Black and White Barn Finds

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I’ve mentioned on the blog before that my husband is a huge “car guy.”  I get dragged all over the place to go to car shows and museums.  Alas, I really don’t mind because it typically gives me some good photo opportunities.  This time was a little different…  We attended a local car auction related to an estate that had multiple “barn finds” still on the original property.  Most of these cars were part of the landscape at this point.  Some were very likely parked when I was a kid riding my bike in the 70’s! They were far more interesting to me as pieces of art at this point than useable cars or even parts cars.  As part of Cee’s Black and White Challenge I thought I would take a shot at seeing what some of them looked like in B & W.  I hope you enjoy.  (For those interested in the results of the auction some of these cars went for $50 and some went for thousands…)  For me they are priceless as relics used for my art.

Woodland Celtic Games

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My brothers and I have been going to the Highland games for as long as I can remember.  It’s a fun little festival with something for everyone.  Music, dancing, athletics, animals, food, vendors…  Well this year and last have been special for me because I get to take my wee one and show him off in a tiny kilt.  He danced to the bagpipes and did a little Irish dancing, chased Highland Warriors and Vikings, smiled confidently at Mary Queen of Scots, stared intently at a Scottish Highland Coo (cow), tried his hand at curling, and mostly just ran free like all little boys should.

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He might be a little young for a heavy curling stone but kudos to him for trying.

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I might be biased but I think my little one was the best dressed at the Celtic games this year. And yes he walks around everywhere with a flower in his hand.

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Pipe bands abound.

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Not sure where these guys find the time and money to put these outfits and choreographed spectacles together but we were the beneficiary.

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One of my favorite things to watch…big guys hurling heavy things.

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The girls are fierce in their flinging of heavy things as well!

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Birds of prey were on display.

 

Toad Hall Book Store – Nevada City California

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Welcome to the best book store in Northern California. Yes, we may have bigger, newer, more consistent, or even those with same day shipping. But, no book store is as quaint, personal, and surprising. I can always find something here. It is never what you expect to find and it is always a treasure. Please come here and find happiness if only for a moment.

This post is also in response to Cee’s B & W Storefront challenge!

Downtown Sacramento Icon

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If you have spent any time in downtown Sacramento you can’t miss these iconic landmarks located in East Sacramento off Alhambra. In recent years the ugly ol’ water tower has been gussied up with a cool light feature which somehow makes it new and interesting. And it juxtaposed with the fire training tower has always somehow garnered my interest. In an area where property is expensive and at a premium I still can’t believe these random icons are still standing.

Bottlebrush buds bursting

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We used to have one of these bushes in my yard growing up and I have one in my current house. They never cease to fascinate me these buds. Mother Nature must get bored occasionally and think, “what kind of crazy thing can I come up with now?” Check out the individual buds on this tree! It is amazingly prolific and the bees and hummingbirds flock to it without fail. I love this tree and felt I must share it’s awesomeness with you flower fans fore it is bursting before my eyes!

Spring iPhone NURSERY photos… but not the kind this Mama normally sees

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Ok so clearly by the lack of regular posting this last year it is clear I have my hands full in the home nursery. But, true to form, my little guy’s favorite thing to do is to observe and smell flowers and just generally be outside. Sooo…we spend a lot of time at a few local flower nurseries so both of us can get some fresh air and smell the flowers as it were. I hope you enjoy a few lovely little iPhone shots that aren’t too shabby considering it’s not my good camera and my other hand is wrangling a high energy toddler!

Happy Spring wherever you are. Are the flowers out and proud in your end of the word?

This dogwood won the prize for prettiest flower of the day for meThese blooms look like they are in a race to see who can bid first. It’s fun to take he time to watch the buds slowly openHard to tell if I am in California or Hawaii!This is one of the most beautiful plants I’ve ever seen. I did the right thing and left it for someone with a green thumb to purchase so it may actually survive. :)

McKinley Park Rose Garden – Downtown Sacramento

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McKinley Park is an iconic downtown Sacramento park. I have been coming here for years. There is no better time to visit than during the spring Rose Flush. This park and these roses are a spark of what is perfect about the Northern California region this time of year. Spring is springing and the heat of summer isn’t depressing and making us flee yet. The aroma of new roses mixed with the citrus smell of surrounding tree buds is enticing. The birds are chirping, mothers are strolling their babies, and it is impossible to be sour in this setting. Many a bride has been married in this very spotColors only Mother Nature can perfect Volunteers keep the roses ship shape hereThis tree is amazing!Perfection in pinkWish I could share the smell with you through your screenA sign of what’s to come

Foggy Sacramento Morning

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Greetings from a foggy Sacramento morning. Typically the weather turns for us here around Halloween. I feel likes it’s only just starting now a bit late. Running errands in Sacramento today made it feel like winter especially stumbling upon workers getting the Christmas tree ready for the tree lighting at the state capitol.

The capitol sits on a splendid park which I need to properly photograph for you one of these days. I’ve photographed countless weddings here and photoshoots on the capitol steps. I suppose because of that I never head down for fun to shoot the park.

Workers setting up for the tree lighting at the capitolThe tower bridge is an icon of Sacramento. Its beautiful golden color shines bright day and night. Foggy morning over the Tower bridgeThe Crocker Art Museum is a world class art museum which has grown leaps and bounds over the years. It’s a must visit location when in Sacramento. Stroll along the river walk when you are done and finish at one of the wonderful eateries in historic old town Sacramento. The Crocker Art museum has changed so much since I was a kid but it remains a Sacramento icon and travel staple

Happy Fall and early Winter everyone. Stay warm!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an institution that I’ve been visiting since I was born. It is a world class aquarium highlighting every part of the sea and it’s glorious creatures. It keeps getting better and better despite the heavy crowds. One could, and likely should, spend multiple days visiting the aquarium early in the morning to avoid crowds and frustration. Below are a few highlights from my humble iPhone. In the afternoons and evenings, to avoid crowds, visit the beautiful Los Lobos State Park, Carmel-by-the-sea or eat in the quaint Pacific Grove. The touristy area immediately surrounding the aquarium is a bit too peoply for me so evacuate and head for the surrounding charm. 

Have you ever been? The aquarium has changed so much over the years. They do wonderful work and deserve every ounce of success.