Beach Views - Flagler Beach, FL

I was fortunate to spend this last week between Christmas and the New Year with a few good friends in Flagler Beach, Florida. Just north of Daytona Beach, this beach is described as the "jewel" of the east coast. I do have to say it was quite beautiful... although, if you didn't have a house like we did right on the beach, it seems like it would be hard to really enjoy the views and everything a beach has to offer. I, of course, had my camera by my side daily and captured some of the most beautiful views including both the sun and moon rise. I enjoyed many moments sitting on the beach in deep reflection on the past and thoughts on my vision for the future, but most of all, I really tried to be in the moment and enjoy what was there in front of me.... which also happens to be my one simple resolution for the year. These next several pictures are some of what I captured in those moments (make sure to click on the couple of links to learn more). Here's to a decade of enjoying the now.

Sun Fights the Clouds. This was a late morning picture. Serene setting, I was reading a Paulo Coelho book on the deck, while my friends fished and I looked up to see the sun fighting through the clouds. You almost don't want it to win because if creates such beautiful light and shapes...
Sunrise on New Year's Eve. Rarely do I see sunrises, so I made a point to wake up early this day to see it. What a nice way to spend my last morning of 2009.
Starfish. There were dozens of starfish that were dried up on the beach.... It reminded me of the starfish story and it made me sad that I couldn't "make a difference" for these little critters. On the other hand it made me think of the year ahead in how I could do so....
Simply Vast. I sat on a mound of sand and just took the vastness of the ocean in. Simply beautiful.
Moonlit Sky and Stars. The moon was amazing almost every night that we were there. I was proud that this and the next one came out which was due to the handy little tripod that my brother J and his wife Franny gave me for Christmas in '08. As I took this picture, I thought of the people on the boat (just to the right of the moon there is a light, which is the boat) and how awesome it must have been to be hanging out there on the serene water. The stars (the ones you could make out) were beautiful too.
Moonrise. This was taken the next night. There is a boat in this one too.... to the left of the moon.
Footprints. The first day was cold (well relatively speaking). It was in the lower 50's and quite windy during the day. Despite it, I was ready to explore... but I was the only one out there and when I turned around, I noticed my footprints in the virgin sand amongst the other curved lines. It was nice to be out there alone, just taking pictures and enjoying the beauty of the beach.
Beach Flower. I had never seen a flower like this one and for those of you that know me, I like to capture unusual flowers.
Basso's Pose. And finally, one of the beautiful Basso. He sat at the feet of his owners while they read and relaxed. I love his face here.... eyes half open. I called his name and I swear he posed this way for me! AlsoI thought that it was interesting that the book in the background is "What the Dog Saw"...