not mentioned in the Bible, but they were known to have been kept as pets during the time of Jesus. In Egypt, cats were considered sacred. Cats believed that they were the protectors of their gods and goddesses. Consequently, the killing of a cat was considered a crime punishable by death. In ancient Egypt, when a cat died, they were mummified and buried in the same way as humans were. The funeral processions were elaborate and included thousands of people. In the Middle Ages, cats were kept as pets and also used for hunting. They are believed to have been instrumental in helping to keep down the rat population. In England, cats were not considered a domestic animal until about 1660.

Flat Earth and Cats?

Hey, cats also help disprove the “Flat Eart Theory.” Sure, they do – if the earth were flat, the cat would push everything off of it, right? (Sorry. Not sorry.)

The Cat’s Eye images above are available on prints, framed, prints, canvas wall art and on a variety of home decor items. Click an image above or a link below to learn more. Click now.

Link to: Cat’s Eye at Bill’s Fine Art America Gallery

Link to: Cat’s Eye Expressionism at Bill’s FineArtAmerica Gallery

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine ArtAmerica/Pixels