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Ziplining

Earlier in the week I took a short trip and went ziplining in Minnesota.  It may not sound as fabulous as ziplining in other places (e.g. Belize, Brazil, Vancouver, etc.,), but it was still quite fun and the view was still beautiful.

The initial jump off the platform is heart stopping and very similar to skydiving.  Yet, I knew that the harness and cable were keeping me safe, so there really wasn't an overt fear of the unknown.  It was fun to just glide down the cable and watch the scenery pass by.  I hope to someday go ziplining abroad or someplace where the lines are longer and more extensive.  For now, I'm happy with my experience and wouldn't mind doing it again.

Have you gone ziplining?  What was your experience like?  Or, would you even consider ziplining?

Samosas

Tuesday's Tune: Stolen

I haven't thought about this song in a long time, but for some reason, this song, "Stolen," has been in the back of my mind lately.  So, I'm sharing this song with you.

Sung by Dashboard Confessional, this song always reminds me of the ending of summer and the beginning of autumn (it could be the lyrics about going into "hibernation"). It brings up feelings of change and movement.  It also reminds me of the moments where I've met someone and at some point into our meeting, I didn't want to let that person go but it's definitely too early for myself to go off with that person (yes, I'm a prude).  It's so obvious, but I think this song is a good way to let someone know if that person has stolen your heart.

What do you think of this song?

Friday's Quote: Mary Wollstonecraft

"The beginning is always today."---Mary Wollstonecraft

I've had moments in my life where I wanted to branch out and do more things that align with my own personal desires and feed my soul.  It may that be finding a new job, expanding a hobby, or moving to live somewhere else.  One of the biggest obstacles I come across is that I over think the situation, which leads to me feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start.  At other times, I feel that I'm too old to start branching out.

Yet, I remind myself that it's never too late.  Each day is a new day and a new beginning.  Little steps, that's all it takes.  So, I try to set aside time each day to fine tune what it is that I'm trying to do.  I try to take a picture a day, research what it takes to start a business, or set aside some time to write (even if it is just ten minutes). I'm learning to be the biggest proponent of myself and to believe in myself.  Yes, each day can be the beginning of something new.

What do you have in store for yourself each day?  Do you believe that the beginning is today?

Running Water

I once knew a person who was able to photograph running water so that in pictures, the running water looked smooth, like glass.  This person was able to adjust the shutter speed and photograph without needing a tripod.  I once wished I had that skill to photograph running water in that way.

Well, I now am on my way to learning this skill, with each opportunity that presents itself and opportunities that I make for myself.  The two biggest "secrets" to doing this, knowing how to work the shutter speed AND having a tripod.  I've been honing my skills and I know I still have a LONG way to go, but I'm pretty happy with my results so far.

Let me know what you think.  How about you, are you learning any new skills?

Night Photography

In trying to better my photography skills and getting out of "auto mode," I'm experimenting with photographing in different light conditions.  A friend suggested that we try night photography, which we did, and it's proved to be quite interesting.  The following is a non-exhaustive and short list of what I'd recommend if one was going to try night photography:

1. Get a tripod.  I highly recommend a tripod.  Unless you are capable of being able to hold your camera still for a long time (even one second is a long time) or are happy with crappy blurry pictures, a tripod is a must.

2. Vary the time when you photograph.  Go out around sunset and stay until the wee night (or at least close to midnight).  The changing light conditions will force you to be flexible and to work your camera to adjust to the level of light available.

3.  Capture light in various ways.  Don't just take pictures of lit buildings and signs, but look for opportunities to photograph light and be creative.  For example, in the picture below, I tried to capture the reflection in a shallow pool.  I also tried keeping the shutter open at a much longer time, to play with the lights created by moving cars.  I still need lots of practice and make time to create more opportunities for night photography.

4.  Have fun.  Whether you are by yourself or in a group, have fun.  It's all about the experience and the journey to becoming a better photographer.

Did you partake in your own night photography?

Water Droplets

J4 Tourney

It's known by many names, but in the Hmong community, if you say "J4 tourney" or even "J4," most will know that you're referring to the sports tournament held in Minnesota during July 4th of each year.  This has been an ongoing event for as long as I can remember.  It's the biggest event for the Hmong community in Minnesota and draws people from all over the US and from other countries.  Not only is it a time to come and see various amateur teams compete against one another, but it's also a great time to catch up and to have fun.

It's often held on a Saturday and Sunday, but this year it was held on Friday and Saturday.  Despite the recent copious rain and flooding occurring throughout Minnesota, the last two days have been hot.  With the hot weather, every other person has an umbrella to help provide shade while watching soccer, volleyball, or football.  

There are lots of vendors selling a variety of food and drinks.  There are also vendors selling services (e.g. life insurance) and various wares (e.g. toys, clothing, Hmong instruments, etc.,).  All in all, it's a very busy and lively place.  I had a lot of fun walking around and just soaking in the atmosphere.  It was a wonderfully hot and sunny day.  Even though the festivities are over, I'm sure it'll be around next year.

Have you been to the J4 tourney before?  Did you enjoy it?  Did you go this year?

Friday's Quote: Khalil Gibran

"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit."---Khalil Gibran

Happy Birthday America!  Thank you for all the liberty you provide to me.  I know you're not perfect.  I still love so much.  Have a wonderful celebration.

Spices

Tuesday's Tune: Nothing Better

Today's song actually matches up with the Quote of the Day that appears to the right (which changes daily).  Today's quote is from Finley Peter Dunns, who said, "The past always looks better than it was.  It's only pleasant because it isn't here."  On that same theme, this song "Nothing Better" by The Postal Service is sung from the view point of a man and a woman who were in a relationship.  The man has one particular view of the relationship while the woman has a different.  One recalls the past relationship very pleasantly, while the other thinks that person's version is skewed.

I first heard this song when I was in graduate school in Minnesota and loved it.  The song is written as if we're eavesdropping on an intimate conversation.  I also love the hyperboles and similes used throughout this song.

Please let me know what you think of this song.  Do you think your past only looks better because it isn't here?