This painting is a result of a walk I took one early morning near the beach before the sun had risen. After jogging on the bluffs overlooking the sea, I decided to visit the tide pools. Climbing down the jagged path of half-exposed boulders and tangled roots, I noticed a couple of harbor seals watching me. Once I was on the rocky stratum laid bare by the ocean’s greed for sand, the balancing act began. My tennis shoes tried desperately to cling but every other step they would slip with squeaks and squishes as I made my way along. A group of starfish, (sea star is the proper name) caught my eye. I would not have noticed them if it were not for the way they glistened in the light of the setting moon. A seal popped its head up from just beyond the rocks where the sea stars were clinging. Drawing closer, I watched the ethereal scene. The moon’s light was fading while the morning sky gradually took on the colors of dawn. Soothed by the moment and the sounds offered by the sea, I was unprepared for the devious wave that dashed against the sea star’s rock and doused me with salty sea foam. I am sure the seal was laughing at me. -paul leasure