Picture Summer Day 26: A Spin on Summer

Picture Summer Day 25: Silhouettes

Remember those days?

Picture Summer Day 24: Barefootin'

No shoes, no shirt, no problems

Blues what blues..hey i forgot 'em

The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom

and no shirt, no shirt, n' no problems

No problems 

-Kenny Chesney

Summer still has that effect on me. I think that feeling you had as a kid, getting a break from school, itching to get outside and play... and even though we don't get those same Summer Breaks, the mental state still seems to remain. The sun on my face, going barefoot...instant calm.

Picture Summer: Day 19, 20, 21

Day 19: When Order is in Order

I find repeating patterns and shapes very calming. 

When surrounded by chaos, such a visual reminder can provide that sense of order you need. 

Day 20: Spacey

Similarly to a sense of order, choosing to shoot a photo with an excess of negative space calms me. It simplifies the shot, focusing on the subject matter and drawing you in. Looking at a photo with negative space feels like taking a deep breathe of fresh air.

Day 21: Girl Put Your Records On

Rise up this mornin',

Smile with the risin' sun,

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true,

Sayin', "This is my message to you-ou-ou:"

Singin' "Don't worry, about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!

Every little thing, gonna be alright. Don't worry!"

Singin': "Don't worry about a thing" - I won't worry!

"Cause every little thing gonna be alright."

Picture Summer Day 17 & 18

Day 17: Visual Interest

We have had really tropical weather lately, so different from the normal end of summer weather. We spent a nice weekend at my mom's house and while we were sitting out at the pool in the warm sun and blue skies, a dark cloud rolled in, poured rain for 10 minutes then rolled away revealing blue skies again. It was so weird! We were all in  our bathing suits, huddle under the little cabana like little kids in awe of the rain.

Day 18: Playtime

I have a wonderful memory of flying a kite with my dad not long after I was sick. I was so bored of being cooped up in the house, and he had the idea of going to the kite store in town, picking out a kite and going to the beach. We finally chose one, can't really remember the shape but thinking a butterfly? We walked down the street and had such a fun time laughing & playing at the beach. This kite was down at the Santa Monica pier and for some reason it made me think of that day with my dad.

Picture Summer Day 16: Summer Light

"When You Possess Light Within, You see it externally." ~Anais Nin

Picture Summer Day 15: Picture Postcard

Picture Summer Day 14: Summer Breeze

We recently took a weekend getaway trip to Los Angeles (more pictures to come). This was the outdoor patio of our hotel and it was so relaxing! Open, bright, with the summer breeze swaying the curtains...I soaked it all in. Turn the corner outside of the hotel and you are in downtown Beverly Hills, enter this patio and feel like you are at a tropical resort! We were only there overnight and it was just the retreat I needed.

Picture Summer Day 13: Juicy Fruit

One of the things I look forward to most about summer is the abundance of fruit. Cherries, berries, peaches, plums, apricots....oh I will miss them come Fall!

Picture Summer Day 12: Simple Solitude

Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.  

-Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun

Picture Summer Day 11: Treat Yourself

It's hot outside! Cool down with a popsicle. My feet hurt from all this walking! Get a pedicure. I'm thirsty! Make a refreshing iced tea. We have too much fruit! Bake a pie. I'm stressed! Sit in the sun. I'm bored! Kick up your heels and read a book. I'm hungry! Snack on some juicy watermelon. Oh the possibilities are endless. Treat yourself to a little summertime joy today while it is still here.

Picture Summer Day 10: Making Memories

I grew up in a family of surfers. My Dad and brother tried to teach me when I was younger, but I was always more interested in swimming than surfing. However, I am actually am at the point where I would love to learn but I am held back by physical limitations. I do think I can get there at some point but in the meantime, I am perfectly content watching Brent and friends from the shore & of course documenting the fun!

Picture Summer Day 9: The Shape of Things

For life is but a dream whose shapes return, some frequently, some seldom, some by night and some by day.

-James Thomson

Picture Summer Day 8: Treasure Hunters

I love to search for heart rocks. Not only is it exciting to find a good one, but it also relaxes me and clears my mind. Sitting on the beach, watching the ocean, soaking in the sunshine, all while I methodically sort through rocks. You would be surprised as to how often they show up...give it a try!

Picture Summer Day 7: So Subtle

Summer has two personalities. The bright, vibrant, bustling side & the subtle side that is preparing to retreat into Autumn. The latter isn't as obvious but I like to switch into observation mode and seek it out.

Picture Summer Day 5: Tall Drink of Water

Summer may be winding down but the temperatures sure aren't! It was 95 in the backyard yesterday, which I know is cooler than other parts of the country and beyond but for me, well, it was hot :)

Picture Summer Day 4: Summer Traditions

Last weekend we attended the Stone Brewing Co. 15th Anniversary Celebration. Brent & went for the first time last year & we were instantly hooked. You get a commemerative tasting glass & 10 beer tastings with the choice of over 100 beers from over 40 different breweries and it is held outside on the Cal State San Marcos campus. Sunshine, beer, free beer cheese & crackers...what could be better? My brother conveniently lives near the train station in Oceanside so we hop on the train there and back, easy-peasy! And of course we had an incredible feast to continue the festivities, and there was enough food to feed an army. I love Summer barbecues, get togethers, and this festival has become an annual tradition.

Picture Summer Day 3: Getting Centered

Summertime just beckons me outdoors. I feel a pull, a call to enjoy the sunshine, the beach, the endless possibilities of activities. I feel incredibly spoiled living where I do because there is barely any humidity and it doesn't get overwhelmingly hot, but therein lies the problem. How can we be expected to stay inside & be productive with the temptation of all that summer has to offer? By getting centered. Finding that balance between much needed enjoyment & being a responsible adult. For me, a walk to the beach and back will satisfy that craving for summer temptation. Summer will be gone before we know it, so soak it up & allow yourself to have a bit of fun - you deserve it! ♥

Picture Summer Day 2: Splashy

The ocean, the pool, the sprinklers in your backyard...

There is nothing like cool refreshing water to beat the heat on a hot summer day.

Even the animals need a little cooling off!

Picture Summer Day 1 : Here Comes the Sun!

With one month left of Summer 2011, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate & chronicle the season than with 30 photos of the essentials with Tracey Clark's Picture Summer class.

My quintessential summer day? The beach.