Tag: fun

More smiles and magic in Balboa Park!

Friendly SDSU students perform a magic trick in Balboa Park. They demonstrate how high tuitions make money disappear!
Friendly SDSU students perform a magic trick in Balboa Park. They demonstrate how high tuitions make money disappear!

In Balboa Park smiles are abundant, and magic awaits around every corner. I took some photos this afternoon.

Brandon Carpenter smiles from atop his cool, historic penny-farthing.
Brandon Carpenter smiles from atop his cool, historic penny-farthing.
Anointed Ali gets ready to head over to the Plaza de Panama for another amazing acrobatic performance.
Anointed Ali gets ready to head over to the Plaza de Panama for another amazing acrobatic performance.
Resting among shadows and light with a camera.
Resting among magical shadows and light with a camera.
A sunlit Christmas pooch and old man.
A sunlit Christmas pooch and an old man.
Youthful excitement inside the Museum of Photographic Arts.
Youthful excitement inside the Museum of Photographic Arts.
Will recites Shakespeare on El Prado.
Will recites Shakespeare on El Prado.
Taking elegant photos in a beautiful park.
Taking elegant photos in a beautiful park.
Approaching the Dragon Bridge in the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Approaching the Dragon Bridge in the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Scooters heading through the park.
Scooters heading through the park.
A helping hand while crossing the street.
A helping hand while crossing the street.
Walking near the Timken Museum of Art.
Walking near the Timken Museum of Art.
People enjoy relaxing in the Plaza de Panama, in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
People enjoy relaxing in the Plaza de Panama, in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Playing guitar in a nook in the Alcazar Garden.
Playing guitar in a nook in the Alcazar Garden.
A joyful dog jumps up to greet me as I walk from the Cabrillo Bridge past Nate's Point Dog Park.
A joyful dog jumps up to greet me as I walk from the Cabrillo Bridge past Nate’s Point Dog Park.
A picnic on green grass on the West Mesa.
A picnic on green grass on the West Mesa.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Photos of 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade!

A cool sight before the 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade gets started!
A cool sight before the 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade gets started!

Here are lots of photos from today’s 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade!

This was my first year watching the Toyland Parade. I headed to North Park and walked about a little before the parade began. Then I found a spot on the sidewalk and got my camera ready!

Kids head toward the parade route, which begins along University Avenue in San Diego's North Park neighborhood.
Kids head toward the parade route, which begins along University Avenue in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood.
These kids were selling fresh mistletoe before the parade got started.
These kids were selling fresh mistletoe before the parade got started.
Folks chat in the staging area before the hometown holiday parade begins in the late afternoon.
Folks chat in the staging area before the hometown holiday parade begins in the late afternoon.
And here we go! Boy Scouts lead the parade carrying flags.
And here we go! Boy Scouts lead the parade carrying flags.
After a bunch of local San Diego politicians go by, here comes the Grinch!
After a bunch of local San Diego politicians go by, here comes the Grinch!
It's the Gift of Dance! Some very lively Mexican folklorico dancing adds zest to the parade!
It’s the Gift of Dance! Some very lively Mexican folklorico dancing adds zest to the parade!
Whirling color.
Whirling color.
A fun truck with a Christmas tree in back.
A fun truck with a Christmas tree in back.
Looks like Santa-clown.
Looks like Santa-clown.
This fun parade entry sported a miniature North Park landmark sign.
This fun parade entry sported a miniature North Park landmark sign.
I believe this is a student attending Saint Didacus Parish School.
I believe this is a student attending Saint Didacus Parish School.
Lots of candy was being handed out to thrilled kids along the parade route.
Lots of candy was being handed out to thrilled kids along the parade route.
Kimberly Wong was the 2017 Miss Toyland Parade Queen!
Kimberly Wong was the 2017 Miss Toyland Parade Queen!
Friendly folks from the Cambodian Nazarene Church.
Friendly folks from the Cambodian Nazarene Church.
This silly guy with the John P. Squibob group posed for my camera.
This silly guy with the John P. Squibob group posed for my camera.
Happy people go by.
Happy people go by.
San Diego's Al Bahr Shriners seems to be in every parade around the city.
San Diego’s Al Bahr Shriners seems to be in every parade around the city.
More goofy clowns.
More goofy clowns.
Here come those fun little parade vehicles the Shriners always drive.
Here come those fun little parade vehicles the Shriners always drive.
Here come some North Park Little Leaguers.
Here come some North Park Little Leaguers.
A Mexican and Canadian flag, and a really good time. I believe these are kids at Jefferson Elementary Steam Magnet.
A Mexican and Canadian flag, and a really good time. I believe these are kids at Jefferson Elementary Steam Magnet.
Everyone loves a parade. Including the participants!
Everyone loves a parade. Including the participants!
Here comes the Madison High School marching band!
Here comes the Madison High School marching band!
Marching cheerfully down University wearing Santa hats. Many familiar holiday tunes were performed during the parade.
Marching cheerfully down University Avenue wearing Santa hats. Many familiar holiday tunes were performed during the parade.
Yikes! It's Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North! Watch out Rudolph!
Yikes! It’s Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North! Watch out Rudolph!
And here comes another Grinch! Is nobody safe?
And here comes another fierce Grinch! Is nobody safe?
Here comes a bunch of super cool vehicles. Check this out...
Here comes a bunch of super cool vehicles. Check this out…
Check out the hydraulics action of this awesome lowrider!
Check out the hydraulics action of this awesome lowrider! These guys were bouncing their cars like mad all along the parade route!
The parade crowd loved these crazy cars.
The parade crowd loved these crazy cars.
It's the Sweetwater High School Red Devil Corps!
It’s the Sweetwater High School Red Devil Corps!
Here comes Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock on an elf-driven motorcycle!
Here comes Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock on an elf-driven motorcycle!
These are members of the Realm of Andor, part of the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. They meet Sundays in Balboa Park at Morley Field.
These are members of the Realm of Andor, part of the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. They meet Sundays in Balboa Park at Morley Field.
Everyone is in the North Park holiday parade. Even the Junk King!
Everyone is in the North Park holiday parade. Even the Junk King!
This guy's cool Star Trike appears to be modeled after the Starship Enterprise.
This guy’s cool Star Trike appears to be modeled after the Starship Enterprise. I wonder if it’s difficult to obtain dilithium crystals?
And at the end of the North Park Toyland Parade, good old Santa Claus waves to everyone from atop a fire engine! Merry Christmas!
And at the end of the North Park Toyland Parade, good old Santa Claus waves to everyone from atop a fire engine! Merry Christmas!

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Four years of December Nights memories.

December Nights begins this afternoon! The big holiday festival in Balboa Park runs today from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and tomorrow from noon to 11:00 pm.

The past four years, Cool San Diego Sights has featured many fun photos from December Nights. So many smiles! So many heartwarming memories!

Perhaps you’d like to relive those moments in time. Simply click the following links!

2016 . . .

Searching for Santa at December Nights!

2015 . . .

Fun photos of 2015 December Nights in Balboa Park!

2014 . . .

Joyful colors of Christmas at December Nights.

2013 . . .

Lots of Balboa Park December Nights photos!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

San Diego artist creates cool adult coloring books!

A juggler in a cool adult coloring book.
A juggler in a fun adult coloring book.

I’ve blogged about William J. Dorsett a couple times in the past. Over the years, I occasionally see him when I’m out walking along the Embarcadero.

William creates art for those passing by, including small, imaginative works using spray paint and corn husks. I recently learned he’s published a couple of coloring books with the help of some circus friends!

The images you see are just a very few from his cool ABC’s Of Circus Adult Coloring Book, which is available on Amazon. Many of the characters inside are based on members of San Diego’s local Circus Mafia, whom he knows. The acts and poses are all completely authentic. He has also recently finished the Fire and Flow Arts Coloring Book.

During my short talk with William today I learned he’s working on all sorts of creative projects. He said he’s developing a book for and about buskers, which should be super interesting. He’s an authority on the subject.

Do you need the services of a multi-talented freelance artist? Here’s his website!

ABC's Of Circus Adult Coloring Book contains images derived from San Diego's local Circus Mafia and other authentic circus acts.
ABC’s Of Circus Adult Coloring Book contains images inspired by San Diego’s local Circus Mafia and other authentic circus acts.
William J. Dorsett is a guy of many talents. He has created two cool adult coloring books and is working on picture books for children, and other creative projects.
William J. Dorsett is a nice guy of many talents. He has created two cool adult coloring books and is working on picture books for children, and other creative projects.
This character represents an actual performer known as the Icicle King, who makes glass balls appear to float and move magically. Search for him on YouTube.
This character represents an actual performer known as the Icicle King, who makes glass balls appear to float and move magically. Search for him on YouTube.
Another page from the ABC's Of Circus Adult Coloring Book.
Another great page from the ABC’s Of Circus Adult Coloring Book.
More art from a fun coloring book by William J. Dorsett.
More art from a fun coloring book by William J. Dorsett.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Holiday by the Bay opens in San Diego.

Holiday by the Bay in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront opened on Thanksgiving. There is an ice rink, Christmas-themed miniature golf and many colorful lights.
Holiday by the Bay in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront opened on Thanksgiving. There is an ice rink, Christmas-themed miniature golf and many colorful lights.

During my walk this evening I noticed that Holiday by the Bay has opened. It’s Thanksgiving Day.

Cheerful lights surround a small ice rink and a fun Christmas-themed miniature golf course in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. While just one person was skating as I walked by, it looks like a wonderful place to spend some time!

Holiday by the Bay is open until New Year’s Day. With every ticket purchased, Hilton will give $1 to USO San Diego. According to the Hilton website, one can eat breakfast outside here with Santa!

Best of all, it’s a place of innocent joy and peace. On beautiful San Diego Bay.

It's early evening. Someone enjoys the ice rink on San Diego's beautiful waterfront.
It’s early evening. Someone enjoys the ice rink on San Diego’s beautiful waterfront.
It's almost sunset on Thanksgiving. Some cheerful Christmas trees are lit.
It’s almost sunset on Thanksgiving Day. Some cheerful Christmas trees are lit.
Lights, fun and good cheer await visitors to Holiday by the Bay!
Lights, fun and good cheer await visitors to Holiday by the Bay!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Cool San Diego Sights in many languages!

I’ve made a couple of cool changes to my website! Now it’s easy to enjoy Cool San Diego Sights (plus my other blog Beautiful Balboa Park) in dozens of languages!

If you’re viewing this page on a computer screen or large tablet, you will see a Google Translate button near the top of the sidebar, on the left side of your screen. Select your preferred language and everything on the website will be instantly translated!

If you’re using a smaller device, like a smartphone, click those three parallel lines up at the top of this page and the sidebar will open up. Google Translate should be the first thing you see.

What else is new?

I’ve added buttons to my sidebar which make it easy to follow Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr! I only update my Pinterest and Tumblr pages every few months, but if you’re on those social media platforms, you might want to check it out!

As always, please feel free to share anything you happen to find on any of my blogs. It’s all for fun!

By the way, I just finished writing a new short story for my Short Stories by Richard blog. It’s called The Silver of Ice. It’s based a bit on my own personal experience, when I lived on the high plains many years ago.

I’m going to Balboa Park in a few minutes to check out something that should be really cool. I’ll post photos when I get home!

Have a great Sunday!

Richard

Marvin the Martian mural invades Little Italy!

Marvin the Martian salutes as a space rocket rises.
Marvin the Martian salutes as a space rocket rises.

I believe this cool Marvin the Martian Space Clones mural was painted during San Diego Comic-Con, but I noticed it for the first time yesterday as I walked through Little Italy. It’s painted on the front of the Blick Art Materials store on India Street.

The early morning sun was casting a tree’s dark shadow onto the mural. The effect is interesting–almost psychedelic.

Bugs Bunny watch out! Marvin has his lethal ray gun ready to zap, and he’s a tad bit smarter than Yosemite Sam!

Marvin the Martian, lurking in a mural, awaits two unsuspecting people who are walking down a Little Italy sidewalk.
Marvin the Martian, lurking in a mural, awaits two unsuspecting humans who are walking down a Little Italy sidewalk.
Marvin the Martian was created to resemble the Roman god of war Mars. Bugs Bunny, watch out! That's no Elmer Fudd!
Marvin the Martian was created to resemble the Roman god of war Mars. Bugs Bunny, watch out! That’s no Elmer Fudd!
Marvin the Martian is ready to conquer planet Earth. But somehow I don't think he'll succeed.
Marvin the Martian is ready to conquer planet Earth. But somehow I don’t think he’ll succeed.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Scarecrows and pumpkins along India Street!

A couple of tiny smiling scarecrows occupy flower planters on India Street in Little Italy.
A couple of tiny smiling scarecrows occupy flower planters on India Street in Little Italy.

It must be autumn in San Diego! Because this morning I was greeted by all sorts of pumpkins and friendly scarecrows as I walked up India Street in Little Italy! Thanksgiving is almost here!

As I walked up India Street I was greeted by all sorts of scarecrows and pumpkins. It must be autumn--almost Thanksgiving!
As I walked up India Street I encountered many scarecrows and pumpkins. It must be autumn–almost Thanksgiving!
Three pumpkins and three smiling friendly scarecrows beside the base of the famous Little Italy landmark sign.
Three pumpkins and three friendly scarecrows on bales of hay at the base of the famous Little Italy landmark sign.
Elegant pumpkins in a Little Italy shop window.
Elegant pumpkins in a Little Italy shop window.
A welcoming bright orange pumpkin in another shop window.
A welcoming orange pumpkin in another shop window.
That scarecrow in the middle looks like a crow in disguise!
That scarecrow in the middle looks like a sneaky crow in disguise!
Walk up India Street in Little Italy and you're reminded that it's autumn in San Diego!
Walk up India Street in Little Italy and you’re reminded that it’s autumn in San Diego!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Impressionistic images of downtown San Diego.

I had so much fun this morning posting “oil painted” sails, I decided to attempt something similar again!

This evening I selected some photos of downtown San Diego that have been languishing unused in my computer, then used multiple applications of GIMP’s Cubism filter to create what appear to be impressionistic paintings!

Do you recognize any of these buildings or places? If you’re familiar with downtown San Diego, you might!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Halloween fun and creativity in Balboa Park!

Kids at Halloween Family Day in Balboa Park color Dia de los Muertos skulls.
Kids at Halloween Family Day in Balboa Park color Dia de los Muertos skulls.

Today was Halloween Family Day in Balboa Park!

A lively crowd filled the park, roaming about in fun costumes, trick-or-treating, eating yummy food truck offerings, and enjoying all sorts of entertainment. But the coolest part of the event, in my opinion, was the opportunity to create all sorts of colorful Halloween art!

Many families filled El Prado during Balboa Park's fun Halloween Family Day.
Many families filled El Prado during Balboa Park’s annual Halloween Family Day.
The Timken Museum of Art had a table that helped kids learn how to make some cool Halloween artwork.
The Timken Museum of Art had a table that helped kids learn how to make some cool Halloween artwork.
A scary hand print and nearby smiling pumpkin treat.
A scary hand print and nearby smiling pumpkin treat.
A panda and his pals were providing music in the Plaza de Panama. People in Halloween costumes look on.
A panda and his pals were providing music in the Plaza de Panama. Young and old in Halloween costumes look on.
Decals were being applied to trick-or-treat bags in Spanish Village Art Center.
Decals were being applied to trick-or-treat bags in Spanish Village Art Center.
Anyone at the Japanese Friendship Garden could make a cool spider sucker holder using craftily bent black pipe cleaners.
Anyone at the Japanese Friendship Garden could make a cool spider sucker holder using craftily bent black pipe cleaners.
More fun Halloween coloring at the International Cottages table on El Prado.
More fun Halloween coloring at the International Cottages table on El Prado.
Flesh-eating plants displayed by the San Diego Carnivorous Plant Society appeared even scarier than usual!
Flesh-eating plants displayed by the San Diego Carnivorous Plant Society appeared even scarier than usual!
The San Diego Public Library was at the annual event promoting reading. Something a bit spooky might be perfect today.
The San Diego Public Library was at the annual event promoting reading. Something a bit spooky might be perfect today.
Even the Balboa Park electriquettes were dressed up for the occasion!
Even the Balboa Park electriquettes were dressed up for the occasion!
Making bats at the San Diego Natural History Museum table.
Making bats at the San Diego Natural History Museum table.
A beautiful glass pumpkin, that was made by the glassblowers of Spanish Village.
A beautiful glass pumpkin, that was made by the glassblowers of Spanish Village.
Kids learn how to sculpt in Spanish Village during Halloween Family Day.
Kids learn how to sculpt in Spanish Village during Halloween Family Day.
Yikes! That's really creepy!
Yikes! That’s really creepy!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!