—The Journal and Sightings— of Miss Yumi

Miss Yumi Movin' Up and On!

2011-12-31T10:12:00.000-10:00

Hello all (to those who may still be reading or just popped in) and apologies for going M.I.A.

A lot has happened over the past two years and now I would like you all to direct your attention to barakvong.tumblr.com, where I will begin sharing my odd tales collected throughout the years sprinkled with some reviews and pretty tidbits.

I will resume posts to the Journal and Sightings of Miss Yumi so check back for amazing internet links and introductions to new artists.

Now, to a fine new year and happy trails to all!

XOXO,

Miss Yumi

Legos to the Rescue

2010-08-05T07:03:00.000-10:00

If only all the problems in the world could be solved with our childhood toys :) Join Jan Vormann in fixing the cracks and holes in your city by dispatchworking!

The Food Revolution

2010-04-26T14:29:00.002-10:00

Hello boys and girls!

Today's food for thought is a link I got about Jamie Oliver's call to action to the United States of America. Watch this video and get inspired to take part in what this country has needed since the dawn of the microwave. The Food Revolution.

Please sign the petition and share your knowledge with your family and friends. Let's make Hawaii's healthy food awareness go from yellow to red!

Go to Jamie Oliver's site to find out how far we've gotten and read more about the project!

Earth Month 2010

2010-04-25T13:53:00.000-10:00

I know, I know, it's been a while, but The Journal will be up and running again in no time. Miss Yumi is conspiring and preparing for her move to London and will have many more sightings to report in a few!

This Earth Day, I visited my school, The Key School to help out by setting up irrigation systems with Mr. Waymouth and painting rocks with Mr. Katz for a moving collaborative installation piece on campus. It's nice to go back to an establishment and see the tweaks and changes that people are making to better the environment.

On the other side of the continent, Honolulu's HI-5 program has just released a PSA on their Eating in Public website and on YouTube. If you're in Hawai‘i, give back by making a recycling bin and placing it where you know people need one!

And finally, here are a couple shots of my contribution to the Earth Day Art Project with the 6th graders at Key. Each river stone is designed with an abstract message about the Earth in mind and will connect to the surrounding pieces. Pictures to follow once the kids pick a location for the 60 something natural installation!

Yes we can!

2009-12-30T13:00:00.009-10:00

Tweeted and retweeted again for it's genius, here is the epitome of the future of music. Mash it up, scramble it in two and what you get will appeal to all. Fear not my children, The Remix Project is here to stay! Ring in the New Year's with a little throwback party :) The Remix Project brought to you by illroots and okayplayer.

Tracklisting:
1. Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation

2. Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It’s Hot
3. Scarface - On My Block

4. Nore - Nothin
5. Jay Z - I Just Wanna Luv U

6. Punjabi MC - Beware of the Boys

7. Soho - Hot Music

8. Ol’ Dirty Bastard - Got your Money

9. Talib Kweli - Get By
10. Outkast - Spottieottiedopalicious

11. Big Boi - The Way You Move

12. Ol Dirty Bastard - Shimmy Shimmy Ya
13. Black Sheep - Choice is Yours

14. Digable Planets - Rebirth of Slick

15. The Foreign Exchange - Sincere
16. Destiny’s Child - Girl

17. Elton John - Benny and the Jets

18. Outkast - Prototype

19. Missy Elliot - Get your Freak On

20. Missy Elliot - Work it

21. Amerie- One Thing

22. Beyonce - Crazy in Love

Incredible job, guys. Hope to see more soon!

Download the full album for free here.

White Christmas

2009-12-21T17:17:00.003-10:00

For all the purity and wholesomeness that is the color white, here is a blog that reminds us of the light: Curved White. Oh, how I love you, that which is almost everything and nothing.

Sincerely,

Miss Yumi

The Tools of Tag

2009-11-06T12:29:00.005-10:00

Just came across a post on Drawn!, which is my go to for the latest and greatest innovative illustrators and creative projects. Although there are tons of videos of live animation and light projected artwork in the past, the Tagtool Project makes life easier for those that would like to partake in the Godzilla-sized fun. See clips from various countries, learn about the art and get tips on how to create your own Tagtooling hardware here!

Wall of Light - Luca Barcellona, Session 1 from makimono on Vimeo.

Please don't litter

2009-11-01T10:55:00.009-10:00

Because even the smallest piece of trash could change our ecosystem. Today, my dad sent me a few links of photographer, Chris Jordan's work. Jordan has been documenting the world and it's irresponsible and over-indulging aftermath in traveling exhibitions depicting global mass consumption and pollution. In the past decade, Jordan has captured the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and chronicled the outcome of many albatross chicks throughout Midway Atoll. Maybe we will think twice about what we eat and where we leave our garbage if we catch a closer glimpse at the damage that our cultures are capable of creating.

An unaltered image of a baby albatross on Midway Atoll. Photograph by Chris Jordan.

The Magic Number is 350

2009-10-17T17:24:00.005-10:00

October 24th, a day to unite and respond to a call to action. In 5 days, we will see 2009's International Day of Climate Action.

Log on to 350.org to find out more about global warming, the politics surrounding this touchy issue and what you can do to help. Anything you do will make a statement-- from uploading pictures incorporating the number 350 to donating money to registering for the cause. Together, we can catch the attention of the media as well as our nations' leaders. For the future of our planet! <-350!

Artists, athletes and writers alike can participate in the 350 movement!

Meltdown

2009-10-07T10:50:00.006-10:00

I really appreciate art when it has a important statement other than "I'm human," "I'm hurt" or "I'm unique." There is something about how selfish and loud people are that leaves me with less chances of empathy or compassion. Today, I came across an article on Treehugger that changed my mind. Brazilian artist, Nele Azevedo installed 1,000 miniature ice sculptures at a public square in Berlin with the help of the World Wildlife Fund. It's interesting that it took that much effort to remind people that we, too, are endangered species.

Read more about the New Arctic Warming Report here. Photo via Wend Blog

I saw the future and the future saw me

2009-10-05T12:18:00.004-10:00

When you wake up from a dream where you are putting semi-futuristic groceries into a slightly more advanced refrigerator than your own, it's hard to refrain from questioning the dreamworld and reality. If my thoughts and nightwalks are all a collaboration of what I have seen and learned throughout my entire life, including conscious and subconscious thoughts, where do the sideways dreams come from? What sort of "release" is it when you awaken less rested than the previous night?

On the plus side, I also remember an interesting new form of brown paper grocery bag that was covered in dark purple velour text. There were various perforations to either save some of the print as a poster, or use the other sides as coupons. I'm not quite sure why this method was better than what we use today. Let's hope our attempts at recycling follow through in the future.

One night @ Spada. Is this what we we'll see from the past?

Teknowledgy

2009-09-30T11:12:00.003-10:00

Everything from communication to everyday functionality has morphed and grown exponentially over the past few years. This latest clip is an instructional video about how Google documents and posts street views for the public. We no longer need humans speaking or gesturing to understand a point! How has our world changed from the 50's or even the 90's? How many of us remember meeting a friend at the library or the mall that they didn't expect to see? Sometimes I wonder if we've completely deleted the chances of fate or coincidence from our high tech lives.

FLUX that 2010!

2009-09-14T17:56:00.006-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2009

New Magazine Launching 2010 Asks Hawaii to Decide Cover

Honolulu, Hawaii—FLUX Hawaii Magazine, a new lifestyle magazine in Hawaii slated to launch January 2010, has put the cover of its premiere issue in the hands of the public. The magazine asked five local artists to answer the question, “Where is Hawaii transitioning to?” Their responses came graphically using a variety of different mediums, including paint, digital, photography, prints and even toilet paper.

From now until November 15, FLUX Hawaii invites viewers to vote for their favorite cover art by Eugene “Eukarezt” Kristofher, Sonny Ganaden, Haj Gollestani, Landon Osamu and Yumi Vong. Art will be displayed at Fresh Café and viewers can vote online at www.fluxhawaii.com/features.

FLUX Hawaii is the brainchild of Lisa Yamada and Cody Matsukawa, who both found themselves scrambling for jobs in a jobless economy. Also on board is Ara Laylo, former production manager for SMART Magazine, which folded earlier this year.

“There was no magazine locally that I felt appealed to me and my demographic currently in the marketplace,” said Yamada, who is the publisher and editor. “I decided to take a chance and go for it.”

The magazine targets 21-to-45-year-olds, and “seeks to reorient how people think about Hawaii in terms of fashion, food, art, music and travel, both locally and abroad,” Yamada explained of the magazine’s vision. “FLUX is about reflecting a city in continued flux and portraying the influx of peoples, places and trends that make our home so diverse.”

Look for FLUX Hawaii on stands January 2010. For more information, visit their website at www.fluxhawaii.com.

Beauty in the Shadows

2009-08-20T11:40:00.003-10:00

My beloved and reknown professor, Susan Waters-Eller from MICA, recently returned from an Artists' Residency at Rocheforte-en-Terre. During her time there, Susan captured the serenity and eery history of the topiary gardens. Her most recent post reminded me of some of my past sightings.

When I was on a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, I got a chance to visit the vast lava fields between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Every now and then, if one was perceptive, they could catch a little flower or plant growing up between the cracks of a desolate looking plain. No matter how destructive or unnatural a location is, I've noticed that nature and beauty always triumph in the end.

Illustration by Susan Waters-Eller in Brittany, France

Numbers

2009-07-20T10:30:00.003-10:00

At the moment, things are getting organized and numbers are being crunched. My latest online relief has come from the site, GraphJam: where music and pop culture are explained through charts and graphs. It's best to search for a specific subject, such as "cats," "politics" or "movies." Here is one of my favorites:

Reading List [001]

2009-06-24T01:01:00.007-10:00

Recently finished Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, which was an interesting depiction of the social and political world surrounding L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz. The different twists and perspective on the classic introduced a realistic tone to the charming tale. I found a few quotes that seemed important and somewhat relevant to the not-so-ever-after world that we live in.

"She was smart. But there was more than one way to be smart." —Elphaba

"She continually wanted to strangle Liir, as a means of saving him from smooth-talking father figures." —Narrator

"It was his duty to have opinions on things we shouldn't need to know about." —Five

The Button Mashers Benefit Art Show

2009-06-19T10:24:00.007-10:00

RT from Mr. J Domingo: Project 365: The Button Mashers

atypicalLIVING and Grace Bible Church Pearlside Youth Ministries, in association with OlaNui!, present The Button Mashers, a benefit art show for Grace Bible’s Youth Camp this Summer.
This event will feature multimedia art displays, live music, a live art mural painting featuring Shaun Castro, Janel Natividad, Philippe Anthony Quinal & RZone, a BBoy Battle, a Street Fighter IV Tournament, and interactive, hands-on video game displays.
This all goes down Saturday, June 27th, at OlaNui! Christian Fellowship, 760 Halekauwila Street, next to Logos Bookstore & near Ward Center.
All proceeds to benefit Grace Bible’s Summer Youth Camp.
Big UPS to Grace Bible Church, OlaNui!, Redefine, lightsleepers, prolifik, Prototype, First Lady The Movement, Liberty Peralta, Yumi Vong & Mike Ulep.
Get Ready… awesome is imminent.

8-bit for All!

"Something new..."

2009-06-13T18:30:00.006-10:00

Since I have begun working with a photographer, I have had to branch out to a few different aspects of society that I had never expected to deal with. One aspect is the wedding industry with all of its glitter and flutter. For the past few weeks, my downtime has consisted of researching the extravagant field by watching TV shows from, "Who's Wedding Is It Anyways?" to "Say Yes to the Dress" while reading up on the latest trends in magazines. Although I am not planning anything in the near future, I thought I could share some of the cute ideas and vendors with my lady friends who are in the market for the "perfect day"!

DRESSES

annenamba.com – created with the best kimono material
priscillaofboston.com – magic that could be within your price range
lynnlugo.com – design your own bridesmaids dresses

HAIR
saragabriel.com – beautiful hair accessories
mariaelenaheadpieces.com – princess headpieces

INVITATIONS
zazzle.com – customize your stamps

annagriffin.com
dauphinepress.com

minted.com
gryphonstationers.com

A sample veil from Sara Gabriel's Headpiece Collection

To choose or not to do?

2009-06-09T10:54:00.007-10:00

When life throws you an opportunity that changes everything, do you always have to think twice before taking it? At what point can we decide to live for ourselves versus following the will of our parents and families? They will always be protective and afraid and alone without you, because that is their job and their love. We are lucky to have them as the angels on our shoulders and to have their opinions at hand, but to become individuals and to grow into our own paths. We must change the past and pick a different future-- one that might seem less safe and more uncomfortable than the ones that our ancestors and relatives have had, but also, one that will define the new generation. As long as we keep their love, knowledge and experience at heart, we can let loose and roam free to create a better day.

Sincerely,

Miss Yumi

Good luck with your decision, Karen! No matter what you choose, we're here for you!

*Calibration

2009-05-28T17:45:00.005-10:00

Hello my pickles and friends.

It has been a while and many bloggable events have come and

gone. Sometimes I miss out on them and sometimes it's just better to let them rest in our memories. Whatever the case, sorry for the absence and delay.

At the moment, the house is clean, the kitten is clean and the island looks like it may cleanse itself after a few muggy days of vog. Spring cleaning is over and summer may begin.

Interestingly, as much as I have mocked the idea of master photographers and the like, I was recently given the opportunity to switch from one career to the other while staying diligently in the arts. I, Yumi Virginia Vong, am now an apprentice master wedding photographer. A few months ago, I claimed the email address of masterphotographer@me.com through Apple's MobileMe accounts and sure enough, it predicted my future.

Step 1 complete. Time to initiate Step 2: complete training in a different field, learn more about people and how they respond to life and apply to Step 3.

I've got the bike. Now, ride!

-Intermission-

2009-05-01T07:23:00.006-10:00

Sorry for the hiatus. Be back shortly.

In the meantime, please enjoy this ad:

The Ultimate Rise and Shine

FTW!

2009-04-10T16:04:00.008-10:00

It's images like this that make me miss the twilight adventures, leaving screaming words and messages in the quiet quiet streets. Good job, Berlin!

Photoshops by FTW-Crew (Epoxy One, Mr Tailon and Baveux Production)

It's been awhile...

2009-04-09T14:37:00.009-10:00

... more time than I've wanted between posts, but I think I'm beginning to come across my quarter-life crisis. Now is the time. The symptoms are: lack of focus, interests in vintage jewelry and ethnic housewares, cases of synesthesia and loss of appetite.

Wikipedia states that, "t he quarterlife crisis (QLC) is a term applied to the period of life immediately following the major changes of adolescence, usually ranging from the early twenties to the early thirties," and of course, Wikipedia knows best. I believe my case is a slight variation, as I haven't recently experienced a major change, but have instead returned to the usual flit and flanter of my post-collegiate life.

In any case, here are a few items that I have found that will be added to the "Note to self" category/I want:

1. World Peace

2. Time to fly

3. Good Luck

4. Wisdom

5. Courage

Target® just may be the answer to all of our requests.

A is for Awesome!

2009-03-24T10:45:00.003-10:00

For all of my friends and coworkers, here is a little reminder of how great you are! See more of Paul Thurlby's Alphabet here!

The beginning of Thurlby's growing collection of illustrations

Miss Yumi's Wishlist as of Spring 2009

2009-03-19T10:13:00.006-10:00

In this economy, one should be grateful enough if they still have a job. But in times like these, when there are less people working and more work to be done, it is always nice to have little goals in mind. Here are some of the things that I would reward myself with–some are a slight necessity for work and transportation, but all are overpriced :)

1. G-Drive Mini: Because every designer, digital musician or videographer needs more storage space. These are great because they have both Firewire ports, so they will be compatible with new and old MacBook Pro's. It matches, too!

2. American Apparel's Le Sac dress: Yes. In navy, sea foam green, red and slate please. I doubt that I will be able to tie it on right, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I guess I would also need the assortment of strings, too.

3. Porcelain Jewelry from Chinny Chin Chin: Because every girl needs a piece of antique jewelry, even if it's a replica of the past. I can't decide between the plain white or the painted porcelain.

4. Oliver Peoples "Zooey" Glasses: Glamourous, luxury items aren't usually on my lists of potential suspects, but I do love Zooey Deschanel, these vintage glasses and the fact that a portion of the proceeds go to The Jenesse Center for domestic violence prevention. Comes with super cute cocktail napkin style cleaning cloth and case!

5. Specialized's Langster Seattle Bike: But I recently came across SE's 700c Draft Lite, which may be my ideal combination of price, single speed and look. The Langster has a coffee cup holder and is green, and we all know how much I like green. Now that I've opened up the bucket of wanted bikes, I might as well throw out Kona's Sutra so that I can bike around the world one day.

That just about wraps up my wants and needs in one post for now. Check back for more random delights!

The Zooey Glasses come in 5 color combos!

In Search of...

2009-03-17T09:32:00.004-10:00

We are currently looking for the perfect roommate. Perfect, as in acceptable. Someone that we can have a good conversation with who won't argue about the viability of Wikipedia. A responsible person that we can trust. It's so easy to forget that everyone has to give up their a bit of their OCD mindsets and change some of their habits to coexist. When there's an ideal batch of people, anything goes and everyone is happy. Lately, it has been more and more difficult to stay objective when there are so many confrontations and deceptions to be found in between the walls. If anyone is interested in a room in Manoa or knows of someone that is looking for a place, let me know!

Thanks,

Miss Yumi

Local International Post Production

2009-03-10T16:15:00.004-10:00

Yesterday, I had the honor of joining some of Hawai‘i's finest and most experienced key grips, sound technicians and producers in a daylong photo and video shoot for a German TV show. The locals, otherwise nicknamed the "A-Team", were some of the most efficient and productive people that I have met recently. Los Angeles' Jerry Avenaim, who has shot faces like Halle Berry, Tom Greene, Eva Mendez and Donald Trump, was also on the set and kept the show running with his world-class directing. It was so refreshing getting out of the office and behind the scenes to be the visual artist on a set. Although I would love to do something like this full time, I doubt I have the stamina to work nonstop with a production crew!

"Magic Yumi" waiting for the tethered shots in post production's Village Blackout tent

"Puddles"

2009-03-06T09:48:00.007-10:00

One of a few different commercials that 1013 has done for the launch of UNICEF's Tap Project Hawaii. Give a child 40 days of drinking water

with just $1. Go to tapprojecthawaii.com to find out more!

I love it.

2009-03-04T15:05:00.005-10:00

After checking a few of my usual sites, I came across Shin Tanaka's paper toys on atypicalLIVING. I love the message behind these little projects and the fact that they're free! Knock yourself out: WEDONTNEEDFAKE.CO.CC

One of six new paper toys available in collaboration with Tanaka

Stitches

2009-03-02T13:15:00.006-10:00

This weekend, I realized that when Yumi is stressed out about any situation, unlimited hot tub time or a sit in a sauna helps a million times. A little arts and crafts time every week also leaves me less time to be frustrated. I'm not quite sure if it's the distraction that helps or the satisfying feeling once you accomplish a task as tiny as sewing on a patch. Maybe I need to get out more. But knowing that others can get out and experience some of the world is almost equally exciting for me as being given the chance to go. I'd like to wish good luck and felicitations to my cousin, Karen for leaping on the opportunity to work in Beirut for three months! Stay safe, write down your stories and have a blast!

Pan-ironed letters and "caution yellow" embroidered as a safety reminder on Ben's pants

Tap Project Hawaii 2009

2009-02-26T16:22:00.006-10:00

I'm currently working on UNICEF's Tap Project for the state of Hawaii with 1013. I wanted to give everyone a heads up about the goings-on in various restaurants and boutiques from March 22nd to March 28th. During World Water Week, restaurants all over the world will be asking for a $1 donation for every glass of water to help save children in need.

For more information, about the event in other cities, please check UNICEF's Tap Project website at www.tapproject.org. We will be updating the Tap Project Hawaii site with more information shortly. Stay tuned!

Illustration for Tap Project Hawaii 2009

Scam This!

2009-02-25T19:30:00.001-10:00

The latest and greatest scam involves out of state or international con artists copying rental posts on Craigslist and reposting them at lower prices and with their own contact information. Be aware of who you are contacting when responding to an ad. If they do not offer a phone number, if they are not available to show you the housing in person or if there are unsuspecting people living at the "for rent" spaces, the posters may not be the true landlords or realtors. Many homes on Craigslist are currently being reposted as "available" months after they have been occupied by new tenants. Please contact the authorities with any pertinent information and flag the posting if you suspect a scam.

Mahalo!

Miss Yumi

This is why Yumi does Graphic Design.

2009-02-24T15:40:00.005-10:00

Can you see straight?

Personal Day, Please

2009-02-24T12:21:00.011-10:00

When the conditions are right, so many things can change and happen within a few hours. Where would we be if he'd left for work a little earlier... what would it be like living in the other house... how anxious would I be working in a different field? This weekend, I came home to a kitten that began limping around just like her father once she saw his bandaged arm. His left paw hurt, therefore hers did as well. Witnessing the affinity between a human and their pet is an amazing thing and seeing this helped me realize how much we affect those around us—whether it be flora, fauna or man. To better serve my people and those dependent on me, I would like to request one day off so that I may recharge my batteries and find the sunshine once again. I know it's not too far...

Our Pirate Ship on Mohala Way

Dragon Roll

2009-02-18T14:52:00.007-10:00

Note to self: Only order black and silver dishes at Genki Sushi unless you need salmon nigiri fillers. Top picks are the Spider Roll, Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll and Spicy Tempura Roll (x2). And if anyone, anyone knows why the logo has an angry face on it, please let me know. Mahalo!

Sincerely,

Miss Yumi

Watch out Jack in the Box®!

Tiny Bubbles

2009-02-17T09:36:00.003-10:00

On Saturday, we brought home a 3 month old speck of kitten. We wondered whether we should call her Minou (the Second), Baby and a million other options, but decided to go with a Hawaiian name as she was born, raised, found and refound on the land. Kitten is all white with big blobs of grey all over and one perfect dot between her shoulder blades. She responds to the letter 'K'. After much debate, the name that fit her best was Kīkīkikiki, or Kīkī for short. Kīkī meaning bubbling, like Waikīkī and kikiki for tiny. Itʻs been an interesting weekend teaching this little one the rules of the house and the showing her the nooks of the Manoa.

Kīkī getting used to shutter sounds

Cranberry Artificial Tears

2009-02-13T11:08:00.007-10:00

This was written on a report about me in 2007 from Johns Hopkins. Cranberry artificial tears. They must have forgotten the comma amidst the hustle and bustle of printing out recommended medications. A lot of things are on the table today: a registered letter in transit addressed to my past, a box of cards in the mail headed towards the future and the coming introduction of a new baby into the household. They say animals have a way of healing the human soul and I cannot wait to make a new best friend.

In loving memory of Minou, kitten extraordinaire, New York 2006

Lifelines

2009-02-11T14:10:00.009-10:00

At this point in the day, I would like to give a friendly reminder to those around me. I am so grateful for my friends, family and lovers. You pull me up and poke me into place, you give me millions of reasons to be happy and you always find the best way to make a sad Yumi smile. Today I was reminded of how quickly other people come into play when even the smallest cry for help is heard.

I will always try to be there for you guys when the time comes.

Sincerely,

Miss Yumi

"Health is the first of all liberties"—Henri Amiel

Illustration for Bitten by a Wolf, Cicada March/April 2006

2009-02-10T15:10:00.014-10:00

Almost everybody that I know and almost every person that I speak to understands my grand dislike of the advertising world. I have threatened to retire from the business multiple times and am still working my way to a different career. There are wonderful people and clients that you meet along the way and every now and then a good cause or a new hope can be born within an ad. On the other hand, the world of graphic design, web design and communications is also a "dirty business". But then again, what job isn't?

Today, there was a company meeting held at my office in behind Ward. Our tiny building nestled on a rugged backroad houses many talents and welcomes others to use our studio. Beginning on the 31st of January, the 2-person creative design studio on the second floor and the first floor production company merged to become one slightly larger and integrated branding and production company. Although we have not combined forces to cause a riot, will not be "going after" certain accounts and do not classify ourselves as a communications firm, the surrounding advertising agencies have been left in a pile of unrest.

On an island where every friend is usually family, it is disappointing to witness the slander at a time when we should all be able to roam free on the playground.

Illustration for Professor Mary Fredlund, Elements of Visual Thinking 2002

Masters of Photography

2009-02-09T10:36:00.012-10:00

A good deal of last night was spent discussing the idea of what a Master Photographer could and should be. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, a "master" can be anyone from a religious leader to a significant figure of the past, but is often known as an individual of consummate skill who is qualified to teach. Can one honestly be a self-proclaimed master? How many years of knowledge and experience entitle someone to advertise the title, let alone the image of maturity?

Despite the doubt and confusion, I believe many Masters live among us. The ones that understand that the last stroke of paint and the final edit still do not make them the best. The people that continue progressing after they have proved a point to their professors and clients. The proof is sometimes in the work, but mainly in the passion. Here is a list of a few of the humble Masters that I have come across along the way.

In the Morning,

2009-02-06T11:43:00.008-10:00

Manoa can be brisk. I woke up to a good chill and a quietly creaking house. Although a cold shower and low water pressure is usually only accepted in parts of Europe and third world countries, it felt right this morning. Sometimes it takes a little discomfort to realize how comfortable your surroundings are.

Welcome to the Life!

2009-02-03T12:40:00.000-10:00

For years, I have disappeared and hibernated from so many different places and people. With the new year popping around the corner, I figured it was time to reconnect with the world by publishing myself. By doing this, I will be able to take a good hard look at my own thoughts and words and reconfigure my future.

If I haven't already told you, or if you haven't been around enough to hear it again, I'd love to repeat my many thanks and much gratitude to all of my friends and family for putting up with me in the past few years.

Keep an eye on this blog and you might learn something new or you might in turn remember something old to teach me.

Much love and hugs,

Miss Yumi

Photo by Jen Challappa

—The Journal and Sightings— of Miss Yumi

Miss Yumi Movin' Up and On!

Legos to the Rescue

The Food Revolution

Earth Month 2010

Yes we can!

White Christmas

The Tools of Tag

Please don't litter

The Magic Number is 350

Meltdown

I saw the future and the future saw me

Teknowledgy

FLUX that 2010!

Beauty in the Shadows

Numbers

Reading List [001]

The Button Mashers Benefit Art Show

"Something new..."

To choose or not to do?

*Calibration

-Intermission-

FTW!

It's been awhile...

A is for Awesome!

Miss Yumi's Wishlist as of Spring 2009

In Search of...

Local International Post Production

"Puddles"

I love it.

Stitches

Tap Project Hawaii 2009

Scam This!

This is why Yumi does Graphic Design.

Personal Day, Please

Dragon Roll

Tiny Bubbles

Cranberry Artificial Tears

Lifelines

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Masters of Photography

In the Morning,

Welcome to the Life!