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

[Jennie]

How fabulous! I love the flashbulb necklace!

[Katie Mathews]

how fun! I love the shutter sisters and I love free stuff :)

[Brigitte]

Love theflush bulb necklace. Would love to win it.

[Sheri]

Thanks for the giveaway! Happy December

[SusanH]

Woo hoo!! Enter me in the drawing - love that necklace!!

[Rachel Parton]

I love this time of year! Thanks for yet another beautiful post.

I'd also love a shot at the Flash Bulb Necklace. :)

[Lisa D.]

Sometimes we just can't resist the lure of the ocean! Savor the moment - wet clothes and all. :-)

[Stephanie Fox]

The Flash Bulb necklace is beautiful, I hope I am the lucky winner. I wanted to say that Shutter Sisters does inspire one to take a minute out of your busy day to snap a photo here or there, who knows you just may capture a magic moment.

[Trude]

You ladies are amazing! A constant source of inspiration. :) And that necklace is too cute!

[Kim M]

Your official promotions girl up here in Canada... I"m spreading the word about this amazing website.
Pick me! Pick me!

[Leah G]

I didn't think the year would wind up this way. Who was I kidding? I can't believe it's already December; so much to do, so little time.

[Traci]

love that photo and especially LOVE that necklace!!! this is fun! :)

[AnEmily]

Can't wait to tune in every day!

[Marcene]

I love the inspiration here! Oh and...giveaways are great!

[Amanda]

Always amazed...ever inspired.

[Elaina]

This group is also a big inspiration to me. I have learned so much through this group! Thanks and a very Happy December to all!

[Mary]

I love Shutter Sisters. I've been visiting your site daily for inspiration for quite some time and am just waiting for my opportunity to seize the day and begin my photography passion, for real. I absolutely love it, and am hoping to someday call it a career. Ahhhh, someday! Thanks for being my inspiration in the meantime.

[Melissa]

How fun!

[jenlancaster]

Beautifully said! (And who doesn't love a giveaway?) ;-)

[Dawn]

OHHHHH--pick me!! December is my BIRTHDAY month!!!

[buttercupyaya]

Yay! what a beautilful post. I wholeheartedly agree.
and thanks for the giveaway...I have it on my christmas list for hubby...but with the market the way it is and me having become unemployed, we are not gifting to each other this holiday season...my birthday's in march so here's holding out hope until then if I don't get one here. :)

[NatureMama]

When spring arrived last year and I spent the first warm day outside taking rolls and rolls of film, I realized I had been in miserable hibernation. So this year I am determined not to let it happen. Some homeschooling friends and I will be spending some time each week at a local hiking trail, and I am bound to get some wonderful winter pics then to accompany my many autumn pics there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturemama/3019712789/

Thanks for being a resource here to help me avoid photo hibernation! You are all inpirational.

[lizziemarie]

Happy giveaways, I love the Shutter Sisters!

[Nicki]

I would love to be entered into the giveaway. Thanks!

[leaca]

cool. count me in.

[Kathryn]

I LOVE this.. Oh, December is looking up!

[Kim]

me likes! how fun, and thanks!

[Jenny]

oh my...its already december!!

[Wanda]

I so appreciate your being here. Thanks.
http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com

[jody]

Whoaaa!! Looks like I'm a bit late here lol. Well Shutter Sisters is my favorite site. I've learned and grown to know and understand some of the women here. We are a sisterhood and should always encourage and hold each other up...even when we're down.

I hope I win the necklace!! =)
But if not it won't make a differance. I'll still be here with you wonderful women!

[jody]

Whoaaa!! Looks like I'm a bit late here lol. Well Shutter Sisters is my favorite site. I've learned and grown to know and understand some of the women here. We are a sisterhood and should always encourage and hold each other up...even when we're down.

I hope I win the necklace!! =)
But if not it won't make a differance. I'll still be here with you wonderful women!

[kiasa]

Did I miss the deadline? Man, what a fantastic necklace. I'll be more on the ball all month long!

[Liz Dager]

I would love this necklace! You're so great for doing this giveaway a day!

[Sarah Costa]

love the necklace love shutter sisters

[jennifer]

how sweet!

[Emily]

Exciting!

[Bryssy]

That is so awesome! Beautiful!

[claudia]

I used to collect miniature chairs, I still have them around the house. But lately my youngest has become the collector of all things interesting. This was his offering to me last Valentine's Day.
http://gnubee.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/love-pillows/

[stephanie]

hooray for giveaways! i am officially in love with the flash bulb necklace!

[jody]

i'm in.

[Jaime de la Cruz]

Thanks for linking my photo, I was wondering why the views spiked up so quickly, whipped cream is always fun:)!!!!! AND IM WAY TO LATE FOR THE GIVEAWAY...NONETHELESS i LOVE THIS PLACE, IT RELAXES AND INSPIRES ME!!!

[Lisa Avery]

Like you, I'm just working on keeping my photo mojo in motion....

[jennifer buckler]

just found yall today on flickr (www.flickr.com/jenniferbuckler) really enjoyed looking through your things!

[Pamela]

I would be so proud to wear that necklace...i love December and am so thankful i found this sister hood!

[Catherin26oR]

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