Friday 16 April 2010

Friday Flaneur (8) - Carried on the wind


For the full length of the beach, the morning sun duelled with the southerly blasts to maintain dominance, to warm the sand, and the tumbling waters. I watched - from my hide in the dune grasses - as the young family weaved their way toward the rock pools at the southern end of the bay, in the lea of the headland, with one lone fisherman perched perilously on the pock-marked sandstone.


Their family tune came to me through the salty air in joyous crotchety squeals, as their bodies outlined a sandy stave for the beat-beat-beat of their naked feet. First, the dominant male, traced a theme of generous arcs, through which the fluid female maintained a steady counterpoint upon the G-string. Accompanying, with bravado and gay abandon, the youngest member of our trio plucked a pizzicato second theme, valiantly attempting a key change to focus all the attention upon him.

Reaching the rock pool, the winds baffled the sound, as they picked their way around, through and among the myriad of warming puddles, playing host to sea anemones, hermit crabs and the ghosts of sea-shells past.


Flaneur (n). Even a dedicated urban flaneur needs a counterpoint in order to heighten appreciation.

20 comments:

Lois said...

Another beautiful post Julie! What a cute little family. It makes me wish my kids were little again!

Clytie said...

Delightfully photographed, delightfully told!

Sigh. I'm with Lois - makes me wish my kids were little again. Or maybe not. I don't think I'd be able to keep up now!

Magpie said...

Very nicely played...I mean said.
Wonderful day at the beach.

Matty said...

I think that unposed pictures are the best. They tell a nice story of the moment.

Bill said...

Nice family outing, well captured.

Jim said...

Cute shots.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

cara said...

I love the musical metaphors you've set up. Particularly the bit about changing key... it's spot on!

Ann said...

Good frozen action, particularly like the bottom one.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Your "hide in the dune grasses". I think that is what makes your photography different from mine ... you are prepared to wait and see.

Julie said...

Possibly ... I am one for the 'unguarded moment'. I track an appealing narrative with my lens, and my being, until what I see accords with what I feel.

Here, I was particularly entranced by the body language of the mother - fluid, unperturbed, soft, yet controlled. The other two improvised with her as their anchor. They were flash and fancy and full of ego. She was steady and subdued. My conception of motherhood. *grin*

Coffeeveggie addict. said...

Nice to see a family having their time together.lovely!

brattcat said...

For me the child is the point of energy, my eye continually drawn to the compact, energetic body and downy hair.

Janet said...

What a fun day for a sweet family! Nicely captured there! Have a great week-end!

Rinkly Rimes said...

What fun they're having! And what a wonderful capture you made! There's a blog devoted to Motion and I think your shots should be displayed on it!

Julie said...

Yes, I know the one you mean, Brenda, and I chose Theme Thursday instead of Motion Thursday. I am not keen on submitting the same post to two separate themes. Just the way I am, I guess. Thank you for the suggestion, however.

Bruce Caspersonn said...

Oh Julie Julie Julie, where for art thou Julie? Not a sign of to-day's post. Or is my dopey computer acting up again?

diane b said...

Love this post. Your words and pics are magic. The composition of the candid shots is so good. It is lovely to see a family interacting like this in tune with one another. I couldn't help thinking of yours and my future young families. I hope they will have moments like this.

Julie said...

Me so too, Diane. Me so too. Every time I see a young family, I quiver with the anticipation.

Anonymous said...

Very good moment of life, I appreciate the 3 pictures that describe the joy and leisure time the family have in front of you and US too.
Thanks!
Serge

Killara girl said...

what a sweet capture!