Saturday, December 31, 2011

Gather and Drinks (This week's Photo Hunt themes)



For those participants in Sandi's and Gattina's Photo Hunts (as well as general visitors to this blog) who have yet to do so, meet Ponyo -- specifically, my Stress Ponyo and Puppet Ponyo! :)

Unlike the somewhat shy third Ponyo plush I have (who is known as either Pirate Ponyo (because she's actually a not officially authorized plushie bought for just HK$20 here in Hong Kong) or Muse Ponyo (because she helps me to write long articles)), Stress Ponyo and Puppet Ponyo are social personalities who enjoy going out and doing such as making appearances at gatherings, including those where people have their share of drinks.

Since Stress Ponyo usually attends these gatherings after a day at the office, she tends to favor Vodka Martinis (although she has checked out her share of beers in her time too). Puppet Ponyo, on the other hand, usually sticks to beer as she appears more in vacation situations. (For example, the hair-raising middle photo of her -- maybe she was shocked by how big were the size of the mugs of beer we were served... -- was taken on our Japanese vacation this year. Also check out Puppet Ponyo sampling some kolsch when she, a German friend and I visited Cologne last year!)

And while I usually avoid showing close-up photos of my friends, the two in the third photo with Puppet Ponyo are well known in Asian film circles, so don't think they'll mind having their faces shown on this blog. For the record: the photo of Puppet Ponyo with Fredric Ambroisine and King Wei Chu was taken at a fun evening out during this year's Hong Kong International Film Festival -- and helps provide evidence of what I often tell disbelieving people: that the fest -- at least for the likes of me -- doesn't just involve sitting in the dark viewing films but, also, meeting up with fellow film fan(atic)s, including quite a few who have flown into Hong Kong from other continents as well as other parts of Asia. :)

27 comments:

Carver said...

Great take on both themes. I'm the same way about photographs of people which is why I tend to use old family ones since everyone has changed so much, or shots of backs etc. There are a few exceptions like yours where I don't think anyone will mind. The ponyos are fun ones for the theme. Happy New Year ahead!

magiceye said...

lovely takes on the theme

Anonymous said...

It's really nice when the themes can easily be combined right?

Thank you for all the posts this year. Happy New Year.

eyesonme2world said...

I only able to do the Gather theme. Next time I will try to combine both theme together.. haha...

Happy Hunting and Happy New Year~

eyesonme2world

Raine said...

Happy New Year! What a hoot to have ponyos around.

MaR said...

Love the ponyo!
I am not participating until next year but wanted to wish you and yours a very happy New Year, cheers!

Gattina said...

That's a nice combination for both themes !

YTSL said...

Hi Carver --

Glad you like the entry -- and yes, the Ponyos are generally fun to have around. Happy new year to you too! :)

Hi magiceye --

Thanks. :)

Hi ewok1993 --

Had to have a bit of a think to figure out how to combine the themes -- but it sure is satisfying when one can do so. You're welcome re all the posts. Thanks for visiting. Happy new year to you! :)

Hi eyesonme2world --

Good luck with the theme combining next time around and happy new year to you too. :)

Hi Raine --

Happy new year to you as well -- and yes, the presence of Ponyos in one's life can make for more smiles. :)

Hi Mar --

Thanks for visiting even though you're not participating this week. Here's wishing you a happy 2012 too. :)

Hi Gattina --

I'm happy that you like it. :)

Anonymous said...

Great shots - funny how many gather for drinks after a long day at the office!!! If it weren't for my 45 minute commute home I bet I'd do more of that.

Happy New Year.

Trekcapri said...

Hi YTSL, wonderful photos and a really fun and creative take on both themes. I enjoy seeing photos of your friends and Puppet Ponyo.

This really made me smile. Wishing you and yours a very Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year.

Annie said...

Nice to meet you, Ponyo!

I'm skipping PH this week but will be back in 2012. Just wanted to wish you happy holidays!

LifeRamblings said...

it's a pleasure to meet your Ponyos and it's great that you can combine both themes together.

best wishes for 2012!

YTSL said...

Hi JDeQ --

One of the good things about Hong Kong to my mind is that very few people drive. So many people can go out drinking after work without fear of getting caught behind the wheel drunk! :)

Hi Trekcapri --

You didn't enjoy seeing Stress Ponyo too? ;(

Seriously though, am glad that this post made you smile. Thanks for the new year wishes -- all the best to you and yours in 2012 too. :)

Hi Annie --

Thanks for visiting and the good wishes. Happy new year to you too! :)

Hi Life Ramblings --

I'm glad that you enjoyed meeting my Ponyos. Happy new year to you! :)

A. @ A Changing Life said...

I think you've had some fun gatherings with your Ponyos!

A. @ A Changing Life said...

Oh, and all good wishes for the coming year! :)

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I am giggling ~ you did a great job!
Happy New Year from the Saturday PhotoHunt.
I hope to see y'all next Saturday ~ bring your BLING!
Sandi

Trekcapri said...

Hi Again, I definitely also enjoy seeing Stress Ponyo sipping on Vodka Martini. :) he, he.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve!

Sue said...

The Ponyos are so cute! Happy photo hunting and Happy New Years!

peppylady (Dora) said...

Great combo...Does Ponyo drive you home when you have a little to much to drink.

Mine is up and the coffee is on.

gengen said...

Cute entry for PH! Happy New Year!

Momgen said...

Nice take for the theme. Mine is up too.

ancient one said...

I did Gather... You did great with both themes!ar

YTSL said...

Hi A. --

Definitely re having had fun gatherings with Ponyo -- and just fun, plain and simple. Thanks for the good wishes and happy new year to you too. :)

Hi Sandi --

I'm happy I got you giggling with this blog entry. Happy 2012 to you too! :)

Hi again Trekcapri --

Speaking of relatively forgotten Ponyos: I added a link to Pirate/Muse Ponyo so she wouldn't feel neglected! ;)

And new year's eve was good -- watched my team (Arsenal) win their game "live" (kick off time was 3pm in the UK but 11pm in Hong Kong!). :)

Hi Sue --

I'm glad you think the Ponyos are cute. Happy photo hunting and new year to you too. :)

Hi peppylady --

Teehee, no to your query. We all tend to rely public transportation instead! ;b

Hi gengen --

Thanks and happy new year to you too! :)

Hi Momgen --

Wait... you and gengen are different people? :O

In any case, am glad you like my take on this week's Photo Hunt theme. :)

Hi ancient one --

Thanks -- and have to say that it really is double the challenge to try to produce an entry that fits both themes! :O

CherryPie said...

Nice idea for the themes.

YTSL said...

Hi Cherry Pie --

Thanks, am happy you think this. :)

Yami said...

I'd love to have a puppet ponyo! :)

YTSL said...

Hi Yami --

I do feel lucky to have Puppet Ponyo. Maybe if you look around hard enough, you'll find one of your own. :)