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I was born and raised just a few miles from this spot. Growing up, my mom and grandmother would drag me to the beach every summer. I hated it. The sand would get in my swim trunks, and I would always pester them to leave so we could eat lunch. Living so close to the beach, one tends to take for granted what so many travel from around the world to visit.

As I grew older and got my first set of wheels, the beach seemed to draw me back with the ever present allure of fun, sun, but most important, girls. I spent many summers down past the pier, developing my future skin cancer as well as memories that I will never forget.

I ended up staying in town for college, which kept me close to that ever-present Gulf of Mexico. I would hear people say from time to time, "There's nothing to do in this stupid town but smoke (illegal substances) or drink." At a different stage of my life, I might have agreed with them. Ft. Myers, FL does not have a lot of the fancy amenities that major cities do. In fact, I remember when it was a big deal to get the first Target Supercenter in town.

But I now look at those things, and those comments, as somewhat ridiculous. Sure, it's nice to have modern conveniences at an arm's distance in every direction. It's almost annoying to have three (yes, THREE) malls within 1 mile of each other. And I'm not talking strip malls. One of them is the largest mall (per square feet) in the entire state. But people forget, with all the road construction and fancy stores and BMW dealerships, that there is a simple paradise just a few miles down the road. It's free (if you know where to park), the view is always great, and the people are fun.

I by no means think we should tear down these modern places of “worship”. After all, the modern mall has been likened to the cathedral or church of centuries ago in terms of cultural relevance. I just think people should realize that we live in a paradise, and it is not only our job to protect it, but also to enjoy it. Get out there! Wherever you are, I am sure there is somewhere near to you that is beautiful or meaningful to you. Don't let it disappear.Years down the road, I want to be able to take my kids there and have them pester me about leaving to get lunch.

About the picture: I shot this one evening at sunset with my Canon Rebel XS. I used my Bower Super Wide 0.42x Fisheye attachment that screws on to the end of my 18-55mm lens. I understand that my story doesn't really fit the "My Precious" theme, although my fisheye attachment is my favorite piece of equipment I have collected so far. I interpreted it as being about something far more important than equipment; if there were nothing beautiful and meaningful in the world, why take pictures?