The Year 2014 in Review as Seen Through a Pentax Viewfinder

Photos Processed Today 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting a head start on the year end closeout, here are monthly images, just developed.

It's nearly impossible, to decide, which photo or scene represents the month best.

As I go through the files, I just grab one that jogged the memory.

There may be a few thousand more, waiting to be discovered.

Cherry blossoms get all the attention during January and February.

For the first time in my life, I went to a sunflower festival in January 2014.

 This kingfisher was the subject (unexpectedly) when I decided to carry a short lens.

It was a cloudy day in February so, I left the long lens at home.

These purple iris flowers, had me making several trips up north.

The photo above was taken, the third week of March.

The blossoms got a late start but, kept blooming into April.

The month of April was my third annual visit to this cave.

Ayako Toguchi, pictured above, is a spiritual woman, who gives blessings.

She authorized me to take photos and, signs model releases so, I always give her some prints.

The rituals are conducted in a candlelit sea cave, during low tide.

It's a good climb up and down, to get in there and the cave fills with water at high tide.

Participating in the event, I get blessed by Toguchi Sensei each year.

So far, so good. But, I think I may ask her to bless me twice, next time.

Hydrangea flowers, cover the hillsides during May and, I always visit.

One year, a typhoon hit, the day after my trip and, wiped them all out.

This year, I took three sisters along. It was almost the same as having a typhoon hit.

The month of June, had me traveling to another island for a few days.

It was off to Zamami Jima to photograph the Annual Sailing Sabani Boat Race.

Rough seas prevented them from sailing the normal course, back to Naha.

So, races were conducted within the Kerama Islands.

Towards the end of July, this event took place.

It's the Yonabaru Tug-o-War and, was my first time photographing the activities.

What a wild and, enjoyable festival that turned out to be.

Maybe, I'll go again, without the cameras.

 The young ladies, above, are dancing and chanting to the beat of drums.

It was the last night of Obon, in August, which coincided with the full moon.

 In September, we celebrated the Harvest Moon.

During this time of year, the nights are much cooler and festivals are held everywhere.

A short distance from my office, it's easy to walk to so, I usually don't miss this one.

This Sea Hawk photo was taken at the Kin Dam, in October.

Many migratory birds visit from November until March. Ospreys, stay longer.

If, I was forced to name a favorite bird; this would probably be my choice.

The reflection of these mangrove trees caught my eye as the sun was setting.

It was a few days before the November full moon and, I was walking to the beach.

It's become a habit, to practice moonrise shots early in the month.

That way, I know the exact location to be in, for the real deal.

On the same hike, I shot my "Not the Stairway to Heaven" image and, got great results.

For the month of December, I don't think, it'll get any better than this.

The photo was taken at the Hamburger Festival in Ginoza Village.

The weather was warm. Blue skies and sunshine, plus, HAMBURGERS!

Just when you think, life can't get no better than this, these drummers showed up.

And, they put on a stunning performance.

Do Me A Favor

 

 

Look out your window, each month of the year and compare the view with these photos.

Then, let me know, which of us, lives in a better place!