Thanks a lot for the fav

on Monument Valley. Each butte has a name, like: Mitten Butte, Three Sisters, Elephant, Totem Pole, etc. Being there is like being on another planet. The buttes range in height from 600 to 1000 feet. A picture of my wife and I in the valley gives a feeling of the [link] vastness.

on Secret Canyon and Sunset. It was a dream come true to be able to finally visit this beautiful canyon carved by flood waters and then emerge to see a gorgeous sunset. [link]

on A Perfect Little Garden. Until this century, traditional gardens in Japan were closed to the public. They were built by the ruling elite and by monasteries as places for peaceful contemplation and worship, they provided refuge from the strife that marked much of Japan's history. The gardens symbolized utopia. [link]

on Tranquility Island. This is a 6½ acre Japanese stroll garden constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese Feudal lords. There is pygmy bamboo ground cover. Cranes (tsuru) rest here and are believed to live 1,000 years. Japanese consider them to be symbols of longevity. The trees are horizontal pine. It looks unreal because it takes the human mind to the center of the soul. [link]

on Higashiosaka Teahouse. In Japanese tradition a tea house can refer to a structure designed for holding Japanese tea ceremonies. This structure and specifically the room in it where the tea ceremony takes place is called chashitsu (茶室). The architectural space called chashitsu was created for aesthetic and intellectual fulfillment. In Japan a tea house can also refer to a place of entertainment with geisha. These kinds of tea houses, called ochaya (お茶屋), are typically very exclusive establishments. This Teahouse represents the spirit of goodwill, lasting peace and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States. Here is the dedication [link] ceremony. [link] [link] Links back to the Teahouse [link] [link]

Thank you very much!

tnx for adding my pic

on Los Angeles Cold Rain & King of the Clouds. I've been experimenting with HDR. This is actually 9 photos with 9 different F-stops all merged into one. Thank you! [link]

Shoseian or Whispering Pine Teahouse.