(Furano, Hokkaido, Japan)
I had intented to write my spill on New Year Resolutions and goal setting for 2009 when I got distracted with the Dr Cason’s photography challenge. If you are new to my site, then let me share a little more about myself. I’ve always been quite a visual person. I enjoy all things creative. I can spend hours poring through photography sites or getting caught up in another world, when I do some art related project. The last I’m learning is also on how to use photoshop to enhance images.
While looking over my photo archive for a suitable submission to the challenge, I thought I might as well put up more photos of my recent trip to Hokkaido on my blog. The exercise also got me thinking that I would like to develop my appreciation of the beauty around me. Taking more photos will allow me to do just that!!
So going into year 2009, I hope to take my photos and feature more of my own images here, instead of someone else’s on flickr. If you like to use any of the pictures here, please do so with a credit back to my site. Or you can link to my flickr account with my username limevelyn.
Here are more photos from my recent trip….
Powder snow in Hokkaido…
A colorful display of skis…
The slopes of Furano where right in the middle of one afternoon of skiing, I experienced a breakthrough in a life lesson….
Min and Yean (my nephew) together in a ski chair and having a superb time…
I’d have liked to pass off as this person (who can tell anyway???) in the cool picture but in reality, the masked skier is my brother-in-law in an awesome pose.
Dr Cason, the host of the photo challenge, is a very interesting lady – a pediatrician who loves to take photos! You’ve got to visit her site to know what I mean!! I’m still trying to understand the rules of the challenge better and I’m getting that January’s theme is on “A New Beginning”. Dr Cason’s advice is to remember try to capture feeling.
Hmmm…the feel of a new beginning? Okay….after searching my photo archives…I’m still back to the same image that I shared in my last post. Against the white snowy background, the red splash of my jacket and my exuberant pose signifies color, joy and aliveness. Well, hopefully, Dr Cason and the other voters agree with me!!
Here it is again….my first submission ever to any photo contest….
The above picture will definitely be a better one compared to this one below taken in a fish market. (Hokkaido is a haven for seafood.) It’s colorful no doubt but full of crabs (I was in front of a stall that sold giant crabs)!
After cooking, the Japanese churns out the most delightful meals. Here is a bento box for kids that I’d be happy to have myself….
Link Loves
The year also started with some very interesting projects, new ideas and exciting programs launched by other bloggers. Here are some of them:
1. Davina is putting together an ebook on The Quote Effect. She invites bloggers to submit up to 3 of their favourite original quotes from their blogs, or write new ones.
2. Robin has announced plans to discuss on physical immortality. Is it really possible to look young forever, without resorting to Botox???? If you are as skeptical as I am but willing to keep an open mind, please check out her site for some interesting upcoming posts.
3. Tom Volkar has a new theme that guides his work this year. It is called Prosperity through Authenticity. I like the sound and essence of it. He also offers free coaching sessions. Sadly, I have not been able to get on them in 2008 but hope to in the new year. Be sure to get on his site and be informed on coming teleclasses!
4. Tim Brownson, a kick-ass life coach, wants to reach out to more readers. His posts are refreshingly honest. If you have difficulty getting motivated despite reading so many personal development books or blogs, then you need to check his site out. Click over here for some excellent life coaching tips by him!
5. If you like a spiritual approach to achieving personal and business fulfillment, then I suggest that you check Lorraine Cohen’s Aligning Your Destiny program out. Lorraine has more than 20 years of experience in coaching. She also frequently hosts her own radio talkshows, providing free coaching.
My mind has been in a swirl since I started trying to get back into the swing of things on the web. I read many many blogs although I did not have a chance to comment on all. So if I have missed out on anyone’s important announcement here, do give me a shout! I’d be happy to update this list for more link loves!
And one last thing….all the best to the above bloggers in their endeavors! In the spirit of giving, I’ve not used my affiliate links to any of their programs if they are meant to be paid ones. As we can all see, everyone is doing their bit to splash more color onto the blogosphere in the new year!
Let’s All Sparkle in 2009!!!
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Oooh, Evelyn, some great snaps here. I like your choice of first submission. You look like you’re ready to fly!
Christopher
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Hello Christopher,
I am ready to fly!! Watch out as I am predicting another awesome year for myself!!
All charged up,
Evelyn
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Hi Evelyn,
I love the pictures, especially your submission for the photo contest! Your pose is awesome in that one – way cool! Here’s to a sparkling 2009 for you too!!
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Hi Evelyn: I love your photographs. I think my favorite is the end of the sky lift at the top. That’s my favorite part of getting on a sky lift: the moment when you’re approaching the point where you get off and you start getting ready after leisurely sitting on the ski lift for a while.
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@Lance, I’m glad that you agree with me on the photo submission. I am a bit of a fortune teller myself….I predict that you and your site are going to shine this year!!!
@Marelisa, thanks for liking my photos. I laughed when I read what your favorite part would be! I never seemed to get it right with getting off the ski lift. I was almost always late in getting up. I’d forget that I was not supposed to be sitting on my butt for too long! After a few failed attempts, I became nervous every time I approached the lift journey at the end!
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Hi Evelyn
Photography – fantastic. That is so creative!
I think you’ve definitely captured the feeling in your photos.
Juliet
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These are great! Wishing you a colorful, energetic, HAPPY 2009.
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Thanks a lot for the link Evelyn and also to be termed ‘kick-ass’ I’ve always wanted to be kick-ass
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Evelyn thanks for the link and for your spirit of generosity for spreading goodwill.
I also love the photos, especially that yummy looking plate.
@Tim Welcome to the kick-ass coach club. Just watch whose ass your kicking!
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Happy New Year Evelyn,
I like the picture you selected for your entry. The red in your jacket really pops out. I too am interested in photography and pour over websites. Thaks for all your good energy.
Lizzy
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I love your closing words “Let’s All Sparkle in 2009!!!” Evelyn!
I love your photos, too – your really are talented – I’ve been admiring your photoshop work on this blog for some time, so I don’t know what you mean by you are learning photoshop skills. And it’s great to learn about a place I knew nothing about.
Thanks for the mention! I enjoyed reading the others you talked about, too.
Cheers Evelyn!
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Hi Evelyn. That first photo is a beauty. Hmmm…I bet you have some terrific photos that would pretty up The Quote Effect
— hint, hint.
Good luck with your first submission to the Photo Contest, you look like a young girl, just having a good time.
Thank you for the link to the ebook project.
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@Juliet, have I captured the “feeling” in my photos? I have been thinking I need more lessons from the pro – Dr Cason.
@Vered, you are already usually vibrant, joyful and energetic that I don’t think you know what else to wish you. Let me think a second….here goes…I wish you ever growing success, prosperity, beauty and wisdom for 2009
@Tim, you sure sound like you’d make a good coach for those who need a push!! Despite being kick-ass, I know you to be very kind!! One more thing…I am not sure if “life coaching” is a keyword that you are targeting for your site but I decided to go ahead with using the term for linking. If you prefer it to be “life coach” or something else, let me know!
@Tom, you’re another kick-ass life coach that I am delighted to be friends with. I wish you every success in your new theme for the year. Love it!!
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@Lizzy, hey…it’s great that more of us, including yourself, share similar interests. It just means that more art in this world!!
@Robin, photoshop is quite a big software and I am self taught. I don’t even have a book in my home library to refer to. But I’ve seen what it can do. So I know there is much more that I can learn.
I knew zero about Hokkaido until I decided to go there. It’s nice to be able to feature this beautiful place and tells others about it.
Oh yes…I know that you will continue to sparkle alright!!
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Hello Davina,
I like the first photo too. I love scenery shots. Come to think of it…can scenery shots have “feelings” too? If they do, I’d rather submit a scenery picture for photo contests.
I’ve already started thinking about your book. I am pretty excited for you!! It is a very creative idea!!
Young?? Looks are deceiving!! But it is true that I am having a great time mostly!! I’d attribute it to be having a sense of appreciation and gratitude for the things and everyone around.
Good luck on the Quote Effect!!
Success always,
Evelyn
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Did I just comment? I wrote you back an email and can’t remember if I left one here. I actually tried at work but then actually had to work! LOL
Love the photo! I added you as a contact for Flickr. Go and say yes please!
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First of all – fantastic photos and candid scenes. Snow is among my favorite backdrops.
You are in a for a treat. Your photo journey this year will change your life.
What you point your camera at will beautify your lifescape in ways you can’t imagine. Some time ago, I realized how so many things flew by me, unnoticed … or that I didn’t take the time to savor. You the know the saying, and the saying is true … you never really know what you have, until it is gone.
I had decided to take several pictures a day. Everything was in play, from my half-smiling dogs, to the early morning dew. One of my favorite scenes was the playful sun, winking to me from just above the mountains. I began to notice the subtle things in life … the curious designs of an artistic spider … the welcoming feel of a plant in an otherwise listless room … the sleeping flower just before the dawn breaks.
Ordinary became extraordinary, from moment to moment, just by focusing on the beauty or the significant … or even the insignificant. My life became a kaleidoscope of the senses by tuning in to what I had previously faded out.
The more I felt, the more I saw. The more I saw, the more I felt …
The subtle contrast of a sweet smelling breeze against a blaze sun …
The comforting blanket of a cloud wandering by …
The dancing grass on a blustery day ….
As the scenes of each day unfolded before me, it was yet another reminder that I’m the director in my life.
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Hi Dr Cason, I just replied to your email. I’m going to check my flickr account now. It’s time to know how to use it better!
Thanks for inspiring me!
Evelyn
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Hello J.D. Meier,
You wrote so beautifully that I cannot help but read your comments three times over. I gasped as you so accurately described how it has been like to notice the littlest of things and then to have them captured in memory through the lens of my camera.
In the rush of life previously, I have often forgotten to stop and breathe in the sweet scent of beauty that has always been around me. However, as I began to realize how much I have been missing out on, I decided to slow down for more breaks before life passed me by.
Time stood still in the many instances of rapture these days. My senses are stimulated while making the very same subtle observations that you have described. I am very much inspired by the innocence, simplicity, elegance and richness of my everyday life. Hopefully, through my camera lens, I can lend an expansion in awareness to those who come across my photos.
Thank you once again for taking the time to share your thoughts, observations and insights. You’ve certainly made my day!
Sincerely,
Evelyn
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Hi Evelyn,
Thanks for sharing these moving photos and citing the blogs that are launching interesting projects.
I’m definitely on a mission to share more color in my life and encourage others to do the same. You’ve inspired me to take more photos and improve my photography skills this year. I bought a wonderfully compact Canon so that I have it with me at all times. That has enabled me to catch many shots I would have otherwise missed.
You’ve also got me thinking about creating a project-theme-or focus for the year from which I can draw my blogs.
Thanks again for your insight and inspiration.
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Flora, let’s just say that both of us got inspired by the other bloggers. I’m pretty much a messenger for the creative projects and ideas that they have put out.
Will you be intending to publish photos that you’ve taken? Do share your lens to the world!!
Have a lovely weekend,
Evelyn
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Beautiful images, Evelyn. Best of luck with your entry.
many blessings to you and your dear ones this year,
CG
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A very colorful post.. Imagine a world without color! Can you? Great pics!
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Hi Evelyn,
I wish I took pictures like that! This post was a real visual feast. I liked your photo submission, and the shot of your BiL looking like a pro skiier is as good as any I’ve seen in National Geographic and other professional mags. Well done!
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@CG Walters, thanks so much for your wishes. May your book see more readership and may you & your loved ones experience the best in health, prosperity, peace and abundance for the new year!!
@sharon, no…I absolutely cannot imagine a world without color. Each subtle color shade is an experience in itself. Life will certainly be duller!!
@Daphne, oh I believe that anyone can take photos like mine. I don’t even think that I have a special ability in photography. The whole idea of capturing more photos is to have a record of my lens of the world. But thanks anyway to you for painting my photos in the best light there is!!!
Joining Dr Cason’s photo challenge is also not about winning her contest either. It is about the spirit of supporting my friends in their creative pursuits. Cheers to you too in your endeavors!!
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Looks like it was an amazing trip. Glad you’re back safe and sound and filled with new inspiration!
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Looks like some nice skiing there and it certainly looks like a fun trip.
Keep posting those winter shots if you have them, the landscapes just look so serene.
Patrick
veryevolved.com
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Hi sweetie, it took me this long to get to your post huh? Your photos look awesome! Incidentally, photography is also one of my secret hobbies, so we have more things to discuss over dinner the next time.
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Hi Evelyn – I love your photos and like your idea of sharing them with others (with a link back, of course). The colors at the fish market are amazing, as is the food.
Thank you for also sharing great links for me to check out.
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Hi Evelyn,
Your spirit always lights up my day and I love seeing pictures on your blog!
I tried skiing for the first time this past weekend – it seems so hard and yet so deceptively simple at the same time. And the beauty of the outdoors was immense! I did okay by the end
The bento box looks yummm!! And you look like a little girl in your picture
Have a sparkling 2009, Evelyn!
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Maya,
Oh wow….you managed to ski on your first try? I remember being so fearful of falling!! I was on my butt many times. Well done for you!!
I felt like a little girl when I took the photo. I’d like to think that we have it in everyone of us – the little spark that makes us feel young no matter how old we are!!
You too! Have a joyous sparkly exuberant new year!!
Evelyn
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@Jannie, I’m definitely glad to be home. My energy is coming back. I’m truly excited about what’s in store for me in the New Year!! I’m allowing for divine guidance to help light up the way. Blessings to you for 2009!!!
@Patrick, thanks for liking the winter shots. Now I’m wishing that I have taken more. Oh well….I’ll do so in my next adventure!!
@Irene, oh my….I am just a beginner!! I don’t know photography but just enjoy looking at photos. And you have an interest in photography too??? Ok…let’s discuss!!
@Barbara, I appreciate your time in coming over to my site and am glad that you like the photos. Wishing you every success in the new year!!!
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Love your link loves! The photo contest is cool. Last year, my sister did the 365 project, which is one photo a day for a whole year… pretty cool! Love the pictures!
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Hey Evelyn, welcome back and thanks for sharing these lovely photos with us! You definitely look like you had fun in Hokkaido
I saw snow for the first time when I went China last year and it was an amazing experience!
Btw, I’m a reader of Tim’s blog as well! Love his humor and style of writing
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Oh, these pics of snow make me homesick (upstate New York)…I am visiting “home” next month and can not wait, I only hope the snow is this beautiful!
thanks for sharing
~tonya~
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@Amy, oh wow…what a feat…one photo a day?!?! I doubt I can complete a project like that!! Your sister must have done a great job!!! Thanks too for liking the link loves.
@Celes, it was the first time for my kids to experience snow too in Hokkaido; so definitely the first time is always magical!! Glad you like Tim’s site too!
@Tonya, have a great trip going home!! Take more pictures!!
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