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calm before the guffaw

anniversary day 2012
dec 2012, ebey state park
Calm

We both wanted to take a long hike then go to our favorite cafe on the island for our anniversary day. With rain forecasted, the only specific plan we set for that day was the "wait and see" plan.

When we woke up that day, I noticed the clouds were starting to dissipate, so we drove out to our usual hiking spot. We were the only ones in the forest. After the two hour hike, we went down to the rocky beach and watched the seagulls dip and curve through the strong winds.

cartwheel
cartwheel
Guffaw

Although, the hikes are quiet and calming, giving each of us time to sort through our thoughts and recover our equilibrium; half the time is spent laughing at each other or at the silly jokes we tell. That's our way of celebrating our day together.

A few weeks ago, I told my husband I'm going to do some cartwheels for a self-portrait. He laughed a nervous laugh and said, "well, o.k. you've got insurance coverage." As I was setting up my camera, he added "Can you do a cartwheel?"

Now I hadn't thought of that. Isn't it all about the inertia? And yes, it had been a long time since I did one. As I was in mid-revolution, with feet reaching for the sky and hands planted on the ground, I felt a mix of exhilaration and fear. The same kind of feelings that come with riding a roller coaster.

We laughed hysterically at the above photo and my husband nicknamed it frog landing.

joining all is calm for 52 photos
and Celebrate for In the Picture

Comments

Meri said…
A calm landing is a good thing.
Anonymous said…
Ooooh, what a beautiful beach view.
Katrin said…
Lobely picture - as well as the rest of your blog!
Linda W. said…
Love your first photo - and the story that goes along with your second one!
Tracy said…
Sweet portrait of the two of you... and VERY fun with the cartwheels... Keep rolling, my friend! Happy Holy-Days ((HUGS))
urban muser said…
that cartwheel photo is a perfect embodiment of what i hoped this project would bring to people--trying something new, being silly and laughing, capturing the moment in a photo, seeing yourself in a new way....

well done. so glad you joined us this year at {in the picture}. if you are on flickr, hope to see you in our group there in 2013. have a great new year!!
Zena said…
The first photo is so lovely and the cartwheel one is amazing and inspiring made me smile and want to jump and laugh, well done!

Happy 2013
Simon said…
Too fun!! I could never do cartwheels and I think I'll leave it at that. I have insurance, but don't want to use it more than necessary. what a great setting for the big move!
Sounds like your hikes are a rewarding renewal, and that the sense of fun and humor a great release.
Happy NY to you.
seabluelee said…
Wonderful! That first photo is a celebration of peace and beauty, and the second is a joyful celebration that made me laugh out loud. Thank you for sharing both with us!
Bella Cirovic said…
I love the moment in the first pic. Frog landing made me giggle.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Sandra said…
Great cartwheel and I'm glad your landing was soft! The energy of that shot embodies joy and exhilaration! Well done for your year of self-portraits!

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