One of the things I miss most are storm clouds. You don’t see them often in San Diego, but I miss them because when alongside the sun, they produce the most beautiful sunsets. This past Saturday was no exception. After my two weddings, I was ready to relax at home when my boyfriend called me during work and insisted that I went to the cliff near our house and take a look. I didn’t feel like walking, plus I didn’t want to miss anything, so I grabbed my camera and jumbled into my car. When I pulled up, I saw a layer of storm clouds, hanging over the horizon, with the golden sun shining through. It’s things like this I missed since moving down.

Looking over, I saw a party of about 30 people, making their way to the edge of the cliff, each holding balloons. I figured they were probably just here to take a look at the sunset, like I and a few others were here to do. I snapped a few pictures, and figured the view would probably be better if I drove to the coast. I hopped back into my car, and proceeded to drive past the crowd, when the sun hit them just right, and I knew it was my duty as a photographer to go back and take that photo I just saw in my head. I literally put my car in reverse, and backed up. I scrambled out of my car, and while I did that, I heard the last notes of “Happy Birthday” being sung. I look up and the next thing I saw was 30 people release 30 balloons, gently into the air. I quickly snapped as many photos as I could. As I was watching this all unfold, it made me wonder who the lucky birthday person was, to have such a beautiful sunset on their day, and to have so many loving family and friends come together for their special day. I immediately thought of my boyfriend’s grandmother, and wondered if the person they were celebrating had passed on as well, because it struck me as such a thing to do for such an occasion. I briefly considered approaching them, but felt it be best that I not intrude. I made my way back to the car and headed to the coast, photographing the rest of the beautiful sunset because well, we need to remember days like this.

The photo I originally backed up for :)

Making my way over the hill

One of my favorite spots to drive – it’s beautiful when the coastline comes into view. And no, I don’t recommend you take pictures while you drive. :)

If you were wondering, the trip went well, it was nice to see family again and spend some time reconnecting. I will be posting some photos soon hopefully.