It also occurs to me that it’s time to start framing my photos differently.

Saturday morning, about eight hours after one of Los Angeles’ major traffic freeways was shut down (to continue work on what will no doubt be a completely useless widening), Kevin Osborne and his Ocean Park 26 organization held the First Annual Ocean Park 26 Surf Contest in southern Santa Monica.

While my photos below seem to be heavy in dark clouds and beach-focused action, they do not reflect the true spirit of the day. Through the morning and into the afternoon, Kevin was in his element hosting an event that proudly brought the Santa Monica surf community together and was a fantastic payoff to months of his own personal effort. Before noon, the sun would break through the gray and blue skies would backdrop the luau show during the lunch break.

Sitting on the beach watching each heat of surfers attack that morning waves, I was inspired to head into the surf myself and I really hope there’s going to be a Second Annual Ocean Park 26 Surf Contest.

Congratulations, Kevin!

Bonus rear-view trick shot of a deserted 405 freeway.

[Editor's Note: I titled and wrote this post while flying home the night of July 5th. I debated posting this tonight, but felt that it might serve as a reminder for those who need it most right now.]

It certainly seems that I’m changing.

Years ago, I didn’t understand the need to visit Libertyville. I had just left its two main roads and townie bars for Los Angeles and Los Angeles was big and bright and so very, very shiny. But after repeated years of Christmas freezes tucked into a barely-useful full size bed, and two back-to-back, tradition starting, summer visits in the ‘burbs and Chicago-proper, there’s a pull back to familiar.

After leaving the nest far later than one should, I honestly took family for granted. And in the last month I realize how much I miss my family (even if their soap use etiquette needs improvement). I guess it just took time a distance to understand that.

Eight years ago it was a lot easier to leave home. Now it’s hard to fly away from those dummies.

“We’re happy when you’re happy. We’re sad when you’re sad.” – Mike Sliozis