Hello, buddy. Happy Caturday! Wowza, I can hardly contain my joy. It feels fantastic to be here, merrily typing away about whatever catches my fancy, without the hassle of any last-minute, made-up work crises that could’ve been sidestepped by tackling administrative duties ahead of time, OMG! A little aside, my day job has been quite challenging recently.
I genuinely wish more folks grasped that 1) accomplishing tasks early simplifies everything, and 2) honey attracts more bees.
Anyway, I’m thrilled that it’s Saturday, the sun is shining, and we have a good part of the weekend ahead of us. 🙂
Before I started writing, I was pondering how sometimes I find myself in a mode where every little thing I want to do seems so immense that I feel overwhelmed even before I begin.
This morning, the first thing my inner voice told me as I settled into my chair was, “I’m too weary to sit and tap away at the keyboard.” It’s been an ongoing internal creative battle that I’ve been facing for the past month, sigh.
However, I’m realizing how incredibly easy it is to slip into a cycle of exhaustion, especially when feeling drained from adult responsibilities.
Regardless, I’m moving past it, so I’m attempting to mix things up a bit by dividing each task ahead of me into the smallest, simplest versions.
The plan is that if I can complete even a tiny bit of something, that’s still more than I would’ve accomplished if I hadn’t done anything at all. My hope is that this small sense of achievement will encourage me to keep the momentum and push forward.
Today, I told myself that if I could uncover just three beauty-related articles — ONLY THREE — that I wanted to read and share with you, I would consider that a win.
And guess what? I made it happen!
Now, I will celebrate the minor triumph of accomplishing the tiniest bit of something.
Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and remember to take good care of yourself. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty enthusiast,
Karen
**Surfing Highlights for Saturday, September 21, 2024: A Day of Epic Waves and Unforgettable Performances**
The surfing scene experienced an incredible day of action on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with some of the sport’s top talents hitting the waves in various competitions and free-surfing sessions across the globe. From Hawaii’s beautiful beaches to Australia’s rugged coastlines, the day was filled with exhilarating rides, breathtaking aerials, and a few unexpected moments that left fans and commentators abuzz. Below is a recap of the day’s most unforgettable highlights.
### **1. World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour: Penultimate Stop in Hossegor, France**
The WSL Championship Tour’s second-to-last stop in Hossegor, France, showcased some of the most thrilling surfing of the season. The Quiksilver Pro France, celebrated for its challenging beach breaks and erratic conditions, witnessed elite surfers competing fiercely in solid 6-8 foot waves.
**Men’s Division:**
Brazilian star **Gabriel Medina** delivered an impressive display in wave selection and execution, achieving a near-perfect heat score of 19.30 (out of 20). Medina’s talent in combining powerful turns with innovative aerial moves left his rivals in admiration. His highlight came when he executed a massive alley-oop, earning him a perfect 10 from the judges. Medina’s performance secured his status as a leading contender for the 2024 world title.
Similarly, **John John Florence** from Hawaii, famed for his smooth style and technical skill, also had a remarkable day, advancing to the semifinals with a series of deep tube rides and critical maneuvers. Florence’s sharp observation of the tricky Hossegor lineup gave him an advantage over his competitors, keeping him in the race for the title as the season nears its end.
**Women’s Division:**
In the women’s division, **Carissa Moore** maintained her dominating streak, recording the highest heat total of the day with an 18.50. Moore’s powerful backhand attacks and precision in navigating the barrel were impressive, allowing her to handle the challenging conditions effortlessly. Australian standout **Tyler Wright** also made her mark, moving into the semifinals with a series of well-executed turns and a deep barrel ride, netting her a 9.00 from the judges.
As the world title competition intensifies, both Moore and Wright are well-positioned for a showdown in the final event of the season in Hawaii.
### **2. Big Wave Session at Jaws, Maui**
While the WSL event in France captured attention, a massive swell surged through the Hawaiian Islands, awakening the renowned big wave spot **Jaws (Peʻahi)** on Maui. With waves hitting heights of 40-50 feet, the world’s bravest big wave surfers paddled out to face these colossal conditions.
Hawaiian standout **Kai Lenny** was the star of the day with his fearless demeanor, dropping into some of the largest waves. His blend of speed, control, and creativity in such extreme conditions was truly astounding. Lenny’s standout moment occurred when he completed a full rotation aerial off the lip of a 40-foot wave, an impressive maneuver seldom seen in such formidable waves.
Noteworthy performances included **Justine Dupont** from France, who continues to expand the horizons of women’s big wave surfing. Dupont paddled into one of the day’s largest waves, displaying incredible skill and courage as she navigated the steep drop and evaded the gigantic wall of water pursuing her.
### **3. Rip Curl GromSearch Finals in Australia**
While professionals stole the limelight in France and Hawaii, the future talent of surfing shone at the **Rip Curl GromSearch Finals** in Torquay, Australia. This event, which showcases the best young surfers globally, featured impressive displays from competitors as young as 12.
In the boys’ competition, 15-year-old **Jack Robinson** from Western Australia clinched victory, illustrating maturity beyond his years with his powerful rail skills and progressive aerial maneuvers. Robinson’s knack for connecting critical moves amid challenging conditions secured him the top position and reinforced his rising star status in the sport.
In the girls’ category, 14-year-old **Sierra Kerr**, daughter of former pro surfer Josh Kerr, emerged victorious with her stylish and dynamic performance. Kerr’s skillful combination of smooth carves and technical airs captivated judges and fans alike, establishing her as a promising contender for the future on the global scene.
### **4. Free-Surfing Session at Snapper Rocks, Australia**
While competitions were well underway, a free-surfing session at **Snapper Rocks** on the Gold Coast attracted attention…
