The Spotted Zebra

Man-Cold

2010-08-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

I'm on my 2nd day of nursing my Man-cold. Perhaps one day in the future, scientists will be able to prove that colds do indeed bite men with much more venom than when attacking females. I've managed to haul myself up to my computer to give you a quick update on "tings".

It has been more foggy than usual this San Franciscan summer and temperatures are way below the seasonal norm. Even so the beauty of this city is not easily masked so I continue to enjoy this gem of a city. Last Saturday night, I was hired to shoot a banquet in Chinatown. It was quite a lavish event. The dancing after the food was difficult to resist as layer after layer of the finest, freshest and sick beats from somebody's hood fought to destroy the woofers in the speaker cabinets. It was a well matched fight so as the bass got deeper and the beats that got dirtier, the resultant sound was syncopated nirvana for the B-boys and all the G's in the house!

The hostess loved the photos and I got paid!

My stock library submissions are still doing well although I'm a little amused at just how many times one image in particular has sold and continues to sell. In spite of the rising number, I haven't been able to find where it's being used even though I try to search for it using Tin Eye.

Personal training work is keeping me super fit, except for this man-cold, so it's almost like the older I get the fitter I am. Some of my fitness is due to the fact that I walk a lot around the city taking pictures. When you're distracted like this, it's easy to walk up and down countless steep hills without even noticing. I've always wondered what would happen in San Francisco if we got real snowfalls and icy weather... apart from the obvious rise in incidents of man-colds that is!

2010-07-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

San Francisco People Part 4 by Roi Brooks | Make Your Own Book

My photos are being snapped up

2010-04-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

March was a very busy month apart from it being my birthday. I spent some time analyzing the images I had been submitting to various photo stock libraries and tried a few very targeted approaches to deciding which images to shoot, where to post them and when. Well the end result was sales of 37 images during the month of March. Of course it helped that Easter was coming along and I had done an Easter set complete with coloured Easter Eggs and white bunnies.

This activity has also allowed me to become eligible to take part in the work that is commissioned by some of the libraries. I could have started in March but already had so much going on I decided to wait until this month.

My latest images for sale at
Shutterstock:

My most popular images for sale at
Shutterstock:

Life will be at a much slower pace this month as this week I head out to Belize for a few weeks for some tropical subjects to shoot. Along with some diving, sightseeing and relaxation.

Art attack!

2010-02-11T00:08:00.000-08:00

I've just finished shooting 180 pieces of art for an Artist in San Francisco (Phew!) I also collaborated with him on some art using sculpting and light then supplying the finished pieces as digital images. The great thing about being in close proximity to original artists and their art is that you see the art being created and are able to experience and see the sparks of creation.

All of a sudden you realize that nothing on earth has to be impossible any more, as frenzy after frenzied eruption of creative ideas race each other into your mind, begging to be the first concept to be realized. So instead of putting my camera away and closing the studio for a short rest, I find myself, sketching, visualizing and trying out different light and camera settings to bring my new fountain of ideas to life.

It's late in the night here now and I'm off to bed. But only so that morning will seem to come quicker and I can carry on creating my art!

Spending time with Superwoman

2010-01-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

It was Martin Luther King day on Monday just gone and many people in the US had a holiday. Ironically, one of the people taking a day off was a people's hero in her own right. That's right, Superwoman was having a day off, and well deserved I might add. Since moving to the US, I have come to be on best friend terms with her. She had agreed to let me photograph her in her private lair!

Even though it was her day off, she warned me that there may be some unavoidable interruption during the shoot. Well she is Superwoman and I suppose, she has to be on call 24/7 really. She said she was expecting the plumber. Ah, some kind of code I expect. Anyway I nodding as if to say "It's okay, I understand - wink, wink".

Many of you reading this may not know that Superwoman used to live in Tottenham. She was Supergirl back then, innit. But I was living in London too at that time and had no idea that someone I might have passed as an anonymous face in the metropolis of London was this amazing person who would become such a dear friend to me here in the US.

The shoot went really well and we had fun. I captured shots of her flying and she even let me have one of her using her heat vision. I enjoy comics occasionally but don't have a deep knowledge of the genre, although I do love super action heroes. Superwoman told me about someone who is truly knowledgeable on the subject of comics and I would recommend that you go here and get yourself an education.

I packed up my camera and my lights and then we had a cup of tea together before I left to get back to my office and the excitement of processing pictures of Superwoman.

The plumber did show. She went to the door and was gone for all of 5 seconds, but ... well she is Superwoman, isn't she!

Wondering About Weather

2010-01-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

When I lived in the UK, I had in my mind that one day I would like to live somewhere with better weather. Some may say I've achieved this since I now live in California. But what is better weather? I often meet people who live in predominantly hot climates who talk of cooler climates being "better" or people who live in very dry areas who say wetter climates are "better". Immediately we can see that better weather is very subjective.

"Oh no it's raining" is often uttered as an inconvenience. And yet, one of the most important elements of our planet and our individual bodies is water! So shouldn't rain be hailed and worship equally like the sun?

A couple of days ago the weather in San Francisco became relatively cold and many conversations were filled with how awful and how cold it was. I admit that it wasn't hot, but from my experience of living, it wasn't truly cold enough to be an inconvenience. Speaking with my father, who lives in a tropical country on one of these 'cold' days was odd since he was saying how hot he was and was looking forward to some rain to cool things down. Meanwhile my brother expressed his jealousy of the 'cold' weather in San Francisco sounding positively tropical to the snow, frozen lakes and ice the was being experienced where he was in the UK.

Last week I was sitting in my office when I felt an earthquake that made the building ripple. It was a 4.1 at it's epicenter some miles away but it was enough to move a few small items around in my home. Even though tremors and quakes are regular occurrences in California, the significant shocks dominate conversations for a day or two following. Any inconvenience we may have felt from the quake or from the fact that it looks like rain is coming our way, is suddenly trivia when we look at the devastation in the Haiti earthquake.

Pole Position

2010-01-05T00:32:00.000-08:00

As I strolled through the streets of San Francisco, I was drawn to a young man who was making use of one of the city's erected poles, purely for artistic purposes. And if you saw the whole photoset I think you'd agree with me that this guy is an artiste indeed. He had style and flair, a certain "je ne sais quoi" - but whatever it was, he really knew how to work it.

It's the first working Monday of 2010 and here was a sign for me that people on the whole have become a whole lot more resourceful over the past few months. Could it be that more of us are going to free ourselves from following processes and filling out spreadsheets and once again play with the quirky ingenuities that our brains are capable of coming up with? Are we ready to accept that our computers are our tools and not our masters?

Artistic creativity has to some extent been relegated to the locker room to make space for aggressive, rapid, dollar-farming. The exit strategies for many companies has become the focal point. Businesses come and then are gone tomorrow without a trace - except for the misery of some of the masses that bought into a longer term dream which turned out to be glass beads to distract the natives.

Many people through necessity have found that it is actually ok to walk anti-clockwise. Imagine life is a circular path, you'll still get to where you're going. Not too long ago, Justin Timberlake announced to us all that he was bringing sexy back. Could this be the year the world's populations decide it's time to be bringing fun back...

Contrary to popular convention, you can never have too much fun!

An even start to 2010

2010-01-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all!

So You Want To Break Free?

2009-12-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's that strange time of year in between Christmas and New Year. You know, It feels like it should be over but you know it's not. Some people even have to go to work during this time. Not unlike starting up the Ferrari to drive to the end of the drive to pick up the mail.

All that energy, effort for very little return. Even if you're not at work, the true cost of what you've just been through is starting to niggle at you as you plan for 2010. Yes, this is the year that you've decided you're going to break free.

The new healthier diet, toned body, financial freedom, success at work and home, better car, new clothes, dream vacation, volunteer work, helping the less fortunate - the list goes on and on and on and... Suddenly you're jolted back to the present and realize that you're still imprisoned in this twilight space between parties, between Holy Days, depending on your choice of life. 2010 looks like the ideal moment to truly break free. I mean, it's a new decade too and isn't the world slowly coming out of recession?

The smart people among us worked out that the way to go is not to get tied up in the first place but Christmas is such a seductor. One more gift to buy, one more card to send and then the bills come home to share in our merriment. For the rest of us, once this holiday season is over, we might just break free for the new decade. I've already worked my wrists free so 2010, here I come!

Santa Has Left The Building

2009-12-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

Maybe he goes off for a bit of skiing before packing his bags for an extended, exotic beach vacation. But as his memory rapidly fades, all eyes are now on Old Father Time.

As we stumble blearily through the next few days leading up to New Years Day, the surreal spirit of the season prevails and life is good. At least for the next few days!

American Airlines crash lands into Jamaica.

2009-12-23T09:32:00.001-08:00

What goes up, must come down - but when you're on a passenger jet, you hope it is not always this bumpy. Flight AA 331, carrying 154 people from Miami overshot the runway and stopped just 5 metres away from the sea. Around 40 people were treated for injuries and no-one died.

I frequently fly with American Airlines and am intending to fly to Jamaica in January coming. Hopefully for me, lightning will not be striking twice.

Christmas Rescue Plan

2009-12-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

With swine flu going around, an imminent BA strike, visa and immigration issues, global warming and Tiger Woods now doing the rounds as a golf playa, it makes you wonder if we are getting close to the point when Christmas itself is at risk. I met Perry in Union Square sitting on his owners' lap. Bearing in mind that Perry was dressed as Santa, you'd expect that the seating arrangement would be transposed. But Perry is just a chihuahua so we can make an exception here. Anyway, Perry was part of what seems to be a growing number of Santas seen around the city this year.

Idi Amin and Saddam Hussein only had a handful of lookalikes in case things turned tricky. But Santa seems to have garrisons of lookalikes and is even represented by many other life forms too! Is Santa worried that with the world recession, Christmas is really at risk? Is he just a little afraid that when he delivers those cheaper presents this year, and less of them, that all those sweet little children who have been good will suddenly turn bad!

Thinking it through, I suppose he would need a myriad of fall guys. In every country and every place, and judging from Perrys' choice of outfit, in every species. It's one thing having a child turn bad on you, but a really pissed dog standing between you and your sleigh is not an experience any Santa is going to crave.

Hopefully, all the kids will be reasonably appeased, somewhat distracted because they can play with daddy all day, because he doesn't go to the office anymore...

Taxi, follow that parcel - he might need help!

2009-12-17T22:34:00.000-08:00

I went down to Fisherman's Wharf today. The first time in about 3 or 4 months. Apart from the gigantic christmas tree and other tinsel draped displays, there seemed to be distinct evidence that San Francisco was still getting it's fair share of tourist.

I know that the statistisians will tell us that this is the worst christmas ever for tourism, and santa's elves have been told that there will be no payout on their profit share this year, but there I was, pressed by the deluge of visitors wnadering around pier 39.

I took a taxi down and agreed to let the driver take me on a roundabout trip so that he could deliver a package. He very kindly turned off the meter for a portion of the journey. Ah, the Christmas Spirit lives!

Arriving home later that afternoon, I met the UPS man at the apartment entrance, struggle with a load of very large parcels. He was a slim man and I didn't spot any reindeer. Satisfied that it wasn't Santa Claus, I gave him a hand with the door and the many packages. I only had letters in my mail today, but seasonal cheer is looking like it may still triumph this Holiday period.

I wouldn't but maybe Tiger would...

2009-12-16T00:40:00.001-08:00

I'm not criticizing Tiger Woods' taste in sexual partners, just the quantity. If he hadn't committed to a monogamous relationship then who cares. As long as he's not hurting anyone. However it seems that Tiger's wood has an insatiable appetite for all creatures great and small! Sorry, that was unfair. I should say, most women, short or tall. Whatever fulfillment he's searching for, he seems determined to take his work with him everywhere as he stays focused on trying to get his little balls in as many holes as he can.
I say little because I'm obviously talking about golf. The confusion for Tiger has been which of his balls he uses most. This slight confusion has also got his sponsors rushing to pull out. A kind of big brand coitus interruptus. It's left to Tiger now to prove that when this has all died down, he can still deliver the money shot!

Roi is feeling the joy

2009-11-03T14:48:00.001-08:00

I've started my own business and suddenly America - and the world - seems to have multiplied the possibility for opportunity and success right off the scale!

On Monday morning, I gave someone a personal training session before going on to I do a location shoot for some ladies from Miami. I managed to get some SFO city shots done for myself too. Today, I visited a design company over in the East Bay to talk about an idea I have for an art installation.

I'll be zipping off shortly to meet a friend in Union Square before meeting another friend for drinks and maybe something to eat later on.

The weather is glorious and the future looks bright!

La Traviata at the ballpark

2009-09-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday evening we went along to the Opera. Being in San Francisco I didn't want to get too orthodox or traditional, so we went to watch La Traviata as a "simulcast" at the Giants Baseball ground. The show had been rigged up to be broadcast simultaneously from the stage to a big screen at the baseball ground. It sounds all new fangled but it's just really another Americanism for "live broadcast".

It was performed really well by the San Francisco Opera Company who were as diverse a cast as were the people enjoying the show.

Even though it was fun, you can't beat going to see a performance live on stage, but then, they don't serve hot chocolate and garlic fries in the opera house!

Another way of looking at things

2009-09-04T23:40:00.001-07:00

Carrera S
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Quite pleasantly, I discovered that the view from my office at work offers some great angles for photo opportunities. The light is especially interesting during the late afternoons and I've been inspired to take my DSLR camera in to the office more often.

Frederick Street Fire

2009-09-01T23:29:00.001-07:00

Frederick Street Fire
Originally uploaded by roijoy

There was what seemed to be a constant stream of sirens passing our apartment on Sunday afternoon. So many that after a while w opened a window to see if we could see any clue as to where they were headed. As the window opened, smoke blew into the room.

Going up to the roof I was met with this sight as a house burned jusr a block and a half away. Police and fire crews were hard at work and had everything under control in just under 2 hours.

Hopefully no-one was hurt and the fire damage doesn't appear too extensive from the street.

All Arse About Face

2009-08-26T23:54:00.001-07:00

All Arse About Face
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Now that I'm paying a lot of attention to passengers on my commute, looking out for a photo opportunity, everyone suddenly has a starring role all around me. It's interesting how regular commuters claim their space and make it become an extension of their breakfast bar, bathroom, make-up dresser, and multiple other environments that seem to follow them out of their homes.

It's a bit like being able to look at a council estate with the exterior walls torn away so that you can see individual lives tending to their habits, not yet interacting with the rest of society.

Big Roller

2009-08-23T22:18:00.001-07:00

Big Roller
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Didn't do a lot this weekend but got some well needed rest. Ant has been traveling a lot so was also happy to have a lazy weekend. I did manage to fit in a gym session though and am hoping to get back to a more regular fitness program right away.

So no clubbing, fancy dinners, or exotic entertainment, but still felt like a VIP!

Taxi Seem Tempting versus Walking!

2009-08-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

I went through this whole week feeling remarkably tired. I did a workout early this morning and am feeling tired again now. On close consideration I'm feeling it's probably just the need for a little more sleep. I have had regularly late nights for the past 2 weeks and will probably spend the next 2 weeks on a very strict awake and sleeping cycle.

Back On The Job

2009-08-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

My sumptuous weekend was making being back at work a huge test of will. Still, I was able to get the things done that needed to be done and in general make good progress.

It was a sunny and nice day and tempted though I was to work through lunch, I was eventually seduced by the sunlight to take an afternoon break from the office. I spent the evening, cooking, watching Ruth Rendel Mysteries on TV and then edited some photos from the weekend.

Bed before midnight would be a good move I think...

Russian River, Poolside

2009-08-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just got back from an amazingly relaxing weekend at a house in the Russian River area of California. We lounged by the pool, ate, lounged by the pool, played games, lounged by the pool, went for a walk in the woods, lounged by the pool, and then, oh yes, lounged by the pool!

You Go Girl

2009-08-13T23:37:00.000-07:00

I went for a rapid Coca Cola, ( Well that's what I asked for. What I got could well have been own brand cola, but hey, I wasn't out for the drinking) at Pier 23 with a friend who was also moving on from my previous employer. She's always been a really fun friend and we are all wishing her the very best for the future - You Go Girl!

There's an apartment for rent again in our block. It's been available for 3 days now. Why am I seeing any significance in this. Well. when we moved out here in 2006, Landlords were barely able to finish putting up to let notices before being stampeded by hordes of eager, money waving, would be tenants. Also, our block has a reputation of having desirably spacious accommodation. So three days standing empty seems really odd.

That's the economy for you I suppose!

Traveling Incognito

2009-08-13T11:47:00.001-07:00

Traveling Incognito
Originally uploaded by roijoy

I've taken to capturing my daily commute with my iPhone camera of late. I really like the candidness of these images. Also, as I look at them, each individual starts to emit a really strong persona instead of just being another commuter on the train. It's almost as if they are moments from a movie with each person caught in the frame taking on the starring role for that moment.

It's also inspired me to put together a multimedia piece which I have started working on. It will take a while to complete but I'm finding it fun to do.

Work is really busy at the moment and is taking the lion share of my time right now, but I am managing to keep hold of my weekends to recharge.

There was a nice San Francisco moment last week when Antonella and I wandered down to the Castro on Sunday afternoon to enjoy real Italian ice creams. We sat in the pedestrianized outdoor plaza to eat them in the sun. In the middle of people walking around and shoppers enjoying the weather, there were 2 naked men sitting opposite us, chatting away oblivious to any "difference" between them and those of us who were fully clothed.

A few tourists couldn't help gawking and taking a few surreptitious pictures. But for the San Franciscans, it was just another day in the Castro.

MUNI Madonna

2009-07-21T22:46:00.001-07:00

This morning I had to ask myself - So how serious am I about going to the gym before work this morning?

Turns out I was VERY SERIOUS!!

First of all I couldn't find my cheque book and I needed to mail the payment for the water bill in Belize today.
6:45 a.m. and the clock is ticking.
6:55 a.m. Ah! here it is. Still time to make it to the gym.
7:05 a.m. Arrive at the MUNI train stop and check the LED travel info display. Next train due in 29 minutes. WHAT! This is the rush hour. What's going on? How am I going to get to the gym before work? Maybe I should just forget the whole thing and go straight to the office.
7:10 a.m. "There'll be a shuttle bus along in 10 minutes guys" It was the MUNI controller on his phone talking with the control centre. So that's good then. I can still make the gym.
7:18 a.m. The bus turns up 2 minutes early but the driver is traveling in the wrong direction. "Turn that thing around" the controller commands and the bus disappears up the street looking for a place to turn around.
7:25 a.m. We clamber aboard the bus. I can still fit a 40 minute workout in if things go smooth from here.
7:26 a.m. "Does anybody know the way to downtown?" the driver is inquiring from all of us passengers. Head in my hands now but wait, 2 passengers move up to the front of the bus and start barking out instructions to the driver, who it turns out was new to the job that very day and had never been on the route before.
7:40 a.m. The bus reaches Duboce Park and I decide to jump off and run down to the Metro stop at Church. Hopefully if I can switch my journey back to rail travel I won't get caught up in traffic.
7:50 a.m. I'm on a train now. Can still squeeze in a half hour session.
8:05 a.m. I leap off the train at Montgomery and leg it up every set of stairs and keep running when I emerge above ground.
8:15 a.m. I'm working out now. It was an intense half hour!

In spite of all my own anxieties, I couldn't help noticing this Madonna like passenger who seemed to be saying that everything would be alright. And everything was...

Great Recovery

2009-06-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

I had some dental surgery last Thursday which included bone grafts in both upper and lower jaws. Even though I was a little anxious, I couldn't help smiling and even laughing a little when I was presented with my "outfit" for the procedure! Yes the shades are included. I know, I thought it was a joke at first too... but no!

The surgery went very well and 2 hours later I was groggily on my way home. Novacain and some other pharmaceuticals got to work on my body. Later on I picked up some vicodin which basically finished me off for the day - but at least in a painless state. I ate my first solid food yesterday which was chicken. Well it's always chicken isn't it!

And The Winner Is...

2009-06-15T22:18:00.001-07:00

And The Winner Is...
Originally uploaded by roijoy

San Francisco. So even after 3 years of intense exposure to America, I still view San Francisco as one of the best cities on earth to live in! Okay so it's a bold and biased statement but it works for me.

Even work is fun. We had a tricycle race over a timed, set course we set up in the office space and got some drinks in and let rip! I think this is going to be a regular event while I'm here at the company.

Other than that, the weather is pleasant and the people are nice - sounds good to me...

Held Still By Her Own Reflection

2009-06-10T00:30:00.001-07:00

As I made my way home on the MUNI, a woman passenger turned the space in front of the doors in my carriage into her own personal dressing space. She tried various hairstyles and even experimented with her make-up.

She could have been a make-up artist "working on the train" but whatever she was there was an uneasy nervous energy around her. It was interesting that amidst all of her activity her own reflection seemed detached from her and more relaxed or resigned to the journey.

Full Crab Feasting

2009-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Sausalito plan worked a treat. We had lunch at Horizons with a view of the bay and San Francisco city. I went for the whole crab feast. After that it was walking then top down cruisin'.

A Shadow Of My Present Self

2009-06-07T00:47:00.001-07:00

A Shadow Of My Present Self
Originally uploaded by roijoy

It's after midnight and despite a rigourous workout which had me barely able to crawl home from the gym, I've still got my engine running. The weather was lovely today and so I'm planning to spend Sunday in Sausalito soaking up some more sunshine!

Softening The Edges

2009-06-05T22:26:00.001-07:00

Fecund
Originally uploaded by roijoy

It was a very busy week at work and socially. The other slighty unsettling detail is that the weather forecasters had predicted rain and cold this week. And although we did see some very light isolated showers, it was actually warm and quite pleasant this whole week. In spite of the fact that I went to work everyday dressed to navigate rain and cold.

Amidst all the grey of my daily commute, there were some women who decided to carry on dressing for the summer and add a soft edge to the lives of everyone who would pause long enough to take note.

A Really Good Pumping & Flowers

2009-06-04T09:06:00.001-07:00

Bird Of Paradise
Originally uploaded by roijoy
Last night I had an unexpected opportunity to get some serious pumping action with a girl friend. OK, so you've guessed it wasn't quite what is insinuated here.

I was booked to carry out a Physical Training session with my friend and the routines we are currently working through require the use of an exercise ball. Up to now I'd been making my own ball available, but last night she had her own and was ready to put it to use for the 1st time.

When I got to her, she only had her ball half pumped so I naturally offered to finish the job for her. We worked hard and laughed a lot. There are so many puns and innuendos that I could weave into this, I think I'll just leave it all here :)

I've noticed that my cut flowers that I keep on my desk at work seem to be lasting longer and longer. Even though I buy a fresh bunch at the beginning of each week, I'm still enjoying some blooms from 3 weeks ago! Maybe it's just something in the air but they seem to be so happy and in their own way enjoying this stage of their lives.

The Make Out Lounge

2009-06-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

HoopGirl and HoopGoddess performed live at the launch of their latest book "Hooping".

It took place at The Make Out Lounge in the Mission district of San Francisco. A good number of other hooping performers appeared showing off their various styles and interpretations of the beats being pumped out by the evenings' DJ

In The Pink

2009-06-01T23:24:00.001-07:00

At the start of every week, I buy flowers for my desk. These pink roses turned out beautiful considering they were a $10 bunch from Safeway Supermarket. (Which I still refer to as Sainsbury's if I'm not concentrating! - Old shopping habits die hard, even after 3 years)!

An Evening With Roberto Benigni

2009-05-26T23:13:00.001-07:00

Davies Symphony Hall
Originally uploaded by roijoy

After the long weekend a little culture was in order. We went along to the Davies Symphony Hall to be entertained by the famous Italian comic Roberto Benigni.

After a very light-hearted and engagingly funny introduction and warm up. He led us all through a very deep and thought-provoking journey by walking us through the 3rd circle of hell in Dante's Inferno. He finished off the evening with an inspired and heartfelt recitation from Dante.

And so to bed now...

Sensi

2009-05-25T23:23:00.001-07:00

Sensi
Originally uploaded by roijoy

And I could do with some now - probably. It's been a while and a lot has passed. The house build in Belize is now done and we're just organizing details for more fittings ans fixtures. When we left, the Hurricane shutters had been installed so the rainy season shouldn't be a worry.

Since then I've been off to Detroit and LA and will be back in LA again this week.

Lots going on and I need to break out a little which will definitely start to happen this week.

World - here I come again!!!

Nutter

2009-04-16T15:31:00.001-07:00

Nutter
Originally uploaded by roijoy

So I've been just a tad busy lately. 2 photoshoots, a trip to Detroit, nights out with friends, a Wii tournament, Shopping at the new Paul Smith in town (and paying a visit to my friends at G-Star IMMEDIATELY NEXT DOOR !!! Wallet is still in recovery), Easter Sunday with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, becoming a personal trainer to yet another eager body, and keeping things moving along at work, it's been fun-filled and fantastic!

The weather is beautiful too in San Francisco so I can wear my favorite clothes although I think I should get myself a few more pairs of new trousers - hmmm!

Another Monday in Sunny California

2009-04-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Even though the weather was still glorious you could feel there was a chill growing in the air on Monday. Work is busy, and lots of things get done. We have just won a big piece of work at the office and we need to make sure we have resources and good plans solidified to make sure we deliver successfully.

Anyway enough of work already! I did have a fun lunch rclining on a grassy knoll with one of our Creatives enjoying a toasted proscuito and mozzarella sandwich on forcaccia bread. Mmm yum. Yes I know - I've probably just made a spelling mistake!

The even was an absolute joy. I met up with a good friend in the lounge bar at E & O's in the Financial District. To give you an idea of the evening, I sat waiting for my friend to arrive with a Pomegranate Margherita to keep me company. Time flew past and a jolly good time was had by all when I was finally dropped off at my apartment!

Obama

2009-04-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

The weather was absolutely amazing over the weekend in a sunny summer type of way. I got a good session in at the gym as well as managing to go out and do a quick impromptu photoshoot with a colleague. After we had shot loads - so to speak - we wandered down to the Haight to get some much deserved liquid refreshments.

Once in the washroom there was a choice of using the conveniences and leaving or scribing a phrase, so philosophically witty, that my immortality would be guaranteed. Instead, I performed, I washed, I read and left!

After all I don't have as close a relationship with the President as a previous patron!

Snarly Lunch

2009-04-03T01:31:00.001-07:00

Snarly Lunch
Originally uploaded by roijoy

In spite of the look on our faces, we are really enjoying the beautiful spring sunshine here in San Francisco.

Why Are You So F••kin' Happy Dude?

2009-03-12T23:52:00.001-07:00

Seagull
Originally uploaded by roijoy

... Is what a guy asked me on the street as I walked back to the office from lunch today. I had been down to the ferry building and also wandered around on the piers enjoying the sunshine.

It's been another busy week but again a productive one. This evening I went to visit my friend Sonia for a while and spent a few hours laughing and chatting.

Oh yes... "Because I'm a happy guy" was my response to the question!

Winter In The Sunshine

2009-03-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

It was practically summer in San Francisco this weekend gone. The weather was absolutely glorious. I managed to get to the gym on both days of the weekend and did a fair bit of street photography on Sunday afternoon. Oh yes, and retracing my thoughts I've just realized I bought 3 pairs of shoes this weekend. Oh well - Happy Feet for me then!

On Sunday afternoon I went along to my local parlour and luxuriated in a Pedicure, Manicure and hand and feet massages. I could have slept right there but, there was still weekend time to enjoy and the sun was shining.

Today I was back at work and had a very busy but very productive day. At lunchtime I managed to scout a location that I'll go back and photograph sometime soon. It's the Plaza area just opposite the Ferry Building. The picture about is from my lunchtime scouting session.

Attack Of The Wheelie Bins

2009-03-03T00:19:00.001-08:00

Attack Of The Wheelie Bins
Originally uploaded by roijoy

It was another rainy day in San Francisco. The journey to work was v-e-r-y slow and the trains (when they turned up) very full. Still, the experience is nowhere near as jam-packed as it was commutung in the London underground so I still don't complain because I've see how bad it could be!
I took this with my iPhone while I was waiting. I was also was curious to know if my new Translink Pass would work. Translink means that I can now by my monthly public transport travel online and I've actually chosen the option to purchase automatically. Theoretically, I don't need to even think about having to pay fares anymore as long as I have my Translink card with me.

She Said She Was A Rock Star

2009-03-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

I got a lot of photography completed last week. I had a shoot for a soap story which is appearing on the internet as stills with speech bubbles. I also had the model I have been using a lot lately come and do some expression shots for me at our apartment.

It's been very rainy in San Francisco, which was well needed, so going out needs to be planned carefully. I don't want to invest in any heavy rain-wear since most of the year it's totally unnecessary.

Just finished a weekend of dog-sitting for one of Antonella's friends. Time for a glass of wine and chilling out I think.

To Ski or Not To Ski

2009-02-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

I've planned to go skiing a few times these past two weeks but the weather has been a little hazardous in terms of taking a long drive in pouring rain on my own. I had planned to drive up to Tahoe and ski today but the forecast had been for heavy rain all around San Francisco which would obviously make the roads hazardous. So last night I decided I would stay in San Francisco today and guess what? The weather was beautiful.

Oh well. It wasn't a wasted day. I drove out to Golden Gate Bridge and went for a walk over it with my camera. It turned out to be bracing but lovely and relaxing in the sunshine that wasn't really supposed to be there!

HALFWAY THROUGH MY FIRST WEEK

2009-02-10T22:56:00.001-08:00

I've had 2 days now of induction and tomorrow will place me halfway through my first week at the job.

Met my friend Kate this evening to discuss a photoshoot I'm planning for her to model for me.

Need to rest now since my personal trainer will be taking me through my paces at 07:00 in the morning!
MY FIRST
Originally uploaded by roijoy
I've had 2 days now of induction and tomorrow will place me halfway through my first week at the job.

Met my friend Kate this evening to discuss a photoshoot I'm planning for her to model for me.

Need to rest now since my personal trainer will be taking me through my paces at 07:00 in the morning!

The Darkness Just Makes The lights Brighter

2009-02-10T00:39:00.001-08:00

I Started my new job today. It was so refreshing to be in a learning environment again and being given lts of stimulus to feed my mind. I really enjoyed all the new personalities and am so excited about being able to channel and shape a lot of the amazing energy and potential I felt throughout the day.

I've completed day one of my 4 day induction/ orientation and look forward to the rest of the week. I feel very positive about this new adventure.

It's been raining here in San Francisco which is actually quite welcome right now. It's a little chilly though! The upside is it shows another side of the city and encourages me to get my camera out and go and record some of the spirit of these winter nights.

It'll Probably Be Seismic

2009-02-05T02:18:00.001-08:00

I went to the Gym this morning to put Nelly through her gym session and afterward met Rodney for lunch in the Mission area of the city. Rodney is doing phenomenally well and is working really hard too but enjoying it.

In the afternoon I met up with Jeannie for a photoshoot with her. I was quite pleased with the results and have already started processing the images tonight.

After the shoot we wondered around the Haight for a while and got some coffee before Jeannie needed to go to her next appointment. The weather was quite nice again today although I just heard rain outside while I'm writing this at 2 in the morning. And I think it's my bedtime!!

Waiting For Code Red

2009-02-03T23:29:00.001-08:00

Waiting For Code Red
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Today was a good day. I had a personal training session which took me to within sniffing distance of the sulphur bellowing up from hell itself but I'm reasonably recovered now. I met my friend Megan for a quick coffee which ended up lasting 4 hours!

I zipped home showered and changed in time to go and meet my friend Sonia at the Regis for cocktails and then a lucious dinner at Salt!. I should really get to bed now since I have another gym session in the morning.

Nighty night!

Putting Glide In The Slide

2009-02-02T19:57:00.001-08:00

Putting Glide In The Slide
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Today was my 1st non-working weekday in between jobs. I went down to the gym and did a workout with Nelly before picking up my camera and heading downtown to take some street shots.

The weather was glorious, blue skies and 70º. I ran into Marlon just off Market at Stockton.

Lunch was bigger than planned. I got a burger at Burgermeister. Had an afternoon nap before catching up with some more friends.

I could get used to this!

The Change

2009-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

I finished my job at Publicis Modem today. I started when the company was Digitas and now, 8 years and 3 months later I am making a radical change and leaving it all behind.

I am not working for the next week. I plan to get some rest and go skiing.

Change Dawns

2009-01-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Change Dawns
Originally uploaded by roijoyObama became the 44th President of America today. And so change effectively began today, I will definitely be watching the progress on this.

In my own life I'm also embracing change. I announced my resignation in the office today and so my change too begins. My last day in the office is Thursday 29th January

Lake Tahoe

2009-01-19T00:20:00.001-08:00

Lake Tahoe
Originally uploaded by roijoyWe went skiing in Tahoe this weekend. The weather was absolutely amazing. The snow was perfect and there was no wind. We skied at Heavenly. It was quite strange to be up on the mountain and look toward California and see snow then look over to Nevada and see desert!

The skiing was actually fairly relaxed and we managed to get quite a few really enjoyable runs in.
We met someone on one of the lifts who during a conversation reminded us that in the UK you have to ski on astro-slopes. After powder like this, it wouldn't even be a consideration anymore!!

Afterward we drove up to the North Lake, stopping to take in some views along a short trail around the Emerald Bay.

So It's 2009 then!

2009-01-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

I spent New Years at our house in Belize then flew back to San Francisco to get back to work for the next 12 months of 2009. Right now we are experiencing the most beautiful weather and yesterday was spent sitting outside at a restaurant on the bayside eating deliciously fresh crab.

Today coming home fom work it was still quite balmy in the evening. Not wanting to be caught out however, I stopped in at G-Star on the way home and bought myself a new jumper for the season.

The house is oh so close to completion in Belize and basically it's just the finishes and detailed items that need to be completed now. It was nice to get on the beach too while we were out there.

Light Entertainment

2008-12-15T23:28:00.001-08:00

Light Entertainment
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Just got home from dinner at the Colonial with Antonella's work colleagues. On the way home we got the equivalent of a poke in the eye that Christmas is pretty much here - now!

This is someone's house on Masonic.

The Prom

2008-12-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

I attended my first Prom on Thursday night! That's another huge tick on my list of living the American Dream. The Prom was our office party which was themed as an 80's Prom Night. It was really good fun with a live band playing hits from the 80's.

Today we were supposed to go to another Party but after over 30 minutes driving round the Mission district of the city, we had to call it quits since no parking whatsoever was available! Next time it will be a taxi ride!

You Are My Shining Star

2008-12-10T00:08:00.001-08:00

You Are My Shining Star
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Couldn't really get in to the rhythm of today. The Muni was late this morning going to work, had to do some stomach churning tasks at the office today, left for an appointment and forgot to get some cash to pay for I had signed up for, got a cab home and then couldn't find my keys to get in to the appointment, receive a sarcastic email from a client at 11:45 pm.

But I did see this star!

Keep On Moving

2008-12-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Got up early this morning and then walked down the Haight to help some friends moving apartments. All went very smoothly and all morning the theme seemed to be that everything just managed to fit perfectly. One of the guys had the use of a zip car which seemed almost custom designed to take the things we put inside it.

Caught some local graffiti as I started walking home. Had an afternoon nap and then just chilled out for the rest of the evening.

More Schoolin'

2008-12-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Well my time off is over and it's back to work in the morning. Even though I was supposed to be off work today I ended up doing 4 hrs work from home which killed my own plans that I had for today. Oh well and never mind.
It does feel a bit like going back to teach school tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the days when I feel more like I'm going to work.

If You Go Down To The Woods

2008-12-01T00:13:00.001-08:00

If You Go Down To The Woods
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Another glorious day in San Francisco. I went to the gym again today then took a walk back up around Buena Vista. I was able to immerse myself in my daydreams as I meandered up and down the hills and through the woodland.
After I got back home I put this image together prompted by the thoughts that had just been going around in my head. Regardless of how it looks they were all very pleasant thoughts!

Turkey Day and all that

2008-11-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

We actually celebrated Thanksgiving this year. We were invited to Sauce restaurant in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco by some friends who know the owners. It was really good fun. Although I think the turkey got off lightly, if anyone was stuffed it was me!
After dragging ourselves back home with the additional weight we were now carrying, we watched a bit of TV before going to bed to pass out!

Friday was a proper chill-out day and then today we're back in to regular living. I went to the gym today walking there and back, since the weather is beautiful today.

Give Thanks

2008-11-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving and I'm just clearing my desk so I can leave the office and start my long weekend. We had a Thanksgiving lunch at the office on Tuesday which was lovely. Right, well I don't want to hang around at the office any longer today so I'm off!

Eye Eye

2008-11-22T02:12:00.001-08:00

_B214691 copy
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Jeannie came in to my office today and flicked through a few of my mags. Whatever it was she had the page open at it certainly made her eyes pop out of her head.

It's 2 in the morning and I really should go to bed now. I think I'm just going to take it easy this weekend. I'll also test out my new studio photographic lighting that I just bought. They're continuous fluorescents, daylight balanced so that I can do really controlled shots without my models breaking out in to a sweat!

The Heat Is On

2008-10-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

So it's October and it was 81º in the city today. I've been trying to slow down in general and get some much needed rest - even though I'm still at the gym by 07:00 in the mornings! Talking of excercise, we went for a guided walk on Sunday. A friend of a friend has decided to become a tour gide and wanted some guinea pigs to try out a new route he had put together. He was actually very good and knew a lot of interesting facts. Even though we were walking in places that I commonly venture in to, he still managed to bring a fresh perspective to the experience.
It was on this walk that I took this shot of the TransAmerica building.
If you need a San Francisco tourguide, you can find out about Anton at: Urban Trek USA

Even if I don't go to the gym, I'm still leaving home early in the mornings to enjoy the city while it's still stirring and also catch the sunrises before I start my day in the office.

This is the Bay Bridge with about 10 minutes walking left before I arrive at the office.

Angel Island On Fire

2008-10-13T23:30:00.001-07:00

Angel Island On Fire,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Last night just as I was preparing for bed, I looked across the bay and saw some golden lights glowing out on the water. Almost immediately I realized these were not lights but a fire that had broken out on Angel Island!

Thankfully by morning it all seemed to be completely under control but San Francisco still waits to hear what caused this fire.

Look! Up in the sky!

2008-10-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Blue Angels were in the city this week taking part in San Francisco Fleet Week. We went along to my office building which is in Fisherman's wharf where we were able to enjoy a front row view of the air show.

We had originally planned to go to Decompression (a sort of aprés Burning Man) but in the end succumbed to a lazy weekend!

It's Been A While

2008-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

But life goes on. I've been to Belize another 2 times and the house is coming along
beautifully.
By the time we last left at the end of August,
the roof was on and the windows were all installed.

Antonella has re-established her hooping links and I went to watch her hooping at night in Union Square, the main square in San Francisco. They had illuminated hoops and it was all very cool to watch.
Our apartment building is also looking quite grand noqw since the restoration work in the lobby and around the fountain has all been completed now. We've also been hosting visitors in San Francisco. Carol and Matt came to visit enroute from their home in Mexico to London and we Just had Fabio staying with us from Rome.

Work is still work and still pays the bills. We went to Folsom Street Fair last week which if you've never been could catch you completely unprepared. This is the 3rd one we've attended and I have pictures from all of them on my Flickr account. This weekend the Blue Angels are in town to take part in the air show. It's also Decompression this weekend so loads of photo opportunities around!

City Sunrise

2008-08-13T23:46:00.001-07:00

City Sunrise,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

I was on my way to the gym this morning at 06:30 when I got the distinct feeling that today would be a beautiful day!

Breath Of Fresh Air

2008-08-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wings,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

We had friends staying in the city this weekend and today, after a trip to Sausalito for lunch, we strolled around Golden Gate Park. It was a great opportunity to do some more photography and enjoy the sunshine

And So To Bed To Dream

2008-08-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

As the evening closed in so did the cloud cover. As the sun went down I sat and watched from my apartment window, how the sky turned into a dreamscape.

You can just make out the mountains in Marin which are across the bay on the east side. If it was less cloudy you would be able to make out one of the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge. Maybe I'll take another picture of that sometime. Goodnight and sweet dreams!

Lock Stock & Barrel

2008-08-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

We had a lazy day today and just wondered around the neighborhood. We popped in to the new luxury chocolate shop just opened 2 weeks ago and had a chocolate drink and bought some truffles to take home. When we got home, we checked the post and found this:

We now have the deeds to our place in Belize which means we now own it completely outright!! So now we have legal proof that we do OWN our slice of paradise in the Caribbean.

Those truffles certainly came in handy this evening - along with a nice glass of red wine.

Another Milestone

2008-08-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Today was our 10th wedding anniversary and 19 years together. After exchanging gifts and stuff we drove up to the wine country.

There is a lovely winery just outside of Sonoma and it was here we spent the afternoon on the terrace and drinking champagne which I must say was rather civilized.

The weather was gorgeous so we cruised around in the car with the top down with nowhere to be and no special time to be there. It was so nice and relaxing and felt very "Californian" indeed.

On the way home we crossed the bay on the Golden Gate Bridge which even though we see it regularly, it's always spectacular to be actually crossing it.

Back to School

2008-07-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Traffic School that is! I'm developing a relationship with the San Francisco Department of Motor Vehicles that I really need to end. Hopefully this attendance of traffic school will be my last encounter with the Courts and the DMV for a good while. And why did I end up in Traffic School?
I got a speeding ticket.

A patrol unit pulled me over and reminded me that the 3 figure speed I was driving at was wholly illegal and qualified me for an instant driving ban. However, after some conversation and a display of contrition, the officer wrote me a ticket for 90 mph which meant I wasn't banned.

The courts issued me a fine of $311.00 plus court fees. I was now in a situation where I could expect to see my insurance premiums rise by $600 per year - but - this is America. If I attended 8 hours of traffic school I would have the offence suppressed meaning it wouldn't show up on my driving record so no increase in premiums etc. Do I want to go to traffic school? Hell Yeah!

Since this is San Francisco there is a very accepting spirit to all people which meant that of the schools I could choose from to attend, everything was represented - almost. Still, for a laugh, I chose to attend "Finally A Gay Traffic School".

Well, I got my certificate and am driving like a saint at the moment. Anyway I don't really need to be anywhere in too much of a hurry right now.

I was out in Belize in June to see the progress on the main house we are building out there. Everything was good and when I left at the end of June they were very close to putting the roof on. In fact that work should begin tomorrow. It was very rainy but still really enjoyable and relaxing since most of the rains were during the nights and the sun shone in the daytime.

Even though our place is basically a building site right now I was still able to have fun on our beach and in the sea. I even went out with my underwater scooter a few times, but the visibility wasn't great because the storms had caused the sea to churn up the sea bed.

I got back to San Francisco in time to go and photograph Pride 2008. Costumes were great as always and the atmosphere very convivial.

Back in San Francisco life regained it's pace of work, social events and just enjoying the place. A friend got married and I went a long to the wedding which was a very elegant and well catered affair full of "beautiful people".

Welcome To America

2008-05-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

What the notice actually said was, "Welcome to the United States of America". Yes we got our Green Cards today!! We are now officially USA residents with all the rights attached to that.

It's been an interesting couple of years of filling out forms and refilling some and then tracing information that you'd think no-one would ever be interested in. But we were patient, we jumped when Uncle Sam said jump and we sat quietly and waited when Uncle Sam told us to.

We cracked open a nice bottle of Malbec Reserve and laughed a lot and danced around for a while before going to bed. There are endless possibilities open to us now so - another adventure kicks off it seems!

My Kind of Town

2008-05-28T00:03:00.001-07:00

My Kind of Town,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

It was Memorial day this weekend past which meant that Monday was a Bank Holiday equating to a long weekend. We spent the whole weekend luxuriating at and in Wilbur Hot Springs.

On the drive there we came across a town that could have been mine. It was tidy and understated with a sense of lots of unbroadcast "stuff" going on. Even more so when it shows the population at a nice easy 92!

The slab has been successfully poured

2008-04-26T16:10:00.001-07:00

The slab has been successfully poured,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

We signed contracts with our builders in March and they have been busy with putting the foundations of our new house in place.
Today we received photos and videos of the progress which now shows the concrete slab that the rest of the house will stand on is now poured and set.

This build, just like the last one will be managed by us remotely from San Francisco with a few trips out to sign off at key stages.

Birthday, Belize & Builders

2008-03-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I celebrated my birthday in Belize this year and decided that I should do this every year from now on. I had so much "fun in the sun". Antonella bought me an underwater Sea Scooter so that I could do a James Bond - or in my case a Brooks Bond!
On one shopping trip, we bought tables and chairs for the house and we've now also planted some flowers and shrubs to add some colour and order to the surrounding land.

Not too much has been done in the way of landscaping because we have signed the next building contract and the main house starts going up tomorrow. This means that most of the land will become a building site again but the flora has been kept away from the expected site areas. Antonella also planted another coconut tree.
When I got back to my office in San Francisco, some of the staff had filled my office with balloons and had a cake made.

Trucking For The Weekend

2008-03-09T22:23:00.001-07:00

About To Board,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

The BMW is being repaired after the accident and I wanted to run a few errands that a truck would be ideal for. The insurance includes car hire so I decided to hire a truck for the weekend.

The Guy behind the counter said I could have a small one or a larger one. And yes, this happens to be the small one!!!

It was surprisingly easy to drive even if I felt like I should have taken a Bus driving test first. By the end of Sunday I even had parallel parking well under control in this beast.

I'll be dropping it off tomorrow before I go in to work. I'll probably intimidate a few commuters on the way - just for a laugh!

Off the road for a while then

2008-03-02T18:06:00.001-08:00

Off the road for a while then,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Driving down to Marina we were hit by a Ford Explorer at the crossroads of Divisadero and Chestnut. The woman in the other car went straight into the "it was your fault blah, blah, blah" I just took her details and checked that everyone was OK.

A bystander came forward and gave me his details saying he was willing to step forward as a witness.

We'll just wait and see how it goes now. The axle seems to be bent but everything else seems to be working. The roll bars in the rear headrests shot up on the impact - cool!

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

2008-02-25T12:25:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

This weekend I was supposed to attend a wedding in Las Vegas. Well as you can see from the picture, I actually made it to Vegas. But unfortunately not the wedding. We had a 5 hour delay at San Francisco Airport followed by all sorts of fun and games when we did eventually get in to Vegas.
We were originally scheduled to arrive there at 14:15 but by the time we had everything sorted and had things together in the hotel it was 23:00 hrs!!!!! AAAAAAAAAGGGGHH!
Still we managed to see the Hoover Dam and at the time of writing have absolutely no plans for returning to Las Vegas!

Black Man Behind a Bush?

2008-01-11T23:17:00.000-08:00

Well that's what it says on his hat. I sat and watched him reading his paper as I traveled to work on the F-Line MUNI tram this morning.

Good Citizen 2008

2008-01-10T10:41:00.001-08:00

Does Owning A Car Make Me American?,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

The California judiciary system has invited me to be a good citizen and do my civil duty of service to help uphold the law of the land. However I'll have to decline!

Why?

Because I am not an American Resident. At home in the UK jurors are chosen from the electoral register. Here, they're chosen from the Department of Motor Vehicles register.

Does that mean you can't truly be American unless you own a car?

The Storm Arrives

2008-01-05T15:18:00.001-08:00

Raining in San Francisco,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Yesterday was an extremely wet and windy day in the bay area. We had winds up to 100 mph and torrents of rain. I had a power outage at home and on my way to work, Market St was closed because scaffolding had blown down into the street. This meant traffic, including the buse and trams, couldn't move so I ended up having a half hour walk that felt like taking a cold power shower.

Even though it was miserable, it was still welcome to have this much rain which lessens the chances of water restrictions as we get closer to the spring time.

Also snow is being dumped like crazy in the Tahoe area so skiing should be brilliant these coming weeks!

It's Raining

2007-12-29T18:46:00.001-08:00

Reading While Riding,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Which is quite nice really. The forecast says it will be back to being sunny again tomorrow so this is a nice variation to the weather.

In between Christmas & New Year

2007-12-27T16:50:00.001-08:00

Christmas Trees in The Castro,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Had a very quiet day today. Did a little on a painting I have on the go and posted a book to some friends in Australia. I'm about to nip out now to finalize plans for an evening of drinks and nibbles with a neighbor who lives in the apartment block.

The weather was a little colder and cloudier than it has been lately but still a hundred times better than the weather I was used to in the UK.

Speaking of which, I spoke to my brother in london today and also called my Father in Jamaica.

Everyone is very, very well.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-26T21:24:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Hope you all had a wonderful day. The weather here was beautiful so we went for a walk along the ocean. There were lots of gulls enjoying floating on the wind coming in from the ocean and ~I managed to gorge my desire to photograph them fully!

Las Vegas

2007-11-26T19:16:00.001-08:00

Fountains At The Bellagio,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Well, I'm not really a part of the whole Thanksgiving celebrations, so, what to do?

Las Vegas!

I wasn't feeling 100% as I was still recovering from a bout of the flu. Problem. - Everything in Las Vegas is basically indoors and air-conditioned! Also, I dropped and broke my camera but was able to buy a new one while in Vegas and take advantage of the Thanksgiving prices.

Vegas is very, very, very surreal. Especially if you have already been to the "real" places that they have recreated "inside" the various hotels.

It's not really my city , but I will return to see a show that I really want to see, and as a jump off point to go and visit the Hoover Dam.

San Francisco CSI

2007-11-13T23:00:00.001-08:00

Office Break-in,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

I forgot my phone at home this morning and everyone at work was frantically trying to get hold of me. Why? Because someone had broken in to the building through my office. They took my Apple laptop along with a few other laptops from other parts of the building.

It was very disruptive for work because I basically wasn't allowed in my office because it had become a "crime scene". The CSI came down and dusted the room for fingerprints and everything.

Some days I'm just not sure if I'm in an American thriller movie or actually just living my own life here!

Another Sunny Sunday

2007-11-12T00:26:00.001-08:00

Mount Sutro Tower,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

On Saturday it rained all day but Sunday turned out really nice. I was able to drive around with the roof down and just enjoy being out and about. This shot was taken from Twin Peaks just as the sun was setting.

A Day Off Work

2007-11-06T23:25:00.001-08:00

Even though the forecast was for a cloudy day, it actually turned out really sunny. This was really welcome as I took today off work to just take it easy.
I decided to go down to Yuerba Buena Park and just take in the views and enjoy being in a space surrounded by running water.

The Architecture around the park is also really interesting to look at too. I just thought, ALL the architecture in San Francisco is really interesting to look at.

Anyhow it's a beautifully designed space and it lends itself perfectly to serving as a quiet oasis within the city. When I left the park I walked toward Market Street where I ended up in the Puma Store. And yes! I succumbed to the brand. Well it was a great purchase and it's something I've been looking out for the last year and a half!

After market I took a walk up to Sacramento at Divisadero which was about an hours walk up some really fierce hills. I really, really enjoyed the walk though. As I mentioned earlier, this is a beautiful city to be in. While walking and talking in everything around me, I came across this rather cute establishment named "Fantastic Cleaners & Laundry". What a great name!

The Day Of The Dead & A Little Pick Me -Up

2007-11-04T02:39:00.001-08:00

IMG_3951.JPG,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

On Friday night the celebration of this festival was very well supported by the local community in San Francisco. Some people were there for the carnival atmosphere while others were there to experience more sombre memories.

It was a really good night although I started feeling really cold and strange. It wasn't because of the occasion though, it was simply that I didn't eat anything at all the whole day. And here I am at 11:30 in the night still going but feeling the need for some nourishment.

The Pick-me up, or attempted pick-up, was on Saturday afternoon when I had just finished my gym session. A guy in the changing room became fascinated with me hitting me with a barrage of compliments about my hair, eyes, and body while introducing himself to me.

After telling me his name and explaining where he lived he eventually left the gym. Me, I went home to just relax and enjoy the vegging out I had just earned!

The Thing About Halloween

2007-10-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

California embraces Halloween with a real passion. It reminds me a little of how the Venetians celebrate Carnivale but this is much more Uncle Tom Cobley and All. As a spectacle, it shouldn't be missed and we held a Halloween party of our own in the office.

People made a huge effort and some of the outfits were really outstanding and original.

I'm still feeling really tired though because work is very intense for me at present but still positively challenging.

Shake It Baby

2007-10-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Just around 20:00hrs this evening while still at work, I suddenly became aware that the whole office was shaking. After a few seconds I realized that I was in an earthquake. Then just as it seemed to be over, there came a much more sustained shaking which did make me start to look around and consider what I might do if the building started coming apart!

Happily, the quaking ended and late on the news i learned it was a 5.6 magnitude which was reasonable. Even now as I write this at 22:10hrs, there are small aftershocks continually going off.

Ah, the many faces of San Francisco.

Airborne Taxis & Snake Hips

2007-10-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

On Monday I worked at the office till 01:30 in the morning. Coming out of the office at that time I found myself in a ghost town. The area (Pier 39) is normally teeming with tourists but now it was completely empty with nothing at all moving - including a cab which apart from walking, would be my only means of getting home.

I did walk for a while and eventually found a cab that I climbed into and settled back into the seat to allow the stress and worries of work to slide off me while looking forward to curling up in bed. All that changed though as soon as I heard the wheels of the cab spin as the driver gunned the throttle. We were soon traveling at almost 50 mph over the hills of San Francisco with me in the back of the cab trying to remember at what point I signed up for stunt school!!

I stumbled out of the cab feeling even more stressed from the impromptu roller-coaster ride. At least I'm still alive. 12 hours ago I was modelling a little fur and snake-skin number now here I am almost scared out of my own skin!

Last 3 Months of 2007

2007-10-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially over now and we've even had 2 days of rain this month. Shock Horror! Even so, the weather is still great and yesterday in Sausalito the weather was very bright and sunny. Met a group of ladies known as "Red Hats". To be a red Hat, you have to be single, over fifty and committed to having fun!

The weather today was not as warm but still bright and sunny. Was hoping to do lots of photography today but left things a bit late in the day to go and find the shots I wanted.

The Streets Of San Francisco

2007-09-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

I was talking to our Art Buyer and Production Director in their office at work when I saw a guy run up to a car and frantically opening the door. Strange sort of hurry I was thinking when a policeman suddenly appeared on a bicycle and grabbed him. The guy turned round swinging a punch that caught the policeman in the chest knocking him off his bike and onto his back in the road. The guy looked around and then legged it.

The policeman got up jumped on his bike and went after him. I was just thinking "that was a bit of excitement" when the guy ran back in to view and jumped into the car. As he tried to start the car the policeman also reappeared on his bike. On reaching the car, he couldn't get to the guy trying to run because he had locked the doors from the inside. The policeman ran to the front of the car and stood with his hands raised shouting to the guy to stop. The driver edged forward and the officer leaped onto the bonnet hanging on with one hand as he pulled his gun with the other hand.

The driver was still determined to go and seeing this, the officer smashed the drivers window with his gun. As he aimed the gun again the guy floored the gas and the officer was sent spinning and flying out into the road.

It was just a little more than I was hoping to see at the end of a busy day at work!

Massive Blow Job

2007-09-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

We were in Belize the week that the hurricane was due to score a direct hit. And a category 5 at that! We were also picking up the keys for our newly finished beach cabana. And know here we were faced with the possibility of it being blown to bits of covered by the surge from the sea as the coastline is battered by a hurricane.

The good news (for us but not Honduras) is that the storm changed course 24 hours before it was due to hit us. This meant we were able to spend the whole week in our house. We weren't able to complete all the things we had planned because of the disruption to daily life caused by the country being on hurricane alert. It didn't really matter in the end as we just relaxed and enjoyed being on our own beach!

The Days Slip By

2007-08-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

Bay Sunset,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

It was really really busy at work today for me but I got through it all. A little tired but surviving. I treated myself to a walk along the bayside on the Embarcadero as part of my journey home. It was really pretty to watch the sun setting and painting the sky as I made my way home.

Monday the 13th

2007-08-13T23:08:00.001-07:00

Blues,
originally uploaded by darkroijoy.

Back in the office today after another weekend. I actually had to work this weekend but still managed to get to walk around a bit.

It was so sunny and bright today I stopped to take lunch and go for a walk around the immediate area. I managed to capture these 2 car images before going back to the office to feast on a rather tasty burrito I bought at a local Mexican restaurant.

After work I did my usual walk up the Greenwich Street Steps and then stopped off at the gym before going into Montgomery and Market to take a night shot and then catch the MUNI home