The Present of Being Present

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.”

-Robert Wyland

My best friend of 45 years, Dena, invited me to spend time with her at her beach house located in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.  I looked forward to the trip for so many reasons.  First of all, I looked forward to spending time with my dear friend.  Secondly, I looked forward to the healing power of the sea.

I was familiar with the area as I have explored this beach and surrounding areas in the past, so I knew where I wanted to spend time for sunrise.  The first day, while I enjoyed the sunrise, I didn’t get anything photographically that I loved.  While I was packing my gear in the car, my heart almost stopped as I saw the light streaming through trees on the side of the road.  I photographed the scene until a truck pulled in blocking my view.

One of the things I enjoyed the most during my stay were our long walks on the beach.  During one of our walks, I discovered these wonderful patterns in the sand.

I am always trying to capture a wave or how I am feeling about the waves.

Each morning, I started watching sunrise at the coquina rocks, a spot a friend and fellow photographer shared with me years ago.

My last sunrise of the trip was, by far, the most spectacular, in terms of photographic elements.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to enjoy nature’s exquisite beauty while at the beach.

Although these scenes filled my soul, the time I spent with my friend was even more beautiful.