Ready for Summer-Chicago 2008
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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The warmer weather is definitely finding it's way back to South Carolina. I am more than ready to feel some sun. I must say that after speaking to many of my friends they share the same feeling. With America's status on tilt, people are ready to get out of the house. Away from the gloom and doom news that plagues are TV's. I'd much rather hear the ocean waves crashing against a foreign coast line than talk show hosts debating the stimulus plan.
The last time I felt this deep desire for a vacation, I went to see a good friend of mine Kelly Moore last summer. Not only is Kelly a wonderful photographer, he also is an avid wakeboarder. With the temperatures scorching in South Carolina, I jetted off to Chicago to escape the heat. Kelly and his wife were very hospitable and so nice. (I have found these characteristics in many Chicagoans, and it very much reminds me of home.) However I do recall an early wake up call at 7:00 in the morning. It was a subtle tap tap on the door, followed up with whispers. "Charles....you up" After I moaned and rolled over another whisper; "Dude it's glass" He of course was referring to the lake. I thought he flipped his lid. However, as I stumbled my way over to the windows I discovered what Kelly meant. That morning was an absolute great experience. To board on an endless sheet of water, was an amazing experience. Thanks Kelly for the memories you are welcome in SC anytime. |
| The ever so lovely Nancy Beale. Engaged to my good friend and fellow Wedding Photojournalist David Wittig |
| I had a great time staying at the Burnham Hotel. Loved the architecture, the view of the city, the vintage rrom keys, and the breakfast was delicious. I got back into the city from Kelly's lake house just in time. A thunderstorm swept through Chicago and lightening blistered through the sky. Sorry no photos of the lightening, but I do have these. |
Okinawa
Friday, February 1, 2008
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Once I got back from Okinawa it was back at work and LaCour asked that I come down to Atlanta to be a guest speaker. Who better to be a guest at "The Business of Storytelling Workshop" than The Storyteller himself. Remind you, Okinawa was still fresh on my mind at the workshop, and unknowingly I must have told one to many stories to my good friend Eric Laurits. So as I write and post these wonderful photographs of Okinawa I can here Eric laughing wherever he may be.
One night my mom paid me a visit and though she enjoys a glass of wine prior to bed, she must have had one to many. While half asleep, I heard my mother murmuring downstairs. I slowly came down the stairs, sat and listened in. What I was about to hear truly broke my heart. She was talking to her mother, apologizing for not being in Okinawa at her funeral. She repeatedly cried, "I'm sorry mama...I'm sorry". Hearing your mother cry I must say is the hardest things ever. She apologized for leaving Okinawa and I had no idea my mom had these feelings. So the next day I pulled out the credit card and bought tickets for my mom, Jonah, and myself. At first she hesitated and exclaimed she didn't want to go. But I think she was ready to face the past.
Once we arrived in Okinawa my Uncle, Kiyoshi, quickly grabbed our bags and settled us into his lovely home. Graced with beautiful hardwood floors and custom cabinetry we rested while Kiyoshi went back to work to take care of a few details. After a 23 hour flight an exhale was much needed. After a few hours, Kiyoshi came back and we all went to pick up my Aunt Kiyoko and Cousin Miko. Unaware of where we were going, we stopped at the grocery store and picked up snacks that I later learned were my grandmother's favorite. You see we were on our way to pay tribute to my Grandmother Gushiken Kamado. I had no idea we were going to visit the grave so quickly. I could tell my mother was nervous, but with everyone elated to see her and much catching up to do, there was no time to dwell on her apprehension. We got to the grave and drank tea from cups that were at the grave. Kiyoshi left the snacks there for his mom and they did a customary bow and tribute to my Grandmother. After leaving I could tell a huge burden came off my mother's shoulders. You see my Grandmother had cancer and my mother had a choice. Did she want to see her mom while living or go to the funeral. Of course I think any of us would choose to see our loved ones prior to passing. So my mom made the right decision in going, but needless to say she needed to put her mother to rest. I left Okinawa early because I had a wedding, but before I left my mom hugged me and said that this was the best vacation she ever had.
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| My Uncle Kiyoshi praying at my Grandmother's Grave. We were told that 300 people came to her funeral. |
| Shurijo is filled with relics from the past. Here is an Emperor's crown. |
| We also visited Churaumi Aquarium |
| These sea worms are the coolest creatures ever. |
| The gardens were spectacular. Oh and by the way if you by any chance get to Okinawa, be sure to buy the Brown Sugar Ice Cream at Churaumi!!! |
| Koi at slow shutter speeds |
| We also visited the Gyokusendo cave. |
| We found a family owned breakfast and lunch diner. Every morning consisted of eggs. pork, rice, and kiwi. |
| A butterfly from my Uncle's garden. |
| Using cellphones in Japan is very popular. Here is my Uncle taking a picture outside a famous cave on IE Jima Island. He also used his mobile phone to translate English. |
| After sight seeing we would hit various beaches. I think my favorite was Hamahiga. It wasn't too far out of the way and it was quaint and the people were very polite. Here is a picture of Jonah along the Hamahiga shore. |
| Eke Beach was my second favorite it is slightly crowded but the Ocean is spectacular. I have some video that hopefully turned out okay. I'll see if I can't post it later this month. Here's a silhouette of Jonah looking at the gorgeous view. |
| Jonah took a lot of video but managed to take this photo of his dad. What do you think? Is he the next Storyteller? |
| My cousin Miko and her mother Kiyoko |
| Don't forget to take off your shoes! |
| Before I close out this post I want to tell people about my Aunt Emiko and her husband Kazumi. Emiko whom you see here in a wheelchair has one of the most inspiring stories in our family. As a child Emiko went to a christian church. Growing up in Japan in the 1940's and going to a Christian based church must have been uncommon, and judging that she was the only Christian at that time in the family I would say she was unique. Well years ago Emiko was in a coma and my mother flew to Okinawa to see her before the doctors cut off the devices which were assisting her. I truly believe at this moment God was going to show Emiko what faith and dedication were all about. The day before the doctors were planning on giving up on Emiko she miraculously came to life, but the glory from this story comes from when she woke up. Emiko opened her eyes after years of being in a coma on Easter Sunday. A direct message from God and to all that know Emiko. She is a special woman and am so proud of her steadfast love for God. She is a walking testimonial in Okinawa of what true faith means. |
| Her husband Kazumi is a great man who has stood along side her. I watch him put eye droplet medication in her eyes. This is done daily. Also the tenderness and compassion he shows for his wife is so commendable. Taking care of her yet enjoying Emiko's company even at her delicate state is a true love story. |
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