Los Angeles

People often times enjoy exploring the "prettier" side of a city. I like to get an overall view and explore areas others avoid. Here are a few shots from an area in Los Angeles that isn't as appealing. But having said that, such areas are still fascinating and worth exploring. Most of these photographs are taken in Vernon, a city five miles south of downtown Los Angeles, California. 

Mount San Jacinto

Hiking has always been a favorite pastime of mine.  It's one of those activities where you are struggling and even hating the situation as you are in it but once you reach your goal and finish the hike, you feel an immense sense of satisfaction for taking on the challenge. I believe this is an important life lesson we should all learn. You have to repeatedly place yourself in situations where the journey itself is difficult and painful (emotionally, physically, or both) but once it's over, you can look back and be proud of what you accomplished.  If you consistently take on challenges such as these, the experiences you gain keep building off of each other. Every time a more challenging situation comes along, you can look back at all the previous ones you have conquered and this gives you the confidence to face your fears and take on the new challenge.

Here are some recent pictures of a 12-mile hike in San Jacinto State Park in Palm Springs, CA.

Tribute to Oliver Sacks

It's painful to accept the fact that this amazing human being is terminally ill and is going to pass away soon. Dr. Oliver Sacks has lived a rich, fulfilling, and relentlessly unapologetic life. This drawing is my tribute to him and my way of saying goodbye to someone who I greatly admire. I rarely call any specific individual an inspiration but Dr. Sacks is an exception. His infinite curiosity and love of learning is a constant reminder for me to strive to be the same way and I will forever remember him.

For anyone who hasn't read his recent autobiography, I HIGHLY recommend it:

On the Move: A Life


I also recommend reading his two most recent articles in the New York Times. He discusses the beauty of life and how little of it he has left. His writing is very emotional, thoughtful, and philosophical:

My Own Life

My Periodic Table

Music as Therapy

The wonderful aspect of the cello is that you don't have to be technically competent to play rich and soothing pieces. Here is a short bit from a piece I'm learning.