Overall this was a good week.  Even though there were many ups and downs, there were many more ups, or was it that the ups just outweighed the downs.  In any respect I am glad to have lived another week, and can take the time to reflect.

The walk back to the station in Chiba was gorgeous.  The air was cool with just a hint of heat that I was comfortable in short sleeves.  I love to wander around this countryside like neighborhood on the beginning of my day of rest.  The homeowners take such care of their land.  there are the small farms that the old pensioners tenderly care for.  There are beautiful blooming flowers that have been planted along the roadside.  Not by the municipality but by the homeowners in the neighborhood.  They really take pride in making their quiet little neighborhood look the best that it can.

It is a good meditation to wander through these small streets with my Ricoh in hand.  Even though I wander the same several streets there is always something new to see.  It could be the changing seasons, as the spring flowers bloom and wilt to make for the summer ones.  The cycle is never ending.

Yom Kippor fast is coming this sundown for me.  I have been mentally and spiritually preparing myself to go a day without food and water.  To be able to atone for my misgivings.  Bringing rituals back into my life has helped give me a foundation.  I felt like I was floating with no idea which way is up or which direction I should travel.  But, to be able to go back to milleniums old traditions has been a boon to my soul.

Prepare for the worst.  Prepare your soul for the best.  And be thankful for the time we get to spend were in the company of friends and family.

shalom

peace

平和

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.

I came across these kings as i wandered the back streets of Roppongi.

They held court for any who would trespass into their kingdom.

ALL HAIL THE FOUR KINGS of ROPPONGI ! ! !