San Gabriel River in Long Beach, California
Slow down. Look closer. Reflect.
Welcome to the San Gabriel River!
Have you ever wondered how much wildlife might be living right alongside us, even in places surrounded by busy cities?
Welcome to the San Gabriel River in Long Beach, California! This river provides an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and other waterbirds. While people go about their daily routines nearby, an entirely different world is unfolding along the water.
As we explore, we'll discover curious little faces emerging from beneath the surface, pelicans resting near the shoreline, birds stretching their wings, and beautiful moments of flight. We'll also notice how sunlight reflects across the water, creating patterns that change with every ripple and movement.
Some moments happen so quickly that we barely notice them. A bird suddenly takes flight, water splashes, and within seconds, everything becomes still again. Other moments require patience, like waiting for a mysterious visitor to reveal itself.
But nature doesn't always have to be found in distant mountains or quiet forests. Sometimes, it is right beside us, waiting to be noticed.
The same can be true in our everyday lives. We can become so focused on where we're going or what we need to accomplish that we overlook the beauty and possibilities already around us. When we slow down and pay attention, even familiar places can reveal something new.
These photographs invite you to explore with curiosity, patience, and an open mind. Notice the reflections, follow the movement of the birds, and see how many little details you can discover.
So take a slow breath, let your eyes wander, and remember that you don't always have to travel far to find something extraordinary.
Let's begin!
Something is hiding in the water. Can you guess what it is?
Look at those feet! Why do you think pelicans have webbed toes?
Notice the tiny drop of water hanging from its beak. Did you spot it?
Look beyond the pelican. What else can you find floating in the water?
Wings wide open! Can you find the different birds sharing this space?
A split second frozen in time. Can you spot the splash left behind?
Look at the shape of those wings. What does it remind you of?
Two birds, two different activities. What is each one doing?
Look closer. Can you find the bird's reflection beneath the water?
Notice the sunlight passing through the feathers. How many shades of brown can you see?
Even as the bird flies away, the water tells its story. What details do you see in the water?
Follow the bird with your eyes. What do you notice about the space around it?
A little face finally appears!
Look closer. Can you find its eye and the shape of its mouth?
Notice how little of its body is visible. What do you imagine is happening beneath the surface?
One last look. What detail about this little visitor will you remember?
Take a deep breath, you are amazing.
Two birds, one moment. Which one caught your attention first?
Look closer. Can you see the different shapes of their wings?
One prepares to leave while the other stays. What do you notice?
Look at their wings. How many individual feathers can you see?
Every movement tells a story. What do you think happens next?
Look closer. Can you find the pelican's webbed feet?
One bird is almost gone. Where does your attention go now?
Notice the space between the two birds. How has it changed?
Look closer. What details can you see on the pelican's feathers?
Can you spot the tiny drop of water hanging from its bill?
Look at the curve of its wings.
What catches your eye?
What differences do you notice between the wings and the body?
Take one slow breath. What do you notice when everything becomes still?
āØ Before You Leave...
Did you...
Notice the mysterious little visitor peeking above the water?
Look closely at the pelican's webbed feet and long beak?
Discover how sunlight shines through the birds' feathers?
Notice the reflections dancing across the water?
Find something in the photographs that you didn't notice at first?
Take a moment to appreciate how much wildlife can exist alongside a busy city?
Think about something beautiful in your everyday surroundings that you might be overlooking?
Remember: Sometimes, we don't have to go somewhere new to discover something beautiful. We just have to look at what's already around us a little differently.
Every week I head into nature with my camera, never knowing exactly what I'll find.
Sometimes it's wildlife.
Sometimes it's a waterfall.
Sometimes it's something hidden in plain sight.
Thank you for slowing down and exploring with me today.
I'll see you on the next trail.
The world has always been beautiful. Thank you for taking a moment to notice it.
If one of these places spoke to you, you can bring it home.
You deserve the space you need to be yourself.
Surrounded by other birds, a cormorant stands on a rock with its wings spread wide.
While the world around it continues moving, the bird takes a moment to care for itself, allowing its feathers to dry in the open air.
It doesn't appear concerned with how much room it occupies. It simply does what comes naturally.
Sometimes, we forget that we are allowed to do the same.
We may find ourselves putting the needs of others before our own, staying quiet when we have something to say, or making ourselves smaller to avoid inconveniencing someone else.
But our needs matter, too.
Taking up space doesn't mean taking something away from others. It means recognizing that we deserve room to grow, express ourselves, set boundaries, and care for our well-being.
We can make room for others without making ourselves smaller.
Taking Up Space reminds us that belonging does not require us to hide who we are. We can be considerate of others while still honoring our own needs.
A meaningful addition to counseling offices, classrooms, wellness spaces, and homes, encouraging self advocacy, confidence, healthy boundaries, and self acceptance.
About the Print
Printed on aluminum for a luminous, dimensional finish that brings the photograph to life. Each metal print is scratch and fade resistant, easy to care for, and arrives ready to hang approximately Ā½" from the wall.
Each piece is made to order, helping reduce unnecessary production and waste.
Life doesn't always give us a clear or easy path. Sometimes, we encounter experiences that leave us feeling uncertain, vulnerable, or hesitant to move forward.
Like a gull lifting itself above the water, we may find ourselves needing both the courage to continue and the strength to protect ourselves.
Its wings stretch around its body as it moves forward, reminding us that the very things that help us rise can also provide protection.
In our own lives, protecting ourselves may mean setting boundaries, taking time to rest, recognizing when something isn't right, or learning when to step away.
We don't have to expose ourselves to every challenge to prove that we are strong.
Sometimes, courage means knowing what we need, honoring our limits, and continuing forward in a way that feels right for us.
The Courage to Continue reminds us that protecting our peace and pursuing our growth can exist together.
We can be cautious and courageous. We can be gentle and strong. And we can continue moving forward without leaving our well-being behind.
A meaningful addition to counseling offices, wellness spaces, healthcare environments, and homes, encouraging resilience, healthy boundaries, self awareness, and personal growth.
About the Print
Printed on aluminum for a luminous, dimensional finish that brings the photograph to life. Each metal print is scratch and fade resistant, easy to care for, and arrives ready to hang approximately Ā½" from the wall.
Each piece is made to order, helping reduce unnecessary production and waste.
There is something beautiful about the moment a bird takes flight. Its wings stretch outward, its feet begin to leave the water, and the ripples of where it once stood remain behind.
It reminds us that learning to rise again does not always happen all at once.
Sometimes, life brings experiences that leave us feeling uncertain, discouraged, or afraid to try again. We may question our abilities or wonder whether we still have the strength to move forward.
But growth often begins with small moments of courage.
The decision to try something new. To believe in ourselves a little more. To take another step, even when we are unsure of what comes next.
Like the gull lifting itself above the water, we do not have to wait for everything behind us to settle before beginning again.
We are allowed to learn as we go. We are allowed to try more than once. And we are allowed to rise at our own pace.
Learning to Rise Again is a reminder that resilience is not about never struggling. It is about discovering that we can continue growing, even after difficult experiences.
A meaningful addition to counseling offices, wellness spaces, healthcare environments, classrooms, and homes, encouraging perseverance, self compassion, and renewed confidence.
About the Print
Printed on aluminum for a luminous, dimensional finish that brings the photograph to life. Each metal print is scratch and fade resistant, easy to care for, and arrives ready to hang approximately Ā½" from the wall.
Each piece is made to order, helping reduce unnecessary production and waste.
There is no need to rush the process of becoming comfortable with who we are.
Just above the surface of the water, a curious seal reveals a small part of itself. Surrounded by gentle reflections, it offers us a quiet glimpse into its world.
There is something beautiful about this simple moment.
In life, we sometimes feel pressured to move faster, become more confident, or reach certain milestones because others seem to be further along.
But we all experience the world differently.
Some of us need more time to feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Others may need encouragement, reassurance, or simply the opportunity to observe before taking the next step.
And that's okay.
We don't have to push ourselves beyond our comfort just to prove that we're making progress.
Growth is not a race. We are allowed to explore, learn, and become more confident at a pace that honors our needs.
At My Own Pace reminds us that even the smallest steps deserve recognition. Whether we are learning something new, building confidence, or navigating a difficult transition, our progress remains meaningful.
A thoughtful addition to counseling offices, classrooms, wellness spaces, and homes, encouraging patience, self acceptance, emotional safety, and personal growth.
About the Print
Printed on aluminum for a luminous, dimensional finish that brings the photograph to life. Each metal print is scratch and fade resistant, easy to care for, and arrives ready to hang approximately Ā½" from the wall.
Each piece is made to order, helping reduce unnecessary production and waste.
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