enameled shore
fused by water and sky--
how fleeting the moment
*
Back in Venice Beach for the holiday and to spend time with my father-in-law, who is very ill. He gave me my first SLR camera, taught me about composition and film developing. On this visit, I showed him some old photos and told him how much I appreciated what he had done. I was pulled back in time to my teen years at this beach, to my wedding on the sand complete with little girls throwing flower petals and musicians playing flute and violin, to the birth of my daughter and taking her to slide down crumbly hills of sand and to the release of my mother-in-law's ashes into her beloved Pacific. I don't know how one can have roots in a body of water, but I do.
27 comments:
This is a beautiful picture. It's amazing what memories are tied to pictures like this. I hope your memories give you comfort. It sounds like they do.
Tricia--Beautiful picture and memories. The ocean does the same thing to me. I was born in England and have so many beach memories that make warm and fuzzy and sad all at once.
That is so beautiful, Tricia! I love it that you have so many precious memories at one strip of beach. I'll be praying for your father-in-law. :-)
Oh, wow. That is beautifully written--it brought tears and a smile, all at once.
I would love to have some place to feel as attached to as you do. I've never lived anywhere long enough to get that attached, but now, you make me want to. Bad!
Yes, I think you can have roots in a body of water....maybe like kelp. I think it is called a "holdfast" or something like that.
Lovely word, holdfast.
Shelley
Beautiful image, beautifully written post.
Your memories tugged at my heart.
I also have roots in a body of water. The Pacific.
I share those roots. I can't explain them. They just are.
Stunning photograph, beautiful words, priceless memories. Thank you.
sarahjayne: It's a funny thing about memories--they do comfort even when bittersweet. Thanks for your comment.
Sharon: I've lived along both Atlantic and Pacific, and love all coasts, but this one is special.
Shannon: Thank you so much, friend.
Beth: It is amazing how there is such a thin line between emotions, isn't it? Thank you for that comment.
Beautiful photo and beautiful words. Thanks for sharing those memories.
Wen: Actually, I've moved a lot in my life, too. But this beach is the one that has felt like home for a long time, even when I haven't lived there anymore.
Shelley: Holdfast! Oh, I'm going to have to look that up and write something using it. Marvelous word.
Wendy: Thank you so much. It was a bit heart-tugging this trip.
VR: Exactly. They just are. And thank you so much for this comment.
Paul: It's most gratifying to have you comment. Thank you so much.
This is a beautiful post. xx
Beautiful picture, beautiful words. I'm so glad you were able to talk to him and thank him - not everyone gets that chance - or takes that chance. Take care.
Beautiful Tricia. I'm sad to hear about your father-in-law. But I'm glad you've got time to spend with him and tell him those things you wanted to say.
One can definitely have roots in water, particularly the ocean. The salt in our blood and tears is the same percentage as that of the sea. We grow in our mother's bellies in a sac of salt water. We are as connected to the ocean as we are to the air we breathe.
That's really beautiful. Thanks or sharing.
"Roots in a body of water..." Perfect Tricia. I don't know how it happens, but understand it, because I do too.
I, too, think that you can most definitely have roots in body of water. Hope your father in law gets better. I am sure he appreciates you spending time with him and showing him how he's blessed you.
Niki: Thank you.
Jemi: We all let a lot slip through our fingers. I didn't want that to happen.
Bish: You are so right--we are all of that primal water.
Jade: Thank you, too.
Liza: It's so elemental.
Yat-Yee: Yes, he did. I saw it in his eyes. Thank you...
I'm so sorry your father-in-law is ill, but what a beautiful gift he has given you. You inspire the rest of us with your vision of the world. It's a beautiful place!
What a gorgeous photo. When living away from the ocean I yearn for it and am always pulled back. Then when I live near it, I take it for granted. That's when I know I'm home. My thoughts go out to your father-in-law.
Maybe you're an ocean water lily. How wonderful to offer thanks to your father-in-law now, rather than later. The shore does look enameled, just as you said.
(I corrected it in time, but I confess that I first typed "whore." How's that for a very different haiku or would that word change create senryu?)
Wow. That is just beautiful. The post, I mean, not just the picture. This is just how I feel about the sea.
Nisa: Wow, thanks for saying that. It's nice to think my vision of the world in inspiring. :)
Mel: I think we do take for granted what we live with, and then every once in awhile we see with fresh eyes again. I saw a photo of a village in Nepal and wondered if the people took the Himalayas for granted. It's hard to imagine but...
Donna: Ha! I'm glad you caught that typo, for sure, and unless she was wearing enameled jewelry, it's a horrifying thought.
LT: Welcome, and thank you so much!
lovely photo and touching words. Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law, but that is good that you can be there. He certainly was a good photography teacher. How wonderful that you have known and loved your husband’s family for so long. Thanks for sharing that GORGEOUS image and those lovely lines of verse.
Thank you, Jan.
Sarah: He was such a good photographer in his day--had a few shows. It was a wonderful thing for me to learn from him. Thank you so much.
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