Water Colors

I'm always fascinated by the vibrant colors of anywhere tropical and Jamaica was no exception. The ocean looks amazing and I like the other patches of color here and there.

Bon Voyage!

I originally posted a different picture, then realized I had already posted it last September. I needed something tropical to post, since we're leaving for a cruise tomorrow! I've been so excited, given all that the past year has brought. I can't wait! I should be packing now, but I'm a procrastinator, so I'd rather wait until the last minute so I get to experience the panic of not having enough time to think clearly while I pack.

This is a private island right off of Key West that I took on our last cruise in 2009. I plan to live there one day, since it's only accessible by boat. Until that day comes (i.e. I win the lottery), I'll settle by taking cruises & beach trips.

Besides the obvious reasons for being excited, I'm really looking forward to all the photo ops I'll have! See you in a week.

Cheaper than a therapist

I'm struggling, but trying to stay in the happy place.

On a related note, we've officially booked a cruise for Spring Break 2011. I'm not sure what excites me more... the open sea, the beaches or having my camera along.

The Happy Place

Life is just extra hard right now, so I find myself more & more going to my happy place. Yes, that includes fantasies of me on the beach.

I took this picture from the ship when we went on a Disney cruise. This is their private island, where we stopped on the last day. I had almost forgotten how blue the water is. What I wouldn't give to be here right now...

It was only a matter of time

Ok, I'll admit it. Not one day has gone by that I haven't thought of the beach since my trip. This is where I want to be. Period.

Crazy for the Storm

Our first night at the beach, we had a storm roll in, complete with huge streaks of lightening. I got a chance to test my skills with slower shutter speeds & my tripod. Sure - I still need a lot of work, but I got a few cool pictures.

On a side note, this title seemed applicable, but this is actually the name of a wonderful, amazing non-fiction book that I highly recommend - Crazy for the Storm, by Norman Ollstead.

Insert toes here

I'm home from my trip and I'm already feeling like I've been punched in the stomach by the real world. I'd like to be able to walk along the beach right about now and dip my toes in the water. It was so much more effective than a therapist.

Broken Record

Have I mentioned my love for the beach? :-)  Simple things like umbrellas and a chair left seem so pretty to me. Do I really have to leave soon?

Sunset

This is Gulf Shores, Alabama - a few miles from where we're staying. I took this picture from the pier. I wish I had something profound or witty to write, but I can only just sigh. I love it here.

Fun in the Sun

Lots of laughs, waves & sand castles (although not made by us). Another great day. Happy Memorial Day!

Heaven

The beach is my most favorite place in the world to be. Yesterday, while floating in the ocean, I mentioned that if I only had a bottle of water, everything would be perfect. Thirty minutes later, a lady offered me one. It truly was perfection.

She Sells Sea Shells

Judging from this picture, you'd think the entire beach was covered in shells, but in actuality, there was a strip right before the water's edge that was full of shells.

Again with the lighting...

We spent Labor Day at the beach, so the next few posts will be beach pictures. I thought about spacing them out, but these pictures are a good reflection of where my mind is right now.

Going out for one final swim, before the sunlight fades. I love how they're almost silhouetted, with the light reflecting on the ocean behind them. 

 

The sun continues to set...

I think this is my favorite - the colors on the water are just beautiful!

It's all about the lighting.

These pictures were taken in the same spot, on the same day - first thing in the morning (well, around 9 am) and then the last thing in the evening.

Paradise

I took these pictures while on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, when we went on our cruise in March. I love this picture, because I was hidden away, in a hammock, yet I managed to capture the chaos of the family beach.

The hibiscus were beautiful and totally summed up the feeling of the island. This was when I realized that pictures without people were actually OK.