I N S P I R A T I O N  *  I N F O R M A T I O N  *  I N V I T A T I O N

 

Yesterday morning, I was on 4th Street in Berkeley.  I heard news of a colorful, annual kite festival (the 27th annual) in the Marina.

Spontaneity and serendipity struck. 

I was just minutes away.  Kites, festivals, and community celebrations fascinate me.  The sun was shining. The wind was just starting to whisper through the trees.  Berkeley was in motion.  By chance, I had a camera in my car.  Thus, on the way back to San Francisco, I opted for a stop in the rolling hills along the waterfront.

Many impressions linger. 

There is something magical about the pure joy and unbridled excitement children and adults bring to these moments. 

You may enjoy a few images and quick stories.

Did you ever build your own kite?  Can you remember the first time you reached up and watched your creation fly?





When was the last time you sat without a plan and embraced a full day of laughter and sharing?

These two sisters made me laugh quite hard.  They traveled for about an hour together to relax and connect as wild animals and colorful structures flew overhead.

"Box Seat," Prime Time

Part way through my visit at the festival, I walked out into the dry fields under the large kites.  There, I met a proud kite owner named Nathan. 

For twenty years, Nathan flew kites of all kinds.  Over time, he crafted a dream - a vision for a massive white octopus that floated above the earth and danced in the wind.  Three years ago, he invested in this vision.  He spent $25,000 working with one of the world's great kite legends, Peter Lynn, to design and build his custom kite.  He named his creation "SOLO," the "Super Over Large Octopus." 

His kite is about 120 feet long and forty feet wide.  About ten miles per hour of wind is needed to create ample lift for this massive creature.  At twenty miles per hour, the wind may rip the octopus apart.  Thus, taming and flying the beloved white beast requires constant charm and focus. 

Nathan's son is part of his crew.  They spend hours bringing their large octopus to life in the sky and installing safety ropes and other controls. 

At one point while we were together, a gust of wind picked the massive kite up dramatically and ripped several cords from the ground.  The team's response was much like the movement of a medical team in an ER room when someone yells "code red."

Adiyan, Nathan's son, with "SOLO," his father's "Super Over Large Octopus"

I was mesmerized by the dance of small kites high above me.  The color felt like little sparks that lit up the dark blue sky.

Kite Tapestry

Families and friends were in a playful mood.  Of course, it's tough to avoid laughter when Nemo is swimming in the sky near you and a long dragon and giant gecko are soaring nearby!

Ran and Wenjing, Playfully Chasing Nemo

About Jeffrey Davis

Jeff is an award winning public television Producer, documentary film Director, passionate Photographer, Advocate, nonprofit Fundraiser, Management Consultant, wilderness Fan, Athlete, lifelong Student, and Teacher.  He brings twenty-five years of marketing, general management, and strategy experience with leading commercial and nonprofit organizations to his work. 

Jeff's photography website is at: www.jeffreydavisphotography.com