Here are some desktop backgrounds created from photos of various abstract things. These include some impressionist paintings at MoMA NYC, the zen garden at Ryoan-ji, amongst other things. Both full contrast and contrast reduced versions of the photos are available for your desktop pleasure.

Currently I am using the Ryoan-ji wall as my background.

Went to DC on business. Weather was great in both places. I had never been to New York and I had a great time, mostly walking around the neighborhoods. I did an alcoholic walking tour, hopping from bar to bar in each place. The food, music, and drink were fantastic, and the people were actually surprisingly nice! Everything was clean too!

I did a side trip to Coney island, and saw a real live sideshow featuring Insectivora the fire dancer, Heather the Mormon sword swallower, and Donny Vomit, the chainsaw juggling human blockhead. This may have been one of the best things I have ever seen. I also rode the back breaking Cyclone roller coaster, built in 1927.

Photos from Washington DC
Photos from New York City

Photos from Mokauea Island. As part of our practice, we had a run down to Mokauea Island, the last fishing island on Oahu, where the residents are engaged in restoring their self sufficiency. More information about the island is available here.

Photos from my trip to Japan.

Photos of Bop's 65th birthday. Matt and I took the family to stay at the Westin Kaanapali Maui for the weekend.