Carmel Beach 2010: My birthday picnic.

Oh Milo, how I will dearly miss you. My very first post on this blog was about you, being a carefree dog, letting your ears flap in the wind as we finished our adventures in the midwest and embarked on a new adventure in California.

2002: Rather unexpectedly I had the chance to bring you into my life, and I’m so glad I did. I picked you up as the snow began to fall, and the next morning, eager to explore your new surroundings, you took me skiing in my sneakers across the ice and snow behind the first KC apartment we shared. (more…)

Filed under:
Milo, No Words, Stream of Consciousness, Yet Lots of Them by Courtney

Bird on a…, Sharjah

Teeny, tiny bird, what world did you come from? Perched on twine… or is it a rope, and you’re not so tiny after all? Your head blends with the blue canvas you’re perched against. What is that called again? Never mind, it’s time to sit still for a moment, take in the view, not bothering with silly details, before soaring to new heights.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, My Art, Stream of Consciousness by Courtney

from the Ponte Vecchio, Florence

It had been a jam-packed day in Florence. We had walked the city, been to the Museo Galileo, stood by the River Arno watching the rain fall, debating on whether or not to continue on. The clouds parted, and we started across the Ponte Vecchio, over to Boboli Gardens, where I was enchanted by cats, enamored with landscapes, and in love with every last architectural detail I could find there. We had arrived a little out of sorts, due to the rain, but left happy, smily, go lucky.

We ducked into a small courtyard, and had a bite to eat, and more than a sip to drink. It started to sprinkle, but our bellies were full, so we walked arm in arm back toward the hotel. As we neared the center of the Ponte Vecchio, we stopped, breathtaken by the lights shimmering on the river and the wet night. That’s when I knew I had to get this picture.

No tripod in hand (but really, when do I ever have one of those around), I sat my camera down on the edge of the bridge, straps wrapped tightly around my wrist, for fear of knocking it over the side. Snap once. Snap twice. Third time’s a charm!

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Florence, Honeymooning, Italy, My Art, Stream of Consciousness by Courtney

Stepping Stones, Heian Gardens

After choosing this way, then this way, and finally, this way, I end up at a beautiful, lily-filled pond. Gingerly, I step onto the first stone. Now I’m precariously perched over water, feeling at once that I’m floating, that I’m walking on water, but that I’m on the verge of disaster. Another careful step taken, and I’m on stone number two. A pause. I enjoy my surroundings and my different point of view. Step three and I must take a picture to capture this new point of view. I feel I am getting somewhere, finally. I begin to feel like I’m going to be okay, and lose my fear. Step four, I weeble, I wobble (more…)

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365 days of stories, Japan, Stream of Consciousness, Surreal by Courtney

Buddha, Golden Gate Park, 2010

You’ve heard that before, many times, if you’re still out there. I’ve finally gotten around to fixing the look of the blog, and the rest of the site should follow in its footsteps shortly, along with getting my Gallery fixed and ZenCart running (if you have no idea what that means, it just means this site won’t be broke as shit for much longer).

We just got back from a fabulous trip to Japan that was much needed. There will be stories and pictures to come, but the pic above is a prelude to that visit, from a summer afternoon spent in San Francisco.

Not only was the trip relaxing, but between the trip and since being back, I’ve been able to delve into 4 books in the past week or two. Ahhhhh – it’s such a relaxing way to spend your time. One of the books, Kafka on the Shore, also warrants a separate post soon. It was an amazing book that really spoke to me for some reason. Another book, Outliers, which Raju was actually reading, had a chapter that gave me some insight into my innate mean-streak and the reason I get all fired up and ready to fight. It may warrant a mini post as well.

Night-night, ttfn, ’til tomorrow!

Filed under:
Books, just a picture, Observances, Stream of Consciousness by Courtney