The Beauty of All Things

I should be playing a Beatles track, but am not. How 'bout Air? High Point.

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Currently listening:
Air - High Point

Care for the living, as well for the dying and the dead.

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Sideways Seven [Happiness Strings]

Is beauty only skin deep?

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Outer Skin

Sometimes I feel compelled to write something. Sometimes not.

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Currently listening:
Brian Eno - Always Returning [II]

Lately I've been thinking that for my next photography website, in the background I would like to use really loud techno, techno, pounding, pounding music. Cuz I'm not always all mellow n' quiet y'know!

"It is 5am. Do you know where your children are?"

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Currently listening:
Soulwax - Dance 2 Slow

I started my photo project today [see last post]. It's not as 'easy' as I would like it to be, but I guess that's part of the fun. I'm enjoying it. It's a challenge. I have two more days to fidget with the lens that I rented last week. I might also get another domain name to house this new series of photos, and I'm liking the idea.

Stay tuned and thanks for dropping by.

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Currently listening:
Harold Budd & Brian Eno - The Pearl

Not much else to report really. Earlier this month I made a visit to the Kopeikin Gallery out in West Hollywood, just to see Mitch Dobrowner's exhibit the week before it ended. I don't have too many favorite photographers, but he's definitely one of them. Needless to say, seeing his prints right in front of my eyes was simply breathtaking. I particular like the Storms series.

The above photo is a rehash. I think I'll use this image as a starting point, and will elaborate on the concept and turn it into a series. A series of 10 or 12 prints possibly. The fun part is coming up with a name for the series. Hmm...

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Currently listening:
This Mortal Coil - F.y.t. / Fond Affections

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Currently listening:
Robin Guthrie - Camera Lucida

These days, I don't know what to write anymore it seems. Not happy. Not sad. Just me. I first started this blog to function as a photo blog. Lately I haven't been taking any photos for myself... ever since my grandmother passed away last December. I will be my old self again [Is there such a thing?!] eventually. I do have new ideas in my head already, only a few more things to be sorted out.

Last week I had a couple of my prints professionally printed, 16x24" image and 22x30" matted. I'm heading out right now to go pick them up. I'm somewhat excited. And I haven't felt this way for awhile.

Life is what you put forth.

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Currently listening:
Flat 7 - Smile [Robin Guthrie Remix]

Live each moment... for life and death is only a breath away.

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Currently listening:
Lunz - Lunz [Ulrich Schnauss Remix]

Southern California is usually bright, sun-shiny and warm, but this morning it's cold, wet and dreary. And I don't mind it at all.

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Currently listening:
John Foxx & Harold Budd - Here And Now

Know who you are. Everyday.

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Currently listening:
This Mortal Coil - Meniscus

The opening is tonight, not last night. Oops. Thank goodness I noticed. Now here I go... hope you're having a great Saturday night!

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Currently listening:
Air - The Dream of Yi

I'm debating whether I should attend tonight's opening or not at the Los Angeles Art Association. Hmm...

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Sideways Seven [Happiness Strings]

Deplaned.

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Currently listening:
Aphex Twin - Avril 14th

Cold feet. Warm floors.

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Currently listening:
Hugo Martin - Avril 14th

Joshua Tree National Park, CA.

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Currently listening:
Harold Budd - Olancha Farewell

Blythe, CA.

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Outer Skin

FOND AFFECTIONS
Fond affections are never said
They're only sung in songs
I never was naive enough to know when I was wrong

There's no light at the end of it all
Let's all sit down and cry
There's no light at the beginning
Let's all sit down and cry

Now it's time to say goodbye
Now it's being forced upon you
It's just that person by your side remaining distant

Now the winter's growing close
The days are getting older
I can tell by your face
That your heart is getting colder

There's no light at the end of it all
Let's all sit down and cry
There's no light at the beginning
Let's all sit down and cry

Text: Rema-Rema

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Currently listening:
This Mortal Coil - Fyt / Fond Affections

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Currently listening:
Arturo Stalteri - Another Green World

Have a fun-filled and safe night tomorrow. After that, welcome November.

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Currently listening:
Budd & Guthrie - Halloween

The Pocket in Your Hand.

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Currently listening:
Philip Glass - Opening

I borrowed these lights from my friend Bridie over the weekend and am still toying with them. During the day, I have no one to take photos of, so it might as well be me. It's a bit of a hassle running back and forth to see how they turn out. Lighting isn't easy, but it isn't too difficult either. I guess I'm not much of a 'conventional' kinda guy. I don't take 'happy' photos. I try to smile in front of the camera, but the end results always look fake [and forced]. I only look decent when I'm not smiling.

Looking at my last photo, I like the tight cropping and not much else. It was an awkward stare. I like this one much better. I still look [happy]sad.

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Sideways Seven [Happiness Strings]

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Currently listening:
Colder - Crazy Love [Luke Innes Mix]

May you all have a good night.

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Currently listening:
Air - The Dream of Yi

Flora. What inspires you? Any one thing more so than others?

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Currently listening:
John Foxx & Harold Budd - Spoken Roses

Blue Day. Old photo: New colors.

I rather like this. Looks a bit ambiguous and me singing to one of my favorite songs...

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Currently listening:
Lush - I Have The Moon

Breathe. I bought this plant for three dollars and fifty cents from this über fauna flora shop near my neighborhood. I think I will go get another one today. I wish I could take you there. Let's go. I could use some company.

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Currently listening:
Cocteau Twins - Aikea-Guinea

Fujimahara. Start of something different.

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Currently listening:
Arturo Stalteri - Another Green World

Chillin'. I think autumn is my favorite season of all. I hope everyone is having a good start of the week.

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Currently listening:
Cary Brothers - If You Were Here

I remember when I was in my twenties, a stranger asked me. "What do you want to do in life?" I forgot what I said exactly, but I remember that my answer was earnest and sincere. Then minutes later he asked another: "So what do you really want to do in life?"

September passes. How do you feel today?

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Currently listening:
Michael Andrews - The Artifact & Living

A lifetime... however short or long, for we are only but transients in this universe.

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Currently listening:
Explosions In The Sky - Your Hand In Mine [Goodbye]

People say Live today as if it was your last day... It's too grim. I'd say: Live today as if it was your first. Embrace. There's nothing good and nothing bad. Embrace everything.

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Currently listening:
Nuno Malo - Star Crossing

Entrance / Exit. For some reason, this photo reminds me of the song Plaza. Sometimes my photos remind of the song as well... Cold, sterile, hard, devoid of emotions... sometimes. They're not really good selling points are they? They don't strike up an emotional response compared to a photograph of, say, a cute puppy dog! I am 'cold', most of the times I don't prefer the warm n' fuzzies.

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Currently listening:
John Foxx - The Plaza

Carmine. Y'know, IMHO, 99% of the time life turns out nothing like you imagined.

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Currently listening:
This Mortal Coil - Another Day

The Stare. This past week Alec suggested that I should venture out at least once a week, to take photos, be out of the house or whatever. I've driven so much at my last job, these days, I don't feel like driving anywhere, even to Los Angeles, which is only about 13 miles from my house. Bleh! I might as well live under a giant rock.

He's right though. I should head out to a gallery tomorrow if not today. Maybe I'll start looking in the south bay area. Anyway, I adore this song. I think I'll dance a bit now.

Have a fantastic day yourself. Okay?

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Currently listening:
Siouxsie & the Banshees - Dazzle [DreamTime / Glamour Mix]

Man in Motion. They say the eyes have it. This guy certainly does. Anyway, I feel like I just took a vacation. It was nice to be away. It's also nice to be back. Somewhat!

Hope you are well.

Death's Door. Death is like an old friend who waits for you 'til the very end. Someone who never strays; a friendship which never breaks.

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Currently listening:
Michael Andrews - Manipulated Living

Before a person studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters;

After a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are not waters;

After enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters.

Text: Dogen

David. Happy Monday everyone. David says hello! :-)

Listening to this song again, I most definitely can relate to it today / this year.

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Currently listening:
Dead Can Dance - Severance [Live]

Orphée. The look on his face somehow reminds me of the movie Orphée by Jean Cocteau. Do you remember that film? Magnifique! If you haven't seen it, it's worth a look. Jean is one of my favorite filmmakers / artists. 'nuff said.

Enjoy your Saturday Boopy!

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Currently listening:
Libera - A Song of Enchantment

Gothika. I can't seem to focus on coming up with a series of photographs that share a common theme. I can't come up with anything cohesive. I tried previously, but my effort eludes me somehow. Every one photo is special to me, well, the ones I upload here at least. As far as photography goes, I think a body of work that all shares the same theme can either strengthen or weaken the series itself.

Say if you have a series of 10 photos of trees, most likely they will compliment one another. But on the flip side, won't they compete with each another as well? Yet if you have the same number of photos of all different subject matter, then I ask how exactly would they relate to one another in the series? Must they have to be? Must they share any similarities? But that's how I feel.

Personally, I prefer not to see the same thing, shoot the same thing - mostly. I guess people like consistency. Or that people rather prefer it! Yeah? It's safe... and it's been done over and over. Why would I want to change the perfect equation? I don't know. Maybe someone can straighten me out someday.

In the meantime, I'm just going to stick with what I love. Seems like I'm never at the same place with anyone.

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Currently listening:
Sisters of Mercy - Untitled

Outlooking v4. This morning I'll be taking some photos of a friend of mine. I think he needs some promotional photos of himself. Even though we've known each others for years, I'll bring my business/calling cards with me. On my way back, I'll most likely take photos of elsewhere as well. Photos of Elsewhere. I kinda of like that. Or Nowhere.

Here's one with Alec. He's the sweetness of my life.

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Currently listening:
Air - Mike Mills

Powerlines v2. The other day I stopped by a print house inquiring some information. The curator there asked me for my business card. I didn't have it with me because I never carry them around. It never occurred to me. I felt a bit silly and unprofessional. Do you carry yours with you?

I sent her one the very next day along with a Thank You card. Now let's dance to some OMD shall we?

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Currently listening:
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Telegraph [Exclusive Remix]

Powerlines. Curved lines. Straight lines. Which do you prefer?

Both. Good answer. Now let's dance to the Plaza.

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Currently listening:
John Foxx - Plaza

Clean Cut Boy. Spent another couple of hours at the beach this afternoon with Bridie and Archer. Beautiful late afternoon sun with gorgeous light. Can't beat. For this photo originally I opt for the color version with the golden hue, but then I striped the colors and I think I prefer the black n' white better. More edgy and harsh. Here's the original full version. What do you think? Hmm... Nothing else to report!

I hope you all are doing great! What's new?

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Currently listening:
Cocteau Twins - Oomingmak [Instrumental]

Enid. It's Enid from Ghost World. Thanks to Bridie, I took a picture of one of her toy dolls while babysitting this Wednesday. Oright, I took a photo of Archer, too! :-)

I re-watched Donnie Darko today. Do you believe in time travel?

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Currently listening:
Michael Andrews - Liquid Spear Waltz

Leuchtturm. Sometimes I think I need to write less in a photoblog. Well, unless it's someone else's words, or music, that is!

Night night every booty. :-)

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Currently listening:
Hugo Martin - Avril 14th

Babysitting. This boy named Archer just turned 3 this past weekend. I'm exactly four decades ahead of him.

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Currently listening:
Blur - Coffee and TV

I just mowed the lawn around 9am this morning. And it was hot! doh! Thank goodness I was armed with some refreshing iced tea in the fridge. Now here I am, staring at the screen, typing away... Thinking of you! :-)

This photos was taken yesterday. I took about 10 total and this one I like best. I wished the sand were smoother. One thing I noticed about my photography is that I try not to stage things. Of course, if I want to photograph a cup, sometimes I still need to put the cup somewhere... Like from the cupboard to the table. Other times I try to frame/shoot the subject as is. Nothing more. Nothing less.

In this particular photograph, I wanted to try out this technique... It turned out pretty much the way I wanted it and I'm quite satisfied. With you sharp eyes, I'm sure you can spot something peculiar about it! :-) Here's the full version.

Hmm... What to shoot today?

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Currently listening:
Ulrich Schnauss - Gone Forever [Robin Guthrie version]

Outlooking v3. Last photo from China. This one Alec overlooks the Forbidden City. When we were there, there was an actual Starbucks there right inside. People started complaining and they finally took it out. It just isn't right is it? :-) Here's the full version.

Now I shall head out to the bookstore and may take some new photos while I'm out. Tomorrow is Friday. Woohoo for everyone!

Outlooking v2. Funny cropping, but I wanted to show the building more rather than Alec himself. Here's the full version. Nothing artsy, but I do prefer the colors. You know I used to live in one of these similar style apartments with my family back in HK. But these don't have the 'rods' that one sticks out from the balcony to hang and dry their clothes on. Hard to explain the process if you don't know what I'm talking about. :-)

Anyway, in this photo, I think we ate somewhere near there! I know it's late but Happy Hump Day!

Discontent. I forgot how I got so high above to take this photo, a particular angle. I like all the colors... and his little play-jacket. I wonder what the lady was thinking about while the boy contemplates. I would love to fly back to Beijing again with Alec some day. Some day soon.

Have a productive day everyone.

Thinking about Alec [him being the world to me], I went back and rummaged through our photos that we took while we were visiting Beijing in 2004. He hasn't changed a bit... still as youthful, playful and [even more] loving as ever!

I think I'll be posting our old photos from China all this week!

Alec took me to see (500) Days of Summer this weekend and it's a pretty awesome film. Good music, decent plot, a few feel good moments and some bittersweet as well. The entire movie was filmed in Los Angeles. Funny that in certain scenes the main characters' favorite hangout was at this park where I took photos of a few months ago... In which I named my photo The Lover. Here's the full version. In the movie on the bench there they sat! So this was another reason why Alec took me [and to surprise me!] to see the film.

Thanks B. You mean the world to me!

The photo made me think of this particular song! heh!

And I couldn't possibly play slow songs on here all the time... I think I need to dance a little! :-)

...Oh god it's another disease
And you just got rid of the last
You were beginning to feel OK
And the friends you gave it to
Were speaking to you again.

And you find yourself having sex
In the back of a car
And the girl underneath
Doesn't care who you are
And you're nearly there
And she still doesn't care
And her chewing gum
Is getting stuck in your hair
And there's something wrong
Something that you forgot
Oh Shit, you've forgotten the rubber
And you don't want a kid
Well, deny it was you
Oh Christ, if your dad finds out
Then he'll make you stay in
And do your homework
And cut your hair
And wear your school uniform
Out in the street
What a fate worse than death

Oh well he can't hit you
You can hit him back
And play your records so loud
All the ones that he especially hates
Deep Purple in Rock, Led Zeppelin II
Well even you hate those
Well on second thoughts
I think I'll leave home
And go and live in America
Because they earn more money there
And you can get away with murder - Yeah!

Oh this is a Mugs game
I can't wait until I'm twenty one
And I can tell them all to sod off.

--

Currently listening:
Soft Cell - It's A Mugs Game [Extended]

Outlooking v1. I saw my friend/ex-coworker today. We had a good chat and we ate our lunch heartily. It was a hot day, and by the time we parted around 2.30pm, I jetted to a Barnes & Noble nearest him to look for this particular photo magazine named Silvershotz. May issue. They didn't have it anymore. Dratz. It featured one of my favorite photographer named Michael Levin. His photographs are divine. I bought his book Zebrato the other day online and it'll be arriving tomorrow. I don't usually buy books by any particular photographer but this one I cannot wait. I wrote him an email earlier this week... told him about me getting his book and also asked him a couple of minor questions regarding his techniques, etc. I also told him that he needn't disclose any of the information and that I would wholeheartedly understand. He responded late last night and I was thrilled to get a reply back. I was so moved. He sent me a PDF on an article which he talked about his book, a bit about his background and some of his techniques. It was, why yes, featured in this May issue of Silvershotz.

Anyway, I didn't take any photos today. I thought I had more time, but it was pretty late already when I got home, with traffic and all. This photo was, again, from our trip to Oregon. It's Alec... staring outlooking. It adds a bit of mystery wondering what he's looking at, or why he was standing there. Here's the full version. I hope to get back on taking photos tomorrow. Crossing my fingers.

Looking at Michael's photographs can literally bring me to tears... I'm so moved. And sometimes, there are simply no words.

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Currently listening:
Brian Eno - Always Returning [II]

High-Low. I'm in a bit of a rut lately. Hmm... What to do... Maybe it has something to do with this hot weather. I much prefer the cooler climates. I'm like a polar bear without all the fat. Tomorrow I'll meet up with a friend/ex-coworker whom also got the boot from our job. We can spend some time talking about our f-unemployment blues. I will lug my camera with me. It's about a 30-mile drive; I should be able to scope out some areas/things to photograph. Just to think, I was commuting a 110-mile drive every day to my last job! Yes, I was much crazier then.

Have a pleasant evening. Keep cool!

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Currently listening:
The Flying Lizards - Trouble

Into The White. I've been all over the world this week by watching over 6 hours of the Planet Earth series on DVD. I asked for it on my last birthday [or was it Christmas?!] and it's about time I finish watching the program. I absolutely love nature shows. Have you seen the one on bugs?? That's my favorite out of all the series. We also have the DVD sets on birds, ocean life and the one that talks about the weather. I can be such a couch potato and we don't even have cable television.

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Currently listening:
Roger Eno - Through The Blue

The House on Twinberry Lane. This was a night shot without any post processing. I think it looks colorful enough as is. Okay, last of the trip photos. Not sure about you, but I'm getting sick of them, and it's already been a while! I have not taken any photos this week at all. I'll take some new ones tomorrow.

I hope you had an awesome weekend. I did. I spent it with Alec's and my families as well. We also went to LACMA and I saw [and felt] Richard Serra's Sequence for the 3rd time, the first time being at MoCA three years ago. He's one of my favorite sculptors/visual artists and this particular piece definitely has to be seen, touched and felt by its audience.

Let's go again!!

Washed Up. Sometimes I feel like that. Only sometimes...

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Iota

Greys. I only wish we had more time that one day.

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Currently listening:
This Mortal Coil - Meniscus

Children of Light. I think this is one of my favorite photos from the trip. I don't know these girls, for they just came into the shot... into focus. What you don't see is on the right hand side, a monolithic haystack rock. Here's the original version of the photograph. The one with just the two girls is more personal and intimate, but portrays more like a regular snapshot. I think having the rock in the photo places so much more emphasis on being traditional landscape photography.

I prefer having the children in this photograph.

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Currently listening:
Dead Can Dance - Severance [Live]

Twin Houses. This was from the last night of the trip. The beach was right behind these two houses. We were walking around the neighborhood after a family party. It rained earlier that evening and the cold mist still lingers. The most lovely time for a walk.

I hope you have a good day today. 'til tomorrow!

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Currently listening:
David Darling - Darkwood IV- Dawn

Yaquina Head lighthouse. I wish I could've spent more time there. Taking some night photos of this particular lighthouse would've been spectacular. But it was a great visit overall. Loved every minute.

Sometimes, you just have to follow the light...

About the distortion: It's difficult to get it to look absolutely correct when I was this close to the lighthouse. Being further away would've helped. I tried to fix it as much as I could during post process. I'll try to shoot better on my next trip! :-)

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Currently listening:
Robin Guthrie - lisa@dixo.com

Well we're back from the Oregon coast. I'm not sure where this was exactly but just thought I would start out this photo series with a picture of the coastline. :-) I think I got some decent ones, but how can anyone not with such spectacular landscapes!

At any rate, I'm heading out to see my folks today. I miss them. Take care now!

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Currently listening:
Lunz - Lunz

The was taken weeks ago but thought I would add this in just because! :-) This is a piece of large artwork that sits outside of the MoCA's gift shop. If you come to Los Angeles and head to the museum, you'll find it. I apologize since I never caught the name. Why not we go one day together and find out?

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Currently listening:
The Flying Lizards - The Flood

I'm late. I'm late... and I feel like the White Wabbit. I don't like missing a day, or two. Anyway, this is a mama [or papa?] bird that's been hovering in our front yard for weeks. They both guard their chicks day in and out. The 4 chicks are hatched and sitting pretty inside our red Camellia... and they're fat!

Wahaha! It's a bit difficult to catch up with my photos while on vacation. Hope you're having a great week? Oregon coast is pretty awesome!!

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Currently listening:
Robin Guthrie - 3:19 Outro

Torso. I love this track. It relaxes me and yet it demands attention. It takes me places...

The piece is melancholy and brooding, for I could simply close my eyes and drift off and it is in that very short space of time, I could care less a single moment in this world.

I'm off to Portland. Take care everyone.

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Currently listening:
The Hope Blister - Friday Afternoon

Mug on table. Something reminded me of this one particular joke:

Q: How many surrealists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: A fish.

Yes, it's my favorite joke of all time! Enjoy your Tuesday.

This photo was taken some time last year. I took it around the time when I first got my camera and was fidgeting with it in bed, pitch-black in the dark while playing with the built-in flash. Someone said that there's a sense of eeriness to it, but I like things that are a bit out of the ordinary. Besides, I like photos that have isolated body parts!

I'm not cheating. I'll still be taking pictures today. Though I might take a few days off this week from posting since we'll be traveling up to the Oregon coast this Wednesday, and we won't be back until early next week. This is for the 3 people who swing by here. :-)

Have a fantastic Monday!!

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Currently listening:
Robin Guthrie - Red Moon Rising [Edit]

I hope everyone had a safe 4th of July and a good celebration. Alec and I saw a late movie last night after I came home from visiting my folks/grandmother. On our drive back we saw some fireworks afar... We did the exact same thing last year. That is enough for us.

Enjoy your Sunday. I think I'll head back to the beach tomorrow to do more reading and writing.

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Currently listening:
Harold Budd & Robin Guthrie - Neil's Theme

This photo has absolutely nothing to do with today being the 4th day of July. Yesterday I was going to take a photo of our flag that hangs outside our house, but for some reason I wasn't too motivated.

I'm heading home today to see my folks and my 97yo grandmother again. My mom told me on Wednesday night that my grandmother fell [again!] and split her head open with a half inch gash. :-( My mother currently has to change her, bathe her, feed her and tend to my grandmother's every need. Around 6am that morning, my mother woke up and asked my grandmother if she wanted to use the bathroom, she said no. Half an hour later, she tried to get up by herself and that's when it happened. Poor grandma. Poor mother. I try to do whatever I can whenever I'm there. I used to head home twice a month now once every week. It's never enough is it?

I don't want this to be a 'downer' post, but it is what it is. If you're reading this, as always, thanks for dropping by! Have a good holiday!!

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Currently listening:
Arturo Stalteri - Another Green World

I miss it.

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Currently listening:
Nuno Malo - Star Crossing

I'm cheating. This photo wasn't taken as an exercise, but an old photograph that I took when I went on an artwalk some time last year. It was taken inside this one building while I was walking up/down the stairs and passed by this laundry facility. It was a lot brighter but I tweaked the colors as usual. Double-cheating I reckon. So I ask: Is the final product more important than the original image? Or vice versa?

Photography is definitely an art form, an expression of oneself. But what about the thought process and the functionality behind post-processing? It seems so foreign to me sometimes... everything's gone pixels! Or has post-processing become an integral part of photography today? I don't know. I'm just asking the questions.

As for me, I tend to just do what I think looks 'best'—at that very moment.

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Currently listening:
Harold Budd - Balthus Bemused By Color [Mix 2]

Photo count 0100. Who would've thought I'd come this far since 2003. Two different blogs later. I guess I wanted to 'celebrate' the occasion by posting a self-portrait. Zoinks! Overall, the majority of photos on here are experimental, portraits are no exception. I like the color[s] in this particular one. Does the photograph appear warm or cold? Maybe somewhere in between? I have no idea.

This is an odd one. Not sure if I like it, but I think I got the melancholy/somber part correct. Have a great day everyone! xo, r

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Currently listening:
Arturo Stalteri - An Ending [Ascent]

Life is what you make it. Isn't it? Accept what it is. Take responsibility. Learn what you can. Share what you have. And keep moving forward.

It is.

--

Currently listening:
Wim Mertens - Passend

This was taken last week when Bridie, Archer and I went to the beach. Archer had such a great time being 'in' the sand. I like this photo! I tweaked the colors so it sort of mimics the old early 80's yellow-tint aged 'process'. Not sure if it's working, but I do like the golden sun-glazed effect. And I've always liked this song: The Neverending Story by Limahl. Well it's a kids movie, so I thought it would be appropriate to pair it up with this photo! Okay, I adore the movie, too! I think I'll head back to the beach this week alone to get a Coppertone tan! woohoo!

I hope you're having a fantastic new week! Happy Monday everyone.

--

Limahl - The Neverending Story [12Inch Mix]

I used to think that black is my favorite color, because to me, it has all the colors in the rainbow! But these days, absolutely, grey is my new favorite. Maybe it somewhat reflects my personality.

But is it a color? Or a shade? Have a great Sunday before the Monday. :-)

--

Robin Guthrie - 3:19 Outro

Looking at my photos on here the other day, I was thinking that they're all kind of... 'cold'. No reds and no oranges equate to no warmth... Making Bobby a pretty dull boy. Bleh! Note to self: Photograph subject matter with warmer tones!! So yesterday I thought of some place I could go and so I went and took about 20 photos in which 2 of them I could use. Here's one. Too simple?!? But I like it! :-) I'll post the other on Monday.

Tonight we'll be heading to MoCA to see Julius Shulman's new film Visual Acoustics. I'm very excited! woohoo! I wonder if I should bring my camera! hmm...

Enjoy the weekend everybody!! xo, r

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Currently listening:
Air - Night Sight

It's tragic to hear about Ed, Farrah and Michael... Huge fame, big celebrities―gone! We're nothing like them, and yet, they were just like us.

Yesterday I didn't get a chance to take photos, but I did read most of the day. Today is another day full of opportunities. What will you do?

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The Key Sessions Quartet - Mad World

My friend Bridie, her son Archer and I went to the beach again yesterday. She and I both took our cameras and just shot whatever we happened to see. I can be a lazy photographer so I just took about 30 photos of her and Archer. It's not too often I get people to pose for me! His mom must've taken thousands of photos of him since he was born. On top of that, she's really a nurturing, loving mother. Bridie is also a photographer, and a graphic/web designer herself, so all day we mostly talked about art-related matters! Stimulating chat as usual.

I wanted to post a funny photo of Archer on here today, but I think I'll ask Bridie first before I do that. Or maybe I should've just asked Archer to sign the release form in private without telling his mother. haha!

How are you today?

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Currently listening:
Robin Guthrie - Imperial

What are you thankful for right this moment? For I have too many to mention. I hope you have a good day today.

PS. Funny, I wrote the above last night for I try to write a line or two before I head to sleep. This morning I read on Facebook that Jeff is also grateful, and wrote about appreciating the moment, each and every day! Thanks for the reminder my friend. Maybe the practice of taking photos with our cameras does open up somewhat of a magical world for us... Helping us to see more of this world, our world, in a different light and darkness.

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Currently listening:
Niki Reiser - Sommersturm

Well I have to play a song that's appropriate. Funny that when Legs came out back in 1985, I was attending my first year of art school... thinking that I might want to major in Photography the following year. And I did. But after one semester of photography courses I had to quit since my parents and I simply couldn't afford it.

Now, almost 25 years later I'm reliving my dream again - somewhat. A second chance maybe? Too late to be a quitter now. What do I have to lose?

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Currently listening:
Art of Noise - Legs [Last Leg Mix]

Did you have a nice weekend? I sure hope so!

Now shall we dance while watch the planes go by?

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Currently listening:
MGMT - Kids [Soulwax Mix]

Yesterday we walked a few miles near Belmont Shore, Long Beach. Armed with my camera and off we went. A bit overcast at first but the sun finally shone brightly in late afternoon. As far as the weather goes, California is very lucky compared to other parts of the country right now. We're very blessed.

Well I bought 2 tickets to see the premiere showing of Julius Shulman's movie Visual Acoustics for this Saturday evening. I also have a 'date' coming up with my friend Bridie with her photography buddies for a 'photo' day out!! woohoo! Can't wait! But heck, every day is a photo day [opportunity]! This just adds MORE to the experience. Oh-righto!!

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Currently listening:
Slowdive - Shine

Yesterday we went to The Annenberg Space for Photography, caught the L8S ANG3LES: Perspectives of Eleven LA Photographers exhibit before it ends next weekend. The facility is a good, clean space. From the eleven photographers, I think Alec and I both agreed that Julius Shulman was our favorite, with his provocative Palm Springs series from the 1940's and on. Magnificently captured, beautiful and timeless. We're thinking about heading out next weekend to see his new film: Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman premiering at the MoCA. Care to join?

We will definitely go back to the Annenberg Space for their upcoming POYi exhibit sometime next month. Have a great Saturday!!

I've been procrastinating... procrastinating on writing my Bio/C.V. Not an easy task. No? I have no résumé regarding my photography "career"! It's fairly easy to write about others, but not when you're your very own critic. It really shouldn't be too difficult... My problem is that I always wait until the last minute. The life of a professional procrastinator! I shall write what feels right. I shall write how I feel about myself and photography. I hope to have it done by this weekend. And I will keep it short and sweet, to the point and straight from the heart.

On a side note, my thoughts are with Steven this weekend. Take great care of yourself my friend. xo, r.

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Currently listening:
Explosions In The Sky - Your Hand In Mine [Goodbye]

I guess I felt a bit burnout with the last blog. I was pretty much all over the place in thoughts. I need to be more focused. I'm dedicating this one to my photography—nothing fancy, and I hope to be more intimate. Telling more of a story of myself through my photographs, and often, layered with the music that I love. Writing, music and photography. Something personal, photographs that reflect on who I am. Taking pictures... currently I'm quite immersed in it and loving the moments.

I took the above photo yesterday. It's a section from a much larger photograph. I like the lines, but now that I'm looking at it again, it looks like something you can buy from Pottery Barn. eek!

But I still like it! :-)

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Currently listening:
Harold Budd - Olancha Farewell

So yesterday I was getting ready to head out and take some photos... but haven't the slightest idea on where to go. I opened up the garage door, leaned back against my car and pondered for about 15 minutes while looking out... So I took a photo of the concrete ground right in front of the garage!

There is beauty everywhere you see! If one's willing.

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Currently listening:
Robin Guthrie - Lisa@Dixo.com

Taken June 9th, 2009