At home there was no power– so during a break in the storm I went where the power was.
Some people are drawn to deserts or mountains; I feel most grounded by an ocean. And I’m not a fair weather friend.
Actually, foul weather is pretty fabulous at Carmel Beach…..
…..or where the beach usually is…..
Today the ocean swallowed up every last grain of sand.
….with waves taller than any building in the entire town.
On the way back to my car, I ran into a woman I know who has breast cancer. There she was out in the storm walking her dogs by the beach, in the middle of chemo with a cap covering her thinning hair, her strong spirit reflected in her body language and in every word.
Even with all the natural beauty surrounding me, her big smile was the most beautiful sight I saw all day.
I share your love for the ocean, especially during storms. I went to 3 different beaches yesterday in the rain to pay homage to the wild beauty of the sea.
Really beautiful photos. I also love the ocean. Thanks
Thanks to both of YOU, we’re all lucky to be in CA. Not to dismiss the Atlantic Ocean off the sands of Miami Beach where I grew up, the wildness of the Pacific coast is one of my favorite parts of living here.
Thinking about you as we see (on the news) what is going on in California. Stay safe dear friend!
It is beautiful and brutal. I love the beach during a storm and I too am most grounded by the ocean (although just a little more southern than you). Not that the Atlantic isn’t great, but something about the Pacific suits me. Guess I truly am a California girl.
I loved the elegance and simplicity of this post. You marked the triumph of the human spirit in just a few photos and a chance meeting with someone who personified these photos.
Awesome.
Mendy
Mendy, thanks SO much for such a beautiful compliment; I’m also grateful for this chance meeting with you.
Debi: Thanks. Though we’re having power shortages and wicked weather, our area is spared the worst on this round; I’m thinking about my two kids and all the others down in So. CA. These winter storms really wreak havoc—the first month after I moved from Florida to Los Angeles, the hill behind our house slid down and dumped 200 tons of mud.
Still I have to agree with Vixen, I think I’m a California girl.
You are so right, just gorgeous.
Thank you so much for these beautiful photos and your thoughtful commentary. It made me miss California but it also changed my morning attitude from worry to peace.
Thank u –the ocean always cheers me up—and this experience definitely was an attitude adjustment.
Appreciate hearing it made a difference for you, too.