The Logo Design Workbook by AdamsMorioka looks especially cool and useful.

SEO for Dummies should help our existing and future clients get some good search engine placement!

This beautiful gourd was found at a local craft fair here in Hilo, Hawaii. I love how it’s almost a perfect circle and that some of the flower’s petals are curling up, adding a dynamic dimension to it, almost like the flowers are still alive.

Hand-cut and wood-burned, you can tell it took a lot of work with all the detail. I don’t remember the name of the artist, but the little marking on it says “Maekane”, I think?

Bought this book recently while browsing the design section at Border’s (Oahu) on Thanksgiving break.

So what was different about this book? Well, the tone of the book was very personable, and upon further reading, the information was very relevant to my situation now, as a designer still moving up in the field.

I just wish I had this book earlier. Everybody serious about working in the design field needs a mentor to turn to. Unfortunately I never had one, but while reading this book, it felt as if Jeff Fisher (author of this book and experienced designer) was my mentor, sharing with me the complicated ins-and-outs of the design field.

Highly recommended!

• Amazon Link

Strobist has an excellent tutorial on how to make your own softbox from an ordinary cardboard box. I made one myself following Strobist’s instructions, though there was no available box lying around the house to use… until I found my buddy Samuel Adams near the fridge. He never lets me down!

So, I emptied the half-full case of Samuel Adams, cut open the sides and the top, taped on some tissue paper, and there you have it: a beautiful lookin’ softbox!

Now, all you need is some white posterboard to slide in and up the back of the box to put your object inside… then a household lamp to light it up. (see the Strobist tutorial for more details)

And there is my breakfast! Looking extra good because of the flattering light. Oh how lucky you are Mr. Breakfast Sandwich… ermm…

Well, I’ll probably be using this softbox a lot on my food blog Big Island Grinds when I can.

The Big Island of Hawaii has beautiful black sand beaches, and Punalu’u, located on the south side of the Island, has one of the more accessible ones with great camping facilities. So, taking advantage of the recent long weekend and to celebrate our 4 years together, Bev and I went camping. Here are some photos.

A warm sunrise gently lights a row of coconut trees

White water on black sand

This guy was just chillin’

Our sweet camping spot

You can check camping availability and get camping permits online at this site.