|n$+@gr@^^
November 7th, 2012
So Facebook buys Instagram and of course makes web profiles. Shocking. Here’s my web profile featuring bunch of photos and illustrations/designs I’ve done (instagram.com/prahaboy) …
haiku after midnight
August 7th, 2012
red sparkle of Mars
life reflects on the night deck
as pepper plants grow
awake, looking up
calling the moon Titan home
hidden are these thoughts
the light turns sea green
searching for a new time zone
a gosling is born
I resent my agony and I despise my suffering save for their beauty and that I have become immortal*
July 17th, 2012
Some recent photographs and illustrations I’ve done for fun, which has become an increasing hobby of mine outside of work. A calming distraction from real life.
*a line from a Michael McClure poem, one of my favorite writers
day & night
June 6th, 2012
Maiya trying on clothes that Mina used to wear
Sunset a few nights ago near my home
Wildflowers
May 10th, 2012
Lyrics to Mark Lanegan’s “Wildflowers” – one of my favorites
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
I have to watch you come back to the earth
Now it’s all I can do
Will you still be convinced wild flowers
Are waiting for you
In my mind I’ve done good things
And never cared why
And my mind is an open door, with nothing inside
Looks like the hour is upon us
It’s turnin’ so cold
When everything said’s either faded out
Or written in stone
If you could find an easier road, you’d take it today
You could have taken me anywhere
You just take it away
I have to watch you come back to the river
If it’s all I can do
Will you still be convinced wild flowers
Are waiting for you
Have we ever done good things
And never cared why
‘Cause my mind is an open door, with nothing inside
You can listen to the song here
May means it’s almost Ski to Sea time
May 10th, 2012
Here is the cover of this year’s Ski to Sea magazine I did, whipped it up real quick (the true color qualities are a tad off on this jpg, the green is a little darker and will be easier to read over the photo). Not even sure I should be posting this since it doesn’t publish for another couple weeks. My home area, Fairhaven, turns into mayhem on the day of the event.
My little artist
May 4th, 2012
I can’t remember the last day Mina didn’t do something art related. Love all the pictures, paintings, books and stories she creates. Which also means her room is an artistic mess. 
Space Shuttle’s last ride
April 17th, 2012
This is a cool AP photo as the shuttle flies around D.C. before landing at Dulles Int. and going into a museum (bla). I always wanted to see a Space Shuttle launch but never did. I could write about space, NASA, governements’ (or lack thereof) involvement, private industries, new discoveries, even the NASA channel (which needs a serious makeover) all day, but then who would want to read that? 
In other news, really looking forward to having next week off. Going to make some amazing fish tacos, see a good show in Seattle and hopefully not do much else. (Sit on the deck and write until Jupiter goes past the horizon sounds like a good idea)
10 & 1
March 7th, 2012
Some recent photographs and illustrations I’ve done for fun.
(clockwise starting from top left)
1. Southbound
2. Waiting for …
3. Mid-February kind of day
4. Don’t look up
5. Hint of spring
6. Fairhaven if it was on the moon Titan
7. Blood art
8. Sky on fire
9. The ex
10. Event horizon
11. Doctor visit
Crowded elevator
March 6th, 2012
Being a father is wonderful. Maiya speed walks all over while talking about who knows what nonsense, stops and does one of her dance moves, then hurries off to another little adventure. Her and I also have become tennis ball partners, tossing the ball across the living room – the little girl has an arm on her for a 1-year-old. Mina is a little artist 110 percent of the time, stuff everywhere even though I tell her to keep it in her bedroom, but who wants to keep a little one from such an imagination. And when they are together it is the cutest thing ever, they get along so well it melts my heart. While being a parent can be tough work, and 10 years form now when my daughters are teenagers I’m sure will be a little interesting, it sure takes the mind away from the crowded elevator of trivial things like my rebuilt right knee, writer’s block and the everlasting sinus infection.
Maiya and I at the doctor earlier today. She had more fun than me.
Miss my tennis partner
February 22nd, 2012
My step dad’s birthday is today. He was a wonderful man to my mom, a wonderful father to my sister and a father figure for me when I needed one. He taught me how to play the game of tennis and would drive me around all over the place for practice or tournaments. We would watch hours of tennis on TV together and Seinfeld episodes. He would either have the best jokes ever or ones that made absolutely no sense. He was the life of the room all the time, always looking for a laugh or wanting to tell a story. I drove across the country with him. I dodged his flying pancakes. He wore the craziest turtlenecks. And he was brilliant, a professor at many universities and an awesome artist. He would sometimes be painting five pieces at once and would often not want to be bothered, but I would sneak a peak and watch. He would get so irritated if the phone rang while he was painting in his studio and no one would answer it and it would be one of my friends. I’d hear from what seemed to be miles away, “Jamie!” His sudden passing in 1999 was quick and sad, but his memories and influences are still alive with me today. Until we play tennis again in the next life Bill.
The good and the good
February 22nd, 2012
So I cut my hair. The big plan of being Captain Morgan for Halloween this year is over. While like all the other times I’ve grown my hair long and chopped it all off, it feels weird but after I do it it feels good. Plus I always look younger I guess. So …
Also The Bellingham Herald’s Ski to Sea section was ranked one of the top 10 special sections in 2011 (under 30,000) by APSE this week. From going through lots of old photos on microfilm to designing the section, I’d say Gin Cleaveland (inside pages) and I (cover) did a pretty good job. Here is a picture of the cover and an inside page:
Different colored clouds in the sky
January 12th, 2012
Today was a scary knee day. It’s been eight weeks since my surgery to replace a blowout of my knee (complete tear ACL, etc., I got dead people parts inside me) while playing soccer. I should have just played ping pong or read The Hobbit for the 100th time. Last few days had a lot of “popping” and unstable movement in my knee, especially below the knee cap where at times I would see a noticeable movement like there was a little Alien inside. My physical therapist thought it might be the top of the tibia or the patella tendon. It was getting so bad this week I finally called my orthopedics doctor and he wanted to see me the next day. Had another MRI done today and luckily the doctor ruled out any tears or ruptures of my ACL or anywhere else. The bad news was there was too much scar tissue and fluid in my knee. So I had my knee drained which was very odd and painful, the biggest needle I’ve ever had stuck in me. He drained 30 cc’s of fluid and said the usual amount of fluid in the knee is 5 cc’s. He then gave me a cortisone shot which felt very strange, and for most of the day I’ve heard and felt the shot in my knee move around and make a squishy bubbly noise. It hurts a little more than usual but I guess that is common for a day or two after a cortisone shot. Overall, I guess today went well but the road to recovery is a long and sometimes frustrating one. Patience. I have used my father’s (RIP) super cool solid oak cane tonight partly because I kind of need it and partly as a joke. It is one of the few things I got from my dad after his death (long story for another time).
Oh, and my hair is its longest it has been in 10 years. Not sure why. I usually have it cut off by now. I predict it will last until the spring haha. And playing tennis (and maybe soccer) by the summer! *crosses fingers*
Fun with the iPhone
January 6th, 2012
Buying an iPhone 4s was the best thing I’ve ever done. Well, not really. I’m not even a big gadget person but this phone rocks, especially after using a Blackberry the past three years. One of the cool things I like to do is Instagram. Here is a collage of some of the photos I’ve posted on it.
praha-osity.com launched
January 6th, 2012
The professional half of me officially launched a few days ago. As 2012 is upon us, one of my main goals is to get out of the journalism profession and into a different creative career, and this website was created for just this purpose. Special thanks to Tia for help with the production. I think it is a pretty rad portfolio site. Go to praha-osity.com to check it out!
My knee
December 2nd, 2011
It’s been three weeks since I had surgery on my right knee. I hope I don’t have to go through this again, but it’s been a good learning experience and tug-of-war with my patience. Sometimes I forget there are cadaver parts in my body. Week 3 has been a big step forward: I am able to sort of walk with crutches and can go up an down stairs (slowly). I also drove around town a couple times and have started physical therapy. I cut down on the meds a lot because they were making me feel ill and getting in the way of some of my daily functions Short-term goals: walk without crutches and just start doing more normal activities. Long-term goals: a complete recovery by the summer would be nice. I am thankful for my family for being there for me during my recovery. I look up at the night and want to run all the way to Jupiter, but I can’t yet!
Professional half of me is moving
December 1st, 2011
My work stuff is moving to a new website soon at praha-osity.com
five11.net’s new look
September 17th, 2011
it’s time for a new look for five11.net. some of the changes will be: a new color scheme that is brighter and more soothing; a little simpler approach to things; and all my professional work will be moved to a new site, keeping five11.net more of a place to play, think and dream.
All ahead full
August 14th, 2011
Gonna give five11.net a new look soon. Nothing super different as I like the format, but change a few things like color, make it a little simpler and more presentable on the text heavy components, and maybe more visual for the photo elements. Another idea is to make the professional part of it (mostly work stuff) become its own domain. I’ve really enjoyed the website so far 
2011 Ski to Sea cover
June 6th, 2011
One of my last non-sports projects before being moved back into sports full-time (big lameness) was to design the 2011 Ski to Sea cover. I’ve done a couple others before, but this one was a little more important since the race was celebrating its 100th year of competition (the race actually hasn’t happened 100 times but the first one took place in 1911). Of course, I didn’t have as much time as I wanted which is often the case at work, and May is an insane month at my job. But overall I think it turned out pretty good. Me and a co-worker (she designed the inside of the section and did a good job) tracked down a ton of old photographs from the 1911 race as well as others that show the race’s importance in the community. I then got the design concept approved (the biggest hurdle and one I have often disagreed with) and put it all together. After deciding what pictures to use I played around (for probably too long) with the borders of each photo and settled on an older-vintage-edgy look for the old photographs and a little cleaner (but still black) and cool modern border for the new photographs. With the text the biggest concern was making sure the “100″ popped since that was the main theme to everything (100 years this and that). The rest of the text was actually a little difficult finding the right placement so not to hide any faces as well as the right color. Finally decided on a cyan type of color as too much blue was blending in with a couple spots in the background and too much green would remind me of Christmas. Overall, I’ve heard good things about the cover and am proud to have not only designed it but finish it on time. For a look at the entire Ski to Sea section go here.
Cookie enters social media
May 27th, 2011
Cookie Monster has finally woken from his dazed slumber and entered the online world. He was quick to sign up on Facebook and who knows what he is up to next …
Cast Away
May 13th, 2011
*Note: I have a horrendous fear of flying. I used to fly on planes all the time when I was younger and never had problems. Now when I am on an airplane I can’t think, eat, drink, sleep … I can’t do anything except focus on the fact that I can’t control the next few hours. So, knowing me, I left this note at home before boarding a plane a couple years ago.*
My Mina,
You are and always will be the loveliest wonderful sweetest most beautiful inside and out … my little girl forever in my heart and thoughts. You are the most amazing thing to happen in my life and it is more special the older you get. Our stories, snuggles, walks to the water and silly play times loop over and over in my memories, so special to me. If anything is to happen to me I will always be with you Mina, watching over you, in your heart and holding you for the rest of your life. I love you so much.
Your Daddy Jamie
*Obviously I made it back safely and have been on an airplane one more time since then. And I will probably do this again in the future, but this time I have more than one note to write. Which prompts a happy sad face, kind of like how Tom Hanks looked in the last scene of “Cast Away.”*
obsession
April 6th, 2011
I love making NACHOS 
Seems like I have been making nachos every week for past couple months. Have been experimenting with different peppers, cheeses, etc., looking for the perfect nacho combination. I love peppers! Jalapeno, habanero, pasilla, serrano, anaheim, bell, anything! Been switching up the cheeses lately – the last batch had smoked gouda and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan. No one is allowed in the kitchen when it’s nacho-making time. I am in the cooking zone! ha Tia’s tummy is happy
One of our favorite things …
April 3rd, 2011
to do is have breakfast (and coffee) at Tony’s and Harris Avenue Cafe and get treated like rock stars (probably because we go there so much and also Maiya is a supercommentgeneratornova). Tia and her gigantic bianca …
And me and Maiya, full on eggs toulouse and cheerios …
All work and no play
April 3rd, 2011
Updated my work page with some latest sports stuff and Take Five covers, including this one which I ended up liking:
I used a photograph I took of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival last year. I wanted to make the cover look vintage and like an old sketch or painting and thought it turned out pretty good The next work-related project to look forward to is the Ski to Sea cover this year. It’s the 100th year of the race so pressure is on to make it look good! 
Top of our tree
December 28th, 2010
What better way to top a Christmas Tree then with Jack Skellington. He likes to keep an eye on us anyways. Over the past two years, the way Tia and I have done our Christmas trees I am expecting next year’s to be nothing but reds and blacks … and of course Jack on the top. 
Hot Jupiters
October 22nd, 2010
Organization of my writings, and photos to a lesser degree, is taking a longer elliptical orbit than expected. And perhaps I will add more to my website soon, including a final resolution to what A European Nightmare With Wings will be about. For now, it has less activity than a Hot Jupiter. 
Life is good.
the seasons of Titan
August 2nd, 2010
Am finally starting to process through my writings and will slowly begin to add them, mostly poetry, to my website. May make some changes to how they are displayed and ordered, but for now just words will do. I wish I could remember exact dates of my writing as I feel it has gone through phases, but alas my organization is horrific. Most importantly I think I am doing this to rejuvenate putting pen to paper, which at times, has been rewarding and uplifting. Maybe I will write about Titan.
Green toys
December 28th, 2009
Meet Ipod Nano and Converse pair No. 100. My new green friends from Tia.
2 thousand and engine no. 9
December 24th, 2009
The two thosuand and nine calendar year has been, to say the least, a very up and down and emotional year. I can’t recall a 12-month period where I have gone through so much torment, joy, pain, lost, found … sometimes to the point where it’s like trying to find a needle in a cosmic haystack *hehe*. While I still process my recent days, weeks and months (and could say years), each new moon and San Juan sunset remind me of a new hope, a chance to make the next calendar year the best one in my aging existence. I still sometimes fall into that well of stubborness, like the Taurus I am, but two thousand and ten is a time to follow a new path in life that has wonderfully been “created.”
Now go let Kuato from Total Recall open your mind!
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