The first sunset of 2026 was a dramatic one. Thick clouds rolled in low after a day of rain. It was the kind of rain that is rare here in the Santa Clarita Valley. The clouds were lit from beneath. Rocky said it looked like smoke from a fire.
I stood there thinking about how often I expect clean lines between years, neat handoffs from one chapter to the next. This sky did not cooperate. It reminded me that change rarely arrives politely, and clarity often comes wrapped in turbulence.
If this is how the year wants to introduce itself, fine. I am here for it.
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EXIF Data Below Applies Only To The Featured Photo In This PostAperture: ƒ/4.5 Camera: ILCE-1 Taken: 2 January, 2026 Copyright: ©2026 Jeff Turner Exposure bias: -1EV Focal length: 24mm ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1/50s
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“I stood there thinking about how often I expect clean lines between years, neat handoffs from one chapter to the next”
Interesting – I see it as a continuum and this year felt like a quite smooth transition, the main thing I did to mark the odometer change was to spend a lot of time using credit cards benefit (hotel, Dell, restaurants, flights, etc.) that expired on 31 Dec 2025
Here’s to a healthy, happy, amazing, empathetic filled year that makes up for … 2025
Hi to Rocky!
Ira
Ira… hello, my friend. My exact thoughts in that moment were that the day was so turbulent. Just like the rainy New Year’s Eve. The storm seemed to rush out, and the sunset caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting any visible sunset at all, and then I looked out the window, and there was this beauty about to emerge from the chaos. New Year’s Day in LA is often perfect. That’s the neat transition I was trying to refer to poetically. 🙂
Intense clouds—Happy New Year