Ripples

Often

we are able to

sustain an outward appearance

of serenity and calm -

or at least of

relatively unruffled

tolerance -

even when

our gut is

churning

with uncertainty and doubt

or

roiling

in reaction to external

disturbances.

But sometimes

the inner ripples

find their way

to the surface

and our demeanor

betrays our inner battles.

The top photo

was cropped from the one

immediately above,

which is a picture of the water

and part of a pier

at Fisherman's Wharf

in Monterey, CA.

Taken 30 December 2011.

Old Stone Portal

A stone portal

probably more than two hundred years old

near one of the adobes close to 

Monterey, California's

Custom House Plaza.

Also close by:

Fisherman's Wharf,

Portola Plaza,

a business complex called Heritage Harbor.

A walk down the bicycle/recreational path

will take you to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium,

Lover's Point, San Carlos Beach, the Coast Guard Pier, and more.

Taken 31 December 2010.

New Day: Wharf and Marina

Had trouble deciding between these two photos,

so y'all just get both of 'em!

So many elements of these photographs

are appealing to me:

water, sky, clouds,

reflections,

boats and their masts,

rocks, plants,

lines, shadows, styles, details of the buildings...

And it all conveys a delicious, quiet sense of peace and joy.

>>>sigh<<<

Nice.

Taken 31 December 2010.

Pink Stucco

Partial shot of the Harbor House Gift Shop

at the entrance to "Fisherman's Wharf"

in Monterey, California.

My primary focus on this shot

was the french doors

and the white wrought iron balcony,

but the shadows are dramatic,

the blue sky,

the green plants....

this picture makes me happy.

Taken 31 December 2010.