I’m not saying all of my decisions are questionable. It does seem, however, that I have made more than my share of obtuse choices since becoming a father. Take, for instance, the morning of this picture during our vacation in Santa Barbara last week. As is typical, my son and I awoke early; my wife and daughter slept while the boys tiptoed around the hotel room. As the sky began to brighten it became evident that it would be a beautiful morning and great opportunity to take pictures. I grabbed my son and we darted toward the beach.
It was every bit the gorgeous morning I had hoped. I took pictures while my son ran about and chased shorebirds. All was going very well until my boy slipped his hand into mine and I realized he was frozen. It had been a very chilly night in Santa Barbara and our breath was clearly visible in the early morning light. We had set out without so much as a sweater; my son, in fact, was still in his pajama top. In my defense it was a heavy pajama top.
I tightened my grip on his hand and we very nearly sprinted back to the hotel; all the while I quietly chanted, “please be asleep Mommy.”
She wasn’t.
41 Comments
An absolutely stunning capture of the early morning sunrise..and the story about you and your son just made me laugh. Hope Mommy WAS asleep…:-)
Thanks so much Marcie!
Well Chris, I’d say a little bit of “hot tongue and cold shoulder” was worth it for this beautiful sunrise.
She’s quite protective of her cubs but fortunately for me, very forgiving. Thanks George!!
Oh what a story ! I laugh aloud but be sure very tenderly
) I can picture you all, guys, boys & girls as well… Sometimes Beauty’s appeal is stronger… Hope your sweet wife would accept the idea of another Mother (Mother Nature, so beautifully photographed over there) calling too 
)
Thanks so much k@!
Well you two had fun and this is a gorgeous shot, so that counts for a lot in my book!
Quite the chilly adventure–thanks Kala!
I’m only now realizing a sunrise can be as gorgeous as sunset. What a really wonderful photo [and a moment you won't soon be allowed to forget
]
Thanks Mike! I still get the occasional disappointed glance whenever the words jacket or Santa Barbara come up.
Wow, beautiful scene. Amazing colors.
Thanks Pau–it was a gorgeous morning!
wow, amazing light
Thanks yz!
wow, what a marvelous spectacle, incredible in colors and poetic feeling is very strong, great impact, compliments
Thanks Fabrizio–much appreciated!
the composition is so good and loved the starry effect of the sun!
Thanks a lot Joshi!
Des couleurs et une perspective comme on les aime… Très beau!
Merci beaucoup!
Gorgeous well timed capture.
Thanks Visioplanet!
great image and atmosphere, but the story really reminds on some of the cirrcumstances I went through with my own kids.
Good to know I’m not alone! Thanks Michael!
Amazing colors Chris! Bet your son had as much fun as you being carefree and forgetful for a moment. He’ll forget the chilly day but he’ll remember the day he sneaked out with his daddy to see a beautiful sunrise.
Thanks Anny–you’re right, he didn’t really mind it at all and would have stayed on the beach until he turned blue I think.
What a great story, it made me smile
Stunning display of morning light with that streak (contrail) across the sky. Who could not welcome a sight such as this…
Thanks so much bluechameleon!
I laughed too at the end of your story. It seems women are always there when they shouldn’t
But, really, this sky deserved to be shot! And if your son didn’t catch a cold, it’s likely everything alright!
Really amazing sun rise you captured! Loved the story that went with it as well! Looks like it was worth the cold!
Thanks so much Andy!
Ahhhh, beautiful. And a fellow writer to boot. Thank you thank you. I’ll be stopping by frequently.
Thanks Corinn–appreciate that! Really like your photoblog for all the same reasons. Cheers!
This is GORGEOUS! You make me miss the beach…
Thanks Christine!
I can’t say I prefer sunsets over sunrises but I definitely don’t get to see sunrises nearly as much. Thanks for showing me what I’m missing when I’m still asleep.
Nice shot!
Ah, you’re missing out my friend!
Thanks d.k.!
The power of light .. outstanding shot!
Thank you Klaus!
Amazing colours and great composition.
Love the sun that low.
Cheers.