To say Santa Monica has a vibrant beach culture is an understatement.  It is best known for it’s historical end of Route 66, and it’s famous amusement-park pier. There are street performers who deserve to be making millions elsewhere. Volleyball is as common place as the sunrise, and the 20-mile beach trail is a must if you love exercise and the dichotomy of life.

That’s for another day.  

In addition to its history, recreation, and tourism, Santa Monica is also a photographer’s playground. A dream. And this week with John’s inspiration on photo composition, Santa Monica is where I will take you.  

There are lazy days closer to the shoreline, with coffee shops in the sand, salty hair and a who cares mentality. There are invitations to walk along the tide, and chances to stop and let the day walk by you.

To be under the pier is completely different, evoking a sense of tranquility and a unique perspective on the ocean.   There is a rhythm of life that flows around my feet and I feel this strange need to whisper even though I know of the laughter and music going on above me.  

To think the pier holds an amusement park is astounding. And I have decided from a metaphorical perspective this is a place of transition. The connection to the sea is profound. It is a place to contemplate the journey to the horizon in addition to what the tides deliver.

And I wonder if the mussels who hold on day after day think about that.

I haven’t changed. I still love morning walks, sunsets on steroids, and the outdoors.

Wind Kisses, Donna