Carmel By The Sea, Part 2

Here's a few more pictures of the way-too-many I took of the ocean in Carmel.

So beautiful.
Walking barefoot in the sand,
listening to the crash of the ocean,
smelling and tasting the salty air,
watching the seagulls soaring overhead
and the waves come in and out,
feeling my breath,
and I think:
this is the way the earth breathes.
And I feel at home, complete and whole.

Wildlife at the Park

There's a beautiful park near me that has an abundance of wildlife, especially birds and waterfowl. Although sometimes challenging and requiring lots of patience, there are plenty of opportunities to get some nice shots.  (And oh how I yearn for a nice DSLR camera...)

Five Senses

Seeing:
burnt orange + chocolate brown
busy morning traffic, bicycles and walkers hurrying
morning sun filtering it's light through the window
chalkboard menus
changing leaves of fall.

Hearing:
busy voices--working, socializing
the buzz and whir of the cappuccino machine
delightful laughter and giggles of the little girl across the way
the crunch of ice in my daughter's cup
faint music drowned out by voices.

Smelling:
bitterness of roasted coffee beans
heat coming through the window
freshness of the shampoo in my hair
sugary bakery goods.

Tasting:
fall--cinnamon, nutmeg + pumpkin
sweet morning
bliss in my cup of tea.

Feeling:
softeness of the sweater against my skin
the silver chain around my neck that reminds me of friendship and brilliant colors of life
warmth of sunshine comforting both body and soul
slight tension in my heart
breath moving steadily through my body.

Where are you this moment? What are you sensing?

Looking Up

Mint Lemon Tea

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea."

Mint Lemon Tea: Fresh mint leaves and a wedge of lemon in pure hot water. So refreshing, so cleansing, so lovely.

Scenes From The City

Just a few photos from a recent trip into the city. I've been playing with Photoshop filters to sharpen and brighten up raw images and make the colors pop a little.

Busy street in Chinatown. Don't all the red lanterns make things look so festive?

Why? Why not. 

I'm really loving graffiti art. Especially after seeing this movie. 

Is this man a time traveler from the 1940's or 50's? Here he is in 2011 sketching across the street from the Art Institute. I wonder what he's sketching?

First Frost

Wishing you all good things.