At the Edge of World

I am grateful that I not only live near the ocean, but that if I choose, I can watch the sun sinking into the sea. It truly is like being at the edge of the world.

To watch the sun unimpeded from man made objects slowly disappear, leaving for a time, its evidence in the form of a palette of colors that are indescribable. 

Besides family, it would be one reason I would be hard pressed to leave the West Coast. Yes, you can see the sun set from anywhere in the world, but to see it at the edge of the world pulls my soul in a way that can't be felt in the city or even from the mountain tops. 

I would imagine that those living in the East Coast feel the same way about sunrises that I do about sunsets. But as glorious as sunrises are, for me, they don't match in majesty the same way a sunset does.

Still, I would love to experience a sunrise at the Atlantic Ocean. To watch the sun rise from the depths of the sea is a sight I long to see.  I don't know that it will be as beautiful as the sunset on the West Coast, but I wouldn't mind comparing. I would keep an open mind. 

My Kind of

Last week was my kind of week. It was a good week of work, The kind that I love, where I accomplish a lot, feel good about what I do, about the contribution I made. The kind that make me look forward to starting the day and shutting down my computer after eight hours of fulfilling my obligations.

Last week was made even better by a mid-week visit at work by Brie and Acki. The plan was to head out to the beach for some picture taking, followed by dinner

It was my kind of afternoon/evening. Two of my favorite girls, at one of my favorite beaches, during my favorite time of the year with picture perfect weather. What was not to love?

From the moment we arrived, the girls went crazy taking pictures. I loved it!

It was non-stop fun as the sun went down casting a beautiful glow on everything in sight.

I hated to leave, but by this time my bare feet had gone numb. I watched the sun disappear into the horizon, one more time before we turned to fill our growling stomaches.

It was my kind of Love.

Evidence

This is all the evidence I need that there is a God. That He created the earth. That He cares. That He is all powerful.

I am reminded each and every day of his glory.

My Weekend

The weather report called for rain, but I anticipated sunshine.

It was a sure bet, when I knew that my little family from the desert were coming to visit.

It was the best visit yet. I was able to pick up Aurora something I haven't been able to do for months.

I finally got to sit with both the children on my grandma chair, though I didn't get one single picture of that event.

Went to the mall for a little change of scenery with Ashley and children.

Played sneaky grandma by having Max put together a puzzle near the sliding glass door so I could get some good light.

Oh, how I wish they lived so much closer.

The Place I Call My Own

We all have that place. The place we go that soothes our soul, that stirs our heart, that calls to us when we need lifting or just want to celebrate life.

For me that place is the beach. Not the beach at summer time, but the beach at winter, spring and fall. When the crowds are light and there is unimpeded access from the sand to the shore. Doesn't matter if it's sunny and clear or cloudy and grey. In some ways, I like it better when there is some cloud cover. For me it adds character and interest. It becomes soulful.

It's the roar of the ocean, the salt in the air, the smell of bonfires and the possibility of a sunset. If I could be there at the golden hour, I would, watching the sun fall slowly into the horizon.

The last two weekends have been like heaven to me as I've finally been able to make it to the shore. I haven't been able to make it through to sunset, but still it's been wonderful.

It makes me want more. Looking forward to February when my cousin and I are planning to spend the weekend at the beach, writing and relaxing. But now I'm thinking that maybe I want to rent a beach house for a week and open it up to whoever wants to come visit.

Now that would be heaven on earth.

The Me I See

I try not to dwell on the negative. Note: the words "try" and "negative". The truth is, I'm human. I'm not perfect and there are times when I just don't want to do this. But, it is what it is, and if that's what I focus on then I'm doomed.

So I choose to pick myself up by thinking about the positive, being thankful for the little things. Yes, I limp, but I can walk. No I can't carry my grandchildren, but I'm able to kiss and hold them. Yes, there are times when moving around hurts, but when I'm sitting I'm usually comfortable. Which often allows me to feel like things are normal. As I type this, I feel normal which means, I'm often taken aback by the person I see in mirrors, shadows or anything that reflects my image.

Hunched over, I've aged tremendously over the last three, four months and while there are times I feel every bit of that age, there are many times when I don't. Which is crazy when I think that I challenged myself of all years to do a self portrait each week. I see so many beautiful self-portraits of ordinary people and when I try to take them, I look angry, unhappy or mad which is not how I feel at all.

Towards, the end of last year, my bestie sent me a picture she took of me when we were at Siena last year. I was blown away for the me I see in her picture is the me I see when I think of myself. It's hard to imagine that this was taken just 7-months ago.

I am shy, but behind my camera, I become a bit more bold, minimal make-up, curly crazy hair. Not a spring chick, but youthful. This is the me I see. This is the me I want to be again. I may have to wait for a long, long time, but as long as I'm alive, this is the me I will believe I am.

Taking the Shot

Been finally getting around to downloading (or is it uploading? I always get so confused) my photos from my DSLR and editing them. It's rather like finding hidden treasures.

This one was taken on January 2 in Old Pasadena as I waited for Vic and Sharonda who were checking out the floats from the Rose Parade. As I walked up and down Colorado Blvd, I came upon a little hamburger joint. The insecure, unsure me would have paused and moment and walked on by.

But I had made a decision already that this year would be different so the resolute, determined me stood at the door, lifted my camera and took the picture, without caring so much what others thought.

I'm glad I did. It's a reminder to me that I need to do this more often. It's the 16th of January and I'm still embracing the New Year.