by beachraven | Nov 4, 2022
Nepenthe, Big Sur, California I arrived at the scenic overlook just before noon. A low-hanging cloud left the view a bright emptiness, a deep pillow of infinite white, a scene of nothing. I imagined the expansive view I’d seen numerous times, but for some...
by beachraven | Oct 7, 2022
Point Reyes, California It’s five a.m., but it feels like three. There’s a small fire in the heater glowing in the room, and outside the open window, geese honk with concern as Donna sleeps in the next room, possibly listening to me click away. I...
by beachraven | Sep 17, 2022
Wind-Ripped Maple, Monterey Peninsula The plum was perfectly ripe, sweet, and bursting with juice and flavor. Rays of the sun warmed the deck and soaked into my bones, leaving nothing to desire but more of the same warm, bright liveliness. Luscious drops of...
by beachraven | Sep 2, 2022
Asilomar Beach, Pacific Grove, California I sat on the side of the bed and gazed into the full-length mirror, but instead of seeing myself looking back, I saw an aging primate. The eyes looked like those of an ape with pain and wisdom, and concern. The body folded...
by beachraven | Aug 27, 2022
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California I rolled into the graveyard shortly after dawn, the grass color just appearing through the dissolving dark grays and blacks of night and the damp chill of thick dripping air before the haze pulled out to sea. I’ve...
by beachraven | Aug 19, 2022
Del Monte Forest, Monterey, California As I walked along, the sea haze began to roll in and cover the forest in a dripping, white cloud. I’ve had it all wrong, I thought. It’s not that I have to give up my thoughts to be in the moment; when...
