#153 A New Year

The first day of the year is like no other. It's akin to standing in a comfortable shade while peering out into an open field lit by the first rays of the sun. Whatever was in the past year are still fresh, nestled in the shadows just behind you. And whatever will be in the future is still obscured by mist and haze, just over the horizon in front of you. 

For the introspective, today will be a day of reminiscence and hope.

Do I stay in the comfort of the shadows, in a past that I already know, and watch the new world go by? Or do I step into the light, take my place in the world, and allow my destiny to reveal itself? Enjoy.

(Pixel-peepers: Early morning in an open field, the light can be too harsh when you shoot from inside the shadows. Our camera sensors lack the range to record the brightest and darkest, that's why in situations like these you need to make a choice. Should I preserve the shadows and blow-out the sky? Or should I render the blue sky and clouds correctly and simply allow my main subject to go into silhouette? Either one can work, but unfortunately just like today's crossroad, not both! Happy New Year.)

Where in the world is San Jose, Mindoro?

Sign-up to receive new postcards weekly by email 

Past postcards at www.PostcardsFromManila.com

Say hello: Bobbyw59@yahoo.com

But wait, there's more...

For those who've inquired about buying prints of my postcards, you may purchase them directly from master printmaker Arnel Murillo (murilloarnel@yahoo.com), one of the country's foremost fine-art printmakers.  Arnel uses archival inks and museum-grade paper to ensure his prints will not fade. You will not be disappointed. (All my images are provided gratis to help showcase the beauty of our country. But if you feel generous, help me uplift the lives of the Children of Payatas.  No donation is too big or too small. Get in touch with Fr. Aldrin Suan at aldrinsuan@yahoo.com of the Vincentian Missionaries in the Philippines. As always, thanks and enjoy.)