Lillianhowan - Lillian Howan

Islands in the Bay

from the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, a view of Alcatraz Island ( the tiny island in the middle) and Angel Island on the right. Mount Tamalpias, the Sleeping Maiden, is in the background and, obscured by fog, is the Golden Gate Bridge on the left.

the uninhabited Îles Maria, Australes Islands

photo: Francoise Holozet-Howan

many thanks to Algy and his assistant Jenny for their support!

When the Scotch mist came down during the winter months, the bare trees looked more beautiful than ever. Algy loved to sit and gaze at the wonderful maze of twisty branches silhouetted against the pale, hazy background, and study the rich pattern of lichens which would be hidden when the leaves returned. As he perched on a rock beneath the wet branches, he felt a constant soft drip, drip, dripping on his head, and remembered a haiku by Matsuo Bashō. Soon it would indeed be spring:

          Spring rain           conveyed under the trees           in drops.

This post is dedicated to Algy’s friend lillianhowan, who is currently setting up a new online literary magazine nimbuscat on Tumblr. The first issue, to be published this spring, will be devoted to writing on the subject of wood :)

[ Algy is quoting a haiku by the 17th century Japanese master Matsuo Bashō. ]

Pukarua

photo: Francoise Holozet-Howan