Tuesday, January 24, 2012

To the moon but still on Earth

No, I haven't gone to the moon, but it feels like a million miles from life's troubles, at least for a little while.







I'm on vacation in San Clemente where wondrous things pop out of the ocean when the tide is low, like rocks covered in patterns and tiny creatures.







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Is there a face in this hunk of stone?








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Definitely, a face on this one.











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This isn't a tall cliff. Just a small rock shot from low vantage point.


I love the way my mind sees miniature worlds within the rocks of this tide pool area.









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Tons of sea life spend most of the time submerged where we don't see them. But when the tide pulls out, they are exposed. What are their lives like?










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old man egret waits,


shoulders hunched, watching for his


sunset dinner

















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A couple finds a rocky perch as the tide begins to flow back in and the sun sinks into the sea.


I found wonder and peace roaming the beach. I also have read through more than half of my 80,000-word manuscript as I start editing and finding the right ending for the fairy tale I've been working on more than a year.

As you know, I've been sidetracked by some serious life issues, but this small vacation is lifting my spirits and hope to high levels. This is a working vacation of the best kind.


I'll still be absent a lot from the blog world. My best to all. (Sorry for the weird spacing. Blogger wonkiness)



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13 comments:

Jemi Fraser said...

Love the photos! It sounds like this working vacation is just what you need! Hope it gives you lots of joy and recharging! :)

dolorah said...

Oh man, I'd love to join you. I love the ocean.

......dhole

Donna said...

Sounds lovely. So glad you're enjoying a creative time.

storyqueen said...

You WILL finish it!! I just know it is the right book for you...your voice is perfect for a dark fairy tale. (And I mean that in the best possible way!)

I am sorry that you have been going through so much lately...it has been quite a year, hasn't it? I am wishing you the very best and sending good, book finishing thoughts.

xoxo--

Shelley

Phoenix said...

Take the time and space you need! And I hope you find some peace at the beach in San Clemente. The ocean always restores me. ::hugs::

Anonymous said...

Pat: Sorry to intrude, but I need to reach you. Please email or call ASAP. Sybel

Bish Denham said...

I hope your time away is filled with words!

Sarah Laurence said...

Good to see you had a fun break. Good luck with the editing! I'm plugging away on MS revision too.

kah said...

That third one reminds me of a little grumpy old man with his face all scrunched up. Love it.

Get some R&R for your soul, sweetie. *hugs*

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone for these lovely comments. I had a fantastic week. Lots of great walks and sights, as well as completely reading through and editing the ms.
I almost got the end written when I had to go back and deal with my mother's difficulties. I'm still up to my neck in that but hope for a few days here and there to get finished. There will be a BIG post when I get done!

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

I'm so glad for you. I hope this peace you've found settles within you, and that in your darker moments, you can turn to your memories and find it again. What lovely pictures.

Keeping you in my thoughts, my dear.

Robyn Campbell said...

I love the way my mind sees mini worlds within the rocks too, pal. That tall cliff that isn't is amazing.

I had no idea about your mother. I'm going to email you today, Pat. Be at peace. Love you. So very much.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

My dear Carol and Robyn, thank you both for the peace-filled wishes. This week has been tough but I just had a few days back at my home and got a lot of writing done. Feeling good right now. :)