On a windswept beach among sea grasses and pale dunes, a young woman in an elaborate Edwardian dress holds a parasol aloft while a gentleman in a naval-style cap reclines at her side gazing up at her — the soft sepia oval vignette evokes the bittersweet longing of seaside courtship that captivated an entire generation of postcard senders. Part of P.J. Plant's popular "You Know" romantic series, this embossed cream card is titled "Sad Sea Waves—" and was sent from Oroville, California in December 1911 to Mrs. Geo. Maurer at the D. Parish Ranch in Plumas County — the same Northern California ranch recipient as the companion "Tears Are Pearls" card, suggesting a series of seasonal greetings. The sender mentions cold weather, a letter from a sister, and plans to visit, painting a vivid picture of rural California life in the weeks before Christmas 1911.