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16th April 2011: White Blooms Against the California Sky: The Charm of Potato Vine in Los Angeles CA

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/Home › › White Blooms Against the California Sky Solanum jasminoides, commonly known as the potato vine, is an evergreen climbing plant in the nightshade family and is widely appreciated in warm regions such as Los Angeles. Its five‑petaled flowers, ranging from pure white to soft lavender, bloom in star‑shaped clusters, with bright yellow stamens that add a vivid touch at the center. The rounded buds, tinged with pale purple, create a beautiful contrast with the open blossoms.  Because it is highly tolerant of dry conditions and thrives in full sun, the plant is exceptionally well suited to California’s climate, where it can be seen adorning fences, walls, and garden trellises throughout the year.  Although its fragrance is subtle, the plant’s light and graceful appearance lends a gentle charm to the landscape. Resembling the flowers of potatoes or eggplants—both members of the same family—its delicate clusters and climbing habit make it a popular choice f...

26th Nov 2010: The Chapel of the Holy Cross Sedona: Stunning Views and a Cactus Thorn Story

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/Home › › The Chapel of the Holy Cross Discover the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona. Learn about its history, breathtaking red rock views, and a personal travel story with an unforgettable cactus encounter. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Catholic church built into the red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona, in the United States, and it was completed in 1956. Its most striking feature is its modern architectural design, evoking the form of a huge cross, which harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding natural landscape of the red rocks. The chapel was designed by architect Richard Hein and was constructed based on a grand vision supported by the Roman Catholic Church. Situated at a high elevation, the chapel offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sedona from its interior. Visitors are not limited to religious pilgrims; many travelers come to appreciate its architectural beauty and the stunning natural scenery. It is also widely regarded as a place where...

24th May 2026: Flames of Early Summer in Karuizawa Nagano

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/Home › › Karuizawa The highlands of Karuizawa awaken gently in early summer, and among the first signs of the season are the vivid blossoms of the native azaleas. Their deep orange petals catch the soft morning light, glowing like small flames scattered across the quiet landscape. Walking through  the cool air of the plateau, I found these flowers blooming with a quiet confidence, as if announcing the arrival of a new season without raising their voice.  The contrast between their fiery color and the surrounding fresh greens creates a moment that feels both energetic and serene. Standing before them, I felt the unique rhythm of Karuizawa—unhurried, spacious, and filled with a natural elegance that invites you to pause.  These blossoms, brief yet brilliant, remind me that early summer here is not defined by heat or intensity, but by a gentle warmth that slowly spreads through the land. In their presence, the season begins not with noise, but with a soft...

19th May 2026: Hydrangeas Before Their Time in central Tokyo

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/Home › › Hydrangeas Before Their Time Finding these hydrangeas in central Tokyo, arriving sooner than the season should have allowed. Perhaps the shifting climate has gently pushed them forward. They seemed newly awakened, still few in number, yet each petal was pristine - a quiet, flawless beauty unfolding before its time. Even in a fleeting moment, the hydrangeas shone beautifully in the morning sun. Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/400s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / -0.3 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/500s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / -0.3 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/320s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / -0.3 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/320s / F5 / ISO 400 / -0.3 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/320s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / -0.3 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/320s / F5.6 / ISO 400 / -0.3 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/320s /...