Hatred and Violence on the Beach

A woman went for a jog on the Santa Monica beach today very early, before going to work.

She was attacked and raped at 5 am.  She survived, at least. 

A place of beauty, desecrated.

http://www.smdp.com/cops-jogger-sexually-assaulted-on-beach/112942




A place of beauty becomes the scene of a crime.



Stormy Day, Empty Beach

Last weekend the beach was full of college students lying on the sand in bikinis, children splashing in the water, families picnicking under beach umbrellas.


Today there's no one on the beach at noon.  Dark clouds have scared everyone off.  I took photos of the empty beach and threatening clouds.


https://picasaweb.google.com/102150538747404124091/StormyDayInSantaMonica


As I jogged toward the Venice breakwater, strong wind pushed against me, making it hard to run.


I licked salt off my lips from the moist wind in my face.


Then it started to rain and I was getting soaked.


The rain turned into sleet or small bits of hail, biting into my face.


When I returned, the wind on my back gave me an extra push.


Hearing the roar of jets taking off from LAX, I wondered at them being louder than the storm but then realized it was thunder.  A crack of lightning split the sky as I was just turning back to the parking lot--a good time not to be running on the beach.


This kind of a day is fun for Angelenos--we may not get rain again until next November.

Good Friday Brunch

BRUNCH TODAY

SANTA MONICA BAY

Pelicans, sea gulls and others invited.

Twenty or more pelicans were diving and fishing this morning.   

Usually I just see 7-8 flying low over the water in V formation, but today there must have been a school of fish close to the water's surface.

Third photo is the splash of one diving headfirst into the water.

Clear and beautiful day!

Chariots of Fire

When I was in Agoura Hills for the 10K on Saturday, the theme to Chariots of Fire was being played on a loudspeaker at one of the houses on the route just before the finish line.


I had to laugh at myself running to that theme--I never expected that to happen.  


Today on the Santa Monica Beach the theme was still playing in my mind as I jogged, and I wondered if there are words to it.


At any rate, instead of la-la-la I began singing words that came to mind:


With all of Your beauty 
I run by the sea.
With all of Your beauty
Spread out around me. (repeat)


Oh may I forever walk with You
For all of my days!
Oh may I forever walk with You
And always give praise.
https://picasaweb.google.com/102150538747404124091/2012DawnAtSMBeach
 Link to more photos on Picasa