Hello 2014

It's been chaotic the last ten days. Not every second of the day, but for parts of each day, as we've been surrounded by family since Christmas Eve.

December always seems to slip between my fingers. This December was no different. I start off with good intentions. I want to have the house decorated with something new I create, make everything comfy, cozy and pretty. This year I felt lucky to have lights on the tree and the stockings hung on the fireplace. I was able to find contentment in what I was able to do.

I had hoped to blog on the last day of December and, again, on the first day of the New Year, but instead I was out enjoying life which is a better thing to do. On New Year's Eve, I took my brother and sister-in-law to the Pie Hole, continuing my quest to take everyone I love there.

Then, on New Year's day, we found ourselves at Laguna Beach, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. I was smart enough to swallow my pride and take my walker which allowed me to walk along side of them without too much discomfort.

Although 2014 holds much uncertainty, I must say, the first three days have been keepers in my book. Then, again, anytime I wake up in a warm bed in a house full of love I should be filled with thanks.

I've been wrestling with 2014 resolutions and whether or not to select a one word. I had decided this last week to forgo the latter. After all, I didn't do a good job living by the one I selected last year. How could I? I don't even remember what it was. How pathetic is that? It made me think that I didn't want to be a bandwagoner and select one just because others are doing it. But then I read a few blogs that made me feel inspired to rethink my position and a few words began to take root in my heart. I'm giving myself until the weekend to decide what I want to do.

My Kind of...

Last weekend was my kind of weekend. Practically perfect in every way. Even if it turned out a little different than I thought.

You see, the plan was to spend Saturday and Sunday at Laguna Beach with my cousin Arleen. Which is exactly what happened.

The weather on Saturday was in the upper 70's, lower 80's. Sunday the weather was a bit cooler, in the mid to lower 70's, but still beautiful. Just like the weatherman predicted.

The hotel was lovely. In a wonderful location, right on the beach, Mediterranean style, reminding me so much of Greece. We had an ocean view and I slept with the sliding glass door open with the sound of the waves lulling me to sleep. Just like Trip Advisor promised.

All our meals were so delicious. Lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch all eaten outside within sight of the ocean.

We had planned to write, journal, take photos and we did just that, but we did more talking then anything else. I took five cameras with me and only took one out the whole weekend. I didn't even feel bad about it. I learned so much about my cousin. I learned of her love for her family and for our God. I learned of her strength and compassions. I learned of her hopes and dreams.

She encouraged me in ways she will never know.

It was my kind of weekend.

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.

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.

Photo Heart Connection|May 2012

From the moment I saw this pink bike at the beach I knew I had to capture it. I didn't even care if the owner was around as I walked up close and saw to my delight, the rusted frame and bent basket, all the imperfections that come with age. Some might wonder why the owner didn't buff out the rust from the frame, replace the worn basket. But to others it would lose its value, it's uniqueness, it's richness. It once was young, but now it's not, kind of like what happens to us and that doesn't make it any less beautiful.

This is my photo heart connection. To learn how to participate in the monthly challenge or to see other photo heart connections, click on the link below.

The Old Man and the Sea

He walked with a slow shuffle, board in hand, up to the water. Even the thick neoprene wet suit couldn't hide the fact that this surfer was long past his prime. I watched from my blanket on the sand curious about him. From the weathered skin and straightforward trudge forward, it was apparent he wasn't a novice and I wanted to know if the water could give him back the bounce that was now gone.

He didn't stay long in the water. I could be wrong because I got distracted by a bird lady but I never saw him stand up on the board try as he may. So I wondered. Has he just battled an illness or injury? Is time just cruel? Regardless, it was obvious he feels the call of the sea.

If the story I gave him is correct, he has felt it from his days of his youth when he ruled these waters. Back then others would stop and stare at his exuberance and command of the waves. Now those days are long gone. Even if he couldn't stand on the board today, he may be able to do it tomorrow, if even for a second so he'll be back. Because he loves the ride more than he hates being old.

Pink

This week's 52 Photos Project theme is "Pink". I had a few things in mind for the photo but the moment I saw this bike chained to a rack I knew this was my shot. It stood out in the crowd of bikes, the perfect shade of pink, highlighted with enough rust to make a girl happy.

Good thing it was chained up or I might have been tempted to take it on a joy ride.

Meet Me at Lifeguard Station #5

This week's 52 photos project theme is "Where We Meet". This is the place that calls to me. This is where I go back to think, to enjoy, to be. Sometimes I take a kindred spirit with me, sometimes I just go on my own. It doesn't matter if it sunny, rainy, cloudy, hot or cold, though I do prefer it during the off season without the crowds that come with the summer. Still, I'm willing to share if need be.

To see where other's meet or to learn more on how to participate in the 52 week challenge, click on the link below!

Random Wednesday

I'm making up Random Wednesday because I feel as if I should write, but I don't have a sense of what to really say. Here goes....

I call her our Lovey Dovey because she has such a sweet nature and she likes to lick to show her love. Brie named her Belle. She came into our life 2 years and 2 months ago. The animal shelter estimated her age to be a year when we got her. By the way she chewed stuff up, they were probably close. She no longer acts like a pup, which is a good thing, but it also makes me sad. 

Took this shot at the preserve across from our church. I love how the road leads to nothing but light. It's like it's headed to heaven. I call it Up the Road Slowly, but if it did lead to heaven, I would be running towards the light.

For my Picture Black and White class, I was supposed to take a picture of repeating patterns. I felt stumped until I saw the curtains as I was getting ready to walk out the door. I know it may seem silly, but I like it.

Dreaming of the beach so I have to satisfy myself with this hazy photo that I took last week. I have to go back soon!

When we went to see my mom's cousin at the car show last week, I loved how Veronica let me take pictures of her freely. Afterwards she told me that it made her feel special.

That's what it's all about!

On the Beach

My love of the beach started when I was a little girl. Often after church, my parents would pack us up and head for the beach. It was likely a form of cheap entertainment. I remember we had a wicker picnic basket that mom would fill with sandwiches or fried chicken and snacks for us. I don' t know how they had the energy to herd four children, picnic baskets, towels, two beach chairs and an ice chest from the car to the beach and back again, but somehow they did.

There was nothing like playing in the water with the waves washing over me, never knowing when one would take me by surprise and knock me off my feet. Every once and a while, one would grab a hold of me and I would come up sputtering, nostrils and mouth filled with salty water, enough so that I would run back to where my mom and dad sat until the sound of the waves would call me back again.

I remember how it never failed that we would hear certain songs, such as Sunny, as we would drive to the beach. I remember the smell of Coppertone that mom would slather on us as we impatiently clamored to get into the water. I remember that we actually had to wait 20 minutes after we ate to get back into the water. I remember the sound of the small planes that would buzz overhead with advertisements trailing behind the tail or writing words into the sky. I remember the sensation of the pull of the sand each time the water would return to sea and how that feeling would still be with me when I would take a shower later that evening.

I still love the beach, but in a different way now. It's been years since a wave has knocked me over and my favorite time to go is on cool, even cloudy days. Days when I know that there will be very few on the beach with me so that I can walk about as I please.