Category Archives: Photography

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon

As I return and recover from a quick trip to Las Vegas during which I I walked about 30 miles of the CES floor, I want to share a few photos from our weekend visit to the Japanese garden to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

Of course a Japanese New Year leads to reflection of each of our own birth years – what they mean and how they may have shaped our personalities. A quick critique of my year – the year of the Rabbit:

  • Usually generous, friendly and tranquil by nature. (ummmm…ok…)
  • Rabbits like everything to be low key and even tempered and are anxious if forced to take risks. (that’s fair)
  • They enjoy paying attention to detail to create an ambiance in their lives. (I have no time for details)
  • Rabbits most often prefer the easy road. (OK, now we’re onto something…)
  • Rabbits are suited to careers in literature, art, design, public relations, counseling, advisory occupations and law. They also make good secretaries. (Stop right there! Secretary? I would be a terrible secretary. And where is Photographer?)

Regardless of the inaccuracies in my own zodiac, I am looking forward to the Year of the Dragon and I’m grateful we were able to welcome it in style amidst the beauty and tranquility of the Japanese gardens.

Thomas and his friend Camille jumped at the opportunity to practice their Japanese calligraphy. Thomas tried his hand at some Kanji…

…while Camille worked on a Dragon.

And then we watched the professionals create their own amazing works of calligraphy art.

With REALLY big brushes.

Wishing you a very happy year of the Dragon.

Today’s Photo of Playing in the Bat Tent

The best part about having kids who are obsessed by superheroes right now? The ability to use it to selfishly manipulate them.

Need to go somewhere? Let’s use the “Bat car”. Time for bed? Time to use the “Bat Toothbrush.”

I’m sure they’ll catch on soon and the plan has it’s flaws (“I’m NOT BATMAN! I’m Superman!) but I’m determined to get as much mileage out of it as I can in the meantime.

Today’s Photo of the Last Lights of Christmas

The christmas tree has been taken away by the recycling and all of the ornaments are packed away in the basement, but I just can’t bare to put these away. They give the house such a nice glow.

Happy Trails for Some – Back to Reality for Others

Sadly, I was not the one boarding a flight for Hawaii. Back for my first full day of work for 2012 and fully into the swing of things.

Trying hard not to feel too resentful of the three people I dropped at the airport earlier this week who are now likely soaking up the sunshine and sipping Mai Tais (well, the two who are of age anyway).

I will be heading down south for a little unexpected sunshine early next week – but it’s for a work trip so I’ll be catching glimpses through any window I can find while the sounds of poker machines play in the background.

I feel as though I haven’t had much time to reflect on 2011 and even look forward to 2012, so I think I’ll need to set aside a little time for that over the next few days. It would be a sad day indeed if I were to I plunge into a new year without a favorite photo of the year post – or maybe two. I’m working on it.

In the meantime, it’s back to reality and vicariously living my dream of a Mai Tai on the beach.

Today’s Photo of a Chilled Samuel

Part of my New Year’s resolution is to use my camera more – AND get comfortable in manual mode. I also want to be better at capturing the everyday because it’s something I missed over the past few months as life got a little out of control.

Back with more words soon, I promise. In the meantime you can enjoy this rare moment of calm in an otherwise insane (but fun) few weeks.

 

Come and Gone

So, after the opening of a few dozen presents, the eating of a fatted calf and the taking of many naps, the most eagerly anticipated day of the year has come and gone. I’ve been a little quiet around here while we enjoy a some time with this guy.

And these two.

We’ve also managed to squeeze in some bad guy thwarting…

And approximately 1542 costume/identity changes.

And, did I mention the presents?

So a belated Merry Christmas from the Ishidas – hope yours was filled with as much joy as ours. Back with more photos and stories from our Portland adventures with the Fisher-Flavels soon – right after I finish becoming acquainted with my new Kindle. 🙂