30 Minutes in Life: August 2013

It's August 26th and that means it is time again for my 30 Minutes In Life Photography blog.  To be different, I went to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.  A place I have been wanting to visit for a number of years.  Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a tribute to the century old connection between Japan and South Florida.  

History tells of a group of young Japanese farmers whose intention was to revolutionize farming in South Florida.  In 1904, Jo Sakai organized a group of young farmers to follow him to what is now known as Boca Raton.  With the help of the Model Land Company, they formed a farming community known as Yamato.  Yamato is also the ancient name for Japan.  Sadly the colony did not take off and by 1920 they surrendered their dreams and returned to Japan.  George Sukejo Morikami stayed in Florida, and when he was in his 80's he donated land to be used as a park in remembrance of this pioneering community.

What I found in my walk around Morikami Gardens was incredible peace.  Suffice to say, I was trailing behind my two companions most of the time as one thing or another caught my photographic eye.  Walkways, bridges, bamboo, raked gardens so much to see, so much to capture.  I knew that I was going to continue taking photographs the entire time we were there but I also knew that I only had a 30 minutes time frame to capture the essence of the place for this blog.  So every 30 minutes I photographed my foot so that I would know where my cut off time was.  What you see here is my 3rd stretch of 30 minutes. 

As we walked along Yamato Island I spotted this bench. So, come sit a while with me, enjoy the peaceful setting and imagine the sounds of water running down the rocks, and the splashing as the waterfall hits the rocks.  Listen to the birds singing, the bees buzzing. But also listen to the stillness and feel the peace.

It is life, I think, to watch the water. A man can learn so many things.”

~ Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
   

 

Ellison Onizuka, the first person of Asian ancestry to travel in space.  The Challenger Memorial Lantern was dedicated to him and the 6 other astronauts who were killed when a fuel tank was ruptured by a leaking solid rocket booster 73 seconds after launch.  This lantern is built in the Kasuga style which is the pedestal type lantern.  It has a Pagoda style hat and the image of a deer is featured on the side panel.

From my seat I look across the water.  Life reflected in symmetry, beautiful in its creation, perfect in the still of the day. Balanced proportions in harmony.

Further on I can see the Shinden Garden, and the side by side zig-zag bridge which carried us over the water.  These Chinese garden designs, that featured lakes and islands, were adopted by the Japanese nobility between the 9th and 12th centuries.  These gardens emphasized informality and appreciation of nature.

  

  

Reflections have been a favorite of mine for the longest of times.  Sometimes they are so serene that I can sit and stare at them for ages.  Quiet times of reflection to settle the edgy spirit. 

Walk with me a bit, lets cross the bridge moving away from the Yamato Island and the beautiful bonsai trees.  Let's meander along the pathway and see what else we may find.

Often reflections are easy to relate to.  This one resonates with me for the strange and hectic journey I have been on for the past 8 weeks. Days filled with meetings, and new challenges that sometimes leave me feeling as busy as this reflections.

This park however, has already eased the chaos, gentled the busyness and soothed my soul.

To just sit and look out at the beauty of the water, to breathe in and out slowly, gently relaxing every part of your body. A quiet meditation of your spirit.

Let's walk some more, slowly across the bridge.  Let's enjoy the companionship of my fellow sojourners. 

Beyond the bridge is Rocky Point - which offers a visitor a view in every direction. 

Yet another bridge to cross.  The sound of water running rapidly, increases my desire to move on and across, but I slow down instead, to take photo's of the water running over the rocks, to try create movement, splashes, drops in space.  Finally, steeling myself to move on in anticipation.

While this is the only picture without a reflection I could not move beyond this point without sharing the splendor of this waterfall.  In opposition to the peace of the reflection this waterfall is loud and majestic, pure beauty to behold.  I could have perched myself on that rock to the right and spent a good while with my eyes closed listening to the sound of running water. 

“Peace begins with a smile..”~ Mother Theresa

......................and I am smiling.  I hope you enjoyed meandering with me for my 30 minutes in life, around Morakami Museum and Japanese Gardens.  If you are in the area I would highly recommend you visit.

 Be sure to head over to  Julie Isola, "San Clemente, CA, Family Lifestyle Photographer and see what she has posted.