watching the working man

There are two things in China you see a lot of: Umbrellas and Watermelons. What luck, both in one image! While watermelons are seasonal, umbrellas are a year-round obsession. If it’s not monsoon rains, it’s the searing sun and the evil tan that accompanies it. Little known fact: The umbrella was invented in China. Stay…

in progress

My sister-in-law, Crystal. A little something I’m playing with. I’ve pushed this down so my new addy can stay on top. Too cool.

conversing with a tout

tout (tout) v., tout·ed, tout·ing, touts. v.intr. To solicit customers, votes, or patronage, especially in a brazen way. To obtain and deal in information on racehorses. v.tr. To solicit or importune: street vendors who were touting pedestrians. Chiefly British. To obtain or sell information on (a racehorse or stable) for the guidance of bettors. To…

burnt pots and summer memories

The esteemed David Rochester (who I read with considerable admiration) wrote a post about fragrance, relating to a woman he is involved with (or not). Upon reading it I thought of an old girlfriend whose smell I can vividly recollect. It was a sensual yet calming scent, the perfect accompaniment to a smiling soul, and…

at work

Construction, Shenzhen, China, August 5, 2007.

crystal and the setting sun

The Crystal Bridge, Guilin, China. I don’t know the history of this lovely bridge. Guilin is rich in past glories, a bit of research is needed to track down the story behind this gem. I don’t like the hotel in the background and considered removing it. But, that is China, the past contrasting with the…

too-cool rick and a once cold-hearted stevo

Many moons ago, I was a cold-hearted bastard. I once believed children should be seen and not heard. I shared the sentiment present in Victorian England. The noise, the utter chaos caused by the little beasts, used to drive me to the brink of insanity. During my university summers I worked at a children’s summer…

stevo speaks, and faces his fears

I hate giving speeches. Standing on stage before a few hundred people doesn’t fill me with happiness. I loath public speaking, much like the way a grammar Nazi hates the misuse of your and you’re. As Director of Foreign Teachers (grand title) of the 14-day camp, it fell to me to say a few words…