Down the Hall

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Occasionally, we all need a quiet moment to rest. As the year coming to the end, I am sitting here, doing nothing but reflecting upon twenty-eleven. Overall, it was a very good year for me in many respects.

One of the highlight of this year was my acquisition of a new camera, the Fujifilm X100. I know buying the X100 does not instantly make me a photographer; it only makes me an X100 owner. I often hear people saying, “It’s the photographer, not the camera that takes the pictures.” Even though, I agree with that wisdom, I want to say that the X100 gave me the inspiration to take more and better images. (Click here to see the images taken with the Fujifilm X100.)

Another reason that makes this year so terrific for me is you. When I look at the stats of this blog, I see a steady increase in numbers of visits from all over the world. That reason alone, gives me the inspiration to take more pictures and to post more regularly. In addition, many of you also take the time to write your feed-backs and share your thoughts with me, on and off line. I want to this opportunity to say that I appreciate your support and encouragement throughout the year.

I also look at other reports, the ones from my affiliations with Amazon and B&H Photo. The reports do not show who made the purchases, they only show what items were sold coming from this blog. Even that I do not know who you are, I do get the nice warm feeling knowing someone out there is helping me. I know you do not have to do it, but you choose to do it to support me. Your thoughtful actions really keep me going. Thank you!

I like to hold the nice memories of this year as I am saying farewell to twenty-eleven; and to wish you all the love, joy and even more success in your life as we welcome twenty-twelve.

Wish you a very Happy New Year.

-Quan
December 2011.

“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.” ~ Ansel Adams

Flowers and Cross

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As the Holiday Season is upon us, I wish you a very happy Holiday Season filled with peace and prosperity. May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

-Quan
December 2011
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“Dear Santa, I can explain...” ~ Unknown.

Reindeer

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During the last few weeks, we have strong winds and heavy rains. It is colder each day as the days get shorter. And, when it’s not raining, it’s dull and grey. The winter is definitely here.

On a more positive note, I see Christmas decorations everywhere; in the office, around the neighborhoods, and on the streets. I spot these reindeer on a hillside, while taking my walk; they are part of the city’s Christmas lights display. I think the Christmas decorations, lights and the warmth of the season makes the winter much more bearable.

-Quan.
December 2011.

“Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling.” ~ Edna Ferber

Lillian

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She was so beautiful, pure, and irresistible. If I were a bee, I would beg for mercy and I would probably drop dead by her stamens. People told me that her name was Lily, but she liked to go by Lillian. She usually hung out with her friends, and told me that it would be too confusing for everybody to call each other Lily.

I met Lillian on a cloudy day in the garden. I was not particularly motivated and was about to go home. Then, I saw Lillian and friends blooming in front of the cafe near the exit. I felt as if she was born for and thrive in the soft, diffused light. After taking a few exposures, I went home anyway. However, now I was very motivated and more. Like a kid given a candy, Lillian was my treat of the day.

“When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other” ~ Chinese Proverbs

A Moment With You

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Now I believe in angels,

for I am here next to you,

in this city of angels,

cherish this moment and you.

-Quan.

Los Angeles

December 2011.

"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another." ~ Luciano de Crescenzo

Sextet

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From far away, the fence looked like yellow polka dot wall. There were thick layers of vines and leaves covered by the sprinkles of these little flowers on the outer layer.

Up close, it was chaos. There were no laws and orders. These little people just grew in an uncontrolled, but very energetic fashion. Getting even closer, I found this sextet. They were music to my eyes. It seemed like they were smiling and singing, “Hello Mister, welcome to this corner of the fence. How are you doing today?” To which I replied “Hello Sunshine.”

Thank you everyone for visiting this corner of the World Wide Web. May your weekend filled with sunshine.

-Quan
December 2011.

“Chaos is the score upon which reality is written.” ~ Henry Miller

Each and Every Step

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Each step is an adventure for both. When we lift the foot up, we want to make sure that it points to the right direction. When we land it down on the ground, we do not want land on any impediments. For every step, we want to maintain balance throughout. We use the handholding technique as a guiding tool. We do that with one hundred percent concentration. Then, we repeat the same process in the next step. As long as we focus on the task, we will stay on course and nobody gets hurt.

The years will pass. There will be no more handholding; there will be football games, music recitals, rock-and-roll, driving education, and colleges. Every so often, there will be “Hi, Dad” followed by “Hi son, how are you doing?” Every so often, there will be lunches, or even a hug.

The journey continues...

-Quan
December 2011.

“It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.” ~ Johann Schiller

Wild Flowers

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It was late afternoon; the sun is coming down quickly. I had an image in my mind that I wanted to take, but this lady was in my view. So, I waited for her to finish taking her pictures. She appeared to me as very meticulous; she took her time shooting, take a few steps, shot again; few more steps, then shot some more. When she finished shooting and started to walk away, I was so relief and got ready for my shot.

Well, only after a few steps, she stopped. This time, she took out some small device, and just stood there. There she was with her little device, and here I was running out of patience. And the sun is coming down quickly.

Then I thought why not take a picture of her instead. After I took this photograph, I didn’t want to wait for the one I originally waited for. I walked away happy knowing it would not be as good without her.

The entire time, I stood there waiting for something which I thought may be good; not knowing the good was right in front of me. Thanks to my incidental model for being in my way. However, now in hindsight, I am the one who needed to get out of my own way.

“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” ~ A. A. Milne