07-NOV-2009
It was a sunny day...
I had the opportunity to visit Beijing, China in early November 2009. While I been to Beijing on several earlier occasions, I was surprised to see the level of polution that chocked the city at this early point in the heating season. A brief rerun through the Forbidden City did not product many good pictures as the haze cut out the light and dulled the pictures. I did manage to get this shot of the sun in mid-afternoon through the smoke and haze.
07-NOV-2009
The Details
Traditional Chinese architecture has always held a fascination for me. I have always concentrated on the "big picture" in past galleries (see www.pbase.com/worldhoppr/forbidden_city/), often missing the subtle details that typifies the style. This and the next two pictures are my start at "looking at the details." Hopefully I can return to China in thefuture to continue my learning.
15-JUN-2009
Munching on a Wheat Thin
Normally one wouldn't think that a squirrel would go "nuts" over Nabisco's Wheat Thins, but this is not a normal squirrel. This cute speciman of squirrelhood was fearless as s/he boldly stole a dropped cracker and retreated up a nearby tree. S/he enjoyed every bite and came back for more. When "more" was not forthcoming, s/he looked indignent and chattered a shocking stream of squirrel-nasties. Being basicly benevolant, a few more Wheat Thins wre "accidentally cdropped on the ground. Without so much as a "How do you do?" or a "Thanks," the Wheat Thins were grabbed up and the squirrel made a hasty get-a-way.
The next time you shop for one of your favorite Nabisco crackers, carefull look over my shoulder to see if you are being stalked or if little bushy-tailed rodents are waiting in ambush to grab the treats you're buying.
See two more shots below. (All three picture were taken by Heather, I only "processed" them).
25-DEC-2008
The Master's Hands
Nonagenarian Yitzhaq Nayvelt truly deserves the title of "Master." Originally from Russia, he now resides in and graces Ottawa, Ontario. Age may slow us all down a bit, but Yitzhaq shows no signs of slowing when he plays his beloved accordian. In addition to playing for himself and his family, he is frequently a guest virtuoso with The Ottawa Klezmer Band. (See photos at
http://www.pbase.com/hsandler/klezmer)
This is the second example of a master's hands. On the last page of this gallery you can see another example from a different musical discipline. As with the earlier "Master's Hands" photograph, I did not take the picture, but was privledged to do a bit cropping and some slight Photoshop adjustments.
25-DEC-2008
Concentration
As in everything, mastery requires complete concentration, untold hours of practice, and undying love of the music and the instrument. Yitzhaq Navelt makes playing seem effortless, but the years of experience and practice, the love of his music and the concentration required to "do it right" can be easily seen as he plays.
26-AUG-2008
Simple Beauty on a Hot Afternoon
While suffering through the heat on an August afternoon in Hocking Hills State Park in central Ohio, nature sent a soft and beautiful creature to remind me of how fortunate we really are. In the midst of discomfort and perspiration, this was truly a "stop and smell the roses" moment to help put it all into perspective
