Beach works

[Terri Ficenec]

Well, Mike--
Chris could've been referring to the Green Flash restaurant on Captiva island a couple hrs south of you...

But the legendary 'green flash' is described here)

"#1 Watch a sunset and the "green flash"
It may sound cliche, but there's nothing more relaxing than ending a perfect day on a tropical island with a beautiful sunset. Visitors often line the beach at sunset waiting to snap the perfect picture to capture the moment the sun dips below the horizon. At the moment the sun disappears, some may be lucky enough to witness the "green flash," a quick burst of green light that illuminates the sun as it sets. Those who want a real treat will relax on the sand and watch the sky slowly transform into a series of breathtaking colors as the earth's shadow fills the sky with a warm purple haze. "

You mean you haven't seen it?

[Elizabeth Schott]

Mike I think you are just trying to make us incredibly jealous!

I do think this might work as a figurative, but it is kind of Greek discus thrower for a little girl. I would just do one of the dog in the water, you have some lovely reference there!

glass of absinthe

Watch the movie "Moulin Rouge".

[Mike McCarty]

And I thought I was in charge of the obscure reference. I couldn't make it through the end of Moulin Rouge, even with Nicole Kidman. If they can't blow up a car, or have someone dismembered in the first thirty minutes, well what's the point?

As far as I know I've not seen this green flash. Except for maybe a few nights ago, as I lingered near the curb after leaving this apple martini bar.

They do gather up at the beach to watch the sunset. From around 7:30 until whenever they're all lined up taking flash pictures of the sun.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Now that's lovely!

[Mike McCarty]

This last shot was taken on new years eve last year. I had set up to snap shots of the birds and the sunset. It was almost dark when this little girl came running through the frame. I was able to snap off a few shots.

This was taken with a pretty long lens and there was a good bit of distance between she and I, not to mention the water. For ten minutes I chased the little girl and her father down the beach. When I was finally able to get close enough to approach them the guy seemed scared to death seeing this nut running behind him calling to him. I kept wanting him to look into the camera at the image that I had taken, and for him to allow me to send it to him by e-mail. I have a weakness for guys out alone with there daughters. He finally looked at it but said he didn't have an e-mail. I gave him my card and asked him to e-mail me when he got the chance and I would send it to him no charge.

Days later I heard from him and I was able to send him the image. After that I started getting e-mails from grandmothers, sisters, aunts all wanting a copy of the image.

This is original image before I was able to bring it back. I could not have done this with a lesser camera - Nikon d70.

[Richard Monro]

OK Mike. Way too much time at the beach. Time to get back to the grind like the rest of us poor and envious slaves.

[Allan Rahbek]

Mike,
this latest detail is very fine. There is something going on among "The Birds On The Beach"
Do you mind if I steal it ?

Allan

[Mike McCarty]

Allan,

Thanks, and, if I haven't said it before I'll say it here -- your latest paintings are some of my verrry favorites. Your sense of color, combined with your excellent technique should be exposed to the widest possible audience.

If not a theft, perhaps a swap.

[Allan Rahbek]

Thanks Mike,
I would so like to swap it.
Thanks also for your kind remarks about my other swappings, be careful with that absinthe.

Best Allan