2023 – Year In Review

God is amazing! He has kept me throughout this year. I’m grateful and excited about my journey ahead.

During this year, I found myself re-adjusting to being in the Washington, DC area again. It’s been quite the adjustment. Thankfully, there’s a nice walk throughout Alexandria, Va.

National Harbor

With family, we took some time to enjoy the beautiful Myrtle Beach, in South Carolina. During my many trips to SC this year, I thank God for the many upgrades to First Class. I enjoyed the beautiful skies during my drives to and from the airport.

Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
First Class

The year ended in Business Class, in the Qsuite on Qatar Airways. The pajamas fit, as I got closer to God, in my suite. Bangkok was the ultimate destination, with stops in Phuket and Phi Phi Island.

Qsuite
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Mango & Sticky Rice
Pomelo Salad
Dessert
Bangkok in Black & White

Throughout 2023, Psalm 23 was a reminder of how great the Most High God is to me. I know He is with me, at all times.

Psalms 23:1-6 KJV
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Remember to Give Love and to Always Choose to Be Happy!

God is Love!!


Ginkgofest 2022

Early at the State Arboretum of Virginia, the Ginkgo trees are in full display of Fall.

Capturing the dew, amidst the sunrise, was a wonder to behold.

Enjoy the bright and vibrant colors of Ginkgo trees.

God is amazing!!


Light Painting

This is my first time attempting light painting.

Imagine light painting, in the cold, without your tripod.

My wonderful, big bag served as a stabilizer, as I willed my fingers still, holding the shutter button, to capture the long exposures.

Camera: Nikon Z7

Lens: Nikkor S 24-70 mm


A Jordan Excursion – Yes, It’s Jordan – Petra

Exploring Petra from the ‘top’ was supposed to be a ‘quick’ hike.  Well, after 4 hours and 8.5 miles later, I can say, the hike was ‘quickly’ completed, capturing beautiful landscapes and scenes along the way.

Camera:  Nikon Z7

Lens:  Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S

 

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

 

Petra in Black and White…

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

 

A video snapshot…


2020…A Year in Review

2020 – The year of clear vision.  There will be a separation, be prepared to stand firm in what you believe in.  Stand firm in power, love, and a sound mind, not in fear!  Give love always and choose to be happy.

A few words to live by, as provided by my mom:

-Everything in life is not going to go your way.  Do not expect that it will.

-No one owes you anything.  No one has to be kind to you.

-Everyone is not going to like you.  That is okay.  You are responsible for how you treat other people.  You are not responsible for how other people treat you.  You are, though, responsible for how you react to how others treat you.

-Cry as often as you like; however, do not have pity parties.  Do not stay in a depressed state long.  Pick yourself up by your bootstraps, and keep it moving.

-Sometimes you have to encourage yourself.  Do so and often.

While in Jordan, I discovered and enjoyed the following places in 2020:  Ajloun, Dead Sea, Jerash, Madaba, Mt. Nebo, and Umm Qais to name a few.  Enjoy the view.

Ajloun, Jordan

Dead Sea, Jordan

Jerash, Jordan

Madaba, Jordan

Mt. Nebo, Jordan

Umm Qais, Jordan


A Jordan Excursion – Yes, It’s Jordan – Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, AKA the Valley of the Moon, is just the right spot in September.  Dancing in the Desert has never been more fun.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The sandstone and granite rocks look amazing.  Who’s ready to go climbing?

The Rainbow Campground offered amazing views, camel walks, and a sunset scene that one won’t easily forget.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

The Bubble Luxotel experience in Wadi Rum is a must!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum in Black and White…

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan


Fireworks

Who doesn’t enjoy a fireworks show?

Photos taken in Manila, Philippines, with a Nikon D850 camera and 28-300 mm VR lens, with a tripod.  Aperture ranged from f5.6 to f8, with shutter speeds ranging from 3″ to 5″.

 

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

 

Fireworks in Cambodia…

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

 


A Philippines Excursion – Corregidor

The ruins of war…

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor


70s Crayfish Party – Manila 2017

The 70s was a funky, good time.  It’s time to dress, eat, and drink to 70s jams and grooves!

70s Party

70s Party

70s Party

70s Party

70s Party

70s Party


Asian Excursion – Vietnam – Timeless Charm

Vietnam is truly a timeless charm.  After exploring one of the new 7 Wonders of the World (Ha Long Bay) – via Hanoi, taking in the culture and beaches of Hoi An, and navigating through Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and the Cuchi Tunnels, I experienced true timeless charm and memories.

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

Cuchi Tunnels

Cuchi Tunnels