Back To New York

JULLIEN HERRERA @ Jalama Beach, CA - photo by: Lisa Petrarca

Tonight I said goodbye to my middle son, Jullien. He headed back to his home in New York and straight to Fashion Week castings. I felt very lucky to have him home for a whole 20 days! It was definitely harder to say goodbye this time because I actually had more time with him than in the past. Usually on his short trips home he's always gone so it's almost like he's not even here on vacation. But this time I had him around a lot...AND we didn't even argue. Yes...we used to argue quite a bit because we're too much a like. We are both strong willed and like to have our own way. But with age comes appreciation and understanding of our similarities along with personal growth and change.

Today I was able to hang out with him all day. He had an appointment at the DMV, so he did an early morning final surfing session.

Newport Beach, CA

I took tons of photo's (of course) and tried to get a video with my phone...it's a little far away but I think you can tell he surf's really well.

Surfing @ Jalama Beach

I'm grateful for the family time I've been able to have this summer! There's nothing better than creating lasting memories.

It's Time To Get Away Again

When life gets a little stressful, sometimes you need to escape. Revisiting favorite vacation spot photos can be just the little refresher you need.

My getaway comes via our "Jalama Beach" vacation...






my oldest son Josh (22)

my middle son Jullien (18-turns 19 on Nov. 14th)

my youngest stepson Adam (16) & youngest son Elijah (15)





I thought you may need a little retreat too...

First Published Photo

Last week I submitted a photo to our local paper, a surfer practicing on the south side of the Huntington Beach pier before the US Open Surf Competition.

I loved this picture, low & behold (lol that sounds like something an old person would say), I picked up the paper on Thursday & there was my shot!! Woo Hoo!

First official photo publication!

my scanner didn't do it justice...

here's the actual picture I submitted-i sent both of these...
hoping they liked one of them (double click picture)


photos taken at Huntington Beach Pier- Olympus E-510 July 2010

I love taking action & scenic pictures...there's something about non-retouched shots like these & the ones below.

retreat...escape (double click pics)

vacation...losing yourself

carefree...lost in a moment


breathtaking...sigh

Photos taken at Jalama Beach, California- Olympus E-510 July 2010

Can I Just Share

I have a few favorites...

things that i love...

pictures that take me away...

can i just share?

kicking my flip flops off in the sand...


it's all in the perspective...


playful dolphin in the wild...

a vacation stroll...Jalama Beach, Ca...

pelicans feeding in the evening...

a day of surfing...

my family...

my boys...

surfing together...

playing together...

everything together!

the sacrifice...

Didn't Happen As Planned

Well my plans kind of fell through, nobody made it here in time to go to Long Beach to watch the Red Bull Flugtag.

We didn't make it down to the beach early enough to secure a bonfire pit. I called my sister who lives 45 min. away to tell her that we would still bbq at the beach but NO bonfire. Then my hubby just randomly called his friend to see how the surf was today & he said that they had a pit (they got there at 6:00 am to save it.) He said we were welcome to join them...so we are still on for the bonfire!

Besides, we'll get there just in time to watch the birds, dolphins & seals feeding (usually around 5 or 6 pm).

I took these shots at Jalama Beach in the evening (double click to view larger)

Jullien surfin' & watching the pelicans

Sometimes I guess it's kind of nice to just relax.