One of our favorite Christmas traditions isn't all that traditional. To wit: When things get hectic, as they are wont to do this time of year, we abandon our "obligations" (wrapping presents, writing Christmas cards, baking cookies…), and make our way back to the ocean.
Lucky for us, Laguna's thisclose! In this vibrant beachfront community, artists and surfers share a peaceful coexistence, and tourists try their best to blend in with the locals. That's no easy task, given that this is a town where creative self-expression reigns supreme.
It's also known for its upscale village vibe, but even when you're browsing Laguna's fanciest boutiques, you never forget you're by the ocean.
That's what appeals to us most.
Waves crash against craggy rocks, inviting us to play. We squat, and as we explore the tide pools, we are misted with salty spray.
We stroll the boardwalk. People-watching's a given, of course, and we stop often, so as to admire the beautiful (if sometimes freakish) native plants.
As always, Mother Nature's tucked a treasure trove of gifts into the sandy waterfront…
…and stashed a few surprises in the highest branches. (I didn't notice the hawk perched atop this tree, for instance, until after I downloaded this picture.)
As evening approaches, the coastline develops a shimmery glow so luminous, it rivals a twinkling Christmas tree.
The sky darkens, and pink-tinged clouds roll in. A flock of seagulls lands atop this outcropping of rocks–front row seats for the impending sunset.
"Look," I whisper. I hear murmurings from those who surround us. And then…a widespread hush. The whole world falls silent, it seems, when the sun drops below the horizon.
And in that quiet space between daylight and darkness, we are refreshed and renewed…filled again with the spirit of the season.
Beautiful post, Melodye. I have an old college friend who lives near there, but we fell out of touch. It’s reassuring to know she’s surrounded by such natural beauty and serenity. Isn’t dusk just the best time of day?
She is swaddled in beauty! And though you’re separated by time & distance, I’ll bet her heart swells whenever she thinks back on the happinesses she’s shared with you.
Dusk is a beautiful word, in and of itself, and it’s a magical space in time.
Ahhh, lovely!
I loved sharing it with you!
*admires your icon*
How lucky you are to live so close to someplace so beautiful! Your pictures and words make me wish I was there too! 🙂
I wish you were able to visit Laguna with me!! Wouldn’t *that* be great?!? Trouble, maybe, but FUN!! 🙂
Love the peace and green and salt and light you found. Thanks for the beautiful words and pictures.
Here’s to seeing more hawks we didn’t know we saw in 2012! xo
I’m so lucky, Jeannine, to live so close to the peace and green and salt and light. *happy sighs* And YES, it’s oftentimes the hawks, isn’t it, that bring us our deepest lessons & brightest joys…
Standing on a shore – any shore – and watching the water dancing against the sand, the rocks, your feet…there is a voice, sometimes soft as the whispers of the foam on sand and sometimes as loud as the crack of the waves, which says ‘Be still…be still and know that I am God.’
*whispers an “Amen”
Oh, these are so lovely. And you got a bonus hawk in that photo! How wonderful is that?
I miss living near the ocean and very much appreciate you taking us along on your day. I can smell the salty air and hear the gulls screaming. Bliss…
You know, now that I think about it (thanks to your comment), I didn’t hear the seagulls screaming this time. Not that they didn’t, mind you–I feel fairly certain it’s part of their daily schtick–but for some reason, and by some magic, I must’ve filtered it out.
I so wish we could walk the sandy coastline together…It’s a far cry from a firsthand experience, but I’m glad we could share the experience in this way, at least (and until). xoxo
Oh wonderful! You said it to me the other day, and now I must say it to you: **thank you** for taking me to another world, far away! So full of light and sparkle, creativity and fun. I adore that car ^_^ and I love the mini-landscape in the tidal pool.
So much beauty, and fun.
There’s true joy, isn’t there, in our ability to connect our separate landscapes (in all definitions of that word) via the magic of the internet.
Fun is right! I laughed out loud when I saw that car. “I’m so blogging this,” I said to myself, and right then, I reached for my camera. See, I always think about you…lol, even when I’m on a hot date with my husband. 😉
Ohh, that looks like so much fun. Merry Christmas!
It was tons of fun, Jeni–wish we could’ve walked along the sandy coastline together!! Maybe someday, right? Meantime, Merry Christmas to you & yours!!! xoxo
Your wonderful pictures are making me think I should go there again soon. It’s been a long time. How was the traffic, and was there any place to park?
You really should–I’d love to see Laguna through *your* eyes/lens!
Traffic wasn’t too bad, all considered. We found a metered parking space, no problem, and though the beachfront was vibrant, it wasn’t overrun. Definitely worth a wintertime visit, if only for contrast with the madding crowds of summer.
*gasps with delight* Gorgeous!
🙂
Just think: You’ll be admiring the Pacific coastline firsthand in just a few short days, if you haven’t arrived here already… I’ll so enjoy reading about/seeing pictures of your adventures.
Love all these pics. So different from gray, gloomy December in NY
Thanks for visiting the beach with me–I love playing tour guide, especially for my friends. 🙂
Yeah, I’m not all that fond of dark, cold-ish days. It’s not for everyone, of course, but I love that we have (plentiful) sunshine most of the year.
Beautiful!
Love Laguna! It’s so beautiful and peaceful out there.
It truly is! Do you visit the OC beaches very often?
We try to go to Laguna at least a couple times in the summer. We also visit some of the OC beaches. We found we have to get there early as it’s crazy, busy during the breaks and summer.
To my eye, it’s of the most beautiful places on earth. But then again, I’ve yet to see the landscape of *your* life…
Oh Melodye, that is GORGEOUS! Thank you so much for sharing. And Merry Christmas!!!
Thanks, Lisa, for carving out a little time to stroll the beachfront with me. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you & yours!!!
Oh so beautiful! Thank you for sharing these photos and thoughts. I loved this post.
I’m so happy you liked them–it’s fun to swap (Illustrated) stories, isn’t it?
I dearly love all the photos you post–of the Maine coastline, especially.
I am SOOOO Envious of where you live. Waaaah. I can’t imagine being around so much creativity and beauty all the time.
You are creativity and beauty, personified. 🙂
That said, I think it’d be uber-fabulous if you lived closeby. I have a feeling we’d be running buddies for a bunch of Grand Adventures….
Oh, Melodye, that was lovely… a real break from the hubbub of the season. Thanks for taking us with you!
Tickled Pink
Peter, My curiosity got the better of me yesterday (as it’s wont to do), so I took a field trip to Whole Foods after my writer’s group meeting….
Cara Cara oranges are waaaay more expensive than most citrus I buy, but I really liked ’em! THeir texture’s rather like a grapefruit, don’t you think, but certainly a lot sweeter. YUM! I’d definitely buy them again!