My first year marriage anniversary is coming up really soon... And Philip got me a new kimono I had my eye on. This one was given the rather elven-sounding name of 'Shadowed Leaves.' It had been well out of my personal price range, so despite how much it had continued to grow on me, I never would have gotten it for myself. I think that makes it a particularly nice anniversary gift. That and I really can't imagine finding an Autumn motif kimono that I would like that much more or that would go as well with the accessories I already have. I've seen enough kimonos to know that one like this doesn't come along very often. (And of course, nothing says that I can't get more Autumn kimonos if I find some I really like in Kyoto.)

I gave my 'about materia' section a much needed updating today. It also ended up being about ten times longer than the original version. I guess there's just that much more to my life now that I don't have college to keep me so miserably pre-occupied. Anyways... there's nothing particularly 'new' there if you already know me, but it might be worth a quick look.

Because people never get tired of seeing someone else's cat...

It seems like I've collected quite a few internet handles over the years... although most of them I don't use much anymore. I don't even use 'Summfox' so much these days when I'm signing up for new things. Usually I see if the username 'Galatea' is available first. But thats not really one of those wacked out internet handles that seems so fashionable these days... I guess 'Cyber-Materia' is pretty close to being one, but...

What do you think of 'sadistic_onigiri'?"

*hangs head temporarily in defeat* .... I'm supposed to be saving up money for my trip to Japan but then this gorgeous kimono comes along and says my name. I'm such a hussy. Its an all black one, which isn't something you find all that often in women's kimono... but what makes it special is the weave. When this kimono catchs the light, its covered in a flurry of tiny cherry blossom petals and stars! Its in really good condition, particularly the exterior which is flawless.

I think it'll look really nice matched up with my cream, silver, and purple obi... and my lilac obi-age. Ah, now if only I ever had opportunity to wear it.

Update: The kimono actually isn't completely black at all. The teeny-tiny cherry blossom petals and dots have been dye-resisted on it in white. But then when the light changes, there's a pattern of larger petals that shimmers over top. Its definitely not what I was expecting, but its still very pretty.

Philip and I went to go see some really cool abbey ruins recently. I got a lot of nice photographs out of it and it was a pretty fun day, even if I did get exposed to the sun a little too much for comfort. (At least it didn't get the point of me having to throw up, which is usually what happens when I get too much sun.)

Out of the trip has come this piece, which in typical fashion is now one of my latest favourites: Vaulted Hall

Normally I would post a smaller version of it here, but it loses all detail at any size less than the linked image. And even then, its nothing compared to the way it looks at full size.

Oh and btw.... its completely digital!