Walking along the beach, close to the undulating waves, I took in the view from underneath the pier. It was quiet and solitary there and I could hear the waves crashing on the shore. I could smell the vast, salty Pacific ocean. My face was covered by a thin film of mist from the sea. It was cleansing and refreshing. The ocean beckons me and I continually go back to it. I am drawn to its vastness, mysteriousness, and dangerousness.

Skaters are one of my many loves. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA, most guys I meet are skaters or surfers. The beach was a big part of my life when I was growing up. I go back to the beach repeatedly for the inner peace that I feel there. I love watching and taking pictures of guys doing tricks on skateboards. They represent that carefree, experimental, and rebellious nature that I grew up with. Through the lens of my camera, I can stop their motion. If I could only stop the progression of time...

While I was at the beach admiring and capturing the sunset on film, I noticed another photographer doing the same. He was using his camera to record that magical moment he was experiencing. I documented him for what the image says about the photographer focused on his art. It's a photograph about the process of photography. Photography, to me, is about capturing a vision, making that vision come alive on film. I am intrigued by both the process and the end result.

I was on my way to MOCA the Geffen Contemporary to see the exhibit, "Rodney Graham: A Little Thought," when I noticed the celebration in Little Tokyo, CA. What a pleasant surprise! I was distracted and found the parade more interesting, and ended up not going to the museum. The parade was part of the 64th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival (August 7 - August 15).

The highlights of the parade were dancers in kimonos, beauty queens on floats, and anime characters. Unexpectedly, I saw my friend as an anime character in the parade. She was Super Sailor Venus, the one in the orange and white outfit (see below). I called out her name and when she saw me, she yelled out mine in disbelief. It was a special moment. I felt like running onto the street and giving her a hug but I was blocked by people sitting on the ground. I haven't seen her in so long. It was nice seeing her again. The people around me laughed at our expression of joy and excitement. I knew she was really into anime. I had told my boyfriend that she might be in it before I saw her. We met up later after she was done with the parade and took pictures.

The event was special in that it brought out generations of Japanese Americans. I liked seeing old women and young girls performing the traditional dances to Japanese music. I loved their kimonos. Their outfits looked so simple and elegant. The wooden shoes, however, didn't look practical for modern day use. They were definitely not made for running, but then, women wouldn't run in kimonos either.

After an afternoon of being bombarded by different images and sounds of Japanese culture, I found peace in an alley. I observed an old man on a walker strolling down the alleyway towards a buddhist temple. It promised refuge, safety, and serenity. It was inviting, but closed.

I saw these melons at the market tonight and decided to try one out. I am quite adventurous when it comes to trying out new fruits and vegetables. Initially I wasn't sure if the melon I was looking at was considered a fruit or vegetable. Some looked like they were part of the squash family. The one I ended up buying appeared to be a cross between a watermelon and a cantaloupe.

At the checkout counter, I learned that the one I chose was called a Santa Claus melon. What a funny name! I felt like it was Christmas in the August. I wonder why they are called that. I am looking forward to see what it looks like inside. Hopefully, it tastes good. It's not ripe enough to eat yet.

My tomato plant nearly killed itself by producing the bright red, delicious tomatoes. All the tomatoes have ripen. Before they end up on my dinner plate, I wanted to capture the tremendous effort of my tomato plant. I will probably have to get another one after I pick these tomatoes. I derived so much pleasure from watching my plant grow. I witnessed its cycle of life and I learned from it.

Back to Basics: Line and Patterns

I am a subscriber to simplicity when it comes to design. Walking up the stairs today, I noticed the bold and strong lines the rail made on the steps. Very graphic, monochromatic, and basic. It stopped me long enough for me to take this photo. Design is all around us. I appreciate the design in nature, everyday products and architecture. I see beauty in everyday materials.

Perhaps that's why the Dutch Masters appeal to me. They heroicized the mundane, the everyday. Through their genre paintings they celebrate our commonality. In that commonality, of course, is death. Invariably, that was a central theme in their work - the memento mori. Our economic and social status in life might vary, but death binds us all.