A Seaside Photographic Journey

If you could spend a day at the beach and name it with a dance, what dance would it be? That is a question answered by Sheree and Russell Nielsen in a beautiful coffee table book titled Folly Beach Dances-The Infinite Rhythms of a South Carolina Seashore.

Sheree, an award-winning photographer, was diagnosed with lymphoma is 2012. During her road to remission, she was inspired to create a book that would serve as a "healing" volume for people diagnosed with blood cancers as well as for those with other types of medical problems.

Sheree and her husband, Russell, painstakingly combed through hundreds of photographs taken by the couple at Folly Beach to select the perfect images. And when Sheree decided to include a brief literary reflection for each photograph, she reached out to five award-winning women writers (and friends) who jumped at the chance to collaborate with her on the project. In addition to reflections written by Sheree and Russell, contributors include Mary Horner, Dr. Patt Pickett, Marcia Gaye, and Tina Solomon. I'm proud to say four of my poem/prose pieces are included in the book. Selfishly, I grabbed all the dog-on-beach photos for my inspiration. Thankfully, no one complained.

The book launch party on May 4 was a resounding success. Each contributing writer was invited to sign books, eat, and celebrate with Sheree and Russell.

Yes, I'm the one sipping a diet soda. Thankfully the photographer didn't catch me minutes earlier shoving delicious appetizers in my face. I love delicious appetizers.

I also love the soothing colors on the Folly Beach cover. The cover is so beautiful it's hard for me to stop looking at it. I even bought a book as a Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law. She's house-bound these days, but now can visit the seashore every time she turns the pages of the book.

If you love the ocean, if you want to feel good, or if you need a great gift, consider buying a copy of Folly Beach-The Infinite Rhythms of a South Carolina Seashore. Click here for ordering information or to read more about Sheree and Russell's labor of love.

The couple is donating 10% of all book sales to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Meanwhile, we hope you have something swell planned for Sunday. Here's wishing all Moms (whether of two-leggers, four-leggers, or both) a glorious Mother's Day.

Home Again

How's that for a view? These shots were taken from my hotel room balcony. Can you say beeee-u---tiful?

Though the scenery was lovely, the temps were quite cool. Missouri has been tropical in comparison to the central coast of California. On a good day, the thermometer rose to the mid-sixties. On a bad day, we had upper fifties with plenty of rain and wind. This is "winter" in California.

I visited the long pier known as the Boardwalk. When I reached the end I heard plenty of loud throaty barks. Rather than the dog I expected to see, I discovered sea lions. These guys hang out under the Boardwalk.

Then there's the on-the-Boardwalk crew.

We took a side trip to Carmel by the Sea. It has a beautiful shopping area adjacent to the water. On the beach, people walk around through rolling mist along with dozens of dogs who romp freely with their owners. It reminded me of a beachy dog park. Everyone moved so quickly, I only caught this little guy.

We had dinner at Clint Eastwood's place in Carmel. He must have heard we were coming and therefore stayed strictly away.

I tried to find Doris Day's pet-friendly hotel (or her house). No success on either effort. She's an amazing singer and actress who left the glamour of Hollywood years ago to spend her life rescuing dogs and cats. I admire her spirit and commitment.

California is definitely an animal lovers paradise. Dogs go everywhere...banks, restaurants, hotels. Indy feels rather insulted that he wasn't invited along.

Hmmmph!

Now I'm back to reality: 80+ degree temperatures, and flip-flops. I guess there is something to be said for living in Missouri!