The first time I remember collecting beach glass was around eight years ago. I had met a girl about twelve years old, and she would look for it every day and had amassed an amazing collection. I didn’t begin stockpiling the stuff. Rather, I kept my eye out for particularly good pieces and displayed them at home in a small bottle or bowl.

Last winter, I was in Florida and heard about the “Sanibel stoop.” Even north of there in Clearwater Beach, there were plenty of crookneck walkers collecting shells and other sandy treasures. I happily brought home a few souvenirs of my discovery.

The most impressive find I’ve seen on the Vineyard was on State Beach by visiting friends: a bright blue piece of beach glass about the size of a half dollar. Finders keepers means I won’t see that beauty again. Of course, the likes of it are out there, somewhere (page 68).

If a sea glass safari doesn’t strike you as a fun beach activity, you will surely find inspiration in the other waterside pleasures photographer Elizabeth Cecil encountered for her photo essay (page 42).

August is often a time on-Island when people enjoy visiting family and friends, and it’s fun when a new idea or activity infiltrates the familiar routine. This magazine has some contenders: a new recipe for grilled oysters (page 76) or the Built on Stilts dance festival (page 56). I recall a night when some gleeful, giggling teenage girls came flying out of Union Chapel as they rushed offstage. Their excitement made me wish I had gone to the show – so this summer, I’m there.