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…)

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Japan, Stream of Consciousness, Surreal by Courtney

Alice’s Conundrum

Meandering through Heian’s gardens I stumbled upon this sign and stood, staring, awaiting the Cheshire cat to appear.

‘Cheshire Puss,’ she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know
whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider.
‘Come, it’s pleased so far,’ thought Alice, and she went on. ‘Would you
tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’

‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.

‘I don’t much care where–‘ said Alice.

‘Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.

‘–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,’ Alice added as an explanation.

‘Oh, you’re sure to do that,’ said the Cat, ‘if you only walk long
enough.’

Alas, no Cheshire cat, so I chose a path…

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Books, Japan, My Art by Courtney

Peace Lantern, Golden Gate Park

To give myself a good kick in the pants to start posting more often, I thought I’d share some of the stories behind my photographs. Starting today, I’ll be posting one story of each photograph. Some may be short, some may be long, some may be real, and others may be fictional. I’ll try to post daily, but that might not happen – so we’ll see how long it takes to get to 365 posts! Today’s story is of the short, real, factual, you-might-actually-learn-something variety. Look away if that’s scary!!

A couple of months ago, I spent the day in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco with the family. I’ve always wanted to visit the Japanese Tea Garden, so even though it was closing time, we decided to go in and enjoy what time we could there. I’m glad we did, because it was a calming, beautiful place to wander around in.

As I turned a corner, marveling at the sun-dappled light filtering down through the trees, I came upon this lantern. A peace lantern, it was given to the U.S. as a sign of friendship, celebrating the U.S. – Japanese Peace Treaty, from a group of Japanese school children. The description moved me, so I snapped a quick shot of it, documenting the sentiment so as not to forget.

I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.
Diane Arbus

This quote from Arbus is one of my favorite quotes, and that’s how I felt about this picture (for the record, it came out “better”). The muted feeling of the greens with the jolt of warmth from the sunlight makes it one of my favorite shots from that day.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, My Art 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