Autumn in Black and White

While having a break from doing housework I saw more photos of BYJ shared by Style. I should be resting because I'm going away in a couple of days but I'd like to come back to a tidy and clutter free home. So I'm catching up with everything at the moment from washing, defrosting, ironing and etc. Oopppss haven't packed yet nor found a hand luggage for cameras. We'll leave that for tomorrow, ok?

BYJ in black and white.. Autumn Collection 2009- Armaldo Bassini

Bellissimo!!!!

Photo credit as labeled..many thanks.

BYJ Travel Book Photos

Whooaaaa !! I only managed to clean the kitchen in two hours and new photos of BYJ emerged already!! Cheers Myoce for quick update.. Suehan was generous enough to share these photos of BYJ which we could see in the book.. They are very good teasers. Who would not want the book of the year? Many thanks.

An inquisitive mind.. he's mixing some sort of dye??

Like him standing by.. the observer and almost the invisible..

This photo reminds of calligraphy less the stick or pen. A student with a master perhaps? I would like to have that broom here in England actually. Sweeps better.

Front Cover

I must admit I like this cover of BYJ's book 'Following the Beauty of Korea'. This must be taken at daybreak or twilight just when the moon have come out of the horizon. The writings are in Korean from the looks of it which made me wonder if this would be the cover for the first publication.. it's also in black in white which is elegant.

I also would like to share here BYJ's message in NTV by Haruka.It's so refreshing to see his face and cheerful greeting. Don't worry about understanding it. Someone will surely come up with a translation or best bet is keep looking. ;-)

BYJ Birthday Tribute

Baeland has come to another important day of the year- Bae Yong Joon's birthday on August 29, 2009. I remember the last couple of years when I joined KOB and met some friends. We have celebrated this time of the year in a very unusual way. I wouldn't say it's out of this world but with BYJ's influences we have done projects, embark on our own adventure like creating blogs, pursue interest in photography hence the FB photography group was created and still interested in most projects BYJ has established.

The first project we created for his birthday if you remember had something to do with the environment.. I wonder what happened to Flor's mango tree she planted, Myoce's plants, Moichan's Hydrangea, and other sister's pursuits as one of us has now started writing a novel.

Then came other small projects such as the 'Friend I am' where we shared our free time helping, providing assistance, sharing our talents to others. I only hope that everyone have continued this initiative to help those who need the most.

We are aware that there are also other Baefamilies who have done the same and have more drive and representations to be able to conduct major or bigger projects. Although ours were small and simple I felt that through this we have made each other closer.

After the creation of the FB Photography Group, we have followed BYJ's footsteps again by doing our own 'Kick the Habit' campaign 2009. It might sound ambitious to even think of this project but I believe that being aware of our actions and the consequences it may bring the environment would help in a way at least. There were some of us who shared their own means to protect mother nature and became more conscientious in daily life.

I also believe that all of us have an innate capability to do good for other people may it be influenced or driven by someone or by faith. The 'Kick the Habit' may be the last project for now but the values and lessons I have learned will stay on.

BYJ has the power, capability and position to make the difference but we also possess the will and ability to do the same in our own little ways wherever we are in the globe.

I'd like to share here the group's first album for BYJ's birthday this year.

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Bae Yong Joon!

You may receive this card a bit late but I wish you'll have a fabulous birthday and
please do look after yourself!

Roses for You

Affairs of the heart

This was read on our renewal ceremony three years ago...Happy Anniversary Alex!

BYJ's 503CW

At first I was thinking it was a Mamiya Rb 67 again!!! I like Mamiya personally but I think that's because it's more affordable than a Hasselblad (in theory) plus the lines were the first clue.

After exhausting Robert White's selection of cameras from Canham to Rollei I stumbled on this old photo of a Hasselblad. The curve line on the side and the round button was a give away then I searched further.

Voila!!It's the Hasselblad 503CW which has the key features below.

To visit the website please click here.

Technical Specifications:

*Uses the wide range of CFi/CFE/CF/CB lenses – 30-500 mm

*Several different digital backs available

*Shortest shutter speed 1/500 s

*Flash sync speed up to 1/500 s

*TTL/OTF flash metering

*Gliding Mirror System for full viewfinder image with virtually all lenses

*Bright viewfinder image with a number of different exchangeable viewfinder types

*Choice of formats with format mask accessory or accessory magazines

*Battery independent

*Adapted for winder

*IR and electrical remote control with winder

AB- Colors of Fall

Wowwwwww!!! Some more lovely pictures of BYJ from the Arnaldo Bassini Fall/Autumn Collection.. The colors are more vibrant considering it's the fall collection. Certainly prefer them over the summer ones..

The yellow color just brings a very happy feeling and BYj seem to be enjoying this photoshoot.

A good drink of a vintage red perhaps and those glasses look chic too.

I know.. This is BAE YONG JOON- He can afford the most stylish and versatile camera in the planet! Is is this one of my dream cameras?? Let me do some more research.. I think it is. I just have to figure out which model.

Well done YJssi!!

Bluer than blue

Hello there! I don't know about you but I am still recovering from seeing the lovely photos of BYJ at Mr. Yang's wedding. It's so great to see him again which only shows how much he has been missed.

Oh well, I suppose I have to move on and wake up really. I don't know why but I had this picture in my head this morning of him standing by the altar waiting for his bride. I couldn't see her face but BYJ in a tux..Oh dear.. if it is a premonition it's going to be a painful yet sweet goodbye to our dear prince. (I can't even believe it took me this long to refer him that.)

I thought I'll share these pretty flowers my friends brought us this weekend. I hope they would cheer you up too.

The garden party went well although I overloaded on the amount of food. My guests told me I should hold parties often so I know how much food to buy.. yikes!! I think we will be living with burgers and chicken this week.

Overall it was a successful party. I am just thankful that it's almost five years since we're together and I certainly wouldn't change it for the world.

New BYJ Pics

OMG!! Thanks to Xiaoyi's updates and the new pictures of BYJ attending Mr. Yang's wedding were gathered from various sources.. with the week I have I am surprised I am still standing let alone will be hosting a garden party tomorrow.. sigh! I would be very glad I think when I'm on that plane for our holiday. But what precious photos welcomed me today plus my hubby's soup as well.
Gosh!!! I probably had the same reaction with other sisters. I couldn't help but screamed for joy but Alex thought I sounded like a middle age woman pointing about how long the hair still but nevermind BYJssi you still look fab!!
So I just selected my favorites. Ok??

Ready to go and celebrate. .

Happy to see familiar faces in the crowd perhaps and the family???Wonder who's the lucky one?

This year seem to be so challenging for him but he still looked great and handsome.. What else can I say? Stay healthy and take it easy..

May appeared lanky on this one but every inch a dashing prince.

Always have time for the family..

He always wear that ring on special occassion.. just lovely even from behind.

There's something about how BYJ stares or glances back..it speaks volumes and this one just said what every family I believe has been wanting to hear from him..

Thank you BYJ.. you made Baeland alive and breathing again!

Photo credit as labeled.

Reflections

I'm glad today has been productive.. we finally brought the new car home but I also had to say goodbye to the other one. You probably think I get so attached to things but I think that's just me. It's not been easy but we have to move on and learn from the events.

While transferring photos from my old computer I saw these set of photos I took last spring. I felt these flowers which come every year has become part of my journey and perhaps witnessed how life has unfolded before us.

Things happened for a reason. I think it's how you make the most out of these situations and remain optimistic which would help you go through obstacles.

'There are no accidents. Everything is a lesson. Everything has a PURPOSE, A PURPOSE, A PURPOSE !!'

BYJ- AB photos

Good morning/evening! It's very cloudy where I am at the moment and the gentle breeze gives a refreshing feel to a dull Tuesday morning. I couldn't get back to sleep anymore considering how tired I was yesterday. A cup of black coffee is what I needed to fully wake myself up.

While surfing the net for news in Baeland and intending to read other sister's postings I have encountered a dilemma-language barrier. I know it's a bit late for me to learn Korean, Chinese, Japanese let alone master English I have to rely on online translators. The only problem is the one I'm using doesn't translate the articles I wanted. Sigh! I don't know if you have come across this issue but it's so disappointing as I'd like to read more.

Anyhow I got cheered up by these photos of BYJ from the Fall/Autumn Collection of Arnaldo Bassini. As much as I like the name I don't think they would ever change their market which I think is catered for men in early forties/fifties. That's just my opinion. It's a shame really because BYJ is lot younger for these clothes although he wears them perfectly. Even if he wears something made out of a sack he would still look chic anyway.

Pastel color is pretty and a clean like the one above.

BYJ and his pots... I do like what seem to be a linen jacket and the brown pots. ;-)

Photo credit: byjgallery/ 권오경 Many thanks.

BYJ's Press Conference

Hello!! not been updating a lot recently as you probably realized why or guessed. After a long and very stressful days at work last weekend I just felt completely knackered all day. My arm started to hurt again which I think is due to a repetitive strain plus I could do with more sleep too to recuperate.. perhaps an early night tonight if I could help it. I think after car hunting today and been to five dealers, my strength had been totally depleted.

Thankful enough we found what we wanted.. I had to eat what I said about cars but this one isn't a monster, trust me. It's a 4x4 but a smaller one. We need it for going camping to far places such as Scotland sometime and it has a separate room for our dog so it's just appropriate.

Thanks to Bae sisters across the globe I still get emails of what's new in Baeland although I didn't have the energy to repost them all in here.
I think this one is pretty interesting and I'm praying he will come up with a new hairstyle.. many thanks.

Translation: Joanne/Quilt
Oroginal: Newsen

Hallyu star BYJ will hold an official press conference in Korea in coming middle of September.

Official press conference in Korea by BYJ, who rarely shows up his appearance, is in no less than 4 years.

BYJ, who attended production announcement meeting at the time of film 'Oe Chool (April Snow)' that released in September 2005, is to meet domestic and foreign reporters in 4 years. The press conference in this time will be for both commemoration meeting for the publication of a travel essay 'Travel left to explore Beauty of Korea', which will be published in coming September, and production announcement meeting for the book. The 'Travel left to explore Beauty of Korea' will be published at the same time in Korea and Japan in coming middle of September.

A source at the BOF, BYJ's agency' told, "In coming middle of September, we will hold an official press conference in relation with the publication of the book at the Seoul Central Museum. It seems that there will swarm over 500 including over 200 domesting news reporting crews and over 300 overseas news crews from Japan, China, Hong Kong, etc."

BYJ did not have an occcasion for official meeting with reporters, as production anouncement meeting was not held at the time for MBC drama 'TWSSG', which ended broadcasting in high popularity in December 2007.

The occasion when BYJ had officially met domestic reporters was only when he had friendly chat with 13 domestic reporters in a waiting room at the time of 'TWSSG' promtion held in Osaka, Japan, in May 2008.

BYJ had held press conference several times in Japan. At the time when he had 'TWSSG' promotion in June 2008, he held an official press conference with Japanese reporters.

Also, BYJ will attend an event, where 100,000 audience will participate in, at the Tokyo Dome in downtown Tokyo, Japan, on September 29 and 30, and deliver Korean tradition and culture.

Ceramic Artist

The photo that I have been waiting for- BYJ and pottery. He must have done this for a while since he has created some decent pots already. Tomato99byj shared in Quilt the Arnaldo Bassini photoshoot. It must be quite a job focusing on what you're doing and posing..I shouldn't be suprised really. Did they say he's going to open a pottery shop when he retires from acting? Will that be on top of the vineyard/farmland he intended to establish in the future? That sounds a very interesting move. Thanks for the video ;-)

going slow..

Oh it has been an interesting week for us.. hubby had a road collision which put me in a state a couple of days ago. He's alright now. Thank God it wasn't serious. But it felt like a very long week for me since this happened.

We are in a process of hunting for eco-friendly car but also a reliable one. Fancy cars are not my husband's cup of tea either.. I account that to him being British. In England, if you have a Land Rover and you haven't got a farm people think it's for show. The roads here are not wide either so just imagine a GMC or a Discovery occupying most of the road. It's just not practical. Although people who works in London and resides in our part of the wood use BMWs, Mercs and Audis for quicker transport that would be pretty understandable.

Of course I haven't forgotten my blog. I got reminded of how lovely BYJ is with his cars or in a car..

Cool and casual.

Formal and workaholic in New York..

Candid and sporty during the Arnaldo Bassini campaign.

The making of a diplomat during the Order of Culture Merit ceremony..

Hope you'll have a good weekend ahead. Take it slow..Photo credit as labeled.

Retracing Iwayama

I was cooking my Spicy Fritata when the Iwayama Urushi Art Museum just entered my head. I saw the photos of the reopening from various Baesites few days ago but I wasn't paying much attention.
Then I just thought they would show BYJ's work as well (How could I missed it?). I looked back on some of the photos and this video by Puraso and was moved when I saw the clips. I must say I don't blame the lady in this video who was in tears. To see BYJ on a recorded clip and his hardwork, dedication and perseverance reflected on every stroke of that brush you could only admire the purity of this man's heart to embark on such a challenging task.

And thank goodness bb translated his message in her blog.

source: BYJ / video greeting 2009.08.01
original in japanese: Noriko Iida's blog
translated into chinese: snowkin / loveyongjoon
translated into english: happiebb / bb's blog

Hello, everyone. This is Bae Yong Joon.

I sincerely congratulate the opening of the Iwayama Lacquer Museum.

As for honorary director, I should have been together with everyone today, but regrettably, I'm unable to be there. Because of this, I feel very sorry towards my teacher Mr Jun Yong Bok as well as his family.

I'm currently in the final stage of the book that I've been working on. I will put in my utmost to finish the project, and repay everyone with a well-written book.

In addition, as a gesture to congratulate the opening of the museum, it is with embarrassment and humility that I put up to share with you the work that I've completed during the days when I was learning the craft in Japan and also pictures taken during those days.

However, I am still very, very immature and new in the field of lacquer art, I hope that everyone will understand that the work on display is part of my learning process, and be looking at my work with a forgiving heart.

From now on, I will work harder to deepen my understanding of lacquer art.

Hope that everyone will remain healthy and happy.

Let us all meet again in September.

Although he sounded apprehensive but that's understandable. He has a creative mind and the drive to learn this art. I think he should be proud of himself and what he had achieved for not many men could do the same.
For some photos of the place you could visit Flowerbossa's blog who was actually in the reopening.

My camera and me

What do you do when you are extremely bored??? Take photographs. Alex is at work all day, friends are out and I am not well enough to go out.. I'm trying to rest as much as I can so better way to cheer myself is a barbeque and photographs ..oh well nothing else to take picture but me and my camera. Cheerio!

Behind the clouds

This is the sunset I captured today.. still sniffling but certainly won't miss my favorite phenomenon.

Only You

Thanks Del for the info on the artist of this song 'Only You' which is the background music of KOB/JOB. Concy mentioned Kang Yo Hwan already and it just dawn on me to look in YT. Thanks to Tomato99byj for uploading the song in YT. Many, many thanks.

BYJ's Message at Jingu Gaien

I know..I will be signing off in a few moments. I have been waiting for this so would like to share this with you.

His video message - original : free from byjfan
Japanese to Chinese : 青衿女/baidu
Lifted from Zoom on Bae Yong Joon by Jaime

Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Jingu-Gaien Hanabi. I heard that every year there is a large audience to view this hanabi. I also hope someday I can attend this with everyone.

At the present moment, I am writing a book introducing Korean traditional culture. In September, I plan to bring this book and the anime 'Winter Sonata' to visit Japan. I hope to meet everyone again with healthy image.

Please enjoy the hanabi today. Hope everyone will be as joyous as this hanabi, thank you very much!

**** ***************************************
A bit of information on this fireworks display.

History

The origin of fireworks is said to be from signal fires in China. The history of fireworks of Japan started in 1549, when guns and gunpowder were introduced by Lusitanians.It was recorded that Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo Government saw fireworks from the Edo castle.

As fireworks manufacturers had improved their skills during the Edo period (1604-1868),　fireworks became summer entertainment for the public by the 18th century. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of the oldest fireworks shows in Japana was set up as annual summer event by the eighth shogun, Tokugwa Yoshimune in 1733. The event was prepared to dispel evil spirits and comfort the souls of the dead ,as the previous year saw epidemics in Edo (current Tokyo) and a nationwide famine which killed about one million people.

In the Meiji-period (1868 ～1912), Japanese fireworks makers used imported chemicals for creating fireworks and were constantly improving their technique. As a result, Japanese fireworks became as colorful and sparkling as they are now.

With 340-year history, Kagi-ya is the oldest fireworks factory in existence in Japan. Kagi-ya allowed the salesclerk early 19th century to set up his own firework factory called Tama-ya,but Tama-ya was forced to close its business because a big fire destroyed the factory. Even now the onlookers often shout “Tama-ya” as well as “Kagi-ya” in place of applause.

The Japanese and Hanabi

Why do the Japanese see and love the fireworks displays ?
National love for the events is quite understandable when you consider the character of the Japanese.
The mid-summer evening big fireworks shows suit the taste of the Japanese. We cherish short-lived beauty, such as that of cherry blossoms in spring, which are at their best for only a couple of days. The enjoyment of fireworks is along the same line. Source: NIC Japanese.com

Premium Days Revisited

I am officially off work for being just totally ill. I really have to work on getting enough rest on my days off as I think most of this is fatigue and stress. So being stuck in my bed ( I should really be resting) I came across some videos of the Premium event last year which I missed watching.



BYJ will be in Japan again this September for the launching of his book and the Winter Sonata Anime..Some of the Baesis I know already got tickets sob sob sob.. anyhow they will be there to support him like the ladies in MV. Fighting Yong Joon!
Thanks to Madonoyuki for the video.

Common Ground

It's BYJ's birthday this month and there are so many reasons to celebrate. I believe that being a BYJ fan, one has found a common ground with the other family wherever they may be in this world. Common ground speaks of culture, way of life, one heart, one goal, looking at the same perspective and understanding each other.

In Baeland we've shared one common ground and that is Bae Yong Joon. Among other things we have discovered together which reflects each other's vision and passion- BYJ still remains a strong bond that ties us all.

The month of July echoed the aspect of common ground in pictures. The Picture of the Month is Irislis'- 'Street Light' from Lara- Venezuela.

As twilight approaches what keeps us see our direction is a light which glows with no hesitation.

BYJ's effect is like this light which radiates without knowing. Life has been changed, feelings have been uplifted and passion has been born..