Companionably Alone

Somehow I find myself still on India time.  Not entirely sure if it is the lack of any sleeping schedule this week, the changing timezones enroute to Hawaii, or just my internal clock in mild rebellion.  In any case, even though I am tired and want to sleep, I find myself and watching the Hawaiian sunrise.  Perhaps I don't want to be asleep surrounded by all this? It is very beautiful here. (duh?)

Dawn stretches, yawns, breathes deeply.
Companionably alone I
soak in the sights and sounds of the
seascape surrounding me.
Light illuminates clouds
etches trees and rocks in stark relief.
Thoughts of yesterday, before, and then, are gone,
yielding to the yearning of oceans echo.
There floats a fish,
there sails a ship,
now washes a wave against my mind.

Such a place needs no together.
Meanderingly I arise and alight,
facing the full of day,
companionably alone, content.

I am not sure exactly what made me wax pathetically poetic today.  Perhaps just that overblown sense of appropriate behavior when faced with the magnificence that is such a flagrant vacation destination.  Man, did I ever need this place.  And I needed it even more once I realized that the internet works great from this beach...

New Found Glory Indeed

This week was crazy.  Supporting multiple teams at work, huge deadlines, and lack of sleep.  I averaged 4 hours a night which meant I was making mistakes as I zombied around.

Then Thursday night came.

My good friend Josh came down from up north and we went to the House of Blues to see New Found Glory rock the house.  I have seen them several times and every time they reassert themselves as the best band I've ever known.  Experiencing anything musical or creative with Josh is always a treat. He has an appreciate of art that I found to be unique; a blend of elitism and pragmatic consumerism all rolled into one.  He can appreciate the sublime, the mass, and perfection without comment but with commentary.  I will always love him for that.

If you have a chance check out the new NFG album, Coming Home.  It is a really good find.

And now, I'm off to Hawaii.  Thank heavens.

On Posting and Pictures

Lots of new pictures posted.  Check 'em out when you get a minute.

I've been working on a ton of new posts, but have been too busy to keep the words flowing as they should.  Not to leave you wanting, here is a little something from one of my foremost inspirations.

Here's some simple advice: Always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament.
-- Kermit the Frog

You can find the latest picture sets here or here.

The Agra Adventure

Things have been very busy here on the other side of my normal world.  Not only has work been very busy, but I've been managing to get out and enjoy myself a bit as well.

My recent adventure was a trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.  Yes, I was there.  I touched it.  It touched me.

The trip was an interesting excursion across the country driving 5 hours from Dehli with two friends and a driver who didn't speak english.  Our driver tried hard, but it was an uphill battle.  We fell into every tourist trap, but it paid off when our "guide" got us past a two-hour line with a well placed bribe.

I took tons of photos, but more I just looked and looked and soaked it in.  Truly remarkable.

Horn Ok Please

Did you know there is a Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai?  I didn't before yesterday.  But as of now, I can say I've seen it.

Flying while your sinuses are congested is just a gross way to travel.  For three days I hadn't been able to hear out of my left ear and everything I could hear was only via a weird echo.  That is finally letting up, thanks in no small part to several medications and heaps of self-abuse.

Traveling in this boisterous city continues to be a stew-pot of possibilities and scenarios.  Walking around doing some shopping in the metropolitan area with some friends, some kids tried to hijack my buddy and get his wallet.  One youth grabbed his legs while the other went for the wallet.  There were like four of them and they almost succeeded. I was very amazed at how calmly my friend reacted.  He just pushed them away and kept walking.  This fascinated me.  My own response was very indignant at being acosted in such a manner, and it wasn't even me, I was just watching!  Which doesn't say much for my skills accompanying others does it?  The whole thing took about 5 seconds, but I think I couldn't believe it was happening for the first 3 and during the last three all I could do was glare.  Not much use, am I?

We have definitely seen the happy, festive aspects as well; with beautiful lush trees and greenery, intimidating stone architecture, and the most colorful clothing and attire.  I can't wait to how this place can get more riotous during Diwali. My friend purchased a nice long Kurta (shirt) for me so that I can experience Diwali (the Festival of Lights) more fully.  It was very gracious.

The adventures of the weekend are complete and now it is back to work again.

A Fan of Anne

The fall television season is always something I anticipate.  The new comedies, intrigues, and characters are brain candy that I sorely need while motoring along the elliptical trainer for hours on end every week.

The latest fun little surprise is Men in Trees which stars Anne Heche.   I've always been a fan of hers and it was to my delight to discover this show is a refreshing vehicle to showcase her loveableness.

If you haven't caught any of the episodes, here's a quick overview. Men in Trees is a quirkly drama with an eclectic character base and fabulous fashion sense set in the little town of Elmo, Alaska.  The main character is very real, which is uncommon for such fare, even though the sexual tension is a little predictable.

The setting makes for some great cinematography, and the quick pace of the dialog keeps you humming along.

In the mood for something light and delicious?  Check it out.