The Essentials

Between here and there, and then and now so much has happened that it's difficult to capture it all and decant it.

For starters, there is Cuba.

Impossibly blue. Filled with possibility.

And dignified struggle.

Pushing a cart of beachwear, or casting a net for sardines

the clock moves much slower in this world. 

Tourists have taken over the edges, but nature takes notes and marks the

trails where it's safe to wander.

Most of the time.

On the day of the earthquake in Japan, and thousands of miles away

on Veradero beach, a cold front moved in and sent the happy holidayers

sprinting for shelter.

It was a magnificent moment. Nature -1. Sunbathers - 0.

Away from the edge, and into the woods, the struggle is relentless

and the termites never stop.

Their home is impermeable to the winds and rains and seasons and tourists.

Awesome.

The bees have figured it out too. And on this rock, they built their home.

Safe from the scrabble and the scrambling of other creatures.

Essential.

And sweet.

Like Cuba.

The Gaspé

Nature’s palette is amazing, and in the Gaspe region of Quebec, she surpasses every expectation with cobalt blue, ivory white, tan and turquoise. The fact that she has lined the cliffs of Bonaventure Island with Northern Gannets takes your breath away, as they don’t just cling to the rock, they define it.

And just when you think you’re sated with her painting, she draws a line of black around the lip, gently adds a touch of melted caramel, and forevermore, changes your idea of a kiss.

Just like she did with the rock.

You can see more photos from around the world at: http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/