Reflections

One major incentive for writing things down is to remind myself later about the dates, places and events that I have forgotten when I'm so caught up with life. Looking back at these following photos, I cannot precisely pinpoint their locations without enlisting geo-tagging software and the likes, however my memories of how I felt while capturing these photos are still strong.

Although somewhat camouflaged, this three-inch chipmunk from Sequoia National Forest was scurrying around restlessly sniffing and collecting objects. Once approaching this pine cone, it rested its palm momentarily, striking a leaning pose long enough for me to snap this photo. I am unsure if it was contemplating pushing the object along or using it as a leaning post.

These sheep were just the cutest! They saw my car stopping on the side of the road and got curious, enough to trot over timidly to check things out. From a distance, their wool looked as soft as a dandelion, but as they got nearer, the texture looked puffy but coarse. I have not touched a live sheep before so it was hard to judge if prefabricated wool is as soft as what we have in our clothing.

The weather was heavily overcast with an incoming fog along HWY 5 near Valencia. I was wrapping up my long drive from Reno and didn't expect to see much on the way back into town. Out from a clearing and in between heavy pockets of fog, I saw these creatures grazing lazily away, unaffected by the cold weather and drizzling rain. I was mesmerized by the analogous colors of their leathery skin and that of the surrounding grass. This scene reminds me of images captured in travel magazines of the Sahara. 

Creativity Is

Learning to tap into one's potential.

Nebraska

While driving through Nebraska state line on Highway 385, we encountered many dilapidated structures such as the one shown below. The ghostly presence of this farm seemed intensified when we neared it. I did want to check out its interior but decided to keep my wheels on the road ahead. It was the wiser decision as we had just escaped minutes before from an intense hail with the largest ice piece being the size of a golf ball! I'm a Californian so witnessing a wild hailstorm for the first time then was truly magnificent but rather alarming.




We came across this junk yard on the interstate highway which reminded me of my miniature collection. It also resembled a child's playground filled with toy vehicles. The complementary reds and greens of the tractors add to the playfulness and their arrangements across the field add a sense of depth, leading our eyes into infinity.

South Dakota

It was my long time dream to visit South Dakota. After the fall of Saigon in 1977, a Lutheran church sponsored my father into the United States where he settled in this midwestern state. Dad reminds us time and again how fortunate we are to be given this chance to start a humble life in the new land. It is this reminder that I tend to take life far too seriously and often carry with me a sense of restlessness and wandering. Lately, I've come to accept that these traits are essential ingredients for both a creative and productive drive when going through life.


This monumental work of the four great U.S. presidents by sculptor Gutzon Borglum looks impressive carved into the mountainside. Standing about 60-feet tall from left to right are: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln. There were various observation points around the Black Hills where one could obtain a unique perspective of the structure but I chose this generic frontal view to mark a fulfilment of a place I once dreamt of visiting.

My second destination was to the Crazy Horse Memorial, but once there at the entrance gate, I learned that the construction was not yet completed as it was done through private funds so I decided to explore The Badlands instead.


The North American grassland biome shows some beautiful landscapes such as these giant rolls of dried-up grass. At one point, I couldn't resist the urge to pull over my Dodge Caliber rental and got out only to be confronted by thousands of live grasshoppers just so I could get a feel of these cylindrical six-feet tall rolls.

Denver, Colorado

My policy for traveling is leaving expectations behind and allowing myself ample room for the unexpected. It is this very policy that which allows me to take in the delights of many wonders presented to me just through my aimless wandering around town.


The Denver Botanic Garden offers a wide array of visual interests. I was especially drawn to this cabbage patch which was on display across the front entrance. This vegetable has a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my prior work with a devoted team of artists designing prototypes for the doll line, Cabbage Patch Kids. The garden offers an exciting horticulture experience with plants ranging from a variety of squashes, chilies, broccoli and cauliflower, a wide selection of herbs, and even baby strawberries and unripened grapes not quite ready for the picking.

This 35-ft tall broom and dust pan is a sculptural prowess of The Denver Art Museum. It is the work of Cossje van Bruggen and Claes Oldenburg. The crumpled wads of paper, with its light color, contrasts that of the broom's darker hues. The upswept motion of the individual fibers and paper communicates such rhythmic movements.

We cooled ourselves down by visiting this tiny expresso shop for an iced cafe latte on the outskirt of town.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

A recognizable landmark in Montecito, California, is an adobe Catholic church known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. While exploring in the area, we stumbled on this treasure find.


There is something Chinese, Mediterranean and Pueblo Indian about this scene. I couldn't resist capturing the pool of light pouring in from the entrance and onto the stone bench parked against the opposite wall. Its uneven stone ground tiles and wall colors in the light emanate a sense of solitude and quiet contemplation.

The architectural style was taken after the Pueblo Indian missions in New Mexico and Arizona around the 17th century. This courtyard shows pleasant textured patterns in its plastered walls. The weathered facade, stone texture and colors are calming, rivaled by a sense of openness and invitation.

Thornton Winery

Located in Temecula Valley is Thornton Winery which houses an award-winning Cafe Champagne. The estate has French architecture and is known for its contemporary fusion cuisine. It was a carefree afternoon enliven by a touch of light appetizers and four samples of wine. I had a huge grin plastered across my face the entire time.

Kelso Dunes

Known for its large aolian deposits in the Mojave Desert, the Kelso Dune Field provides some beautiful golden hues for our camera minutes before sunset. We arrived there much later than expected and I was only able to capture just a few scenes.


I couldn't resist capturing the footsteps imprinted into the sand. They show the outgoing and incoming traffic of other nature lovers who, unlike we, have made an effort to arrive here much earlier than we did.


A view of the golden hour dancing with the dry, grassy landscape minutes before sunset.



Orange color sunlight bouncing off the wooden fence and leading the eyes to the base of the nearby sand dunes.

Immaculate Heart Center for Spiritual Renewal

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains is a retreat center, The Immaculate Heart Community. It is a place where one seeks serenity, hospitality and friendship. I was there documenting a series of photographs of the people, the experiences, the holy ground and the food made from the center's skilled chef and baker. It became a pivotal point in my life resulting in a deeper appreciation for organic, wholesome food, and reinforcing my urge to seek harmony with nature and in all things living.

This is Teresa's mozzarella tomato salad with chopped basil leaves. The vibrant red tomato slices draw the eyes to the center bottom while the orange colored cherry tomatoes lead the eyes outward and around the smaller, concentric center which is accented by the black and green basil leaves.

The library is a wonderful place of rest and quiet contemplation. I did not have a chance to peruse the books on the shelves. However, this is almost an exact replica of my ideal library which I had envisioned for myself as a kid until I had decided to commit myself to a zen lifestyle.

This great oak tree is absolutely spectacular! It's sheer size standing next to the bench gives us a sense of scale. I love oak trees; they remind me of ancient spirits full of wisdom and kindness.

Calico Ghost Town

This former silver mining town is located in the Calico Mountains of the Mojave Desert. There is a sense of history and industriousness about this place. It was an arid location and a scorching day, but we took the time to roam and explore its captivating territory.


I like the simplicity and calmness of this piece represented by milk-in-jar and their shadows against the reflective surface of the tabletop.

The wooden spokes on this wagon wheel seem well-made and sturdy. Their radial distribution pattern provides visual interest.