Get Out Of The Way, Crazy Girl!

2012 is upon us and another year has passed. Already.  Time is moving like a runaway freight train and we are along for the ride--like it or not.

While I have accomplished a lot in this life, there is much more to learn, experience and explore. Because I want to have time for so many things, it will require being more selective about how I spend my days.  You know, to make sure I can fit in all of the good stuff. 

Just as Nervous Bob warned me when I was straddling the tracks trying to take this shot, it's time to "get out of the way."  Yes, get out of the way of the should do things in my life and start the want to portion of the ride.

Look out, it is 2012!

Dreams of Mermaids

 

 Every little girl dreams of being a mermaid.  

May all your dreams come true!

The Light

We asked for light during the Winter Solstice ceremony and the request was immediately granted.

As the day ended, the sun's size appeared to be much larger than usual.  This huge orb set off a rich tapestry of colors in both the sea and the sky not normally witnessed on a cold winter's day. 

Thanks, Mother Nature!

Go to the Light

On the eve of the darkest day of the year, it time once again to celebrate Winter Solstice.

Give thanks for the year's precious moments, victories and challenges which make this life so poignant,

Let go of old habits, grievances, and stories (you can even write them on slips of paper and burn them),

Light candles to banish the darkness, 

Bring home white flowers to place with the greenery, 

Feast on food which nourishes both body and soul,

Turn your heart toward the future,

and ask for light and love to shine on you in abundance.

 In this time of crazy holiday expectations, this special day can refresh and renew your heart and soul.

The Crab Lost

 

Legs here, arms there, an upturned shell and plenty of footprints lead us to believe a skirmish had taken place earlier in this very spot.

O' Christmas Tree

"What the heck am I doing here?  When I was "harvested" from my roots, thrown on a truck and driven away from the forest I was understandably upset.  Then, with sugar plum fairies dancing in my head, I remembered it is Christmas.  I began thinking about being inside looking out at the snow.  I imagined festively wrapped presents under my branches as I smelled the cookies baking in the next room.  Everyone entering the house would proclaim my magnificence.

Instead, I stand here trying to look as majestic as possible between an empty park bench and a trash can. Undaunted by the 90-100mph wind storm,  I have also endured the 28 degree F cold snap.  I am well anchored though and most likely won't blow over and roll around the parking lot in an undignified manner.

I shouldn't complain.  Local families have decorated my limbs with ornaments built to withstand the wind and the rain and many folks turned out for my ceremonial lighting.  I even have a view of the Pacific Ocean from sunrise to sundown, not many trees can boast about that.

I have just one wish.  All I ask  for Christmas is for PEACE in this quaint town.  For small minds to be replaced with open hearts who really care about their neighbors.  

Join me as we all celebrate this place we call home!"

Moon Over Spring Lake

The bright full moon was rising over Spring Lake last night when I captured this photo.  Just a few hours before a lunar eclipse, we were both excited about the clear skies forecast for the early morning event.

Alas, at eclipse time, the usual grey clouds had set in.  Our hopes of seeing the spectacle set into the Pacific Ocean were dashed.

Cold Stones

It's not very often you wake up at the beach to 28 degrees F and heavy frost covering everything...including the rocks.  I recommend drinking hot coffee by the crackling fire until further notice!

A Pirate's Life For Me!

"He sat upon the rolling deck

Half a world away from home,

And smoked a Capstan cigarette

And watched the blue waves tipped with foam.

He had a mermaid on his arm

An anchor on his breast,

And tattooed on his back he had

A blue bird in a nest."

Langston Hughes