Mungo National Park desert for black and white community

 

The desert landscape of Mungo National Park may resemble deserts found in many corners of the world, yet there is something strangely familiar about it too. In places, the rippled sand could almost be mistaken for a beach anywhere along the Australian coast, shaped by the same restless hand of wind and time. Perhaps it is the patterns that draw me in—the delicate lines and curves etched across the earth, each one temporary, yet quietly beautiful in its own way.

Fujifilm Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Black and white community

Sake Barrels in Japan for Black and white community

 

Beneath the sheltering eaves of a mountain shrine, rows of sake barrels rested in quiet formation upon weathered wooden shelves. Their straw-wrapped bodies, stacked one upon another, seemed less like vessels and more like offerings gathered through the passing seasons. The timber above wore a thin veil of shadow, filtering the mountain light into soft ribbons that drifted across the barrels' faded crests and calligraphy.

There was a stillness about them, as though they were keeping watch over the shrine's ancient silence. The scent of cedar, moss, and damp earth lingered in the cool air, while beyond the eaves the forest climbed the mountainside in deep shades of green. Here, tradition seemed carefully stored alongside the sake itself—layer upon layer, year upon year—waiting patiently beneath the gaze of the gods.

Fujifilm x Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Black and white community

Spotted Wood Owl in western Japan for Saturday Critter

 

During one of my journeys through Western Japan, I had the pleasure of visiting a bird sanctuary where I beheld a most striking creature—the Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo). Native to the tropical forests and wooded lowlands of Southeast Asia, this magnificent owl is seldom seen beyond its natural range, making its presence in the sanctuary all the more remarkable.

Distinguished by its richly barred plumage of warm chestnut and cream, the Spotted Wood Owl possesses a dark facial disc framed by concentric rings, lending it an expression both solemn and wise. Its eyes, deep and dark, seem ever on the verge of slumber, while its beak, tinged with a soft orange hue, stands out prominently against its subtly marked face. Unlike many of its kin, this species lacks the prominent ear tufts so often associated with owls, and instead bears a smooth, rounded crown.

To encounter such a noble bird in quiet repose, far from its native forests, was a singular experience—one that lingers in memory as a testament to the silent beauty and mystery of the natural world.

Fujifilm XPro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Saturday Critter

Barn Owl for Saturday Critter

 

This beautiful bird is a barn owl (Tyto alba). Barn owls are easily recognisable by their distinctive heart-shaped face, pale coloring, and dark eyes. They are known for their silent flight and exceptional hearing, which makes them excellent nocturnal hunters. 

They favour open habitats like grasslands, farmlands, and marshes, where they silently glide in search of small mammals, especially rodents. Their exceptional hearing, aided by a heart-shaped facial disc, allows them to locate prey even in complete darkness. Throughout history, barn owls have held a place in folklore—sometimes revered, sometimes feared—often symbolising mystery or omens due to their ghostly appearance and eerie screech.

Fujifilm XPro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8

Linking Saturday Critter

Tsuruga Castle, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan for Treasure Tuesday

 

Tsuruga Castle: A Symbol of Samurai Resilience in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan

Tsuruga Castle, also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, stands as a proud symbol of samurai heritage in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Originally constructed in 1384 by Ashina Naomori, the castle has withstood centuries of conflict, reconstruction, and renewal. Nestled in the city of Aizuwakamatsu, it is famed for its unique, red-tiled roofs—a striking departure from the traditional black tiles seen on most Japanese castles.

The castle has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with the most famous version completed in the early 17th century under Gamo Ujisato, who redesigned it with the elegant seven-story keep. Today’s reconstruction, completed in 1965 and renovated in 2011, closely replicates the historic structure and serves as a museum showcasing samurai artifacts, the Boshin War, and the legacy of the Aizu clan.

Surrounded by cherry trees, Tsuruga Castle is a popular destination in spring, when sakura blossoms transform the grounds into a stunning scene. Its resilience and beauty continue to make it a cherished site of cultural and historical importance.

I have journeyed to Japan on more than thirty occasions throughout my life. My entire family holds a deep affection for the country, cherishing all aspects of its culture, history, and daily life. Were it not for Japan’s stringent immigration policies, we would have gladly made it our permanent home.

During several of these visits, I set aside photography altogether. As a devoted enthusiast of film cameras, I long regarded digital equipment as insubstantial—mere trifles lacking the soul and discipline demanded by analog photography. My admiration lay in the rich textures of film grain and the intricate craft of developing negatives and positives. Consequently, I seldom used digital cameras during those times, viewing them as little more than fleeting novelties, unworthy of the art...

Fujifilm Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Retro Sign in Freemantle for Tom's Sign2

 

Rooster has runner's feet. Back in 2011. Though I am not into Murdocracy products, The sign feels right to me.

Fujifilm XPro2 

16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Sign2

Freemantle Perth for Mural Monday

 

Back in the days I went to Perth for a medical exam, I struggled to calm my nerves. So I took my camera out for a spin in the posh area of Freemantle. 

It was in 2011 I think. The year I passed exam too. So I love this city very much lol. A plate of pasta at the time cost me 48 AUD. It was still quite expensive by today's standard!

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Mural Monday

Somewhere in Southern France for Sign2

 

I cannot remember where this location was. It was somewhere in South France. I recalled I had very good mussels and local steamed snapper. 

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8

 

Linking Sign2

Old Chinese painting passed on in the family

 

I have a large family. Over 200 cousins that I could not count them all. It has been 3 years since I return to Taiwan. There were many wonderful items passed down the family tree. This was one of them. 

I am not sure if this was a real painting or a fake one. The dress code was from Manchurian period with a pig tail. Quite a scenic background too. There is a lot of western painting influence for this one.

Linking Tom's Treasure Tuesday