Outcropping

This is what is commonly called

a rock outcropping.

Funny word - outcropping.

This photo takes my imagination 

in many directions.

I can almost see some kind of primitive face on this rock;

or it is a huge petrified shark fin;

or a finger...

an index finger pointing to the sky -

the "One Way" sign;

or the upturned rudder of an ancient ship...

Whatever.

It is the central focus of this photo,

but there are many other elements

lending interest to this composition:

the seagull in flight,

the purple iceplant blooming on the far bank,

the stunning blue sky,

the congregation of stone around the central monolith,

the green iceplant in the foreground,

waves crashing on the distant shoreline.

Overall,

a scene that beckons

with an offering of serenity

and peace.

Like holding a conch shell to your ear,

you can hear the sound of the ocean waves.

Taken 13 May 2011,

Pacific Grove, California.

Real Books!

A receding commodity

relegated to dusty back corners,

thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales;

an archaic oddity,

practically museum-worthy,

antiquarian,

quaint,

precious.

There is nothing like

shelves lined with books,

literary pathways

to every imaginable

time and place;

characters

to delight,

frighten,

enthrall,

tickle,

and

most of all,

to remember.

Imaginary friends

that become a part of you

for a lifetime.

Taken 12 January 2011,

Monterey, California.

Chair #8

Hand-set stone

beneath my feet

as I rest...

my weary bones,

my troubled mind,

my cornered soul.

Close my eyes

and breathe in deeply,

the scents of springtime blossoms

washed in morning dew,

and beneath,

an earthy base of soil

and rotting autumn leaves;

around the edges,

pungent sea air;

the persistent cries of seagulls

and the tattling sea lions

punctuating,

pulsating.

The sounds and smells

compose a sensory tapestry

that wraps me in a healing cloak

of creative Life.

A smile.

A nod.

And for these moments,

all is well.

Monterey Custom House Plaza,

taken 31 December 2010.

Lost in Thought

All alone,

seemingly abandoned in the sandlot;

drops of rain dappling its well-used leather;

it takes a moment

for the brain to register fully

what your eye is seeing,

and then

> >  b - o - o - m  < <

echoes of the slap

of ball in glove;

the crack of the bat;

the taunting, teasing calls to the batter,

whistling and hooting;

all the sounds of the boys of summer.

And a smile slowly emerges

from your heart to your lips;

and maybe your eyes get a little misty

with the sweet memories

of

playing ball.

Taken 19 March 2011.

Church in Sierra Vista

This church in Sierra Vista, Arizona,

caught my eye.

Beautiful colors and architectural details.

Unfortunately,

I did not take a picture of the sign,

and I have forgotten the name of the church.

The stark blue sky that day was gorgeous and amazing.

Taken 9 February 2011.