My moon, your moon...

It has fascinated people for eons. It has guided travelers. It has aided lovers' wishes. And it has posed for me now and again. When there's a moonlit night chances are I go out and set up my camera for several shots, hoping that I'd capture it my way.

Here's one.

U.S. GOATS

I herded my high school classmates to Oxnard for a mini-reunion last January 2010. We hoped that it's the start of get-togethers, at least for those who are here in the United States. And we did have two others after this.

Now we're in the process of organizing a Philippine-based reunion that we hope would include local "goats" (that's what we called ourselves after the first meeting!). Well, we're in our 60s now and a reunion should be in order. Thing is, it's taking us a little bit too long to come up with plans. Or approval of it. We can't seem to get to the same "pasture" probably because we're slower now. But I hope we get to where we planned. In picture are (L-R: Alvin, Mike, Alex, Larry, Camilo, Art, and Alan).

Geez

Nice day at the beach. Not very many people. We took photographs of pelicans diving into the water for food. An old man was on the rocks trying to catch fish for lunch. Then we strolled on the beach towards some people. And we met folks from Bakersfield--just "dropping by." Funny how you meet people and then they're gone. Hope she gets in touch so I could show the photos that I took of her and her family. And yes, the email she gave was probably erroneous--it came back!

The sunset would have been a 'bleh' had this weed proposed to be excluded in the picture. Just like the Roman god Janus: most often he is depicted as having two heads, facing in the opposite directions: one head looks eastward and the other westward. Symbolically they look simultaneously into the future and into the past, back at the last year and forward at the new. Maybe it also applies to the one you really love: to love the good as well as the bad side.

Abandoned

the motionless blur will soon disappear beyond expectations. the music slowly fades, no more tunes or lyrics. the stem crumbles to the ground, losing its substance, its life. so abundant was the sunshine that shone on once bright petals of a forsaken flower--once a delight now trash. will there be another one like it? no one knows, no one knows. 3/30/2011

Friends

They can be difficult to find. Searching for them could take years. Yet they're practically everywhere, watching you. When your world collides with theirs, you can simply think of things you would ask them. Or have them do something for you and in return, they would either ask you the same thing. Or nothing at all. Gratis. Find them if you can, but I believe they are there when you least expect it. That's the good part. The best part is when you feel that you're not alone anymore. And so do they. Friends in need are friends indeed!

PAOAY

In baroque style, this church in Paoay (Ilocos Norte) stands like a cadet at attention, facing westward as if watching for invaders. The sun was on its way out when we passed by this grand church so I didn't waste time. I took several shots while ambient light gives a soothing orange hue. Someday I might go back to take close-up photos of the front... and maybe inside.

I am sure it can wait. The buttresses of this church are so huge it can withstand the fiercest of winds and typhoons and earthquakes. Stay put, Paoay!

MAYON

The year was 2007. We were flying to Cagayan de Oro City and as usual, I took the window seat. With camera in hand, I patiently waited for a good cloud formation to take a picture when upon a distance I saw this. So I casually took a couple shots not realizing that it was a famous mountain that seemed like coming out of the ashes. It was Mayon Volcano in Albay.

Eventually, three years later in 2010 I was able to drive to this beautiful mountain that buried a whole town in the 1800s.

From the top

The blue ocean hugs the shore with undying caresses. Unending. Watching the waves embrace the waiting shore is enough for someone to realize how unconditional that "love" is.

You look down there and see the beauty of questioned laughter. And sorrow. Let the love for life flow and live in your veins. Make the children's laughter be the heartbeat that gives you life in return. I know of people who dedicate their lives doing this work. And I truly admire them more than they deserve. Just like the sea and shore--they live in harmony. And peace.

Floral eclipse

There is a God. Wilted plants soon wither and die. Where do they go after they disappear from view? Do they come back as another "thing" or they have seen their best?

The afterlife overlooks the perishable fruit. And the love that was nurtured could only last very long. But who's counting days, months? You are here, and I wish you talk to me with words that are comforting to a mortal just like me. I never wondered why one clings to the raft of life when there isn't even a light that shines. Blinded. Only tactile stimulation could bring back the you in you. Would you let me in and savor the ravishing life that a floral eclipse could bring? Stay, please.

Full moon, Jan. 19, 2011

I checked the calendar and the moon will be full. So I grabbed my camera and set it up for a timed exposure. This is one of several photos I took that night.

There is a feeling that one can't seem to comprehend when you concentrate at the moon and its movement. And how fast it morphs itself with a movement that is indiscernible.

Thought I'd share...

SPRING 2009

We said goodbye to winter. We turned our clocks forward to signify spring's final approach and eventually came to embrace it. It's spring--one of my favorite of the four seasons. Why? Because it usually signifies "parting" with rainy days and cold temperatures. But guess what--we had rain and foggy mornings when spring kicked in three days ago. Went out to feed the fish in the pond this morning and I was greeted by a wintery gush cold breeze that I normally didn't feel in a while.

But still, I love to welcome this season of birds and flowers... and spring cleaning! Yes, in order to be ready for summer--my all-time favorite season!

Sensation

Boy, she sings well!

You are a rainbow

You're your own rainbow. Feel the softness of the sky, and light up your life even when it seems hopeless. Beneath all the dark clouds there is color--just look at the subtle signs, those that don't seem to fit in. Those that seem so bleak that no one dares look at.

But you are alive, and hope is always there. Keep knocking on the door. It will eventually open for you.

SUMMER 07

Summer is in full swing, temperatures have risen and beaches are getting more crowded every day. I myself waited a year for this season despite not being my "most" favorite. But it sure is great to sport a tank top and shorts once again. The world is clear and dry, sceneries come to life more than they are alive, and people try to show their best--even if it meant "less" clothing to show the public. I drive to beaches to watch gilded waves and burnished skies in the early evening. I can imagine being in fantasyland without spending beaucoup bucks at Disneyland. After all, I am not that young anymore. Wouldn't you agree?

Ave Maria

lyrics - ave maria

Fog in the morning

San Simeon. It's synonymous to William Randolph Hearst, the publishing magnate. He built a castle up the mountains in this seaside town. After visiting Hearst Castle you can spend a few minutes walking on the pier, just off the Pacific Coast highway. Here you can mingle with the early morning fog. You can simply walk on the deck and watch the waves hug the shore. A few people can be found surfing (yes, even that early!) or sifting through sand in search for clams.

Mykonos

This is one of the beaches at Mykonos. I have visited this beautiful Greek island twice and this picture was taken during my first visit there in 2003.

I like the white sheer sheet that played with the breeze. The blue waters keep the same color throughout the year. Rain or shine. Food is excellent although it's more pricey compared to similar menus here in the United States. I guess you can figure out why.

Last song

Things we never said come together
the hidden truth no longer haunting me
tonight we touched on the things
that were never spoken
that kind of understanding sets me free...

Pacific Ocean

This is the Pacific Ocean. And this is Port Hueneme, California. In these waters, a plane once crashed and all passengers and crew perished. I still feel the horror and the anguish that were present. Sometimes I drive by if only to revisit a beach I used to frequent decades ago. I remember that afternoon when the Alaska Airlines plane lost control and plunged into these waters...