Life Lessons....

When I started this blog, I thought I would post every day. That way, when I can't remember things from one day to the next (who am I kidding...from one MINUTE to the next,) I could read back over my daily online journal of sorts. Those readers who know me, however, know that things do not usually go the way I plan. 

I am married to a highly energetic, active, "spur of the moment" kinda guy. My Aunt Polly Carden remembers one day several years ago when our daughters were small. I have to paraphrase a bit here, because I don't remember it; we were trying to pull it together to go somewhere as a family (with extended family.) We had to take at least two cars and no one could decide who was going to go in what car...or something like that. We kept moving around, all except Delaney. Aunt Polly asked Delaney why she was just sitting in one place. Delaney answered something to the effect of, "I'm just going to sit here a while and see what happens." So, I've had one of those "see what happens" weeks.

Today the only thing on my "had to" agenda was a haircut. I left a little early to stop by the Really Really Free Market (the first Saturday of each month in Avon,) to drop off some of the clothes the girls had bagged up.

 I was also "planning to" take photos of some of my jewelry, at the beach. Thankfully that meant I had my camera with me.  I backed out of my driveway, only to see a "plethora of nature" in the pond in front of our house.  A white heron and a few ibis were fishing, so I put my longest lens on the camera to see what I could shoot.

A plethora of nature

I would love a longer lens (this one is only 200mm) but that hasn't worked out yet.  Anyway, back to the story...while I was watching, a cormorant landed just on the other side of the heron.  The ripples in the water that you can see (in the above photo) are that cormorant diving under the water for a fish.

I thought my settings might be a little "dark" (it was pretty early in the morning,) so I changed a few things for the next shot.  When I put the camera back up to my eye, I was almost but not quite as surprised as the heron was, because the cormorant popped up right under the heron, with a tiny fish in his beak.

Surprise!

Thankfully the shot was still in focus.  With a longer lens, it could have been stunning!

I did get one last shot in the series, when the heron landed back in the water.

Smooth Landing

I really love the way the ripples in the water are reflecting off his body...they truly are beautiful creatures.  As a postscript to the story, the kingfisher that I have been trying to get a picture of, dove into the same pond and caught a fish, JUST as my battery gave out on my camera.  I think it's time to give my camera a little love because that has been happening a lot lately.


To make a short story long, I got my hair cut and traded vehicles with my husband so I could take a drive on the beach.  It was a BE-YOU-TI-FUL day!  I backed the truck up, perpendicular to the ocean (as is now required by NPS regulations) and snapped a quick picture with my phone.

Alantic Ocean in the Mirror, Cape Hatteras, NC

There is an exposed shipwreck just south of ramp 55 now.  

(Sometimes it is exposed, sometimes it is covered by sand.  I took the picture below, titled "Beached", several years ago when it was exposed and the image is just this year being retired.)

"Beached" (c) Jennifer Johnson

I spent the next couple of hours next to the wreck, taking photos and picking up shells to use in my Seaside Memory Lockets and for other projects.  Maybe someday soon I can get the jewelry posted on my web site...until then, if you see something you like, comment below or message me on facebook or email blue_pelican@mac.com.

Thanks for visiting and sharing my wonderful day!

OH!!! I almost forgot!  The "Life Lessons" part of the day?  I have been stressing all week over not having time to write.  I have managed to fill all of my available time, but couldn't squeak out any extra. Today, when I was on the beach, I was chatting with my mom.  

In case you missed the first post, my mom became my guardian angel on New Year's Eve.  

Today on the beach I heard her voice telling me to slow down and enjoy myself, to not try to force things to happen, to be more thankful, and to trust that everything is going to be the way it is supposed to be.  I looked down and saw a shell that I call an "angel's wing." I don't know what the real name is, and it's too dark outside to snap a picture for you, but that is what I have always called it. 

 I spent more time than I had planned on the beach, found several more angel's wing shells, and then went BACK later, with my best bud "Lucy" (she called me "Ethel" in her blog,) and walked four miles...AND we saw a whale spout water three stories into the air...amazing day.  I am so thankful.

The jewelry photos?  

I think they turned out pretty well.  I'd love to hear what you think:

Mint Porcelain Beads with Silver Metal Starfish Pendant

Pink Mother of Pearl, Glass and Porcelain Beads
Whenever I create with Pink I think of my Mom, who battled Breast Cancer for years.

Blue and White Mother of Pearl and glass bead set with Silver Metal Starfish
Swarovski Crystal Fish Earrings

Multicolor Earthtone Porcelain Bead Set with Handmade Raku Tree of Life
Pendant by NC artist Olivia Brown, "Odd Designs"

Five Strand Springtime Glass Bead Set featuring several of the 2013 Spring/Summer Pantone Colors

Muti Color Mother of Pearl and Glass Luster Bead Jewelry Set
Handmade Pendant by Olivia Brown, Odd Designs

Poppy Red and Earth Tones Glass Bead Dangle Jewelry Set

Poppy Red, Gold and Black Lampwork Starfish Glass Bead Set