Let it begin, then, in light with creativity shining through, percolating hope for this new year.
We took to the beach where the waves know no time but their own to give us room to find our way.
For who isn’t content to feel the sand’s support, even in the winter cold? Ben has been exploring the beaches of the Mediterranean since he was a wee pup.
And as for our rascal, Kipling? He is still uncertain of the waves and too tempted by the presence of other dogs to chase. So best then for him to remain attached to an old tripod, where he could calmly do what he loves best…to guard…
…both his loved ones and our equipment. Yes, for you see we came on a mission.
There is a photo that Remi has been wanting to shoot for ever so long. Just as I hear my stories, he often sees his photography before he picks up his camera. Yesterday, was the chosen day. Especially. And so we brought with us the broken top of a Roman amphora that had been borrowed for the occasion, along with the bells and whistles needed to make his imagined image into reality.
But that didn’t mean that there was no time for frivolity…
…or gentle contemplation of what has passed and questions of where it might be wise to point towards next…
…as aren’t we are all searching for just the right angle, the good direction?
The waves advanced, the sun dipped down and still Remi did not have his photo. He put his tripod aside and took his camera in-hand, first sitting on his knees and then eventually lowering himself belly down into the surf until he was level with his subject. Soon, I was asked to join his side, where I stood above him holding a portable flash to add a slight push of suggestion as the light faded into night.
Finally, drenched and cold, he was satisfied, elated even. And so was I, having been stripped clean by the wind and sea, washing me down to ready. Because, without our even knowing it, we had already begun and the song was sung in beauty.
Happy New Year everyone!
It was interesting that the word that came to me this morning on my walk with the dogs was: “Freedom.” And so I wish you Freedom and Health (as they always say in France, “If you begin with Health the rest will follow”) but also Contentment and Adventure too.
With all of my Very best from Provence,
Heather
PS. This post was partially inspired by a few previous New Year’s themed posts, such as my very first at Lost in Arles here, a tale from my New York City days here and another January 1st beach visit here. Voila! And as always, thank you so much for being here. I hope that we will discover 2015 together…
Happiest New Year to You All!
Thank you for the best photography lesson I've ever read. For all the light and gadget fidgeting, the image is always about the story it tells, a magical capturing of visual words written on the mind.
What a uniquely beautiful beginning to a new year. The light in your photos is enchanting, especially with that first photo where the line of white froth on the top of the waves slices through the image. Also the golden light on your dogs' coats.
Wishing you beauty and freedom in 2015, Heather. Bonne Année!
Happy New Year, Heather, Remi, Ben and Kipling! Health and freedom . . . perfect for the upcoming year! I wish an abundance of these for everyone as well!
Beautiful contemplative post to the New Year which beckons.. Gorgeous, serene photography and fun seeing the pups!
A very happy New Year to you, Heather!
Cheers,
Deb Carter
Not the pleasure of a picnic on the beach but work. Worked you did and Remi ,with all the elements of a creative photographer, lying down on his abdomen to capture the elegant setting of the sun.
A wonderful idea to start 2015 with beauty. Ben and Kipling were happy too and free.
"we will discover 2015 together…” Yes.
Oooh I love those puppies. Thank you for this fresh post. Freedom is a big theme of mine this year. Free from anger and from regret, mainly, trying to embrace the person I am now and grow into a new life. cheers!
hard work for the first day of a new year….but worth every shot…just serene air and mind combined with fun.
Really a great start.
Ciao Heather,
a year of Freedom and Health to you my dear.
I needed to "hear"such soft words … "where the waves know no time… find our way" Lovely!
Wonderful pictures of our Beautiful Mediterranean Sea! So Great and Quiet!
It is a joy to see your ( your and Remy's) passion translated into words and pictures!
It was a great pleasure reading and meeting you.
Hugs
Excellent, Heather .. a beautiful blog beginning for 2015 .. Bonne année et Merci for all the incredible posts you've given us through 2014 !
Aloha,
Bill Facker
http://www.kauai-to-paris.com
What an inspiring, cleansing, and joyful way to start the new year — and for the pups too! I look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2015. Wishing you and Remi both Health and Freedom in the new year.
xo J