SOMETHING SIGHTED

Un Vélo dans la Ville Déserte

2012-01-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

Paris, France (Click the photo to enlarge it)

Every once in awhile I feel like I have Paris almost all to myself. :)

Pojoaque Pueblo

2012-01-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Pojoaque Pueblo, New Mexico (Cultural center)

There are lots of really cool adobe buildings in New Mexico. Adobe buildings are made from clay, sand, wood and other natural materials.

"Pojoaque Pueblo is one of the six Northern Tewa speaking Rio Grande Pueblos. Archeological studies of the area have dated inhabitation of the historic Pojoaque Pueblo area as early as 500 AD with a large prehistoric population in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Pojoaque has always maintained a strong cultural identity and was known by its Tewa speaking neighbors as “Po-suwae-geh” the water drinking or gathering place."

Blog on Fire Award

2012-01-18T15:49:00.000-05:00

This award was given to me by my friend Malyss! Malyss lives in Nice, France and she's been a great blogger for several years. Her blogs are Chronicles From the Shore and Benches on My Way.
Merci Malyss!

Un Paio di Gatti di Vicolo (A Couple of Alley Cats)

2012-01-09T09:00:00.003-05:00

Venice, Italy

We were lost when I took this picture and this nice cat tried to point us in the right direction, but he was wrong. No problem because Venice is probably the best place in the world to be lost.

Birds, Trees and a Fountain

2012-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

Just some black and white shots of birds and some of the places they like to be. I hope you are where you want to be. :) Have a great weekend!

Bar

2012-01-02T07:00:00.003-05:00

Florence, Italy

The bars in Florence aren't like the bars in the USA.

Ringing in the New Year

2011-12-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

London, England (our first time since 1992) Happy New Year!

We only had a couple of nights in London at the end of our trip but it was a very enjoyable time. To see the clock at night while Big Ben chimes is an amazing experience. I'd love to go back.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2011-12-24T17:47:00.000-05:00

Newport Beach, California

I want to wish all of you a wonderful and happy Christmas. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your friendship!

James

People in the Florence Rain

2011-12-23T00:33:00.000-05:00

On the steps of Santa Croce

Crossing Ponte Santa Trinita

Via degli Speziali

Walking in The Piazza della Repubblica

Florence, Italy

I've always liked rain and now I enjoy taking pictures in it. Thankfully I haven't ruined my camera yet.

San Giorgio Maggiore at Sunset

2011-12-18T02:51:00.000-05:00

Venice, Italy

My words and photos can't convey what a special moment this was. Vicki and I were standing on a bridge watching an incredibly beautiful sunset in Venice. A good memory that will last a lifetime. Venice is a truly enchanting place!

Torre del Mangia and The Palazzo Pubblico

2011-12-16T10:00:00.008-05:00

Siena, Italy (The Torre/Tower del Mangia was built in the early 14th century and is connected to Palazzo Publico or Town Hall, which was built in 1297.)

Here's a good reason to look up in Siena, even when it's raining. I was in awe and it seemed like this man was too, what an amazing place! Speaking of amazing, not long after I took this picture I tried pici di cinghiale (a delicious pasta with wild boar sauce) for the first time, yum, yum! :)

This is my entry for The Weekend in Black and White.

The ArnolfoTower

2011-12-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

Florence, Italy

The Arnolfo Tower is the top part of The Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) which is the town hall of Florence. It's a very impressive building that was built between 1299 and 1304. The wires strung between the buildings in this picture hold beautiful Christmas lights. Florence is filled charming narrow streets that lead to amazing things. The streets are especially beautiful at night. I'll be sure to post some pictures (in color) in the future.

Out of the Fog

2011-12-13T02:38:00.000-05:00

Venice, Italy (An amazing place)

"La Salute" built in 1687

"The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St. Mary of Health), commonly known simply as La Salute, is one of the largest churches of Venice and has the status of a minor basilica. It stands in a prominent position at the junction between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon."

Tower Bridge at Night

2011-12-11T22:15:00.000-05:00

London, England

We had a great trip! London was our first stop and our last stop but we stayed in Italy for most of the trip. Lots of wonderful sightseeing and the best pasta I've ever eaten! Stay tuned for more photos.

Quai de Seine à Paris

2011-11-17T00:58:00.000-05:00

Paris, France

It's almost Vacation time.
I'm not going to Paris this year, I'll be going to some new places instead.

Sunset Trail

2011-11-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

Irvine, California

I don't know the real name of this trail but it looks like it goes down, then up, then into the setting sun. You might be able to see the person walking up the hill if you look closely. I doubt that I would be able to see her if I didn't know where she was. :)

Huntington Beach Pier

2011-11-04T06:22:00.003-04:00

Huntington Beach, California

This photo is for Weekend Reflections and The Weekend in Black and White

Mission Santa Barbara

2011-11-01T19:11:00.000-04:00

Santa Barbara, California

A little break from street photography.

Last month Vicki and I celebrated our anniversary in Santa Barbara. We both love the area and it's only about a two hour drive up the coast. This is the Old Mission Santa Barbara also known as The Queen of the Missions. It was the tenth of the California missions, the Santa Barbara Mission was founded by Franciscan Friar Fermin de Lasuen on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4, 1786.

Can you see the mission in the top photo? I took that shot from the top of the tower of the Santa Barbara Courthouse about two miles away. From there I could see mountains in one direction and the ocean was even closer in the other direction. The middle photo is a statue of Saint Francis inside of the mission.

Pinche Peggy and the Vatos

2011-10-27T22:41:00.000-04:00

Santa Ana, California (The car is named Pinche Peggy)

I don't see as many lowriders as I used to back in the 1970's.

"All my friends know the low rider
The low rider is a little higher
Low rider drives a little slower
Low rider is a real goer
Low rider knows every street yeah!
Low rider is the one to meet yeah!
Low rider don't use no gas now
Low rider don't drive to fast
Take a little trip
Take a little trip
Take a little trip and see
Take a little trip
Take a little trip
Take a little trip with me"
~Low Rider by War (1974)

Hard Times

2011-10-21T15:10:00.000-04:00

Santa Ana, California

My Street photography journey continues . It's not always happy but I try to capture real life.

This is my photo for The Weekend in Black and White.

An Artist at Work

2011-10-19T17:57:00.000-04:00

Santa Ana, California (Historic Downtown)
This time I was the one looking through the window. I really enjoy candid street photography especially when I'm in other countries. This isn't another country but it's seems like it because most of the people in this area are immigrants from Mexico. It's a pretty interesting place for street photography plus there are lots of "old" buildings and an artist community.

Lèche-Vitrines

2011-10-18T18:55:00.000-04:00

Paris, France

Even nuns like to hunt for bargains and window shop.

Sacs à Vendre?

2011-10-16T21:00:00.054-04:00

Paris, France (Place du Trocadéro)

He can keep his purses and I'll enjoy the free view! This place has great views of the Eiffel Tower if you're able to look past all of the beggars,scam artists,pickpockets and sellers.

Speaking of scam artists here's a list of some scams that have been tried on me while I was in Paris.They are very common and you can Google them if you want more info. Thankfully I've never fallen for any of them.

1) The gold ring scam
2)Fake deaf kids with clipboards scam
3)Friendship bracelet Scam
4)Do you speak English scam
One time on a crowded metro train a gypsy girl asked me what stop to take to go someplace while her friend put her hand in my pockets. I never carry a wallet when I travel so she was wasting her time. :)

Has anyone tried to scam you?

Textured Minnewater Reflection

2011-10-13T21:43:00.001-04:00

Bruges, Belgium (Castle Minnewater reflected on "Lover's Lake")
Vicki and I spent a day in Bruges last fall and it's an amazing place.

Le Ballon Vert

2011-10-06T19:52:00.000-04:00

Paris, France

As I was taking this picture I was thinking why couldn't his balloon be red. However his green balloon fits in nicely with all of the other green things in the frame.
I suppose this could be titled "Etude en Vert". What do you think Malyss?

Interesting Coincidences

2011-10-04T18:46:00.000-04:00

Paris, France and Lucerne Switzerland
This post is dedicated to my friend Owen (MAGIC LANTERN SHOW). Owen is an excellent photographer and blogger. He recently posted a photo of a tree in Paris with a woman's legs sticking out from it, she was actually just sitting on the other side but it was a fun illusion. In the post Owen asked "Did you ever see a tree with legs?" Click here to see his post, it's the third photo from the bottom. As you can see in my top photo, my answer is yes and I just happened to take this picture in Paris last fall two days after I met Owen. The next photo might be even more of a coincidence. Click here to see Owen's picture of a green women's bicycle that was thrown into a canal in Amiens, France. He posted it November 2, 2009 and I took the above picture exactly a year later on November 2, 2010 in Lucerne, Switzerland. :)

Île Saint-Louis sous la Pluie

2011-09-29T19:47:00.000-04:00

Paris, France

More rain and more Paris this week. I wonder what these young ladies were talking about as they walked huddled together under their umbrella?

I'm submitting this post to The Weekend in Black and White.

Rue Montorgueil Sous La Pluie

2011-09-23T07:45:00.003-04:00

Paris, France

Sometimes I find myself in the theater of life and I just have to wait for the actors to show up and create a scene.

I'd like to draw your attention to the reflection of the red car because this is my post for Weekend Reflections.

Watching the Angels

2011-09-14T18:27:00.001-04:00

Irvine, California (Orange County Great Park)

Can you see the angels in the center of the carousel?

Up Up but Not Away

2011-09-12T19:00:00.000-04:00

Irvine, California (Orange County Great Park)

This large illuminated orange balloon can hold 30 people and it goes 400 feet up in the air but that's as far as it goes because it's tethered to the ground. To get a better perspective look at the man bellow the balloon in the bottom photo.
One of these days I'm going to take a ride in this thing.

A Hot Dog Trying to Stay Cool

2011-09-07T17:08:00.000-04:00

Newport Beach, California

The past few days have been warmer than usual.

Un carrousel à Paris

2011-09-05T16:25:00.000-04:00

Paris, France (Jardin des Tuileries)

Visions of Paris spinning in my head.

Night Rose

2011-09-02T21:39:00.001-04:00

Newport Beach, California (Balboa Island)

I pass this rose all the time on my walks and I finally stopped to take a picture.

Flying with a Seagull

2011-09-01T02:46:00.000-04:00

Newport Beach, California

Have you ever wanted to fly like a bird?

Sushi Bar Romance

2011-08-31T02:28:00.000-04:00

Newport Beach, CA

I was walking back to my car when I saw this colorful neon sign so I took a picture. Looks like I captured more than just a sign. :)

Un Garçon et son Train Imaginaire

2011-08-29T18:12:00.000-04:00

Paris, France

Welcome to the adventures of little Alexandre Legris and his train Monsieur Charbon. Mr Charbon is fueled by imagination and Alexandre has lots of it. Today they're probably off to solve a mystery of some sort.

Au Café

2011-08-26T17:51:00.000-04:00

Paris, France (Restaurant Le Consulat - Montmartre)

Ah, the good life! :)

This is my post for The Weekend in Black and White.

Parisien Passage Reflections

2011-08-25T22:00:00.002-04:00

Paris, France (Passage Beaujolais) This passage links rue de Richelieu to rue de Montpensier

Walk through this passage, make a quick right then walk a few hundred feet and voila on the left side is the apartment where Vicki and I stay while we are in Paris. I walk through this passage to my favorite patisserie every morning while we're here except for Sundays when the passage gates open late.
When I first saw this photo I was a little disappointed that the name of the restaurant was obscured by the bright light but when I looked closer I noticed that the restaurant's name starts above it's door and is completed in the reflection on the left side. It's named "Alfred"

Checkout Weekend Reflections!

Fish in the Grass

2011-08-21T02:03:00.000-04:00

Newport Beach, California (Fashion Island)

It's not everyday that I see a school of fish swimming in tall grass.

This is my post for The Weekend in Black and White.

Orange County Sunset

2011-08-17T01:03:00.000-04:00

Balboa Beach, Ca

These are two crops of the same picture. I arrived on the beach this evening just in time to take a few shots of this amazing sunset. The sea spray and wet sand reflected the sun and made everything look bright orange. To me me it kind of looks like the people are performing a strange sun worshiping dance. :)

The Electra

2011-08-09T15:35:00.000-04:00

Newport Beach, California (Lido Marina)

"Welcome aboard the Electra.
Built in 1929, this 100-foot Classic Fantail vessel has been exquisitely restored to combine all the romance and opulence of the past with the comfort and convenience of today."

This is my Watery Wednesday post.

Blue Light at Night

2011-08-03T14:07:00.007-04:00

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California

I know the meaning of a red light but I don't know if a blue light has a particular significance. Whatever the case I liked the look of the shadows that came from the gate.

We don't have many fancy doorways around here but I submit this as my Midweek Blues and Wednesday Doorway post.

Rue des Vertus

2011-07-30T02:56:00.005-04:00

Paris, France (Le Marais)

I bet I could throw a rock from one end to the other of this little street. I love finding little old Rues like this in Paris.

Checkout The Weekend in Black and White.

P is for ?

2011-07-29T11:00:00.002-04:00

Newport Beach, Ca (Balboa Island)

This is a reflection of the Balboa Pavilion so that could explain the letter P on the right side of the window. P for Pavilion? No because this is the window of Pilates by the Sea so the P is for Pilates. :) If you look closely you might be able to see the Pilates equipment inside.

I like taking night time pictures of the old Pavilion. You can see a photo of the actual building at Weekend Reflections just click here.

An American Bench

2011-07-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, Ca

I found this bench on one of the little boat docks I pass by on my evening walks.
The flag is missing some stars and maybe some stripes but it has the moon shining through.
The last time the American flag had just twenty stars was 1819. Each star represents a state so the stars have multiplied over the years. Now there's talk of creating a fifty first state called "South California" which would include Orange County. Then I'd really be from SoCal. :)

This photo was inspired by my blogger friend Malyss. She posts photos of interesting benches everyday. Now whenever I see a bench I think of her.

Lifted up to the Sun

2011-07-22T19:42:00.005-04:00

Pojoaque Pueblo, New Mexico

This is one of the sculptures on the grounds of the Poeh Center near Santa Fe, New Mexico. I posted a picture of the adobe building here. There's also an explanation about the Native American center.
I didn't go inside but I had a great time taking pictures around the outside.
I'm not 100% sure but I think this work of art was created by Roxanne Swentzell.

This is my post for The Weekend in Black and White.

Abstract Sunset Reflection

2011-07-22T02:43:00.004-04:00

Newport Beach, Ca (Back Bay)

The brilliant orange sunset is reflected on the water. There's also a cloud and a moss covered branch that's sticking out of the water. I captured this just in time before darkness set in.

The back bay is another great place to walk and explore, it's full of birds and other wildlife. It's also just a short walk from home and has lots of reflections. :)

You guessed it! This will be linked to Weekend Reflections.

Sailing into the Harbor

2011-07-19T16:20:00.006-04:00

Corona Del Mar, California

There's something very relaxing about sitting high on a cliff while watching boats come and go.

This is my post for Watery Wednesday.

An old fisherman praying for a catch

2011-07-15T18:31:00.007-04:00

Corona Del Mar, California

Or perhaps he was praying for a sailboat. Then again he was probably just fixing his bait. You decide. :)

This is my post for The Weekend in Black and White.

Colorful Corona del Mar

2011-07-14T14:00:00.001-04:00

Corona Del Mar, California

I was looking down on Corona Del Mar beach at sunset.
Checkout the birds sitting on the rock on the lower left side just past the weeds. I bet they were enjoying the view as much as I was.

I'm linking this to Weekend Reflections. and Skywatch Friday!

Happy Bastille Day to my French friends!

Poeh Center

2011-07-10T20:10:00.006-04:00

Pojoaque Pueblo, New Mexico

"The Pueblo of Pojoaque’s Tribal Council established the Poeh Center in 1988 as the first permanent tribally owned and operated mechanism for cultural preservation and revitalization within the Pueblo communities of the northern Rio Grande Valley. The Center emphasizes arts and cultures of all Pueblo People with focus on the Tewa-speaking Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara and Tesuque; and the Tiwa-speaking Pueblos of Picuris and Taos.

Since its inception, the Center’s mission has been to Support the future of Pueblo people by: Teaching the arts, Collecting great works of art, and Promoting public under-standing of, and respect for, Pueblo history and culture. After twelve years, the Center, its educational initiative, Poeh Arts, and its Museum have taken that mission to heart and evolved into successful vehicles for artistic expression, both Native American and public education, and successful economic development strategies.

Tewa is the traditional language and the culture of six of New Mexico’s eight northern Pueblos. In Tewa, “Poeh” means pathway. The Poeh Center is a living pathway where tradition travels between the past and the present and leads into the future, ensuring further creativity. In this role, the Poeh Center embodies the essence of what it means to be Tewa -- to be Pueblo -- in a context of cultural continuity. "

Could this be what my feline friend was looking at?

2011-07-08T17:51:00.002-04:00

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California

This bird looks like he was hiding from something or someone but I told him it was all clear.

I almost didn't see him when he was behind the piling.

My computer has been dying over the last month but I finally got a new one today! So my blogging should start getting a little better. :)

Have a great weekend!

Island Cat at Night

2011-07-04T15:00:00.001-04:00

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California

Dressed up in his tuxedo like a feline James Bond.
I've seen this cat before but this was the first time I said hello and gave him a pat on the head. What a friendly little guy he is and he seemed to enjoy having his picture taken. He also likes to watch the passing boats. Perhaps tonight he'll be watching 4TH of July fireworks.

This is my post for Night Shot Monday.

Santuario de Guadalupe

2011-07-03T17:44:00.004-04:00

I wonder if they surround the statue with flowers everyday or if this was a special day.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

In the last post I showed the inside and now here's the outside of The Santuario de Guadalupe.

Santuario de Guadalupe Prayers

2011-06-23T22:57:00.006-04:00

Santa Fe, New Mexico

My first thought was it's nice praying statue then I saw the man on his knees praying below and I thought together they make an interesting picture. I wish I could have taken more time or even used a tripod but I didn't want to disturb the praying man.

Santuario de Guadalupe was built by Franciscan missionaries between 1776 and 1795, this is the oldest shrine in the United States to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico.

Balboa Pavilion

2011-06-17T10:00:00.001-04:00

Newport Beach, California (Balboa Peninsula)
It's a photo of the Balboa Pavilion which is on the Balboa Peninsula and I took the shot from Balboa Island.

The pavilion has been there for 105 years and I think it's where John Wayne met his first wife back in the 1920's. Balboa Island and especially the peninsula holds lots of memories because it was one of the favorite spots for our friends and us when we were teenagers. Vicki and I still like to go there all the time for walks and I try to always have a camera in my pocket.

This my Weekend Reflections post.

Ku Hoe He'e Nalu

2011-06-14T21:52:00.006-04:00

Corona Del Mar, California

I took this photo of sun setting over Newport Beach last night.
I thought the guy on the paddle board and the pelicans looked pretty cool as silhouettes.

Hoe Nalu "Paddle Surf"
The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe He'e Nalu; to stand, to paddle, to surf, a wave.

This is my Watery Wednesday post.

The Running Man and The Robin

2011-06-12T22:28:00.001-04:00

ST. Louis, Missouri

I took this shot near City Hall just after sunset. I saw the robin looking at the statue and I asked him if he liked it. Then he turned around and posed for a picture. I didn't think it be any good because this shot took almost three seconds do to low light. Mr. Robin kindly stood still for me however he gave me a puzzled look when I asked him move to his right to add balance to the scene.

Storm clouds at the Gateway Arch

2011-06-09T14:32:00.005-04:00

St. Louis, Missouri

I have a habit of taking way too many pictures of huge man made structures. It's just like when I'm near the Eiffel tower I just can't stop clicking. Look how tiny the woman looks below the arch.
The Gateway Arch also known as The Gateway to the West was built in 1965 and 630 feet tall. The arch is reflective and I noticed that it changes color though out the day. I also took some shots at sunset when the arch was a golden color.

I enjoyed Newtown but it's great to be back home especially because the weather has been so great. Newport Beach 67F vs Newtown 97F.

Hello from Santa Fe

2011-05-28T18:48:00.005-04:00

Hello dear friends!
Thanks for all of the well wishes and support. I've been on the road for just over a week and I have to admit that it seems more like a month. It gets pretty lonely without Vicki and the cats or anyone else for that matter. Getting online has been difficult sometimes because of the hotels and other times because of this crappy little notebook. I wanted to post photos from the road but I can't find the camera cable, I guess I packed it. Thankfully I pre-scheduled Weekend Reflections. :) I look forward to posting photos and stories after we get settled in California. This trip has taken me over 2,000 miles through eight states so far. I drove trough a few severe thunderstorms and even had some close calls with tornadoes. In fact I passed through Joplin, MO less than 24hrs after the deadly tornado and sadly there was another tornado warning while I was there. Then more tornado warnings in Oklahoma and Texas. I finally felt at ease when I arrived in New Mexico, nothing but beautiful blue skies. I feel terrible for the people who were impacted by the floods and tornadoes but I feel very blessed that I got through it unharmed. Now I need to figure out where to go tomorrow it could be Colorado,Utah, Arizona or maybe another part of New Mexico.

P.S. The Mexican food in New Mexico is excellent!

Bye for now.

Green,Gold and Red

2011-05-20T11:00:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Do you see the three faces in this picture? Every time I passed this spot the man was sitting there. In fact I looked up this location on Google Maps and the man was in the satellite view still sitting in his chair. :)

Well the big day is here at last and I'm on the road headed west. Just me and my two cameras. I"ll try to post some snapshots from my hotel rooms now and then. I'm taking the time to explore some new places on the way. I should be back to a normal blog routine in 3 or 4 weeks.

Have a great weekend!

Faces = (horse, lion, man)

The Shell Collectors

2011-05-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

Cape May, New Jersey

While in Cape May we stayed in a hotel with wonderful ocean views. This is the beach right in front of the hotel. I was amazed by the smooth colorful stones that were all over the beach. I found myself filling my pockets with them and some shells too. This couple gave me the idea.