A little Meiji dreaming...

... some ideas ... (199/365, 18 Jul 2022) 

Over on my insta account, the regular observer will know that I have discovered a charming little shop (well, when I say 'discovered', I mean they were featured on one a tv program I like to watch on Saturday mornings) in downtown Tokyo. They sell little craft pieces, some which they themselves make, and find the most interesting antiques. As born and bred locals, they are particularly interested in reviving and maintaining the history and crafts of Edo, Meiji and Showa eras (and Taisho, when they find them but it was a relatively short period), and they are always finding the most interesting little objets. 

Today, after thinking about it for a few days, I popped back in on the way to work to pick up a 'tateya', a small brush in its own holder, with an inkwell attached, carried around by those with means, to sign their names, or write as the mood took them. Compact, and portable...see, people have been thinking up these things for years...

I have some ideas for a forthcoming little photo/art/outdoor project... watch this space.

Just a quick snap on the iPhone 12 mini, when I got home.

Back for more...

 ... accidental, unintentional themes ... (198/365, 17 Jul 2022)

Sometimes, there is a point in the day at which I think, I must pop out and go photo-hunting, and then, suddenly the potential pic appears right in front of your eyes, or up on the rooftops in this case.

In the first instance, the trilling of the hiyodori (I think) up on the tv antenna. It always captures my attention. And then, yesterday's crow (perhaps) returned for more, and offered a few more action shots.

Heading into the last few weeks of teaching for the semester...there is still a bit of work to be done.

Today's cam, the Canon EOS 90D, 70-300mm lens, getting another run.

Stone the crows?

... I couldn't possibly... (197/365, 16 Jul 2022) 

In the midst of all that is going on, this morning started off with a guest presentation on a webinar (who even knew of that word until a couple of years ago...) beamed into Australia. We talked about art and the anti-nuclear movement, new projects, keeping on the peace track, especially (and always) in these times.

It was a request at short notice in the midst of quite an historic week, but in a way it resonated with events of the last week, particularly as Japan sits on the cusp of returning to a stronger military base. 

Once it was done, it was, frankly, time for a rest. Of sorts.

Outside, the birds were doing their variations on singing their favourites, including the crows (or ravens, I think some people prefer here, I'm sure there is a difference, but ...)

Watching

I managed to get this one in take-off mode. 

Oh, and 'stone the crows', for my non-Australian audience, is an old saying we have that means 'you are kidding' (I think), it doesn't mean what it says.

Today's cam, because it was close to hand, the Canon EOS 90D, 70-300mm lens.

Let's just round out the week then...

 ... I hereby declare 'port week'... (196/365 15 Jul 2022)

Might as well finish up the week with port shots then...it wasn't how I planned it, I mean the pics and posts in this blog don't really have a plan, other than take a story out of a couple of pics each day--any pics, any story--some days are easier than others. 

Still, why not add a challenge to my day.

So, more working port pics today. Actually, more about the rain today too, and the little yataibune, like a little restaurant on the water, making its way around the bay. These little boats have suffered quite a lot through the Covid era, virtually losing all their income. It is good to see them out and about again. I must go and 'help' them out one day.

And one week since Abe's death...the ramifications and revelations are remarkable...but that is for the other blog.

Today using the Canon EOS M5, 18-150mm lens.

It wasn't going to be like this...

 ...really ... (195/365, 14 Jul 2022)

I didn't plan for this week to end up being a kind of ode to the port...but it has turned out that way, quite unintentionally. Partly, that has to do with the weather I suppose, it has been a bit rainy and overcast and picking a time to get out and about has been rather tricky. Still, there is a lot to see from the office...as you can see.

Today, it was the clouds again...

It reminds me of staying at my nan's when I was younger, her house right on the beach and seeing the differences every day in the sky, in the ocean, learning to 'read' what it all meant. I didn't realise until many years later, what I though was a natural thing to learn, was really quite a valuable learning experience. It has served me well.

Today with the Canon EOS M5, 18-150mm lens...yes, it is working hard.

Dark clouds...

 ... have a silver lining... (194/365, 13 Jul 2022)

Or they would have had, on an old-fashioned negative printed later onto photographic paper. Not sure about that process now with all the digital effects. Anyway, yes, I know, three days of port side, office-window viewing, but sometimes the views are just so...well, photographic. During a busy meeting-filled day, the sky visibly darkened around lunchtime, suddenly...

The reason? It was right there, outside the window...

No editing here, no filters (unless you count the office window which needs a clean), just a straight, old-fashioned almost perfectly black and white reproduction. Sometimes it is nice to get back to (this project's) basics.

Taken with the Canon EOS M5, 18-150mm lens.

More of the same...

 ...but different ... (193/365, 12 Jul 2022)

I know I should get out more, but some days, that is a bit difficult. Still deep in semester, Tuesdays are longs days, starting at about 4:30 to get organised for the four classes from ten to nine through until 5:00ish. Doesn't give me a lot of time really. 

This afternoon I did plan to head down below for a bit of a stroll but the port being the port...a little bit of the movement there caught my eye*. I do like that it is a working port, watching the ships come and go. it is an endless source of (photographic) fascination for me.

*Of course, I don't spend all day looking out the window...I'm simply following the advice to look up (and out) from the computer screen at times and focus your eyes on a distant object...yes, that.

Pics with the ever handy Canon EOS M5, 18-150mm lens.

Back to work...

 ... port view... (192/365, 11 Jul 2022)

After a more remarkable election than expected, it is now down to analysis and back to work work, as it were, though all the election stuff is work too, of course. 

I do like the view from the office. I know it is not the first time I have shared it, but it is different every day. And tonight, just a sneak peek of the moon coming through...hoping I can catch it in full later this week.

It usually clouds over, but let's wait and see.

Pics on the Canon EOS M5, 18-150mm lens.