For the love of reflections, good lighting, and a bit of digital wonder...

...and to think this beach at Puerto San Jose, in Guatemala is known to be unkempt, littered, and unsafe...

I don't believe in coincidences...

A quick glance captured by lens at Kairaku-en in Mito, Japan. (July '09) 

Strolling down the windy paths of this tranquil garden, famed as one of Japan's top 3 gardens, a momentary glimpse to the left appeared unexpectedly similar in composition to my mum's painting, currently hanging in my house in Guatemala.

A first since she was a teenager, oil painting by Heather Friedman (my mum). (c.1999)

My mum has never been to Mito.

To me, the feeling evoked from the 2 images are one and the same... 

...and, I find myself questioning the unspoken relationship between these two images sparked by my serendipitous gravitation to that spot in that garden at that moment on a spontaneous day trip in a remote and unfamiliar part of a land far away.

Taking color out to add more...

The sky was white and the trees were wet and misty. Taking some of the color out, leaving more blues and greens contributed to the tranquil, mystical character of this historical path at the core of Toushouguu Temple in Nikko National Park, Japan.

It's all about Perspective...

Each year, I go through a thought process questioning how this year's birthday should be spent, unsure with who and how I'd like to acknowledge my day. After 2 years in Guate, it dawned on me that I would enjoy a return trip to Japan, 3 years since leaving the land of great personal intrigue and fascination. A night climb up Mount Fuji presented itself as an opportunity I couldn't resist and a brilliant way to spend this year's birthday. Details spared, it was quite a challenge with 16 hours up and down and no sleep, but I did it! 

With my new Nikon D5000 in hand, it was a remarkable exploration of the constantly changing landscape on Fuji-san, the ever-evolving weather conditions, and a personal struggle between stopping for rest and the determination to reach the summit. Only a small percentage of Japanese ever manage to know Fuji-san on such an intimate level, so it truly is considered a pilgrimage of sorts.

At sunrise, I met an 85 year old Japanese man, strong and smiling. At the summit, I watched a group of about 25 seniors smile for a photo to celebrate their accomplishment of reaching the top of a 3,776m/12,390 ft dormant volcano. The concept of age was suddenly taking on new meaning and by the time I had finally completed the steep 3 hour descent, all I could think about was that I had climbed Fuji-san all night, and had witnessed the sunrise from above the clouds, topping any airplaine window seat view I'd ever seen. 

And so, this birthday afforded me a new perspective on so many levels. 本当に良かったです！

It's official...I'm a Blogger!

I've hesitated for quite some time now, but at last I've succumbed to starting my own blog site. My purpose for blogging is foremost to post some of my favorite photos supported by varied thoughts associated with an individual photographic moment. 

Since recently purchasing a Nikon D5000, I feel better able to express what in the world draws me in through the camera's eye. Your reactions and comments are welcome and always appreciated.  

val