Flowers: Deigo (Indian Coal Bean) Symbol of Okinawa

The Prefecture Flower

These bright red blossoms were spotted along HWY 58 in Ogimi Village, Okinawa.

It seems like, I never catch the trees, when they are in full bloom.  These shots will have to do.

Moving around and using different focal lengths, I got a few different compositions.

The flowers only blossom for a few short months then, they disappear.

Some people think they can predict, how severe typhoon season will be, looking at them.

Well, I have news. It doesn't work. Typhoons are unpredictable. So, are these flowers.

It would have made more sense, to me if, they made Hibiscus the state flower.

But, back in 1972, the Deigo was selected. And, I ain't governor, yet.

The botanical name is Erythrina orientalis. We just call them, "Deigo."

The flowers are a big attraction, for many people. I'm not wild about any flower.

Maybe, some of the ones which are edible, would be alright by me. I could eat them.

How About a Sketch Artist ?

For someone with the ability to draw or, sketch, these flowers could be a work of art.

Just as we decided to pull off the highway and, get some photos, it happened.

This gentleman was over by the fence, sketching the Deigo blossoms.

Of course, I greeted him and, took a peek at his work. Man's got some real talent.

After awhile, I sneaked around, to catch this shot, of him drawing. I envy the guy.

These are some sketches on a wall in my office, to remind me of stuff, I'm supposed to do.

See, I can't even sketch a stickman, too well !

Note Taking in the Field

Write It Down

 

 

Keyboards, digital notepads, laptop computers and smart phones, can't replace this.

 A pen or pencil, scratching the details onto a piece of paper.

At a cultural event, I noticed Haruka Nakama, writing in her notebook.

This was too good to pass up so, I asked if, I could photograph her notes and, she agreed.

She was documenting Abushibare, an occasion which takes place only once a year.

Things move along rather quickly at these affairs.

It was impressive, the detailed sketches and notes, she had made.

Understanding Japanese, isn't required, to see what her notes reveal.

The placement of each item used in the rituals and, sequence of events was documented.

She left room to write down any questions, she may have, to ask guests at the ceremony.

It's something, I have been meaning to write about and, now, have a photo for demonstration.

Five Good Reasons to Take Hand Written Notes

 

 

1. Outdoors, touch screens and LCDs are sometimes difficult to view. 

2.  Notepads and pens fit in pockets.

3. No battery packs or charging systems are required.

4. Hand writing notes is more effective than typing them on a keyboard.

5. Communicating in remote locations or, with elderly is easier, using a pen and paper.

Many people are frightened by high-tech gadgetry !

For further reading, you may like:

Taking Good Notes: Tricks and Tools

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