Fishing boats on Nishiki River

I took this shot near the beginning of my time in Japan, and it remained one of my favourites all year.

Stepping in for Mom

I felt for a moment as though I was channeling her spirit.

Dieting With Braces

The basis of the dieting plan: too lazy to clean your teeth? Don’t eat!

Year-old Texts

I miss my Mom.

This is Community

That is exactly what “Community” is all about. That is why we are drawn together.

The Selfishness of My Altruism: shopping carts and Styrofoam peanuts

Is it even possible to be truly selfless? To do good and honestly not get a boost when someone notices?

Japan, as seen through train windows

All trains provide a seat and a window. I provide the camera.

Other things you can do in Nagasaki

Spectacles Bridge was built by Zen master Mokusu Nyojo, and is the oldest stone bridge in Japan.

After the bomb

I wonder how many Americans knew about this after the bomb: we hadn’t vaporized alien beings, but Christians, and sacred Catholic churches and artifacts.

Yumihari Observatory above Sasebo

When we were done taking advantage of our hosts’ incredible balcony, they told us there was an observatory at the top of the mountain. Observatory turns out to mean, in Japan, a viewpoint.