when the water is warm

On this day a ball ran away, first with intention and then with current, and I dove into the ocean after it fully clothed, up to my neck in the salt of July. For the rest of the day and until we sailed home I festered in the sun, my shirt crispening and stinking of seaweed, but oh, the rightness. There's something rare and delicious about being wet and dressed.

Tonight, the land is tucked in for winter along with the sailboat and the beach, and the sea is a determined grey, and thanks to your encouragement I am set to keep my photo-mojo from going into hibernation.

Can I tell you something? You're all glorious, a kick in the pants in the most excellent way. I visit the flickr pool and see this and this and this and think my god, how can I presume to post in company like this? You are teacher, mentor, muse.

Thanks for being here, shutter sisters. Thanks for being that runaway ball for me, for each other, for saying jump the heck in.

++++

 

In grand celebration of our sisterhood here, we are giving away a coveted Flash Bulb Necklace (as seen above) to a lucky reader.  You must comment on this post today to be included in the random drawing. It seemed like the perfect way to jump start the December festivities here at Shutter Sisters. What December festivities you ask? We thought you'd never ask. All month long we are hosting A Giveaway a Day and just as the name promises, each and every day this month we will be giving something fabulous away to one of you. It's just a little way to show our gratitude. Click over and comment each day for your chance to win something wonderful just in time for the holidays. Be sure to invite your friends! The more the merrier we like to say.

Updated 12/2...and the winner is Lilia (aka Pumpkinoodle)at Babymoon Photography. Thanks everyone for your comments! 

Comments

[jen]

And as you guys bunker down for winter, I've been for my first swim in the ocean for the summer. I love the flashbulb necklace so fingers crossed for me.

[Busymomma66]

Happy December!! I love the flashbulb necklace.

[Puna]

I love December! Thank you!

[Emilyt]

Ooo I love giveaways and you guys! Let's celebrate with a win!

[kristen]

i love the photo and all the links and i love the flash bulb necklace, so count me in!

thank you.

[Monique]

I love Shutter Sisters and the Christmas season!

[ELK]

GENEROUS ~ many thanks!

[Mod GIrl]

What festivity! Someone will be very happy this December!

[cedarhil]

beautiful photo, post and gift. a favorite place to visit daily.

[Vanessa]

how did it get to be December already?
thanks for easing us in so nicely ;)

[Marcia]

Thanks for the daily inspiration!

[Terri]

Happy December 1st Everyone.

[Heather]

Kate, you must know that YOU are the kick in the pants I needed about a year ago.

Much thanks, my friend. :)

[Rosa]

Hooray, hooray! A giveaway!

[renee @ FIMBY]

Talk about inspiration, this site is my daily fix.

[Black Hockey Jesus]

Hi Kate.

[Jen - Beebee Mod]

So excited!

[Nikki Jo]

December is one of my favorite months - so many opportunities, excitement, magic and wonder!

[MelodyA.]

What a great way to start the month of giving.

[emily@chattingatthesky]

I am so in.

[trupeach]

Happy December! And, wow, what a way to celebrate!

[abbey]

OH my goodness!!!! sooooo exciting!!!
Love this shot!
Love the necklace!!!

[kosenrufu mama]

happy december and i would like to get the necklace,wonderful!!!!

[Alli]

It's December! To challenge myself, I'm participating in the December Photo Challenge a friend of mine does every year. http://www.tredways.org/2008/11/25/december-photo-project-2008/

[Stacy]

Thanks for the continued inspiration!

[patricia]

For Christmas I purchased a new lomo camera so that when the new year comes, it'll be shooting and shooting nonstop! I hope to contribute more to Shutter Sisters. :)

I would love to get the necklace, it's so pretty! :)

[ellen]

what a way to get a groove on, as the winter season looms on the horizon. nothing like a new, shiny necklace to excite a girl!

[Jami]

I would love one of the flashbulb necklaces, they are so unique.

[Nihal]

The power of giving is irrepressible. This is my very first time to visit your little space and definitely lovely inside. I should express you my sincere thanks for giving this opportunity to enter in your giveaway, and hopefully to win:)
Smiling Hello from CrossRoads & Happy December wishes.

N~

[brittany]

i love this photo, so beautiful!

[deezee]

love that photo!

[jag]

What a wonderful post! When I first started reading it, I thought it was a metaphor... come sometimes, things like that happen in Life. :-) What a great tribute to this group of creative women. Thank you. You truly are sweet/salty!

Here is a shot from my salty world back home; I don't get there nearly enough: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2860960042/in/set-72157606965585684/

jag xox

[Allison L.]

This necklace is just STUNNING! I'd LOVE to have one. :)

[spencercasa]

it's december already!!!!

[AmyJ]

Right now, our trees are still beautiful colors. . . seems really late to still have fall foliage even for this part of Texas

[claudia]

first all the inspiration and now a giveaway a day? you gals are awesome, thank you and happy December!

[Aubrey]

Your picture is pure FREEDOM! Necklace is super cool too.
Happy December!

[Jen]

Love the necklace...would provide great inspiration for more picture taking! Thanks!

[kristin]

kate, lovely inspirations, thank you for including me. xo. shot this in a puddle and gives me hope for some winter shots even with the dimming light and early sunsets, i too am searching for help to be inspired through winters long grasp.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/3072385687/

and a giveaway a day! wowzers. here's hoping! what a great gift.

[elaine]

ooo...i want one! i could use a little pick me up right about now...

[n.]

hurray for december!

[t does wool]

wonderful sisterhood;wonderful December;wonderful necklace...

[Gayle]

I am so happy I found Shutter Sisters this year! You ladies are the best! I love visiting each day and checking out the day's post everyone's links in the comments!

[Jenny Rebecca]

Wonderful idea!

[Kacey]

I find it so inspiring to visit the Shutter Sisters flickr pool. Such great photos. Great inspiration.

[Ginny]

Gorgeous picture!

[Karen]

This place is Inspiration Central! Not only for the fabulous photography, but also for the lovely writing. And I would love a flash bulb necklace!

[Diane]

Hurray for inspiration and giveaways!! Count me in!

[ShannonH]

I'm not concerned about losing my mojo...I think I'm only just starting to find it. I visit each day for inspiration & would love the flashbulb necklace. Happy December!

[Lindy]

oh a giveaway is always fun!!