Far away places off the edge of reason
Never been here before
You dislodge all comforts

Is it real or imagined?
The difference hardly matters
We let go either way

An amazing display at the San Diego Museum of Art, Itchiku Kubota’s (1917–2003) Symphony of Light — a series of Kimono’s spanning decades of work that depicts the changing seasons. Each piece was rich with color and detail, and the entire collection creates a breathtaking panoramic. I loved this as there was an entirely different world of detail depending on where you were standing

If you happen to be near the San Diego Museum of Art I would highly recommend viewing this exhibit. It is open until January 4th 2009

If you’re ever in Kauai, get as far away from paved roads as you can. It seems like every dirt road makes its way to an amazing beach. My desire for hiking has been betrayed by my desire to lounge in the water.

Nearly everywhere you go is the perfect hideaway to just relax and get away. Not a worry in the world; just soft sand, cool air, and a warm sun that makes you want to melt away.

And yet there is a bizarre sensation that it is unreal. The confines of a beautiful oasis constantly distracting. An amazing facade drawing you into a quasi-fulfilled state of happiness. The human spirit, I suspect, needs a little chaos to truly flourish. I wonder if that volcano will ever be active again?

Everywhere. The clucking makes for an interesting contrast while at
the beach.

I left my camera at home while in Portland, hence the iPhone shots.

Fortunately, Tommy (pictured) is a better photographer and came prepared. Behold!

Plump, meaty, buttery goodness

and more

As near as I could get, this is the route my friend Arlene and I drove. Definitely a great way to spend the holidays! I posted plenty of pictures, please check them out…

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Through wet muddy roads, hail, and snow we arrived in Seattle! The sloughs of the Washington coast had a strange history that mysteriously doesn’t date back more than a few hundred years; at least according to the roadside signs.

Apparently nothing existed before Lewis and Clark…?

Ignoring any social commentary, our final destination concluded a wonderful journey up the western coast. With the new year approaching it is a perfect transition to the next journey.

We made it to the northern coast of Oregon and are staying in Astoria — home of the Goonies!

Cold icy rain swept through in all directions, adding a harshness to the simple beauty of the northern Oregon coast.

There is no destination in mind, just a general direction. The goal is less about any specific outcome but about the process and the discovery. Life teaches to maintain an awareness of the present and to be flexible in where to go next.

One night in a small roadside motel, the next with a riverfront view from the in-room jacuzzi. The quality of life is not in the amenities but in the flexibility and freedom of the journey.