After a bit of a scare with a potential cold, I felt good enough to run a couple errands today.  The day started off nice and sunny, but by the time I got outside the skies had turned as gray as the concrete.  I might as well add that it was as cold as the concrete too.

While waiting for the express train to arrive at Urayasu station the other day, I wandered along the platform hunting for little scribblings and squiggles left behind by others.  Probably scratched by lonely or frustrated youth, nonetheless they never cease to amaze me.  I never quite know what little nugget of treasure will lie for me to find, even at the platform while waiting for the express train.

Usually I walk from my usual place to the station.  This time I walked from the station to my usual place.  It was a nice change on my perspective as the sun began to set in Ichikawa.

Wandering the streets is just something that I need to do.  I also need to wander though the memory and synapses of my mind to be able to share some of myself with those that are also thirsty to see.  Wandering the backstreets of Ichikawa, can be a physical manifestation of the labyrinth of my soul.  I wander the streets, intentionally trying to loose my way.  To turn a corner to find that mystery at the end of a long left turn.  Sometimes there is a dead end, and the mind, and camera must turn around and become lost in the maze of asphalt again.

So, wander, get lost in yourself and find those dark places that need to be discovered in order to keep balance in your life and my life.

The saloon kitty was wailing away as I was stepping back to Ichikawa station.  I couldn’t ignore the meows even if I had wanted to.  So, I pulled out my little friend and snapped a few flicks.  This kitty has appeared before a few moons ago.

Also, while I was waiting to hop on the bus at Kasai station, I looked up and saw the bridge puffing these beautiful clouds out into the blue heavens.  It gave me pause and wonder on this crisp January day.

Looking closely to the world that we all inhabit is key to our survival as a species.  How many people past this banana peel today with out noticing it?  Who stopped, stared at it and pondered what the meaning of it is to them?  Who wrote this on the peel?  Why did I stop and stare into the soul of a banana?

With all the terrible disasters and hated still in this world, we need to stop and pay homage to the good.  We all have the potential to do both.  Shine the light on what is good, and open your heart to the love that surrounds us.  Together we can all make substantial changes in the way the world functions.  Let us all create the world that we all want to live in.

They call it Banana Love . . .  or at least that is what they used to call it.

The sun was shining today.  The weather was sweet.  Still a bit cold for me, but a little taste of spring.  I know, I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up so I won’t.  But, it was a nice break from the lows we’ve been having.  On my way back to the station in Ichikawa, I was able to snap a couple of nice ones, as the afternoon light just made them sparkle.

I guess I am feeling kind of blue.  The sun is shining, which is great, but my feet are still so cold.  There isn’s really time or energy to go outside.  I am already looking forward to spring.  Soon come, I am sure of that.  But in the meantime, I will share with you some of my blues.  Perhaps by spreading the blues around, we all wont feel so blue.

All of the images from my stroll on this windy saturday were taken of the remains of images, posters, tape that had been stuck on poles on the street.  Take a close look into the wonderful world of found pole art.

This short series was shot the other day in the rain while walking back to Nishi Funabashi Station.  Cold, wet, and water rolling off my umbrella.

On my way in to work today I noticed ice on the ground for the first time.  It was completely covering some grassy knolls outside.  I hunched down to have a closer look at the ice and was amazed that the ice crystals were as thin as hairs and look liked nothing I have ever seen before.  Ok, so those of you who know me, are probably saying, “This boy is from Miami, what does he know about ice?”  Well I know nothing, but I still were looking at these Angel Hair like Enoki Mushroom ice crystals.  I picked one bunch up in my leather gloved hands, and squished the delicate crystals.  So for me, a boy from the rock bottom, they were magical.

My submission to to COLORS lab is up on the web now.  Stop by take a look and see some of the interpretations of the SEA.

Check out the Zushi Beach Japan Series on the COLORS LAB website.

Ths poor little Doremon was lost and waiting to be found on a wall in Konodai Chiba,  The other blured image is of some posters that I have had my eye on for a while in the stations throughout the Tokyo Subway.  Timing can be everything as it was in this pic, as the lens caught the woman in the middle of the O. Thanks to Samm Bennet’s series on Chance Encounters.

Bits and pieces of the city that is laid out before my eyes.  Close up, or step back and take it all in.  It all depends on your perspective.