Goodbye 2012... Hello 2013!

I'm not sure who it was that coined the phrase "100 year storm" but if I'm not mistaken, it sure seems like we've had a few 100 year storms in the last 5 years or so. I mean this last Nor'easter was worse than Sandy (for us in New England).

The sea wall in North Hampton gave way to the pounding surf and high tide surge. My buddy Tony watched in horror as waves broke down inside his driveway. They shut down Rte 1A. He was trapped in his own home watching Mother Nature kick the snot out of these man made barriers.

I was like: "Don't just sit there, take some photos!"

And he did. He sent me a half dozen of the whole chaotic scene. I have to admit, it was impressive. Including the clean up crew. Those guys were there bulldozing the rocks, boulders, and sand back up into a defensive position. Because let's face it, we are all in a defensive mode when it comes to nature.

There is no offense in nature for us mere mortals. Hardly.

So 2012 has come and gone. That was one weird year. In the big picture it was all about the damn political campaigns and the relentless political ads on TV, radio, internet, and social media. Then the streets and homes were littered with all kinds of local and national signs.

I think we were all glad once that madness ended.

I am not even going to touch upon the tragic stories of this past year because I think, as a whole, we've all heard and seen enough. There is evil out there. And we all must be aware of it when it shows up. Be vigilant you parents, teachers, police, and firefighters. Be ever so vigilant.

The year for us local New England Surfers has been good to great. It's always based on who you talk to. I always crack up at the different perspectives of certain swells from the many different characters that make up our surf community. But for me personally, and the other photographers who live and shoot here... the proof is always in the pudding.

The photographs and videos do not lie.

As I was scrambling trying to get this blog up by Sunday I realized..."Holy crap! It's the end of the year! I have to do a YEAR In REVIEW!" I called Ed and he agreed. So I went through each month, and grabbed what I thought best depicted what happened in the last year.

The problem with that is, there are literally thousands of photos.

You guys have no idea... or maybe you do. I don't know. But I'm telling you, there are thousands of photos on this blog each year.

So trying to pick some of the best was a daunting task to say the least. Now keep in my mind. I do not have a panel of judges looking at these photos. It's just me. Me and a pot of coffee. And while I'm sure I grabbed a few gems, I may have missed a few good ones along the way.

Again if you are a photographer or a surfer, and you don't see that favorite photo of yours, it's not because it was not worthy. It's simply because I was too damn tired.

Besides the waves on Friday December 28th, 2012 were perfect.

[Editor's note: A gallery of Ralph's favorite 2012 photos will run on Hampton-North Hampton Patch on Tuesday morning, although all of the images are viewable today at http://ralphspic.com/newsletter.html.]

One last thing...With each coming New Year, we all like to make those New Year's resolutions. I know I have, many times in the past, and I have failed just as many. It's hard, I know. We all want to better ourselves, as well as our friends and families.
And living with the guilt of another failed New Year's resolution
is common.

Don't beat yourself up because of it. It's like the old college try theory. At least you tried. But just because you failed in your goal does not mean it is unattainable. Get back up. Dust yourself off and head back up that hill. Like I have told some medical professionals this year. "We are taking this hill!"

So take that hill that you are facing. You can reach that summit. All it takes is love, and support from friends and family. And your own determination to achieve that goal. Don't give up. No matter what. DO NOT GIVE UP.

I hope you all have a Healthy and surf filled New Year! Come on 2013! Bring it! We're waiting and we are fired up!