Writing one of these year-end posts has never been easy. Today, I find myself more so at a loss for words.
It doesnโt mean 2018 has been a lackluster year. Itโs a year that I continue to listen to the whispers of my heart and morphed and changed consciously and subconsciously.
It has been a year that I have a lot to be grateful for. My vocabulary for wildlife, and especially birds, has grown. Great strides have been made in learning about them, some of whom youโve met here. Remember the burrowing owls (see here and here), the red-crowned cranes (here and here), the monkeys that take hot spring bath and the fox that I felt a personal connection with? I know my sister from Barcelona would be proud. A year ago, all I could muster was something like โa pretty birdโ or โthat yellow birdโ. ๐
This year saw me going back to THE favorite country of mine (not one of) - Italy, where my Assistante and I continue to enjoy great food, be immersed in culture and make friends. And despite common conception about French people, we made our way into France. If you are interested, I will share my experience with the people there.
Not that Iโm trying to make a career out of winning photography/art competitions, I was lucky this year to be among the finalists in a prestigious international contest.
It has also been a year of worry, fear and sadness. Some people I care about have been taken away from this world, including someone that I only got to know for one year. And as if itโs not hard enough, on a whim, someone that I call family was taken in the middle the holidays when the smell of roasted turkey still lingers.
While I cuddle and reminisce the ones that leave an empty chair this holiday season, Iโm also reminded that we are all made of something perishable. We donโt have โforeverโ to say good-bye and sometimes even one second is a luxury.
Finally, Iโd like to send our wishes to you with an image of these birds of elegance and Japanโs national treasure. I hope these symbols of love, prosperity and good health will keep you well for the coming New Year!
With much love and gratitude (sometimes, attitude ๐),
Ciao!
Los Angeles Travel Photographer
How Many Icebergs are Enough? - Los Angeles Travel Photographer
โWhat are you going to do with all these photographs of icebergs?โ It didnโt take long before our zodiac driver noticed my obsession with icebergs and photographing them.
Everything we know about icebergs is fascinating. That they are made of glacial ice of maybe more than 15,000 years oldโฆ That they are snow that were compressed, taking air and sediment along with them, making them history โfrozenโ in time. That they roll and turn and reveal many facets, telling us where theyโve been or what theyโve encountered. That โthe tip of an icebergโ is truly only about 1/8 of the berg that we seeโฆ
To me, an iceberg is a unique individual that carries with her a wealth of stories waiting for the discerning eyes to learn, before it disappears into the vast ocean. So, how do I describe each icebergโs unique qualities when all someone sees is quantity?
'Tis the Season for Family - Los Angeles Travel Photographer
โTis the season for family reunions around the world. Here in the US, Thanksgiving starts off a month-long series of holidays and events for get-togethers.
Family comes in all shapes and forms as if it wonโt be right if we donโt take a concentrated dosage of reminder how life is supposed to be. Concentration means higher pitch, bright colors, and, almost guaranteed, deeper valleys. You know I wasnโt just talking about wines, music, holidays decorations andโฆ and depressed wallets. :-)
Everybody in our lives come for a reason. Thereโs no customization when it comes to family and, therefore, family comes as is.
In my earlier days, if I come home and find myself being greeted by a family like the one depicted in this image, Iโd want to turn around. But, Iโm a big girl now. I may still prefer turning around and spending time with โmore pleasant peopleโ. Iโd stay and try to see through the surface and accept the challenges that this certain family brings, or simply patiently waiting for them to reveal why in the world they come to my life. ;P
Happy holidays and enjoy the family! You know you will miss them the other 11 months of the year. ;-)