WAVES

We were done almost as soon as we arrived.
Sunken vessel. Willapa Bay, Bay Center.


The final wave swept us out.
Sunrise. Willapa Bay at low tide.

We were never to return. We were always to return.

Another wave crashed against the shore.

We stood there again. Watching. Waiting.

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

This land is my land.
US Government Property (US Coast Guard). No trespassing. On the trail to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.


This land is your land.
Driftwood post. Erected by anonymous on Benson Beach, Cape Disappointment.

Who can own the ocean? Who can own the sea?

Can the kikwəli-smuk (Chinuk Wawa for "fog") embrace it in its ghost arms?

Can the blue crab catch it in the pincer of its dominant claw?

TOUCHSTONE

It was time to return to the ocean.  
North Head Lighthouse, Cape Disappointment, Ilwaco, Washington.


Time to return to the sea.  
Willapa Bay, Bay Center, Washington.

It had been too long that we were standing on the shore during the summer.

We had the winter covered, but that was a world away, seasons away.

We sought out a touchstone. A place to remember what we had lost.

LET THERE BE LIGHT (BOX)

"Let there be light!"
—God, Genesis 1:3

—

For the past few years, I've been using The Wife's "Mickey Mouse Club Light Up Drawing Desk," which dates from her childhood. It is old. And small (8½" x 11"). And yellowed. And is still using the original incandescent bulb. (Center of photo.)

It also doesn't do exactly what I want it to do, although I made it work for what I needed.

Today, Troy's Work Table Publishing bought a Artograph LightTracer®2. It is new. And larger (12" x 18"). And crisp, clean white. And LED. ("Frame" of photo.)

And easily 10 times brighter.

There are light pads that are brighter, but also a lot more expensive. This new light box was a good deal when considering functionality and price.

I'm ready to get to work!