Tag: photography

Small scenes of real life on San Diego Bay.

Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.

Before the Trolley Dances began this morning, I walked for a stretch beside the quiet water, between Grape Street and the Coast Guard Station. It was an ordinary morning on San Diego Bay, in an area where few tourists venture. I photographed some typical scenes of real life.

People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of life on the North Embarcadero.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of city life on the North Embarcadero.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of real life! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Fun photos of Trolley Dances in water fountain!

Dancers in the fountain at San Diego's Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.
Dancers in the fountain at San Diego’s Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.

This morning I caught the very first performance of the Trolley Dances. The venue for the first stage of the Trolley Dances in 2015 is the County Administration Center Waterfront Park–to be exact, the long fountain on the north side of the County Administration Building.

When I arrived, a group of dancers was rehearsing and a videographer was setting up near the end of the fountain where the audience would watch. After a few minutes, the first mobile audience arrived, and I enjoyed a cool performance. And I mean cool. It was a water dance! On a very warm and muggy morning, I wouldn’t have minded rolling through and leaping about the refreshing water, either! But, alas, nobody who is sane would pay even a nickel to watch me dance.

The Trolley Dances is a unique tradition in San Diego. Put on by the San Diego Dance Theater, the outdoor performances occur in often surprising public places.  Those who watch get started every 45 minutes, traveling from one site to the next on foot and by public transit. This year, groups travel from the Waterfront Park to Balboa Park, taking one of the new MTS Rapid buses from Santa Fe Depot.

Anyone in San Diego who loves dance must check out the Trolley Dances. Performances continue throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays, September 26 – 27 and October 3 – 4. More info can be found on their website.

Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o'clock.
Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o’clock.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
They're rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
They’re rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
Slowly rolling...
Slowly rolling…
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
The young child is intercepted. I'm sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The young child is intercepted. I’m sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
Flying skyward through the fountain!
Flying skyward through the fountain!
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
Another dynamic photo.
Another dynamic photo.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future...
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future…
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Funny eyes, elephants and an owl at Spanish Village.

Ceramic eye atop parking lot post at north end of Balboa Park's art-filled Spanish Village. Various faces and fun eyeballs decorate several nearby posts.
Ceramic eye atop parking lot post at north end of Balboa Park’s art-filled Spanish Village. Various faces and fun eyeballs decorate nearby posts.

Spanish Village is where you’ll find artists at work in San Diego’s incredibly beautiful Balboa Park. On any given day, one can watch artists painting, shaping pottery, blowing glass, or just relaxing beside artwork for sale, out in the colorful courtyard or inside their charming studios. But before you walk into Spanish Village, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by funny eyes, two huge elephants, or a happy owl. And possibly even a spider!

What am I talking about? Take a look at these fun photos! (Can you find the spider?)

A peek through an arch into Spanish Village from the small north parking lot.
A peek through an arch into Spanish Village from the small north parking lot.
The colorful courtyard of Spanish Village contains abundant beauty, both natural and artistic.
The colorful courtyard of Spanish Village contains abundant beauty, both natural and artistic.
One of many small artist studios in this very cool corner of San Diego's Balboa Park.
One of many small artist studios in this very cool corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park.
Here come more photos of funny ceramic eyes and faces decorating those plain steel parking lot posts.
Here come more photos of funny ceramic eyes and faces decorating those plain steel parking lot posts.
This is my favorite face of the bunch. I believe I used it in another blog post.
This is my favorite face of the bunch. I believe I used it in another blog post.
A single artistic eyeball painted pink, yellow, purple and blue. The ceramic post-toppers have forms that are very organic.
A single artistic eyeball painted pink, yellow, purple and blue. The ceramic post-toppers have forms that are very organic.
Check out this crazy, creative face! At least, I think it's a face...
Check out this crazy, creative face! At least, I think it’s a face…
A wonderfully alien weird fantasy eye stares right at you!
A wonderfully alien, weird fantasy eye stares right back at you!
Two huge shrub elephants guard a path at the west edge of Spanish Village. Walk north and you'll arrive at the world famous San Diego Zoo!
Two huge shrub elephants guard a path at the west edge of Spanish Village. Walk north and you’ll arrive at the world famous San Diego Zoo!
And this owl with spread wings is keeping an eye on the main entrance to Spanish Village, which is to the south.
And this owl with spread wings is keeping an eye on the main entrance to Spanish Village, which is to the south.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Catch cool waves and big fish at Ocean Beach pier!

Photo of guy surfing near the pilings of the awesome Ocean Beach Municipal Pier.
Photo of guy surfing near the pilings of the awesome Ocean Beach Municipal Pier.

The Ocean Beach pier is one of my favorite, favorite places in all of San Diego. Why? Check out these photos!

The beach near the foot of the OB pier is a favorite place in San Diego for tourists and locals alike.
The beach near the foot of the OB pier is a favorite place in San Diego for tourists and locals alike.
Climbing up to the high pier from the beach boardwalk below. This is almost like a stairway to heaven!
Climbing up to the high pier from the beach boardwalk below. This is almost like a stairway to heaven!
Guy at top of the steps looks down to greet surfer on the sand below!
Guy at top of the steps looks down to greet surfer on the sand below!
Loads of surfers are out on the Pacific Ocean on this perfect late summer day. The water is warm and the waves have nice form.
Loads of surfers are out on the Pacific Ocean on this perfect late summer day. The water is warm and the waves have nice form.
Looking down the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, my own favorite pier in San Diego. It's long and always jammed with cool sights!
Looking down the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, my own favorite pier in San Diego. It’s long and always jammed with cool sights!
Kids gaze over the rail at surfers directly below. The action is amazing today!
Kids gaze over the rail at surfers directly below. The action is amazing today!
Two surfers wait for a good wave.
Two surfers wait for a good wave.
This guy caught one, and is riding it in toward the shore, just south of the pier. That low wall you see on the right belonged to the long-defunct saltwater Plunge.
This guy caught one, and is riding it in toward the shore, just south of the pier. That low wall you see on the right belonged to the long-defunct saltwater Plunge.
Pick a wave any wave! The OB vibe is laid-back and life-loving!
Pick a wave any wave! The OB vibe is laid-back and life-loving!
Photo of someone on the foaming crest of a curler.
Photo of someone on the foaming crest of a curler.
Two surfers share a wave side-by-side. They went completely under the pier and came out the other side!
Two surfers share a wave side-by-side. They went completely under the pier and came out the other side!
This surf dude caught himself a sweet liquid ride!
This surf dude caught himself a sweet liquid ride!
While surfers catch cool waves, people farther down the OB pier try to catch some big fish!
While surfers catch cool waves, people farther down the OB pier try to catch some big fish!
These fishermen at the t-shaped end of the pier are trying to catch bass, bonito, mackerel, or just about anything that bites!
These fishermen at the t-shaped end of the pier are trying to catch bass, bonito, mackerel, or just about anything that bites!
When you stand at the very end of the Ocean Beach pier, you feel like you're far out on the ocean. I love it!
When you stand at the very end of the Ocean Beach pier, you feel like you’re far out on the ocean. I love it!
Someone's got something big on their line! A kid leans way over the rail to see!
Someone’s got something big on their line! A kid leans way over the rail to see!
He's got a nicely sized bonito! Everyone likes catching this active fish closely related to tuna. It puts up a good fight!
He’s got a nicely sized bonito! Everyone likes catching this active fish closely related to the tuna. It puts up a good fight!
And these guys caught a really big Calico bass! The fish are definitely biting today!
And these guys caught a really big Calico bass! The fish are definitely biting today!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos of cool pancake fundraiser on the OB Pier!

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!
The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!

This morning a very cool local event took place. The annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast was held near the end of the long OB pier!

Proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the OB Food and Toy Drive, which benefits many families in the beach community who could use a helping hand. This tasty event is put on each year by the Ocean Beach Town Council!

Enjoy a few photos!

The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to go.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to eat.
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
There was even live music just outside the pier's unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
There was even live music just outside the pier’s unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but here she's speaking to a Queen! Toni said she's happy to be back in San Diego, where it's cooler than Sacramento.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but she’s addressing a Queen! Toni said she’s happy to be back in San Diego, where it’s cooler than Sacramento.
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos of Coastal Cleanup Day in Ocean Beach!

Volunteers remove litter from beautiful Ocean Beach during Coastal Cleanup Day.
Volunteers remove litter from beautiful Ocean Beach during Coastal Cleanup Day.

Today is Coastal Cleanup Day! This huge environmental undertaking, involving thousands of energetic volunteers, is I Love A Clean San Diego’s biggest event of the year!

Over 7,600 people participated in San Diego County last year. Over a hundred tons of nasty garbage was removed from our beaches, bays and inland waterways!

This year, in Ocean Beach, a small army of volunteers fanned out along the shore looking for litter and other debris. The items they collected were carefully recorded. I saw many families, organizations and community-minded businesses participating. Everyone was having a great time.

San Diegans, who feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful corner of the world, are very keen on maintaining a clean environment. What’s good for Mother Earth is good for us, as well!

Many local organizations helped during I Love a Clean San Diego's Coastal Cleanup Day, including the Surfrider Foundation.
Many local organizations helped during I Love a Clean San Diego’s Coastal Cleanup Day, including the Surfrider Foundation.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins had a team helping to clean up the beach!
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins had a team helping to clean up the beach!
Many Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers assembled for a photograph, with the Pacific Ocean and long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier in the background.
Many Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers assembled for a photograph, with the Pacific Ocean and long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier in the background.
This guy came in after surfing some fine waves this morning, just as the cleanup was getting started.
This guy came in after surfing some fine waves this morning, just as the cleanup was getting started.
Someone found a piece of trash under lifeguard tower number one!
Someone found a piece of trash under lifeguard tower number one!
The friendly lifeguards were cruising along the sand making sure everyone enjoying the warm water was safe.
The friendly lifeguards were cruising along the sand making sure everyone enjoying the warm water was safe.
A lone guitarist performs a duet with the mighty ocean.
A lone guitarist performs a duet with the mighty ocean.
This cool kid showed me a bit of plastic he picked up with his nifty grappler.
This cool kid showed me a bit of plastic he picked up with his nifty grappler.
People were combing the beach for trash of every kind, including styrofoam, plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.
People were combing the beach for trash of every kind, including styrofoam, plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.
Someone was nice enough to let me photograph their trash! This is what they'd found so far.
Someone was nice enough to let me photograph their trash! This is what they’d found so far.
Lots of smiles were seen all over Ocean Beach during the trash removal event.
Lots of smiles were seen all over Ocean Beach during the trash removal event.
Someone found a piece of garbage by some kelp near the foot of Ocean Beach's popular pier. I love a clean San Diego!
Someone found a piece of garbage by some kelp near the foot of Ocean Beach’s popular pier. I definitely love a clean San Diego!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Pacific Rim nations celebrated with beautiful art.

A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.
A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.

On the southwest end of Shelter Island you’ll discover some wonderful public art titled Pearl of the Pacific. Benches, a soaring sculpture, and a circle of colorful tiles arranged around a pearl-like bubbling fountain celebrate the diverse nations of the Pacific Rim. Local artist James Hubbell and a group of architectural students worked with artists from San Diego’s sister cities Vladivostok, Russia, Tijuana, Mexico and Yantai, China, to create this very cool sight. The central mosaic of tiles, pointing north, south, east and west like a fantastic compass, includes images that represent the sister cities. Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s cultural and economic relations with peaceful neighbors united by the ocean.

I’ve already blogged about several of James Hubbell’s works of art around San Diego. You might enjoy seeing his Pacific Portal, Sea Passage and Pacific Spirit.

Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn't running the day I took these photographs.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn’t running the day I took these photographs.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
North.
North. An inspirational American bird.
South.
South. The mythical Quetzalcoatl of Mexico.
West.
West. A Siberian tiger from Russia.
East. A dragon representing China.
East. A dragon representing China.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego's ocean neighbors and sister cities.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s ocean neighbors and sister cities.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Living colors captured in Zoro Butterfly Garden.

A monarch butterfly has found some milkweed. I snapped this photo just in time.
A monarch butterfly has found some milkweed. I snapped this photo just in time.

Early this afternoon I managed to capture some elusive living colors. I caught them with my camera, during a leisurely visit to Balboa Park’s beautiful Zoro Butterfly Garden.

Created in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, the unique amphitheatre-like stone grotto features meandering paths tucked beneath some shady trees. An easy stroll down into the hollow reveals a lush garden full of flowers specifically planted to attract butterflies. That wasn’t always the case. In 1935, during the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park, this partially hidden area was called the Zoro Garden Nudist Colony!

In this peaceful garden you’ll experience monarch, sulfur and swallowtail butterflies, fluttering quickly past your astonished eyes. Most of the time, my old camera finger reacted much too slowly! But I got a few pics!

An artistic bird bath in the garden depicts leaves, flowers and butterflies, naturally!
An artistic bird bath in the garden depicts leaves, flowers and butterflies, naturally!
A tiny insect takes a walk on a sweet sun-yellow carpet.
A tiny insect takes a walk on a sweet sun-yellow carpet.
Zoro Butterfly Garden contains rustic, ragged beauty along its stony walkways.
Zoro Butterfly Garden contains rustic, ragged beauty along its stony walkways.
This sneaky lizard would've been happy to capture a quick butterfly, too! I don't know if he had any luck.
This sneaky lizard would’ve been happy to capture a quick butterfly, too! I don’t know if he had any luck.
Cool close-up photo of red passion vine flower.
Cool close-up photo of red passion vine flower.
I'm not sure who this guy is. Is it a Mourning Cloak? Some kind of moth? If you know, leave a comment.
I’m not sure who this guy is. Is it a Mourning Cloak? Some kind of moth? If you know, leave a comment.
Sunlight reflects from a butterfly winging past some weathered public art in a section of the garden.
Sunlight reflects from a butterfly winging past some weathered public art in a section of the garden.
Painted mural in Balboa Park's Zoro Butterfly Garden shows Orange-barred Sulphur and Cassia.
Painted mural in Balboa Park’s Zoro Butterfly Garden shows an Orange-barred Sulphur and Cassia.
Another section of this informative artwork depicts Passionvine and a Gulf Fritillary.
Another section of this informative artwork depicts Passionvine and a Gulf Fritillary.
A third section shows that Monarch butterflies are attracted to Milkweed.
A third section shows that Monarch butterflies are attracted to Milkweed.
The underside of this Gulf fritillary almost looks like a torn, crumpled brown leaf.
The underside of this Gulf fritillary almost looks like a torn, crumpled brown leaf.
A swallowtail butterfly takes flight!
A swallowtail butterfly takes flight!
Looking upward from the lush hollow where butterflies thrive, toward blue sky and fluttering, living color.
Looking upward from the lush hollow where butterflies thrive, toward blue sky and fluttering, living color.
An Anise Swallowtail spreads its wings on a glorious day in San Diego's wonder-filled Balboa Park.
An Anise Swallowtail spreads its wings on a glorious day in San Diego’s wonder-filled Balboa Park.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego.

A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico's Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Here are some photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Mexico began their war for independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and the occasion was celebrated today with music, food, games, an equestrian demonstration and traditional Mexican dance. I caught a bit of it!

San Diego’s fascinating history includes a Mexican period, which followed the early years of settlement and rule by Spain. Mexico and San Diego share a common border and a great deal of history. A blending of culture and friendly people adds to the richness of our city.

Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.
Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!
Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!
Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.
Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.
Many tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!
Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!
A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.
A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.
Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!
Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!
The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.
The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.
Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!
Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!
These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!
These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!
Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.
Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.
One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.
One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.
This rider was nice enough to smile! It's a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!
This rider was nice enough to smile! It’s a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!
A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She's got an awesome job!
A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She’s got an awesome job!
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Introducing a small world full of beauty.

Rainbow Sorbet
There are beautiful things everywhere.

This world might be small, but it’s overflowing with beauty. I see it on every walk. Every day.

So I thought I’d start a new blog called A Small World Full of Beauty.  Click the link!

My new blog will concentrate on two of my favorite things–photography and writing. I hope that it will inspire you.

Come along! I’m about to go outside! What will I find?