The ocean, like us humans, displays various emotions, depending upon both internal and external conditions. I often head to Crescent Beach on the Pacific coast, which is only a 20-minute drive from my home. Golden Hour is my favourite time for a walk in the sand.
The evening I captured this peaceful scene followed a particularly stressful day for me. My best friend had died unexpectedly in her sleep. What a shock! I needed a solitary walk to moderate my inner turmoil and cultivate a calmer, clearer perspective.
The golden sky, reflecting on the still waters, brought me sensory relief and quiet revelation. My sorrow softened as my perspective widened. The sky’s muted colours slowed my pace of thought as salty breezes whisked my concerns away—exchanging them with gratitude and joy for past friendship. I no longer had my friend to walk with me, but her spirit and shared memories are mine to keep. The simple twilight pictured here restored my grieving soul with quiet clarity and, to this day, lingers in my heart.
So, whenever the ocean beckons with its call of John Masefield’s words…“I must go down to the seas again…” I answer with my camera and the assurance that the experience will leave me refreshed and quietly centered.
