Night Life

Today we have a special treat- a guest blogger. My daughter took these pictures for her photo final and I'm so proud so I'm sharing them with you.

Life is Rosie

It's spring time and the roses are in full bloom. Is there any more beautiful flower?

Can it be?

How can it be that there is a beautiful blooming spring tree with a snow covered moutain in the background? OK, I cheated - the tree is real but the mountain is the Matterhorn at Disneyland!

In the Eye

Beauty as they say is in the eye of the beholder. I find this decaying wagon wheel to be a piece of art while others? Maybe not.

Can it be?

Can it be that a dead tree is beautiful? I think it can. When we where in Tahoe we saw many of these natural works of art. From the color of the bark to the interesting twists of its skelatal limbs this tree was gorgeous.

Lake Taco

Many years ago when a friend was visiting from New Zealand he told us that he had been to Lake Taco before coming to see us. WHERE? Turns out he couldn't remember the name of Lake Tahoe (or Sausalito for that matter - he called it Sasquash). How could one forget the name of one of the most beautiful places on earth? We got to spend some time in south shore last weekend and I had the chance to take some photos of the snowy lake. It was so beautiful I tried to soak it all in.

The Sky Above

We drove down to Ojai last weekend which is a small town near Ventura, California. When we arrived the sun was just starting to set and it made the sky the most glorious pink. This photo doesn't do it justice but at least it gives you the idea.

California Dreaming

Growing up in California I probably take palm trees for granted but they are truly a beautiful sight. The entrance to Stanford University is a long, palm lined drive. I can only imagine what students must feel when they arrive there for the first time. It is truly a royal welcome. I have never "owned" a palm tree before but they seem like a lot of work. The fronds die as the tree grows and to keep them looking good the dead fronds must be cut off. As the tree grows taller and taller that becomes quite a feat. Luckily I can enjoy them without all the work.

Snowy Equines

When we were in Oregon for New Year's we stopped by the barn to visit the horses. They were so beautiful set against the snow. They didn't seem the least bit cold but I sure was!

Winter Wonderland

For many I'm sure the snow is a major irritation. Walks to be shoveled. An endless need to find dry clothing for children. Lost mittens. Frozen limbs and generally unsafe driving conditions. But for those of us that don't get to experience it that often it is pure bliss. A fairyland of white. A place to run and play. We are enjoying a few glorious days in the Oregon snow. I am enthralled by the branches in the snow and my son finds the icicles irresistible.

Holiday Flowers

I love these red flowers. The seem like a great way to enjoy the holidays with something that makes me think of warmer weather. Hope your holidays are wonderful.

In the Eye of the Beholder

I saw this purse sitting on some bleachers and I thought the colors were just gorgeous and I loved the way the sun was shining on it. Some people might think it was just a pile of fabric. I think beauty for the eyes.

Searching for Fall in the Western World

I live in California where we don't really have seasons. I've always wanted to go on a color tour of the East Coast in the Fall. I'm sure it must be gorgeous. But unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to take such a trip. So I went out this weekend and looked for fall in California. We don't have a lot of trees turning colors, mostly evergreens that are - well - ever green! But the japanese maple trees and the liquid ambers do not disappoint.

To Be

To be willing to wear bright pink plaid boots.

To wear shorts on a cold day.

To be a teenager in the rain.

Juxtaposition

Why a photo of an old truck? I love the contrast between this fancy new house and the old beat up truck.

Delectable Jewels

Vegetables as Art? I wouldn't normally think so but Sunday I drove by the vegetable stand and just had to stop for some photos. The folks there buying veggies probably thought I was nuts but it wouldn't be the first time. Look at these awesome onions! They were huge (bigger than my fist). The color was so rich and the paper thin skin was so crinkly. And the tomatoes looked like bright jewels. I just wanted to eat them all.

Cool Jellies

Last weekend we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I love it there. One of my favorite parts is the Jellies. They are just gorgeous and Monterey Bay has done such a wonderful job of displaying them. They are backlit and in the "Jellies as Art" display, the tanks are framed so they look like paintings. I could stare at them for hours. I just found out that the display will go away on September 15th to make way for a seahorse exhibit. While I look forward to the new exhibit I will really miss the jellies. I'm so glad I got to see them once last time.

Boat on the Water

Why is it that boats and water are such a beautiful combination? We were recently in Oregon and I stopped by the Marina in the morning before the boats had gone out. The sun was just right casting reflections and I must have snapped 50 photos. It was so peaceful and gorgeous.

Budding Beauty

There is an incredible flower garden in my neighbor's yard and I go there often to take photos. Usually I photograph all of the beautiful flowers but this last time I became focused on all of the flower buds. I never really noticed them before but they are now grabbing my attention. How can it be that an incredible flower is packed inside this tight little bud just waiting to spring free. It doesn't seem possible.

One Door Opens

You know the saying, "as one door shuts, another door opens?" When I was young I really didn't think that was true but as I've gathered more life experience I think it probably is. A closed door is full of endless possibilities. On our trip we saw so many beautiful doors and I thought I'd share this one with you. What do you think is on the other side?