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

Bend

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Aspens typically grow in large colonies; some colonies become very large overtime, spreading a about a meter a year; eventually covering many hectares.

I imagine, living in such a dense population, some aspen is going to have to bend in order to grow upward.

“Blessed are the hearts that can bends; they shall never be broken.” ~ Albert Camus.

Belongs to No One

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Whenever I see these abandoned homes, I can't help wondering why people abandon their homes. I come up with several usual suspects: death, financial difficulty, imprisonment, natural disaster, or relocate, etc. Well, your guess will be as good as mine. Who knows?

Or, perhaps, people do not just abandon their possessions; they actually abandon their past for the hope of a better tomorrow. If that was the case, then I wish them better homes and better shoes.

This year's Thanksgiving, I am thankful that I have a home to go to everyday and have a sense of belonging.

I wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

-Quan.
November 2011.

“Perhaps, home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.” ~ James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room.

Looking to the West II

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I like to dedicate this photo to Izzie who took the time to write me such a meaningful comment in my previous post, “Looking to the West”. I do not get this kind of comment very often; I find it very inspiring, so, thank you Izzie.

This is what Izzie wrote:

“Quan Tran… I like the way you expressed your feelings with this photo. To me, it’s just too busy. Maybe I am looking for only a little of the tree and more of the mountains or the tree would have been more with the trunks and the mountain a bit further. I seem to think that you position yourself nearer the tree and lost most of the mountain… could be better…”

Today, I happen to look into my hard drive; and find this image from the same trip. This one has a tree trunk and the mountain a bit further. What do you think about this image (compare to the previous one)?

-Quan.
November 2011.

“It is from the womb of art that criticism was born.” ~ Charles Baudelaire

Looking to the West

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While traveling on highway 395, I like to look westward because (to me) the scenery is more beautiful that way; maybe, because the grand sierra is over that direction.

When I stood there, taking this picture; I didn’t feel hungry or tired, I didn’t feel the pressure of the daily life, life was not too short, and life was not too long. I was simply happy.

-Quan.
November 2011.

“Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery.” ~ John Ruskin.

Friends for Life

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If I were a tree…

Every now and then, on the clear nights, I look up and I see millions of stars above; I couldn't help wondering what the chances are, in this vast universe; that I get to stand right next to a pretty one like you.

I do not know how we end up together here; I only know that I am glad that you stuck with me all these time. And, deep down, I know that if I were a tree, I would want to be your friend for life.

If I were a tree…

-Quan.
November 2011.

“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” ~ Albert Camus