National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific , 5/31/10

This flag says it all.

I could not wait to take pictures of this war memorial. I took this as I entered the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as "Punchbowl" which lies in the middle of Puowaina Crater.

I was informed that this was the first grave #A1.

I stayed low to the ground to make these flags appear larger.

It was hard to capture the beauty and vastness of this memorial site.

Hilton Hawaiian Village/Yacht Harbor, 5/22/10

I am enjoying using a slow shutter speed. However a tripod is a must. Colors just pop and the water is soft and wispy. I had fun shooting with Milton S. and Derek.

Not fair, my computer shows vibrance and this picture looks flat.

Again, this pictures is lacking the glow on the stem and a deeper purple lily. Uggh.

Jon's Art, 5/25/10

I have a passion for art but do not have the talent my son Jon has.

Although I saw his art flourish in high school, Jon first finished with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Pacific and then pursued his art with a minor in Studio Art from the Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence "Firenze", Italy.

Here are just some of his works, it was hard for me to pick them. I would like to share his art with his blog and his website. You'll see these links just below my banner under "Jon's sites"

This picture means a lot to me. I saw him draw this and was amazed at the face. My lithographer friend had him draw a picture in order to show him the process of making a lithograph. Jon drew this without any hesitation.

A watercolor postcard Jon made and sent to me from Italy.
Would you believe the following are oils - usually 2' x 3'.




These pictures will make more sense to you after reading his blog.

A weekend of shooting, 5/7-5/9/10

5/7, Every Friday, okay almost every Friday - Ruth, Thelma, and I walk at 5:45 a.m. around Ala Moana Park and Magic Island. Lately we noticed this gentleman, he believes there about 200 finches that flock to him.

Yes there is a bird on his cap.

Later I met up with Milton S. and Derek to shoot at Lanai Point.


5/8, Saturday, Shun Wah and I met up to take pictures at Kapiolani Park but were disappointed that the Filipino Festival didn't have much happening. We were so looking forward to this event, last year was so much fun with activities and performances.

Luckily, the Honolulu Zoo was across the street.


I remember asking Shun Wah, when did we have 2 warthogs? (too bad I didn't take a picture of both of them) I have an annual pass and I get the Zoo View pamphlet - I read afterwards that Puanani now has Lenny and "will be moving to the old waterbuck exhibit where they will have much more space- and hopefully room for a family (when Lenny matures)!"
Even though this is a blurred picture, I thought it was neat how it appears that this zebra has 3 different color stripes.

That evening, us gym rats celebrated a friend's birthday at Cafe Sistina and enjoyed the cake at her home. She has a beautiful place.

5/9, Tis mom's day. My son Mike and Jeanine treated me to dinner at Sweet Home Cafe. It is serves Taiwanese Shabu Shabu.

They included this shave ice dessert. It was so refreshing after enjoying the hot shabu shabu.
Jon sent me an endearing card. Thank you my sons. Thank you also Casey for keeping in touch with your kind words.

East West Center Japanese Garden, 5/2/10

Despite inclement weather, 8 die hards wouldn't miss a photo shoot. Hawaii Photographic Society (HPS) again was faced with challenging weather, the last one was Waimea Falls on March 20, 2010. Hee hee, Stan O. we did have good weather at Kamehame Ridge on February 20, 2010.

The next 2 pictures, I adjusted the shutter speed.

This one is fast and it appears the water is stopped in mid air.
This one is slow, showing a wispy flow of water.
The next 2 are reflections:

Again slow shutter speed.
I need to come again, I enjoyed seeing these Japanese objects.

Ever been to Cafe Kaila? Click on the link. It was worth the wait! We enjoyed a great breakfast/lunch there. I had a breakfast wrap. Great suggestion, Maureen.