Vacation

When my Wife and I both can see some time available we want to return to Thailand someday.  It depends on her schedule and I would never cancel a wedding once it's booked.

 ayutthaya was invaded by the Burmes in 1767.  On our last visit we got a taxi for about $25.00 plus $25.00 tip to drive from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and back (that's a crazy value)  I had to tip even though he agreed to 750 baht (way to little).  Out of all the places this location really really was humbleing.  We have also been to Puket, Jumtien, Bankok and Chaing Mai - and so many other places.  I can drive on the left - no problem and Buget Rent a Car is everywhere.  We also have tryed the train and bus as well.  Taxi - airplane or rental car is the best. 

The Burmese are said to have cut off the head of many Budda statues back then in 1767- so don't pose next to them   In Thai they say Pra tet - Parma.  Or Parma - if you said Burma they don't understand.

I lost my Mother and Father just within the last few years.  I used to cry in Spanish class when I was 10 years old - due to my Mother taking me there - laughs.  The lesson was- it's so hard to learn languages.
I learned enough Japanese "Nihongo Scoshi Hanishimas" ..  Also I taught English as a second Language for over 1 year after Hurrican Iniki.  I was drawn to Japan - but ended up in Thailand for about 14 months.

I was so bored after I built my house on the big Island - around 1993 to 1998 (pre internet).  Anyway I can learn new languages - especially Thai.  I think it's because I somewhat failed at Spanish when I was 10.  Speaking different languages is very hard. 

Having teachers in life is so important.  It's because of my photography teachers that I have done so well.  Then you develop your own way - based on what you have learned.

More Baby Photo's to come

Our baby girl just had her 1 year birthday.  I am waiting for the photo's as I was working.  Emmie is walking and trying to talk.  Andrew has his  3rd birthday next month.

We truely have a village - so many Aunties.  We have got so many cloths and toys from my Wifes friends - now we are passing it to her other friends.  It's like a virus - 3 of her friends are pregnant  already.

It's scarry having kids - no doubt.  I thank god for my kids.  I had it easy - if thats possible.

It's been so hot lately.  Both kids love the beach and swimming pool.  My Son wakes up and  says " go beach".
Just today he can put his head underwater.

I have all wedding images archived on 2 computers plus CD.  I also archive your DVCM for 1 year. 

With your ALL NEG's CD you can make as many prints as you want - for life.

Summer has arrived

This is my new baby girl.  I am having so much fun with her.
My Father died last month.  I want to channel that pain into
loving my kids.  He had a very long Life.  He was out there
on a PT boat near where Kennady was during WW2.

When my Son was born I was more stressed out.  They look
very much a like.  I call her daddy's  little girl.

I checked out Bing.Com today.  I did a search of (images) for Hawaii Weddings and within 5 pages found 2 of my sunset wedding images on other websites (again)..  Once I found a complete website made by party pop.com - with 100% of my photo's.  When I called the photographer he had it removed - no big deal I guess.  I doubt partypop does that anymore.

I think Google is worried about Microsoft's Bing.com.  Google has launched a very aggressive seeming marketing
thing.  Weird things happening with Google.  I had to insert a meta tag on my home page - for Google verification.  How weird is that?  At the moment it's still not fixed - until it's "spidered" again.

Anyway - this is where my heart is every day.  I feel so good when I look at her.  Also - same with my Son.

Super Bowl Sunday

Superbowl Sunday I would usually have a wedding - but not this year.  Last year I rememmber I had the day off too - but allot of trouble with the reception off our Direct TV dish. 

A-Bay has been really nice but the wedding business has been a bit slow.  Good thing I have no mortgage or car payments   The beach has been empty - like it was 8 years ago. 
We see many tourist businesses going down.  This is another good reason to book me as your photographer.  I don't know any other photographer who owns thier house and car - not to mention all the cool cameras. 

My Wife just can't stop working either - so I am supporting her allot.  She is a very special Chef.  Last night she made spring rolls again and the sause.  I try not to eat too much.  She sells out nearly every day - 3 times a week + extra orders.

Nearly every business in Hawaii has felt the downturn.  No one wants to say anything because of fear.  It is scary when you look at the numbers.  Another reason I love the wedding photography business is that even in a ressesion people still fall in love and have weddings.  It's even better now because no one is around

May usually starts are busy season. 

Thanksgiving

As everyone knows many people are in hard times.  Old guys like me made sure we have a house and income.
We have a few neighbors who are really in a bad situation.  Hotels are cutting all hiring.  We saw 2 hotels with - like zero guests when we had thanksgiving by the sea.  I talk to the people nearby - and so I spent today cooking for 2 families - just next door.  I have lots of work to do - but I like to cook and usually bake a few turkeys anyway.

If I wern't a photographer I guess one of the other things I could be is a cook  

People don't stop falling in love and getting married.  We have seen the downturn too.  I have always planned for another downturn - so we have no mortgage or car payments.  The up side is that A-Bay seems like it was 8 years ago - nobuddy around.  It's scarry I guess - but even better.

We are OK - but we see many around us that are not OK.  I'll bake another turkey on Monday.  There are at least 2 of my neighbors who are renting and have no place to go come December.  I delivered 2 big meals today.  One house has their electric turned off.   

I just walked over to their house today and gave them allot of turkey - mashed potatoes - stuffing - beans - gravey etc..I even included some beer and Sprite. 

We have money coming in and no rent.  even my Wife has money.

It seems sappy to say- but giving something makes anyone feel good.

We all know things go up and down.  It's the young people in Hawaii who get hurt.

Now many of the taxi drivers and waiters who do wedding photography are leaving.   stay tuned for more weblogs at  http://www.konaweddings-blog.com 

December is busy  - but not like the last 7 years or so.\