Festina Lente!!

Lapis lazuli is one of the most magnificent jewellrey mined in Afghānistān or Siberia.
A lot of people have been fascinated by this fantastic colour through the ages.
As you know, we can see it around eyes of Tutankhamun's golden mask.
We also can see in a lot of arts in many churches or Japanese pictures.

This aluminum scale inlaid with lapis lazul i will be one of my favorite stationery as long as I write something by my own hand.

"Tsubame" means a Swallow in Japanese.

And the "Tsubame None" is one of the little bit famous notebook brands in Japan.
I have been writing almost things on them for long.
If anything, I might say that I would had thought I like to write on them by my own fountain pens.

So far, I have spent at least a few dozen of them.
Surprisingly, "Tsubame Note" says that these sheets of paper can be archive over 10 thousands years.
My letters may be seen by people of future !!
I must write more beautiful spells.

I have been taking "New year" holidays for 6 days. And I'm going to welcome a last day tomorrow.
These 7 days, I have spent the most luxurious time.
I drank a cup of coffee at least 4 or 5 times a day in this period.
I also milled coffee beans each time by my coffee-mill which was made by "Peujeot".

Further! I dripped it into coffee server that was made by "Hario Grass". Dripping coffee never makes me bored. During dripping time I can smell excellent aroma from coffee beans. It makes me feel at ease.

Let's take it easy !!

A late Christmas presents were delivered to me.
I was really surprised because I didn't think that anyone gives me any present.
Thanks for your mind !!
This is coffee beans that was cultivated in Republic Dominican.
It was also roasted by Mr. Uchikura who is one of the famous coffee roast meisters of the world.
I'd like to drip them at once.

I'm looking forward to watching "Kafka on the Shore" on play at Saitama theatre.
I haven't seen any plays  seriously. They were only pleasure for me.
But, it needs many knowledge before I watch it.
I would like to read that literature once more.
And, I intend to take these opera glasses when I watch it

http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20111216-OHT1T00005.htm

But actually, I have never made it by myself. I would like to make it someday.
And, I would like to emphasize that, also, its souse should be delicious.
It was tasty.

My best friend is running some "Ramen" shops at southeast area of Saitama prefecture.
He and I came to know each other at the same high school. It happened about 30 years ago.
Since we became friend, our friendship has been continuing to today. and it will continue as long as we live, or even if one of us will have to die !! Therefore, we would live long forever.

I should back to the subject xx
In fact, it was a long time since I went to his shop last time. Probably, last time I'd eaten it was at least 1 year ago.
I'm afraid of you, Shige-chan !! "I'm so sorry..."

Still !! His "Ramen" has been as the No.1!!
If you go or through "Minami-koshigaya", try his "Ramen".
I assure to you. You will be satisfied from them.

Do you have some hobbies?
My hobbies include taking photos, reading books, drinking coffee, eating something yummy, collecting leather goods and some cameras and lenses .

But, those are too luxurious for me. I have to cut off my expensive hobby.
Then, I have to find a real hobby which is important for me.

Probably I can find it someday, or I will look for it forever.

Four years ago, I was given a coffee mill by my precious photographers for my birthday
I had been milling coffee beans almost everyday for this  four years except this half year.

The other day, I restarted enjoying to dripped coffee.
But, my lovely coffee mill had been gradually changing to bad condition.

I should keep to maintenance for every items I own !
Without saying, after cleaning it got back in good condition.

Suddenly, "Magnum contact sheets" has arrived in the afternoon by cash on delivery.
At first, I wondered what's arrived to me. Because in fact, I forgot ordering to bookstore this picture book, and I was ashamed that I didn't have enough money to pay.
Then.I had to rent some money from my wife.

So far ,because I only have too short time I can't gaze at them yet.

I'm looking forward to being moved my heart from these taken by prominent photographers.

And, of course this photo book will put into Aoyama atelier as soon as possible.
If you have interest in this photo book or Magnum, please come to our atelier.
And we will be able to exchange about photograph and oppinion.

I ate tempura for lunch at "Yamamonoue Hotel" in Tokyo.
It was a little bit expensive for me, but today I also received my salary.
I ordered Tempura course A-1.
It includes shrimps, ten kinds of this season's vegetables, and miso soup.

Each of them were fabulous, ingenious, and of course tasting the best  !
Particularly, cashew nuts tempura surprised me its sweet flavor. If I have a chance in this Autumn I'd like to eat it again, or next year i will.

After I left there, I went to the National museum of Western Art at Ueno.
Now, it is displaying "Goya" from Prado museum in Spain as a special exhibition.
I thought they're not bad. If you are interest in them , please go see them directly !

Today's shooting spot was "Ristrante Stella Polare" in Koshigaya Lake Town.
While waiting for the bridal couple, I took photos in the actual situation as a test. 
I got many marvelous pictures.
I hadn't seen such a high quality lens　for long time .

By the way, I restarted drinking coffee at my home from today.
Owing to the huge earthquake, I stopped doing it this spring.
Then, I saved up the one hundred yen coins I used to spend a cup of coffee.
I'm going to contribute the saving to sufferers of the earthquake.

Today; Venezia exhibition that have been waited by me started at the "Tokyo Edo" museum.
I think I would like to go there at least three times while they'll be displayed.
Somebody ! shall we go there with me ?

I intended to go to Firenze today before I left from Japan.
But yesterday, my business had completely landed on that will bring about good news for our customers.

Then, I went to Trastevere area across the Tevere river, instead.I heard that area still have remained the Middle Ages color, and I thought I wanted to go there someday.

It was by far the miracle time for me to take a walk around there.
I was wondering if  I'm in the dream.  But that iss real experience for me.

This trip will reach to the end in a day.
So, I would go to Colosseo and Foro Romano, or Vatican museum once more.

Today's other photos are here!!

I ate chestnuts rice this evening.
It's much more delicious and I think it brings us autumn every year.
Summer season will pass in one month, I think.
Many friends say me "Don't you feel something sad?" when we feel autumn wind every year.
But, I never think so, autumn is the best season for me.
That season fits to me.
Although Winter season will come next it brings us sweet fruits, beautiful red leaves and refreshing winds.

It was a little bit strange weather today. But, it was enough to take photos of wedding till it started to rain.
In spare moments from my work, I found the "Yellow Beatle".
When I and my friends were child, we believed a superstition. It said if we can see the "Yellow Beatle" it'll bring us good luck.
We used to try to find up it, but it was very rare in those days.

Day by day, we were growing up to forget that superstition. Because we had to study hard to pass many exams. Also we interested to do a lot of things, and hobbies.

Today, I could remember finding up it when I saw this "Beatle".
Maybe I'll get something happy.

Now, Japan is in summer.
It's really humid and hot to live this season in Japan.

Today ;  I went to "Stella Polare" at Koshigaya lake town to deliver a wedding photo album.

Whenever I do so I have lunch there.
This lunch includes an hors d'oeuvre or salad, pasta (Select from five flavors), sweets and a cup of drink(tea or coffee). It's only 1,500 yen.
It's enough to be full up.
It goes without saying that those taste very delicious !

I recommend you this fascinating Italian restaurant if you go around the Koshigaya lake town.

I can assure you that you can refresh from here.

EasterEgg's office takes day-off every Wednesday !
We can scarcely take holiday in weekend. But It's no wonder, because we are working for wedding site on ordinary people's holidays.

In fact, it's very convenient if I would like to do something.
I don't have to go to crowded places.
I can choose any seat to watch movies at the theater.
I can spend reading book for long time in the cafe without something bothering.

Today; I went shopping to find certain Classic music DVD.
I was searching for about 30minutes, and at last I could find it.

It's "Karajan".
This movie was taken in 1975 and 1978.

I would like to be listening to music that was conducted by him all night.

Tokyo area is suffering from violent heat and humidity for almost a month.
Also, we have to get over this catastrophic situation with sensibly.
So, we need enough to sleep, big meal, water, and sometimes, we have to enjoy playing.

Our customer and we went to "FIAT CAFE" which is near our Aoyama atelier to have lunch.
If I remember right, it was opened two or three years ago.
But, I haven't been to there till today. This opportunity is my first experience.

Anyway, we had delicious lunch and we exchanged information each other. But it wasn't on business. But, it connect us more friendly. I think so from the bottom of my heart.

This pasta contains meats and octavos. It was yummier than I expected. I ate it while listening to my customers intent story. I'm sorry about my impolitely.

We are in the hottest season now. We should take care of ourselves for them, especially taking enough water is important, also don't forget to do minerals.

But, it is a bit tasteless to drink normal water every time, and again it's difficult to recover our physical condition from dehydration.
Therefor, I think I would like to drink tea or coffee without sugar once or twice at a day.

Today; I was given good tea leaves.
I'd like to drink it as soon as possible.

Today;
My wife gives me surprise present !
The other day, I tweeted "It is suitable to take it whenever I go somewhere", and I told her to present me it as my birthday present that was forgotten if it's possible. It was half as a joke.

Believe it or not, it's a fact.
Really I could gain the Leica X1.
Leica X1 has very large digital sensor as compact camera.
It's so-called "APS-C", and it can make big natural bokeh on its pictures.

This is the first shot of the X1.
This picture is as if a SLR camera's it.

Comfortable strap is very important whenever I take snap photos .
It gives us own two hands. But, it is so difficult for us to find a suitable one.

I remember not finding it many times.
But now, I can easily choose the best strap.
As the proverb goes, "Failure teaches success. "

Today; New two straps arrived, and immediately I carefully coated them with the best leather cream.

I recommend you them, they're fabulous !!

• ULYSSES
• Collonil DIAMANTE

Carl Zeiss C-Sonnar 50mm F1.5

Today;
I went to Stella Porale in Koshigaya Lake town.
That Italian restaurant is covered with many types of plants, and they always show to us colorful flowers and fresh trees in each season.
Recently,  I have begun to interest in watching plants.

Plants never speak to me, but they seem to talk to me something calm, occasionally.
If I were poet, I'd write to express this impression.

But, I'm happy. I can see climactic moment of couples every week, instead.

Unbelievable !! I still haven't gotten this book which I ordered to Amazon about  2 weeks ago.

I've been waiting for that with pleasure till now.
But I couldn't get it even after long period.
What was the matter with it ? I couldn't guess it.

A mail from Amazon was sent me yesterday.
That said, "You can cancel this order, as you like".

I thought it was irresponsible statement. Correctly, they didn't promise me to delivery it in time, they said, "We'll do best efforts !" What a convenient phrase it is as irresponsible ones!! I'd rather say to them, instead. "You had better keep your word, or apologize to customers at first ; otherwise you'll end up losing face".

I  like the "Tokyo tower" rather than the "Tokyo sky tree".
Or the "Tour Eiffel", and the "Sagrada Família" are beautiful.
Perhaps,I and some of people might admire more older or more traditional architectures.

By the way.
These memorial stamps were published in 15th April.

Do you know the Japan Post Service has been continuing  to publish many kinds of memorial stamps several time a each month.

I remember collecting many memorial stamps when I was elementally school student.
They still exist in my mother's home.
But now, I don't purchase to collect of them. Usually, I use them on my work.

Today;
It was so lovely day, doesn't it ?
The weather had been fine.
Temperature just fitted to us, and also humidity was the best refreshed !!

Spring will has been going to pass us at a moment. Summer will come soon.
The Meteorological Agency says. Probably, we'll have to suffer from a scorching sun.
And, we have to face electricity shortage from nuclear power plants accident.
From just now, we should prepare to against it, shouldn't we?

But, don't forget to maintain of your pleasure, always.
What pleasure do you have in the summer?
One of my summer's pleasure is iced coffee.

My favorite iced coffee is dripped down from this coffee-maker.
This is called "Pota", and it makes so-called "Water drip coffee".

If I wanna drink some "Water drip coffee", I have to wait for about 10 hours.
I also like that, too.

Today;
I went to Tsukishima in Tokyo to buy some gears for studio shooting.
Gin-ichi is one of well-known pro shop among photographers.
I haven't been there for about 3 years.

I'd buy many many things for studio if money were no problem.
Poor me !

Let's go back to the subject.

I was intending to buy so-called "Chimera" at first, ...I hate to tell them this, but it smelled awful. It couldn't buy enough.

I decided to select them after so much hesitation almost 2 hours
Those name are "Creative Light".
I had better add more reason.
In fact, those were more cheaper than the Chimeras, and Those style are coolish.