THE WEDGE-BIG WAVE DAY!

 

After my near drowning on Saturday, and the passing of Newport Beach, CA. Lifeguard/Hero- Ben Carlson while saving a man's life; I realized how incredibly dangerous large swells can be even for the most experienced. I decided to head to "The Wedge" on Monday to take a few shots. The waves continued to swell to unbelievable heights. To my surprise there were several people actually charging out into the water, speedo's on (which isn't commonly seen in Orange County, CA., but I overheard them saying that trunks always fall off) and fins in hand, excited to ride these monsters.

Can you say, "CRAZY!"

Seriously, there were bodysurfers as young as 12-13 chasing these incredible waves. They were obviously very experienced even at their young age, along with "The Wedge Crew" (a group of seasoned bodysurfing veterans.)

In between the click of my lens, I found myself praying for them, setting my camera aside to scour the white wash waiting for them to pop up from the humongous waves that had just crashed over them. My anxiety level was definitely heightened as I recalled being tumbled, thrown and disoriented under water; losing perception of up or down under waves half that size.

The crowds excitement and adrenaline kicked in as each giant grew to enormous height...taller and taller. They would gasp and stare in awestruck wonder. Even captivating these three active young boys attention.

It was definitely something to behold in person. The lifeguards coned off the area to make sure that inexperienced people didn't get too close and risk getting swept out to sea. They stood along the shoreline, ready and waiting to risk their lives for someone in need. I'm sure it was a difficult day for them while still mourning the loss of their fallen brother. 

Until you see these waves in person you can't begin to understand the volume of a lifeguard's job.

I was lucky enough to get there before the huge crowds arrived and found a perfect front row spot. 

 
To see more pictures from the day or order prints...stop by my website:
LISA PETRARCA PHOTOGRAPHY

Dedicating This Post To Picture Time

Laguna Beach, CA

Victoria Beach-Laguna Beach, CA

I'm currently two birthday posts behind...my hubby's on July 12 and my son Josh's yesterday on August 1st. My birthday posts seem to take me forever because I want to say just the right thing to express my love for my family, along with sharing some fun and interesting memories/facts about them. I also have to find the perfect pictures to go along with it. This usually means digging through my picture boxes aka (huge plastic storage containers that are not in any kind of order whatsoever=story of my life.) So I get a little overwhelmed and continue to procrastinate. I've just been posting pictures on my Facebook page and neglecting my blog.

With that being said, I decided to just dedicate this post to some scenic pictures that I've shot lately...I've been quite the little traveler, which I LOVE! I would spend every single day on an adventure if work didn't ruin my fun!;/

Join me on my escape trips! My visual paradise...

Huntington Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Bel Air-Los Angeles, CA 

Newport Beach, CA 

Victoria Beach-Laguna Beach, CA 

Brooklyn New York

Newport Beach, CA

Central Park, New York

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Brooklyn, New York 

Costa Mesa, CA

Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA 

Victoria Beach- Laguna Beach, CA

Huntington Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Victoria Beach-Laguna Beach, CA

Costa Mesa, CA

Huntington Beach, CA

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.

Monday at the Beach

On Monday...a perfect, gorgeous day in Southern California, I went to work and found out one of my bosses was sick and wouldn't be in so I ended up getting the day off. I headed to the beach and spent the day writing and taking pictures.

It's so wonderful to just sit and enjoy nature. Here's some of God's beauty.

This cluster of birds flew in circles & then landed directly in front of me

 

 

 

 

My hubby stopped by to visit me

 

 

BLOOM WHEREVER GOD PLANTS YOU!