Beach Bear Ritual

This stone bear has been my companion for many years on my beach walks.

He is a guard, an amulet and a destination. That's very appropriate, as he was placed there in memory of someone who is no longer alive.

Yesterday I saw that I was not the only one with the idea of using him as a turning point for a walk on the promenade; a couple out walking did exactly as I do, rounding his base before returning the way they came.

I have another part to my ritual; I stop and rub his nose. He has a chip out of his nose now. I don't know how on earth that could happen to such a solid statue, but it has.

It gives him a friendly vulnerability he might not otherwise have. After all, he is a grizzly.