Autumn is commonly celebrated in Japan and, in the Autumn of 2007, Miho, Sarah and I journeyed to Nasu to enjoy the autumnal colours. The trip proved a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the splendid Japanese nature and scenery.

February took Junko and I to Hanamaki, the home of Miyazawa Kenji, for some rest and relaxation. It proved wonderfully slow and middle-aged place with a little snow remaining from the winter.

Since returning from a second trip to Japan this year, I have now decided that it’s time to leave Symbian (now Nokia) and move to pastures anew. It’s currently unclear where this will lead me but I certainly hope to tidy up a few personal software projects on the way; there are at least a couple of iPhone applications in the works and the Android Dev Phone 1 is sitting patiently on the side.¹

The last few months have been a fairly unsettled and over the last year and a half I have lived in more hotels than I care to consider. For the time being however, I have found myself space with Alan and Mike and enjoying feeling a little more grounded. Cheshunt is a gorgeous little commuter village outside London and the recent weather afforded me a collection of photos².

¹ More details coming soon.

² Anyone looking for photos hosted on MobileMe will be sorely disappointed. After far too long trying to maintain more than one system, I’ve finally given up and given my allegiance to Flickr.

This time — among other things — I was highly amused by this miniature bento comprising entirely of candies.

This set was snapped in the Shiodome area near the Symbian office:

• MobileMe (Fast Computers)
• Flickr

Update: And a few of our new year festivities:

• MobileMe (Fast Computers)
• Flickr

This year, I found myself deciding that the — albeit small — collection of Origami had to finally go. Part of a much bigger set, I snapped photos of the 4 still sitting around my room and laid them to rest.

As we’re only two thirds of the way through 2008, I’m looking forward to adding a couple more to the list before the year’s out.

F*ing Ladies’ Fashion

The Last Supper

Cannibalism

Murderous Pooh

It seems that poets the world around are encouraging us to better ourselves:

Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.

In the meantime, here are a couple from my last months in Japan. The photos of Akihabara were requested by my father who, it seems, has developed quite a fondness for its gadget-strewn back alleys.