Purely Ornamental

ML and I took a trip up to Molbak's, and reveled in the Christmas decorations and poinsettias. I seemed to be fixated on the ornaments, and it was so funny to see on ML's blog that she "saw" some of the same ones that I did. It's always fun to see how differently we catch things.

I loved the gazing ball--and it was a tricky proposition to get reflections without getting yourself in it. Wonderful photogrpaher's contortions going on during the process!

Assignment: Light brings...

...illumination and beginnings
...warmth and comfort
...joy, color, wonder

Jack Frost

We had a wonderful frosty morning a couple of weeks ago. I LOVE the way the frost crystals define the edge and veins in the leaves. It's so interesting to see the frost shapes, and to see how even old dry brown leaves become beautiful. Isn't Nature incredible?

Poinsettias

Somehow this year I really got into poinsettias and all their different colors. I love the way the bracts turn color gradually, and you get varied designs in them.
Look at all the different shades on this one single variety. I love this one.
Aren't the shape of the bracts and leaves on this one interesting? Love the way the color is outlined in white.

Here's one I really enjoy--it's a variety where the red bracts are splashed with white, but this one bract couldn't decide whether to be white or speckled.
The color on this one is incredible--such a deep vibrant pink.

Water drops

A few recent waterdrop shots, since there hasn't been too much else to take photos of lately. Gotta do something with all the wetness!



Ice crystals on a cedar bough, lightly dusted with snow. When it's cold enough, you can always count on ice at the Falls.

San Diego temple

Absolutely the most exquisite building I have ever seen. It sits on a hill on a curve of I-5, and when you come around the curve and see it you can't help but gasp. Even up close it takes your breath away. The detail is amazing--all the windows are stained glass, and it is even more beautiful inside. As you can see, we were there several different times--at night it glows.

Balboa Park Arches

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is right next to the zoo, and was started in 1868 (same era as Central Park in NY). The buildings were built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, with additional buildings in the 30s. The older buildings are incredibly ornate and are representative of "fantasy colonial Spanish architecture". The details are mind-boggling...I wish I could've seen more of the park.

Urban colors and distortions

We stayed right down the street from Horton Plaza in SD, and the architecture there is wild--very vivid and colorful, with unexpected angles and stairs and bridges. And, the office building across from our room had the most wonderful distorted reflections in it--an abstract buffet!!