Time to Observe and Appreciate

Our rental condo sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

The sound of the surf is always present.

The roar and hiss permeate both my sleeping and waking hours.

We plan our days loosely, making adjustments according to weather.

Most days we walk the beach, watching the waves and the surfers.

Sometimes we hike on bluffs where flowers bloom  in profusion.

 The ocean both mesmerizes and frightens me.

I'm wary and respectful as Nature reveals itself.

Near sunset one day, I notice a young couple on the beach in their wedding finery.

(Can you see how tiny they are in the vast landscape of the sea?)

I watch them dance to the beat of the waves.

I whisper many blessings to them for a happy and abiding union. 

Time to watch and listen and appreciate is my One Good Thing today. 

Thank you for visiting.

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Celebrating Sun and Surf and Sky

The beach environment is so different from our high altitude mountain home.

Morning mist softens distant watery views.

Bluffs overlooking the ocean offer endless hiking trails.

Buds on cacti begin opening in the sunshine.

Each scene tells a story of sun and sand and surf.

At low tide, we're beachcombers under a cotton ball sky.

When sea breezes blow, the kite comes out to play.

Diffused light reflecting on the sea offers a fairy tale ending.

Each sunset is cause for celebration.

All photos using Olympus OMD-EM1 edited in Snapseed.

Photos are landscapes in Solana Beach and Del Mar, CA.

Thank you for visiting!

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Birthday Wishes

People ask what I want for my birthday. 

Here is what I wish:

In the early morning, I'd like to follow my husband down the steps to the beach.

Perhaps I'll notice some gifts from the sea.

Pelicans might write a birthday message with their delicate calligraphy of flight.

If I'm lucky, I'll follow footprints of surfers toward distant cliffs.

I'd like my heart to soar with happiness at the gift of life.

Possibly, the setting sun will offer a molten surprise.

And the evening sky might release streamers of pink in celebration.

My 74th birthday is May 9th.

To be lucky enough to enjoy such a long life is my One Good Thing.

I believe all my birthday wishes will come true...

Bob took the photos of me with the iPhone.

All other photos are with the Olympus OMD-EM1 using the 14-150 zoom.

I edit in Snapseed.

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Life's a Beach

We're at the beach in southern California.
Color is everywhere!

Flowers bloom in profusion.

I'm awed as the sun sets over the vast ocean.

In the golden light of early morning, I meet shore birds strolling the sand.

I say hello as they scurry by me.

Sometimes mist mutes the lines between sea and sand and sky.

I see it all and feel grateful.

All photos except sunset are Olympus OMD-EM1 using 14-150 zoom.
Sunset is iPhone X.
I use Snapseed for editing.

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The Dance of Seasons

Winter and spring push and pull at high altitude.

Three days of storms deposit 33" (84cm) of snow.

We need the moisture to safeguard against summer wildfires.

Bob keeps busy plowing, shoveling decks , and raking the roof.

Temperatures rise again, and the new snow melts quickly.

Tourists stop visiting for awhile as the ski areas close for the season.

Town is quiet and deserted.

I walk along the shores of Lake Dillon noticing spring changes.

Ground cover watered by melting snow glows in the sunlight.

Wind clouds gather over the Continental Divide.

In a coffee shop. I watch two young women communicate gracefully in sign language.

A young man with green-dyed curls, a contrasting red beard, and a nose ring works on his computer.

I see it all and smile in appreciation.

Our family will visit this weekend.

Perhaps our son will play for us.

We'll hug and say goodbye.

Bob and I leave for CA soon.

The fox will stay to guard the property.

Goodbye mountains and hello beach!

The dance of seasons is my One Good Thing today.

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Springtime in the Rockies

Spring at high altitude is very subtle.

Temperatures rise slowly above freezing only to dip again.

Sunshine suddenly gives way to snow showers.

Daylight lingers longer.

Animals roam through our property.

The foxes are curious, peering in our windows.

Bull moose shed their antlers.

Bears leave their dens after hibernation.

Coyotes howl a mating song.

I'm still downhill and cross country skiing.

The snow conditions change daily.

I wait for the sun to soften the surface before heading out.

I notice bushes changing to rust and gold as buds emerge.

Ice on streams and ponds is melting.

I have a spring smile on my winter face.

Happy spring!

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Connection and Solitude

Bubbles the Bunny is very outgoing

I tend to be a quiet person - not the life of the party.

When I'm in a group, I listen more than speak.

With close friends, however, I can talk, talk, talk.

my lone ski tracks leaving our property

Connection is important for my well-being.

However, I'm most at ease in solitude.

Some days I don't feel like going into the cold.

I'd rather read in front of the fire sipping tea...

selfie while out on touring skis

However, I put on layers and snap into my touring skis.

I start gliding into the forest and in a short while I'm smiling.

new fox tracks on our deck

When I'm alone, I'm very alert.

I see the tracks of animals and determine if they're old or new.

scenery that makes me smile

My skis groan and creak in the cold.

Going downhill, they squeal a high pitched tune.

Sometimes, I laugh out loud at their antics.

We are all so different.

That's what makes life interesting.

Time to connect and time for solitude are my good things today.

Outdoor photos are iPhone X.
Indoor photos are Olympus OMD-EM1.

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