For A Moment Photography

Pink Boots

 

 A rose I love in the garden.

  

What a treat grandma Lala had in store for Presley today.  This morning Lala gave Presley some gardening boots, garden bag (you know how she loves bags) tools and seeds to plant.  The project kept her busy for a while, her favorite part was watering and wearing her boots.

When we went to the gym she decided to wear them so that, "everyone can look at them".  I love them and wouldn't mind a pair of rain boots myself, so I let her...  After the gym I decided we should take a run out to the beach.  It's still a bit chilly so we stopped by Starbucks first.  On the way to the beach Presley spilled her milk on her jeans.  She decided not to wear the jeans but to keep her boots on!

I'm glad she wore the boots, it created a whole new experience for her.  Walking in the sand and splashing in the water without get her feet wet was very thrilling.  She later asked me if they were swimming boots.  I let her know it was a good idea to keep the insides dry.

 

"Pink Princess Boots!  Pink Princess Boots! Hooray!"
  

 

Giggly Girls

 

 

Presley and I met a girlfriend of mine and her daughter for a little bite and playtime with the girls.  After that Presley and I cruised a few beach neighborhoods picking out dream homes.  While doing this we ran into Moonlight Beach in Encinitas.  It's a great beach for if you have kids, sand volleyball, playground , snack bar and restrooms.

As far as weather, we are experiencing what the locals call "June gloom".  It's cloudy and a crisp (for me an Arizona girl) 68 degrees.  I don't mind the clouds, drizzle or temperature it's a welcomed change.  It made for a cool white backdrop in the photos!  

I don't get many candid photos of Presley and I, most of them are self portraits.  Usually just our heads and a tiny corner that might give a clue as to where we are at.  I don't really mind, I've got great shots of Presley and all the memories I could ask for. 

 
  
  

Tonight at the Beach

  

Today I asked Presley what she wanted to do, the gym, beach or the pool.  She picked stay home...  Not the answer I was looking for...  I then decided (sort of) today would be a good day to hang at home in the morning, hit the pool after lunch then go to the beach in the evening.  I haven't taken any evening photos this trip...

We stopped by Starbucks and I got a steamed milk  and Presley got a "coco milky" (chocolate milk). Right when we sat down this surfer guy came right behind us.  As he stopped to stretch I got out my camera and snapped one shot as he headed towards the water.  Awesome, no planning the photo just happen.  If I did plan it I would of asked for more cooperation from the clouds, just a bit more sky would have been nice.  

 

Presley was a bundle of fun on the beach.  We only stayed an hour (bedtime is at 8:00) so she ran the whole time.  I got a few cute photos but this one is my favorite, I was fiddling with the on camera flash (dim setting)...  I'm really getting use to it here, I only put on shoes on to drive then walk bare foot and I'm not the only one.

 
 

The Sad Seal

 

I was taking photos of the ocean when he (a seal) came up on a wave.

 

I'm using a wide angle lens.  This beach was packed with people.  The lens (distortion) makes the area look large when it's really not.  

While on the beach I was snapping some photos of the water and blue sky.  Then along comes this seal and beaches itself.  He came up in a wave and laid in the sand for about an hour.  People came running with cameras and gathered all around the poor thing.  We were sitting a few feet away from him.  Presley wanted to go see him but I told her he was scared and sick and needed to be alone. 

We were siting right next to the life guard tower and heard them say he beached himself at another life guard tower about a mile away.  He must of been sick because that is not normal (completely unafraid/unaware of people too).  Despite how empty the beach looks there were at least 50 people around him most of the time.  The life guards had to put up caution tape to keep the crowd away from him.

He flipped and flopped in every direction warming every part of himself in the sun and sand.  They (seals) do seem very cute and cuddly I guess thats why everyone wanted to be close.  Surrounded with caution tape and orange cones people got as close as they could and snapped pictures.  It's sort of bizarre, our instinct to pull out a camera at the drop of a hat...  I have it to and I always ask myself, why I want that photo.  (hmm...)  

After about an hour he got back in the ocean and swam away.  There was a young boy 7 or 8 years old in the water.  The seal actually bumped into him while swimming back out.  The boy (had no idea) got one look at the seal and couldn't get out of the water fast enough...  

Later Presley was talking to Pop Pop on the phone and told him about the seal.  She also told him he was sick from the oil in the water.  Not the case but it made me sad to think of all the sea life that are sick and have died or will die from the oil spill.  Not to mention the people it has hurt...

I'm glad he made it back in the water and hope he's ok.  

Californiacation

 

 

Being here in California for as long as we will this trip not everyday feels like a vacation.  Which is a good thing because I'd be +20 lbs. otherwise.  Today however was a true vacation day.  The weather was suppose to be the warmest day of the week (74) so I figured we should spend it at the beach.  

I tried to pack lightly but wow, it's hard.  We needed food, blanket, towels, water, toys, my camera, change of clothes (I ran to the beach) and sunblock.  I ran and pushed Presley in a jog stroller for two miles.  It doesn't matter what time of day you run as long as you are on the beach route you will have a cool breeze.  We got to our spot and set up camp.

We didn't meet any friends (for Presley) today but her and I had the best day.  I don't usually get in the water and I don't like being in the sun.  I'm pretty sure I'm "freaky" about the sun at this point.  I will usually apply sunblock once an hour (50 or 70 SPF), wear a hat, glasses and wrap my shoulders in a towel- just to make sure.  Obviously trying to avoid the sun this much can hinder a day at the beach.

At some point today (maybe after I forgot my umbrella) I decided to -let go.  I was going to enjoy the sun and beach like everyone else.  Presley didn't want to get in the water on her own so we got in together!  We were running to and from the water giggling and screaming like 3 year olds.  Being in the moment like that was so fun, it felt like it was just the two of us there ( I did wish I had video of her today)...  I don't know why I love it so much when Presley runs head on into the ocean.  She's so confident and excited she's beautiful to watch. 

The water was cold but with all the sun, running and playing we didn't mind.  I still reapplied sunblock (on both of us), wore a hat and glasses but I was able to relax more then usual.  Hopefully I can bring a little more of the calmness I had today with us more often.  We both survived, without a sunburn and I'll remember it always.   

 

 

 
 

Into the Groove

 

My Beach

 

Lovin' it

Here we are ending week one in Californ-i-a.  I'm trying to get us into a routine, beach run in the morning, "little pool" swim (jacuzzi) in the afternoon and then nap.  I would love to find a summer camp (1 to 2 hours a day) for Presley.  We're having a great time I just wish she had some friends here to play with.  Tomorrow we are going to spend the day at the beach, maybe she'll make some friends there...   

The ocean is too cold for me to dare get in.  Presley seems to enjoy playing in the sand, the water is rough too I don't know how much fun it would be...  Today was my test run on bringing the minimum amount of stuff with us.  One small bag for me to carry, along with Bugga.  Like the American I am I like stuff and would love to shlep half the house with me!   We survived but tomorrow I'm bringing food for me too (ever want to steal your child's food?). 

 

Flags

While we drive I always ask Presley what she sees out her window a couple weeks ago she discovered flags.  It's been a lot of fun chatting/teaching her about the American flag and the Arizona flag.  She knows the American flags colors and that Arizona's flag has a gold star.  Being here she's learned about the California flag, how fun and unexpected this game has become!  I'm not sure she totally understands all of it (different states concept) but she did say to me the other day, "Momma, we are Americans". 

Our location, I'm going to have to get the proper name for this beach it's near Escondido.  I'm not decided on where we are going tomorrow, I love Del Mar beach.  There they have bathrooms, running water, play grounds and a restaurant.  The good thing about Escondido, super quiet not touristy...  

 

Save a Sea Slug: Check

 

beach baby

 

sea slug (looks like a human heart, right?)

This morning we got up and took a long walk on the beach.  Lately Presley has agreed to ride in my baby carrier (in the ergobaby carrier you can carry kids up to 45lbs.) so I get quite the workout.   I did feel a little bad this morning because she really wanted to get in the water and I didn't put her suit on... 

On our walk we found a sea slug.  It had but washed up and was stuck in the sand.  At first I thought it was dead, but it slowly started moving.  I decided I would throw it back in the ocean.  That was a simple decision, the picking it up part was a bit tricky.  It was slimy, mushy and heavy.  After a little encouragement and some seaweed I moved it to safety.  

As much as it freaked me out I know seeing it in the ocean moving around (as nature intended) it would be beautiful.  The bottom edges looked liked a scalloped edge of a dress and the deep black and red coloring were striking together.  I guess by the end of it I wasn't too freaked out. 

 
 

First Leg: HB

 

 

 

 

entourage

 

Merv

 

trademark hat
 
 

Our California vacation has begun.  The first leg of the trip was spent in Huntington Beach, one of my favorite places!  HB has such a great laid back feel to it and that makes everything better.  One day we went out on our friends boat and had lunch in Long Beach...  We made friends with two Aussie travelers on a thirty day trip around the US.  We chatted a bit and Merv wanted me to get a photo of him and his hat, I guess it's sort of his trademark.

I don't know anything about boats and I know less about surfing but while I'm here I always wish I knew how to do both.  For now I'll be the guest on the boat and a spectator on the beach.  

 
 

Life Philosophy

 

Me (during college) with Bailey J.
  

Last night I was up looking at my college loan debit, it's going down faster then expected (I'm also getting older faster then expected)...  While digging around my email for my login id I found this paper I wrote in college.  This document was written for a class at the time (titled then as Personal Leadership Philosophy).  I thought it was lost a couple of computer crashes ago (before my mac).  I was so happy to find it, I've thought of it often.

The paper is my life philosophy.  While writing the paper I wanted to be sure they weren't just words on paper.  I decided (and wrote) then that I would share the paper in order to hold myself to the philosophy.  The assignment meant a lot to me then, college is a time of figuring out or better yet, deciding who you want to be. College truly changed the direction of my life...  For the first time in my life I was truly aware and gained an understanding of how other life experiences differ from mine.

I plan on making some adjustments to the wording but the five qualities I don't imagine will ever change...  I decided to share this for a few reasons.  One sharing was always my intention, two now I never have to worry about losing it again and three maybe you would like to write a philosophy too.

My Life Philosophy

As the leader of my life I have five qualities that I will hold myself to in all facets of my life.  I will have to make a daily effort and stay true to my philosophy; I will not just write these words I will live them.  These five qualities have not always been a part of who I am.  This is the reason that I have made a commitment to myself and those I care about to hold myself to a higher standard and be accountable for who I have become and who I wish to be.

Being Authentic, I will lead my actions based on what it true to my heart.  I promise to live my life with my authentic self in mind.  My strength will insure that I push myself through tough times and decisions where the right road may not always be the easiest path to follow.  Sharing my life philosophy with others, rereading and revising will be important steps in being and staying authentic.     

Being Passionate, I will love, believe and support my actions with all that I am.  I want my life to be filled with people and projects that I am passionate about.  Activities that I choose to be a part of should reflect the type of person I am.  My passion is what will drive me and create a life, which I am proud of.  The passion I feel for life and loved ones will not be convoluted by monetary or selfish desires.  By doing this I hope to encourage others to live and be passionate in their endeavors.    

I will have Respect for all people and things including myself so that I may further validate my genuine feelings.  Understanding that in order to have the quality of life that I desire I will have to have respect for myself and those people and things around me.    I will show respect for others by allowing them to share their ideas and opinions.  I will make positive contribution to my environment and community by respecting what they have to offer.

I will lead my life with Integrity.  I will make a constant effort to keep a clear vision of my path and remember it’s the journey not the destination.  My integrity is a distinguishing characteristic that will allow me to be the caliber of person I am capable of being.  I will not allow myself to be involved with people that lack integrity, creating an environment that will help me foster this virtue.   

I will be Honest to those that I deal with and myself.  I will make a continuing effort not to blur the meaning of honesty.  Honesty is a right that I am deserving of and right of the people in my life.  Being an honest person will create a healthy relationship with those around me and help build mutual trust.

Country Life

I miss having beautiful (but breakable) decorations in my home.  

 

 

 

This weekend we went north to get out of the heat for a few days.  It was good to get away from the heat and to a slower pace of life.  We stayed at Pop Pop's and grandma Sue's place in Payson.  Presley knew were all the fun toys were (horse books, horse pillow and pink tins) in the house and I'm starting to understand her obsession of horses a bit better.

In the past year or so Grandma Sue and spent a lot time painting.  I had not seen a lot of her art on the walls.  Presley had since she's visited with Pop Pop and Grandma Sue by herself a few times this year.  It's pretty exciting to see her share this interest with Grandma Sue.  This weekend I noticed horses in the decor through out her home...  

 

 

 

One of the best things about Payson is being so close to nature.  I love all the beauty in the basic things around.
 

 

I've always imagined a having a tub on the front porch of a country home where all my kids (or child) and their cousins would bathe and play.  This weekend I saw this watering trough and it was perfect for her to play in.  Although the temperature was warm the water was icy.  To get this photo I had to promise her a chocolate kiss.  She was trying to sit on the edge when she slipped...