Desert Rose

Photo copyright: Quan Tran

At the time, I was so attracted to this flower that I had take a few exposures. I found out later, after searching the Internet, that this Adenium also has a nick name of "Desert Rose". No wonder why I was so captivated by it. For some reasons, deep down in my mind, the desert always gives me the impression of modest beauties but full of mysterious attractions.

-Quan.
August 2012.

Directions

Photo copyright: Quan Tran
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I think amusement parks are intentionally built like mazes; so that first-timers would get lost easily. To find their way around, some people look up the map; while other would rather utilize their own sensory system for directions.

-Quan.
April 2012.

“Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Beyond Dark Clouds

Photo copyright: Quan Tran
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When I was a young boy, I was told that when someone died, they just became a star and stayed in the sky watching over us. To this day, as a grown man, my little earthling brain still cannot fully grasp the meaning of death. I don’t think I ever will.

Whenever I learn of someone passing away, I just turn on Bach’s “Mass in B minor”; and look up at the heavenly sky… beyond the dark clouds.

My thoughts and prayers go to Mrs. Grant (1949-2012), and my deepest and sincere condolences to the family.

-Quan.
March 2012.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” ~ Author Unknown

Walking Bird

Photo copyright: Quan Tran
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Why walk when you can fly?

I saw this bird on the beach, taking his lone walk. I decided to follow and watch  him. He didn’t seem hurry, rather enjoying his walk. He would take a few steps and then pause and looked around as if to decide which direction to go next. He didn’t seem bothered by the wave coming in at knee high. He just walked, bare-feet, slowly, alone.

Even though you can fly high up on the sky; however, if you want to touch the wet sand and feel the wave slapping on your knees, you still have to come down to earth and take a slow walk.

Even if you can fly, but will you walk?

-Quan.
March 2012.

“The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

Daisies for G

Photo copyright: Quan Tran
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I like to send these daisies to G who is now recovering from a heart attack on Saturday. I am very happy to learn that G is home and OK now.

G, I wish you a speedy recovery; and take good care of yourself.

-Quan.
March 2012.

“My life sucks! I just gotta remember that someone out there is having a heart attack, or getting a limb amputated. Then I stop complaining.” ~ Author Unknown.

Moon Road

Image copyright: Quan Tran
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Almost two years ago in Utah, I was up on top of a big rock surveying the scene. A slight breeze caressed my face and whispered in my ear “the show is about to begin”. As I looked up, the dark-cloud curtain opened slowly, unveiled a little bit of, then a little more of, then a whole moon.

I could hear, somewhere in my head, Beethoven’s Moonlight sonata playing softly. Then the sound of the piano diminished and faded into the air. Then, I heard the sound of the shutter click from my camera. Then, I heard the sound of my breath. Then, I heard the sound of silence…

-Quan

March 2012.

“The moon, like a flower
In heaven's high bower,
With silent delight
Sits and smiles on the night.”
William Blake

Rhythm of Youth

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I took this photograph in the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) campus attending a workshop a few months ago. It’s been a while since I visited a college campus; it’s so refreshing to be in such a dynamic environment where most people were so young and energetic.

The best part of being in school this time for me is that I didn’t have to worry about turning in homework or taking tests. No pressure, just pleasure. Being around young people, makes me feel younger and more vigorous. It’s contagious.

-Quan

February 2012.

“Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.” ~ Victor Hugo