This is a very special summer for me. I escaped the Fresno heat just in time to spend it on the picturesque Central Coast of California, near Pismo Beach. What a bounty it is to be here. But the real treasure that has come into my life is my 11 year old niece, Anne, who is spending her summer break with me.
She is from the East Coast, so playing in the Pacific Ocean is a very unique pleasure for her. Any chance she gets she wants to be in the water and covered in sand. She is also a budding artist and quite intelligent. She just completed 5th grade, and I am beginning to feel like a losing contestant on “Are you smarter than a 5th grader.” She has the memory of an elephant, and always keeps me on my toes. I have been a teacher at heart since I was young, and having such an enthusiastic and willing student has been so much fun. Not only have I been able to teach her, but I quickly realized she has so much to teach me.
Recently, life began taking me on difficult twists and turns, but having Anne by my side is a true gift from God. Her love, laughter and companionship is just what I need to heal my spirit. The images below were taken on one of our evening walks on the beach. I love her jumping silhouette, take a look at the water droplets below her feet leaping up with her.
by Jamie
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