undieing beauty

Is there a more gorgeous place to live?

While walking on Nauset Beach with Rosie, we came across this Atlantic White Sided Dolphin. The sea-gulls had already begun feasting, and there were multiple wounds. After many conversations about the magnificence dolphins lately, it was saddening to see such a beautiful creature dead on the beach. Between their part in saving the Monterrey surfer from further shark bites, their stellar performance that morning at Ocean Beach, and Jane and Tesa's adventures in Florida, I have felt such an affinity for these brilliant animals. They are somehow connected to the human species; I know that they feel an affinity for us, and I can't help but feel loved by them. Of course I love them back. I feel protected by them every time I set foot in the ocean. They truly are guardian angels.

But everything is flowing, changing, being born, and dieing, and accepting that the soul of this creature had left it's incredible body was a necessity. As nature took its course, and sea-gulls swarmed to dine on the corpse of this beautiful dolphin, Rosie and I soaked in the rising sun felt gratitude for the gift of this ephemeral life.

Last Tuesday, one of the biggest swells in recorded history hit the California Coast. Peter Davi, a well known and very well-respected big-wave surfer, died in an unfortunate incident when his leash snapped while out in 50+ foot waves. I can't get over how enormous the waves were, not to mention people attempting to surf them.
This shot was taken at a beach called Blacks near San Diego. The guy on the left, in the curll of the wave is about to have a pretty nasty wipe out, while the surfer on the has to be so incredibly thrilled at that moment. This waves are easily half as large as the waves that hit Northern California. Nonetheless, this shot captures the thrill, intensity, and challenge-- in addition to the beauty, simplicity and grace-- that the sport of surfing offers.
I have been surfing my new board and loving it. Though, I must admit, the chill of the water these days is changing my quickness, and in many cases, my confidence. I can't believe I used to surf winters in New England!!

While I never aspire to surf big waves, I am inspired to master some of these California water bumps:)

Spreading your wings in a big world is hard to do. That's why you have to just look at the grass below you and breath it in.

Days of Thanks in Sonoma

I feel so incredibly grateful for the time that I spent in this beautiful spot, with such beautiful people. It is surprising how, even in the absence of your own comfortable surroundings, you can find incredible comfort. There are so many gifts in this world if we can just pay attention-- and I think that every time we remember to say "thanks," we are planting the seed for a future gift.

Goodbye Sunday

A foggy sunset.... but some light nonetheless

Las Cositas

It really is the little things in life that are incredibly didactic. Now, I am not one to obsess over flowers, but these guys just really deserve some attention. They smell amazing, and everytime I walk into my room, I am overwhelmed by their beauty. They are just so vibrant and aware of their perfection. They are wide open and exposing every inch of themselves to the world outside. They hide nothing and they try to be nothing more than they are. I know that I have read some Eastern reading about flowers. I can't remember if was Taoist or Buddhist. I guess it really doesn't matter. All I know is that THIS is what they were talking about. We have so much to learn from flowers.