Included in the many good habits I’ve let slip, is starting the day with a walk on the beach. A little appreciation for living so close to the ocean. A happy moment for the dog. Today I fought off the urge to check my email, slipped on my sandals, grabbed the camera and escorted cavorting yellow Sandy to the water’s edge. Not too many shells survive the rough-and-tumble treatment that lands them on the sand. You’re more likely to find fifty cent pieces than whole dollars. But occasionally, one stands out, unbroken.

On the way back, a lizard politely waited for me to take his photo at just the right angle. And the buckwheat glowed pink as the sky might have been if the sunrise hadn’t been a mere idea behind the morning fog.