2016 Lantern Floating Festival
Ala Moana Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Memorial Day in America is a day when people remember and honor those who have fallen in service to their country. In Hawai‘i, with its diverse population, traditions become easily adopted and assimilated into its rich cultural fabric. It is the norm for people in Hawai‘i, on Memorial Day, to place flowers and offerings on gravesites of loved ones who served their country as well as those of others who have passed away.
With the wish of creating cultural harmony and understanding, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, Head Priest of Shinnyo-en, officiated the inaugural Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony on Memorial Day, 1999. For the first three years, the event was held at Ke'ehi Lagoon on the south shore of O'ahu. In 2002, the ceremony was moved a few miles down the coast to Ala Moana Beach where it has been observed every year since.
Another shot from Katherine Gorge, in Oz's Northern Territory.... definitely worth a visit! Captured with a Zoom Nikkor 35-200mm f3.5-4.5 ai-s manual focus lens...
Local Chicago group Honey and the 45s playing a hot set yesterday afternoon on a street stage. Genres included classic rock (e.g. Hendrix), blues, jazz. Lively and tight.
Lass to the right (Kim Kozel) sings and plays violin, guitar, sax (seen on stage edge). In this shot she's playing an electric resonator mandolin (I think) which sounds incredible. Taken with D7100 and 18-55 VR II—great kit for a crowded street fair.
Shot this a few years ago when we vacationed on St John in the US Virgin Islands. Finally got around to editing it. In the main part of town, they have lots of hens & their chicks walking around.
PS - I'm assuming this is a hen, not exactly sure difference of hens, chickens, etc....
Just saw a green frog in my front garden a couple of weeks back, but he hasn't returned. Thinking I might have to make a little pond for the little critter.
