right time right place

Life ain't easy, but it always gets you to the right place at the right time.  Being mere mortals, we can't plan it.  It's in the lap of the gods.  Lap dogs.  Heh.  

In spite of that basic truth, I find it to be no small miracle that we got here to Sunset Beach 24 hours ago, and today the rumored return of the most legendary surfing event in history is riding what the National Weather Service is calling a extra large swell from the North Pacific directly toward the North Shore of O'ahu.  If it does indeed arrive here as forecasted on Thursday January 20th, it will mean that The Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau will be held two years in a row. That link will take you to my previous post about the Quiksilver, where you can learn more about the contest and the coincidence.  Both are really quite phenomenal.  

Hard to believe, but for once, hyperbole fails me.  Like everyone else here, I'm waiting for the waves.  The moon will be full, the tide will roar up the beach and the surf will be stupendous.

 

face plant

Last weekend, the weather at the ranch was beautiful,

cold and clear.

The dog and I took a walk up the mountain.

How blithe.

As part of my continuing education, called Life, on our way back down the ranch road, my shoelace lassoed a spike on the cattle guard, and I crashed and burned. Did a total face plant down onto the metal bars. Somehow, my Kryptonite sunglasses protected my face. Mostly. I sat for a bit, resumed breathing and took inventory; there was enough blood for good drama, but that was all.

When I got back down to the house, I put my feet up and iced my face. To pass the time, I got out my iPhone and went into the Pollock Zone. That app is a remarkable anesthetic; does wonders for pain and plane rides. I did this wry self-portrait. It's the only image you'll ever see. Take my word for it, it's a fair rendition of the wreckage.

Considering I should be dead, my fat lip was a miracle.

miraculous

Tomorrow is my mother's 90th birthday.

I think anyone who survives 90 years on this planet is miraculous.

I also think posting a video is pretty miraculous,

but I think her miracle is more powerful.

I am not one bit surprised.

I shot the video on our trip to Maine last month.

My husband is driving.

My mother is riding shotgun with a roadmap in hand,

telling us where to go.

It was ever thus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MUM!