A quick look at me and you’ll realize that my relationship has perhaps not been the healthiest, but I am proud to say that it has been improving quite a bit. Needless to say, I have always loved food and have been primarily focuses on how it tastes and how it smells.

I went through a period of my life few years ago where I was exploring the best restaurants like there was no tomorrow. I am honestly afraid to accurately tally up just how much money I spent (read charged to credit cards) to indulge in this fine-dining decadence. The experience was second to none. Everything–from the the decor of these restaurants, to the customer service, to the presentation of the food–was heaven. The tastes, textures, and smells of food were exquisite. The greatest irony in all of this is that I when a waiter would provide the obligatory description of the dish I was unable to comprehend half the things they said. I was just as clueless when it came to tasting the food. I could appreciate a good flavor, but I couldn’t provide a description of what I was tasting.

Then I started going out to all these restaurants a lot less: partly it was time to be more financially responsible, and partly I wasn’t a fan of this “foodie” culture that was just chasing the next instagram post. So in this time of less dining out, I have been cooking far more which has forced me to learn and practice new technique go to the grocery store and learn how to pick the best produce, meats, spices, etc; and it gave me new appreciation for the work that goes into these dishes.

The above was a little dessert I had earlier this evening. It was something simple at home, but I wanted to take a picture with my camera like old times.

I meant to do a longer post, but lost track of time looking at all my pictures and reliving memories. So today I will post this picture of myself during a sunset in ٱلرُّبْع ٱلْخَالِي, the Empty Quarter.

The above picture is one I took in 東京 (Tokyo). In my mind I was hearing Ravel’s Une Barque sur L’Ocean as I took this picture to keep as a memento. I wish to write about this moment, but words fail me. The music and this picture tell it all in a language only I can understand and perhaps it is best to leave it at that.

In character or in interviews, there is a certain elegance to his words that can only come from a man who has an appreciation for literature, art, and music. One of my favorite scenes of his is when Pope Benedict XVI in The Two Popes plays the piano in his papal suite. A film review described his portrayal of Pope Benedict XVI as “lonely and bookish, with a teasing wit and a taste for elegance.” You may think me strange, but I would be flattered if these same words were used to describe me. Looking through Anthony Hopkins instagram only reinforced this for me. The videos of him playing the piano are beautiful and his outlook on life is lovely. They inspired me to dim the lights, play some Chopin Nocturnes, and write a little about it.

Moments of solitude save for books and a piano for me to play on, have been childhood dreams I have never grown out of. I find solace in the solemnity of solitude.

It had been a while since I allowed myself a directionless walk–no planned route, distance, or time: a most pleasurable experience in any city. I’ve been holed up all these weeks just worried sick about the pandemic. Today I ventured out and walked about the neighborhood (I currently live in Encino, a neighborhood of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley).

It was a glorious afternoon! Under the canopy of oaks I removed my mask and inhaled the fragrant Jasmine all around me. I was in heaven and loving every second. I took in experiences like these practically daily when I was constantly running. Oh, how I miss those times! Whenever I think of California, I see oaks filtering the beautiful sunlight with the blue sky teasing behind the foliage. There is far more to California and Los Angeles than the palm tree lined sprawl of broken dreams of stardom. Of the many topics I desire to write about, showcasing my perspective of my beautiful city and state are among my favorite. I remember a couple of years ago a friend from Michigan was visiting and I dragged my poor friend on a five-hour drive to squeeze all of my favorite scenes of the city.

The scene above is of the street behind my home and the two below are when I was at the top of the hill overlooking the San Fernando Valley and the mountains on the other side (the appear far away in the pictures because I used a wide angle). Behind me are the more famous parts of Los Angeles, Bel-Air and Beverly Hills. The Valley looks so peaceful from here, but out towards the buildings is the infamous 405 and 101 freeway interchange that has the honor of having the worst traffic congestion in the nation.

But let’s forget about traffic for minute and think of the oaks, the sunny skies, and the sweet-smelling Jasmine.

“Did you take any photography courses? This blogger is saying she wants to start taking food pictures, but that her pictures aren’t that good.”

I’ve never take a photography course, but I did read a lot about, looked at works of other photography enthusiasts, and had lots of practice. I seldom pick-up my camera now, but this question made me go straight to my camera and put on the 50mm lens. I knew exactly what I wanted to take a picture of.

I took a picture of my dinner, enjoyed my delicious dinner, and then opened up my laptop to download the pictures off my camera. I had forgotten what a joy this all was for me. I’ve taken tons of pictures throughout the years of delicious foods and lovely places.

This is the start of the long Memorial Day weekend for us and I left my camera ready on my desk. Let’s see what else I can capture this weekend!