Just for fun... In my backyard

Instead of zooming in and zooming out, today we’ll play, zoom out, zoom in. I start out medium and get smaller. The results are a bit surprising. You might get a little taste of amusement, or even that rare child-like emotion called “delight.” Or at least, "Ew!"

These pictures were shot in my backyard, home of an assortment of things living.

These photo twins and triplets are aimed at creating a visual zen moment: trans-verbal, illuminating, and a bit whimsical.

Have fun!

Just for fun: Flowers of La Paloma

Often you find what you're looking for.

As a kid growing up, I mowed lawns. One neighbor had a passion flower vine. It was the first time I ever saw a breathtakingly beautiful flower. It left an impression, and now I have two passion flower vines in my yard.

Over the years I've learned to take notice of beautiful flowers. It's like gazing into the face of God. It's transforming.

The flowers (and palm tree) in these pictures were taken on the grounds of La Paloma, a small resort just south of Rosarito Beach in Northern Baja California.

Beauty is all around: in the flowers, in the sky, in the face of a loved one. If you learn to look for the beauty, you'll be surprised what you find. Enjoy the hunt!

Just for fun... Rosarito: A walk on the beach

One of the charms of La Paloma is the beach access. Two of the four club houses overlook the beach and afford fantastic views. In addition to the sand and surf, we have seen dolphins and migrating whales. The club houses are glass-enclosed, so the views can be enjoyed with or without the sea breeze. A book, a game of cards, or a sand-free picnic can be enjoyed 30' above the teeming Pacific.

As lovely as the view is from the seaside club houses, it's only a ten minute walk from La Paloma to town where adventure awaits.

Today's pictures show some of the sights that walk affords on a typical day. Depending on the time of day you may encounter vendors (get your hair braided), simply sun bathe, ride a quad, ride a horse, stroll the beach, or wander up the beach into town for food, fun, and shopping.






The beaches of Southern California have a special beauty and charm, the beaches of Northern Baja have another: more rustic, more accessible, more romantic.

Enjoy the pictures and imagine yourself in another world, just one hour south of San Diego. World travel at your backdoor.

Just for fun... Rosarito Beach, Northern Baja #1

This post is just for fun.

My wife and I own several weeks of timeshare, and we use them. When I bought my first week, 15 plus years ago, the salesman gave me a book: How to get the most out of your timeshare. Simple title, but simply good information that has helped us leverage our purchase (wholesale) into lots of good times in good places. Places like La Paloma Resort in Northern Baja California, Mexico.

An hour south of the border along the Pacific Coast, La Paloma sits just south of the town of Rosarito Beach. This is where Kate Winslow stayed during the shooting of Titanic, which was filmed at Fox-ploration Studios 10 miles further south. This resort is mostly populated by white color Mexican Nationals. It's gated, guarded, beautifully landscaped, and the full-time staff are really nice. Without the wonder of timeshare, I would not be staying a week at a time is such lovely surroundings.

Rosarito Beach also has lots of wonderful eateries, and after our third or fourth visit we started to feel comfortable grocery shopping, driving up and down the coast, and using the Mexican currency.

We haven't been to Rosarito for a couple of years, but we went almost every April for four of five years. We've taken friends and family along for the trip, and whoever has gone with us has enjoyed themselves. So here, I'll share a bit with you via the magic of photography...

(Click a picture and it gets way bigger!)

Wah! I'm getting older...

Today is my birthday: my 55th. Wow. Time flies when you're having fun.

Many people complain about their birthdays: I don't. I know people who didn't get to turn 50. When people ask me to wear a black arm-band for someone turning ____ (whatever the number), I decline. I say, "Getting older? Have you considered the alternative? When you quit having birthdays, you're dead. Hmmm. I'll take the birthdays."

There's a Bible verse that says, "A gray head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of wisdom." If you're a life-long learner, birthdays aren't so bad.

I wouldn't want to be 20, or 30, or anything again. I enjoyed the years, learned the lessons, but I'm not ready to repeat a decade anymore than I'd want to do high school again. That was then, this is now.

So whatever your age, enjoy it. All we really have is today. Live it well.

As my grandpa used to say, "Happiness is not a destination, it's a way of travel."

Just for fun -- Balboa Pier in October

This post is just for fun and to share some photos of an October trip to beach. This post shows off some of the palms of Southern California, plus the beach. One of my favorite beaches is Balboa Peninsula. It’s part of Newport Beach. This is where Arrested Development is supposed to take place. Balboa is more of a family oriented beach, but in October, it’s a bit sparse. That’s why we like to go there. And it’s pretty.

How pretty?

Well, take a look…

The pictures show:

The sand, some kids, and the pier.


The pier entrance…






A bird of paradise flower against the sky…






Patriotic palms…


Green grass in October!








A rare grey sky with palms…








And…

A surprise, “Hello!”


Happy Friday!

Haiku -- St. Patrick's Rose

The St. Patrick's Rose:
green budded, golden blossomed,
metaphor of growth.