Beach in Black and white

Newport Beach a few weeks ago. I love seeing the beach in black and white.

Playtime in Nice

I never get tired of seeing the boule (petanque) players. Why should I? Some of them have probably been playing the game for 40 + years and they aren't stopping any time soon.

And, an early morning swim club ~ just below the Promenade des Anglais in the incomparable Nice ...

Law students in Nice, France

We happened onto a graduation celebration in the middle of Nice, just as most of thee students were slinging their textbook into the air. The cobblestone street was covered in thick, annotated books ~ you can see one of them in the bottom photo. And, note how many of the students are women!

One day this summer

Stepping into
opaque pools of water

a soft hand beckoned
come and enjoy
the flow

gentle waters splashed
around my ankles

I was stirred by their
energies captivated
by the movement

as we began to swim
strong arms encircled me

I was held breathless

carried into seventh
heaven never having been
there before

as pools of water
engulfed me I was taught
to swim.
   
          ~ Heather Burns

Art in Cornwall

 September - a trip to this lovely ancient town - St. Ives, in Cornwall, England. I happened upon this artist in his studio - John Emanuel. "Come in!" he shouted. And I did. I asked if I could come back later to take some photos in his whirlwind of a studio - art and colors and imagination everywhere.
He works in an enviable artists' building (see the view?) that was renovated renovated, thanks to a bevy of angels and a fund-raising group.

An Engaged Couple

 It may be the beautiful beach or the time of day...

 Or maybe it's just the good old fashioned love that makes them so ready for the future.

 Even the dips along the way.

Sydney and a Song

 I have photographed Sydney Nycole twice before and had so much fun watching her blossom. Her first cd is coming out in May. Watch for it!

Two big sisters and ...

Sometimes all you need is one look to know the whole story.

Walking around Paris

Two days in Paris in May. A yummy lunch around the corner from the Pompidou and THIS was our view. Wall art and Dali lips. 

 Is this what the homeless look like in Paris??

 We happened to be there on May 5 when Sarkozy was voted out and Hollande in. This was shot from the top of the museum.

                                     
 Was this a weekend afternoon? I don't remember ~ but it seems the French know how to make the most of a few chilly moments in the sun.

 Flowers inside the tea salon Angelina on the rue de Rivoli. This has been a glorious favorite for many years for their chocolat chaud. But ... times have changed. Oh well ~ at least the peonies are still inviting.
                                     
 A discussion outside Angelina about ... something secret?

Boule, Collioure, France

Don't you love this?
A fourteen year old boy playing on the same court as ...

... this more "experienced" player.

And please, watch your step.