A Web of Intrigue

One of those perfect fall mornings that starts with a heavy fog, then clears as the sun burns away the misty stew to leave so much beauty for those who take to time to look. 

Spider webs are amazing and even more so once they receive a dusting of natures finest of droplets.

I just could not resist snapping a few quick pics this morning.

Then I had to get in close just to see what things look like from the spiders point of reference...

I didn't have time for the tri-pod or any serious set up just lean in close, try to get something in focus and then snap away while praying that at least one would work out.  Spider webs are incredibly STRONG!

Today's Soup.

Happy Buddha

Folklore:

Budai in folklore is admired for his happiness, plenitude, and wisdom of contentment. One belief popular in folklore maintains that rubbing his belly brings wealth, good luck, and prosperity.

The Name:

Buddha's name means "Cloth Sack," and comes from the bag that he is conventionally depicted as carrying.

(The above information is from Wikipedia.  I hope they are correct.)

This particular Buddha can be found in the city of Suzhou on the grounds of the North Pagoda, or as the locals call it Beisi Ta.  The base of the  pagoda can be seen in the background.  It was erected in the 12th century on the foundation of an earlier pagoda from the 6th century.  Great views of the city from the top.

I am not sure when the surrounding structures were built nor when the gardens including the Buddha were put in place.

Today's Soup.

Snug Cove

If you are ever visiting Vancouver and find you need a few days away from it all but don't want to spend half your day traveling...  Snug Cove on Bowen Island is the perfect little trip.  It's about a 20 minute ferry ride out of Horseshoe Bay and makes for a quick relaxing escape.  There are some cottages that can be rented that overlook Snug Cove that are ideal for a walk on, walk off the ferry experience.  With a few pubs and all the amenities you need right there, you really cannot find a quicker, easier and truly delightful adventure.

Stone & Sea made it an annual trip to get away and let the creative juices run free.  In other words we relaxed, hit the pub, drank a brew or two, played a lot of music and ended each night with a poker game.  The view above was taken one morning from cabin #2's deck while sipping a nice warm tea.

Today's Soup

The Great Wall of China

This was taken in 2006 at a location that was about a 2.5 hour buss drive from Beijing. As a result of the distance from Beijing, this location was not as popular with tourists so we could get some pictures with few or even no people in them. Very rare indeed!

More on the China trip in the future.

Today's Soup.

Nothing But A Blur

The Boys from Stone & Sea standing at the corner of Celtic Street and Blenheim in Vancouver.  This was one of those shots you take for the fun of it and why not, we were a Celtic Band!  Below is a select few shots from our 2003, St. Patrick's Day gig in front of a crowd of about 165 or so.  Two of our more enthusiastic followers harness the energy at the peak of our 3rd set.  The four following and creatively taken photo's were done from on stage with a slower shutter speed and perhaps a flash at the very end of the exposure.  We liked to play with this one musician who was an amazing Cape Breton and Scottish style fiddler.  Shona is a pro and you can see from the blurred image just how much faster she moved and worked her craft compared to myself.  Especially in the second photo of her.  Shona always added to our musicianship and to the fun we had on stage.  Having such an accomplished fiddled beside me allowed for a bit more courage in my playing as I knew she could always smooth out any rough edges...  Well, almost any.

Ah, the memories.  Damn I miss playing!

Today's Soup.