My best sunsets of 2017   takes a look back at some of my favorite moments throughout the year. Any sunset that makes you stop and take notice is a great day in my book, and if it happens to take place on a special occasion, then it’s a an added bonus. With a year full of Breaking News alerts 24/7, it’s nice to take a moment and focus on what was beautiful and right in the world.

The Fiji sunset on January 2nd,  was one of the most serenely colorful sunsets I’ve ever seen. There was  the finest mist of rain coming down on that 80 degree evening, adding a little extra moisture and magic to the reflected light of the sunset. I’d forgotten  that I’d  started 2017 in Fiji, so this image is a beautiful reminder of one of the best vacations I’ve ever had.

Sunset on Catalina Island was  an amazing day for two reasons. I’d surprised my fiancé with a Helicopter ride to the island, which was fantastic because he’d made friends with the pilot while taking this photo below, who then invited him to sit up front on our trek across the channel. This made his first chopper ride an experience that kept him grinning for hours afterwards. The chopper flew at  about 300 feet above the ocean, making the 11 minute journey both quick and thrilling.

Part two of July 4th in Catalina was getting  the news about the surprise early birth of my great nephew Cannon, as the fireworks began over the bay.   Someone randomly played the Dynasty theme song on the beach as the fireworks exploded overhead…. magic!! Who could’ve ask for a better day.

Sunset in the Pacific Northwest was taken a few weeks later when I went to visit Cannon, the newly born little nugget. It’s hard to believe that I have three great nieces and nephews at my age…. who knows, at this rate I might get to see some great great nieces and nephews before my days are done here on planet earth. What makes me most happy about this news, is that both of my sisters are now enjoying being grandmothers at such early age.

Sunset at Laguna Beach was a day set aside to celebrate my fiances birthday by doing what he loves most, hanging out on the beach. This was  his first time visiting Laguna, which has always been a special place for me  because of its fantastic  art gallery scene.  Sue Greenwood Fine Art at 330 N. Coast Highway  is worth the drive down from L.A., and is a must see.

Sunset over Malibu Beach was a very special day, as it included one of the most beautiful beach parties I’ve ever attended, with a very small and special group of people.

Sunset at the Moon Festival in Chinatown was a happy accident. I went there to capture a few beautiful Chinoiserie buildings for my Artful Living archives and voila… celebration! It was magical,  fun, and incredibly colorful. I felt like I’d opened a beautiful fortune cookie giving me an unexpected gift.

I thank you for reading Where Art Inspires Beauty, and I hope you’re able to make some of your own magic in the coming year. May 2018 bring you riches beyond your wildest dreams, and most importantly, beautiful sunsets.