The stars aligned for me yet again, in that this week’s Challenge Word enticed me away from my computer and into yet another outdoor adventure. I grabbed a picnic lunch, my camera, and a couple of books, and sped down PCH steered my roadster toward Laguna, which is where I photographed this constellation of stars.
There’s so much to love about Cynthia Lord’s upcoming release, A Handful of Stars. I’m reminded of my junior high school friend, Luz, the daughter of a migrant farm worker who takes a lead role in my contribution to the YA anthology, Dear Bully.
Bibliophiles, don’t you fret! There’s a waxed paper barrier between this sweet little book & the wet sand.
Lucky me, I’ve also got an advanced review copy of Jeannine Atkins’ newest novel, Little Woman in Blue! At a time when women assumed subservient roles on the whole, artist May Alcott steps out from behind her famous sister Louisa’s shadows and becomes the star of her own life. *applauds wildly*
Little Woman in Blue, sitting pretty on a lifeguard’s rescue watercraft
There’s a shortage of starfish in our local tide pools, so I brought one of my own, for the purpose of this challenge. Funny story: When I was snapping this picture, a cluster of Aussies gathered ’round, talking with animated gestures about what they’d assumed was a gift from the sea, washed ashore by these waves. We laughed about it afterwards, and they joked that they’d brought with them the whales that were breaching off shore before I got there.
No, he’s not a star. But when this seagull kept wandering into the frame, I decided to give him his moment in the sun.
This bright yellow bloom is a reflection of the sun itself, which everyone knows is a star.
Blue on blue, what a stellar day! I’d rate it five starfish out of five!
Linkfest! If you want to see other bloggers’ responses to this week’s challenge, click here.
My photographic response to last week’s challenge, coats, is here.
Naturally, I love this gathering of stars, Melodye! xoxo
Stars bestrewn, on a California beach. I love the constellations in Illinois, too, just as much.
(You can see the pictures, then? I was having trouble with that a bit earlier.)
Indeed it does look like a five starfish day! No blue waves here, but we are happy spring is busting out in Massachusetts with forsythia, magnolias, and red buds on the maples. Thanks for sharing your joy.
Thank you for sharing YOUR joy! I love the picture you’ve painted of a Massachusetts May Day. Too, I love that May Alcott accompanied me on my beach trip. I think she would’ve loved it, same as I enjoyed reading Little Woman in Blue.
looks like you had a wonderful time at the beach. the starfish you brought is a beauty, different than the ones i’ve seen on the beach.
It’s not a starfish we typically see around here, either, but I love the long, slender points. From what I read on the tag, I believe it found its way to California from the Philippines, by way of Michaels craft store.
I love your rating system and I laughed out loud when you said you took your own starfish to the beach! Lucky gull. Happy week to you!
Hahahaha, I’m not above setting the stage for my stars. 🙂 I had a good belly laugh with the flock of tourists who ran–I mean, RAN- to see the starfish they believed had washed up on shore, at that very moment.
Hope your week to come is STELLAR! 🙂
Left to our own devices, we tend to choose subjects that we know, like, and/or are familiar with. When given an assignment, we stretch into less known territory and view the world, or at least a small part of it, through the narrowed focus of the imposed subject, and with new eyes, we see the unseen.
Amen, sister, to everything you’ve said here, so elegantly phrased.
I pulled your quote for posting to my writerly Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Melodye.S.Shore
I love it Melodye! My kind of Californian stars, (I’m not much for the human Californian kind), this is absolutely ideal. Also love the sea gull and the bloom to the max. I’m going to have to paint a gull one of these fine years. Well done. It’s such a treat having you join in. I love catching up with you. 😀
I love glitz and glamour, but I believe Mother Nature wears it best.
Thank you for allowing me to join your art challenge. So many amazing artists in the mix, I marvel at them all. (Seeing as how it’s technically a Drawing Challenge, I appreciate that you let me color outside the lines!!!)
It’ll be fun to see your seagull painting, same as with all the lovely birds you create.
Lovely post! Thanks of sharing your star-studded day with us!
Thank YOU! I love that you took time to read and post, during your cross-country road trip! Have you planned a stop at the Pacific Ocean?
Hi Melodye,
I have tried a few times before … and tonight twice more to “subscribe” and each time it says , “There was an error when subscribing. Please try again.” No idea why! I will try again tomorrow. xo
dear Melody, you made me laugh too bringing your starfish to the sea but i’m sorry to hear about the shortage, they are wonderfull creatures indeed.
Little woman in blue…thanks for the tip and for a starry post with a lovely blue sky too, it’s raining over here, xx
A wonderful collection of shining moment and bring you owen starfish to make him a real star in your photo is as awesome as all your other wonderful photos and impressions.
Barbara bee
Trying again, Melodye!
Will try with my other address.
Success with my private email address! Maybe they don’t like yahoo addresses!! But why not??? I’ll see if ym message came through. xo
I enjoyed so much your beach photos, very creative! And so suitable for the DC stars.
oh such wonderful beach, sea and stars!