SuperGirls

 

This year’s Paul Mitchell/Nissan Supergirl Surf Contest (2020) at the Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA, was a bit subdued because of COVID-19.  The contest was hardly publicized so as not to attract a large crowd.  But those that attended were certainly awarded with first-class female surfing. 

 On Saturday, a few locals began to line the pier which of course made everyone nervous, so a curtain was put up for about a third of the pier to dissuade people from watching the meet from that lofty location. 

 The waves on Sunday were really crashing, so to speak.  The surf line was charging north right into the wooden pylons of the Oceanside Pier.  And that made for an exciting background for photographing the surfers as they careened remarkably close to the dangerous pylons. 

 The women came from all over the world to compete for standings in the Supergirl Contests.  And they didn’t disappoint in their skills and bravery.  The waves were heavy and rolling, not for the faint of heart.  Here are some of the images!

Bird’s Eye View

Bird’s Eye View

If I could just get up there and see the view, the old falconer thought, as he watched his eagle soar.   Since 1903, when the Wright Brothers broke the surly bonds of earth, we’ve reached the heavens and, it seems, beyond to see what is below.

I remember, as a teen, watching on scratchy TV the first lunar landing and the moon dust being scuffed up as the astronauts enjoyed their newfound freedom to bounce about the surface of the object which seems so distant but gives off light at night.  ( I know, some doubt we were there!)

One of the most impressive images I recall from that moment was the photograph of the earth rising beyond the lunar surface.  That small, blue, white, and brown fragile ball – our earth and home – was so impressive as it floated in the distance:  it had life on it!

 Most of us have flown in an airplane:  we’ve smashed our faces against the plexiglass to look downward at that which passed below.  Oceans, deserts, cities, and farms rushed by underneath.  What a view.  But the more we travel, the less we bother to look out now.  It all goes by so fast.

I wanted a “bird’s eye view!”  So, now I use a mechanical eagle to get that view.   I can explore an area, hover about looking at what is below, move sideways, climb, circle and then descend when the battery is about to run dry.  And all the while taking photos and video too! 

I have found a new way of exploring my small area of earth, with a birds-eye view!

On A Beach Bench

On A Beach Bench

Her toes moving sand,
Beaches empty and bland,
Seat cold and lonely,
Now occupied solely.

Yellow tape and COVID warning,
Cops all about and roving,
She braves the fleeting moment,
With just a bit of resentment.

Something here is missing,
No one is smiling or beaming,
Here she sits in loneliness,
No co-sharing the coziness.

Compelled lock-down now forced,
And social distances reinforced,
The snitch line is buzzing lively,
With sniveling souls abusively.

What is wrong with this solitude,
Observing nature with gratitude,
Not in a negative state,
Hoping the virus won’t dominate.

After the sun sets,
And the darkness onsets,
The beach bench will be vacant,
And her heart will still be defiant.

3D Printing

Fashion Work

Doing some lifestyle photographs at a local business this past weekend.  The fun part is meeting other people attending, looking about the store at the unique products and coming up with different angles, ideas and ways to convey the product and shopping experience.  The items in the store were mostly hand-made by local artisans and offered for sale to the public.

There are many unique products hand made by people who love doing their art, looking for places to display and sell their wares.  This shop in Oceanside, CA offered some the chance to display their products for the day

Tech Info:  Nikon D750, Nikkor 70-200,