Tag: skeletons

A skeleton in plain sight.

Sometimes I lie awake in the middle of the night, thoughts tumbling through the darkness. Sometimes an uninvited notion enters my skull.

You, too, might share this uncomfortable realization.

I recently published a short story. It’s titled Skeleton Forgiveness.

You can read my very short work of fiction by clicking here.

Day of the Dead characters from Justice League!

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) art rendition of Justice League heroes, including Superman and Batman.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) art rendition of Justice League heroes, including Superman and Batman.

A good number of pop culture fans follow Cool San Diego Sights, because every year I cover San Diego Comic-Con and post tons of cosplay photos. So here’s something I saw today during my walk through Old Town that DC Comics readers might really enjoy!

In the window of a shop called Cielito Lindo were all sorts of Day of the Dead ornaments and gifts. And among all the colorful artwork were Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and his super-dog Krypto!

Day of the Dead is a beloved Mexican holiday that is very popular here in San Diego. In Spanish it’s called Día de los Muertos. Skulls and skeletons, which abound during the Day of the Dead, traditionally represent deceased loved ones.

As you can see, Day of the Dead inspires all sort of creative, unexpected art! No subject matter escapes its decorative influence! Even the mighty Justice League!

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) art depicts DC Comics super-heroine Wonder Woman.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) art depicts popular DC Comics super-heroine Wonder Woman.
A skeletal Superman flying through skulls.
A skeletal Superman flying through skulls.
Fun skeleton artwork celebrating Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The figures are Superman, his dog Krypto, and Batman!
Fun skeleton artwork celebrating Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The figures are Superman, his dog Krypto, and Batman!

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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–including many of Comic-Con and all sorts of cosplay–for you to share and enjoy!

Elegantly dressed skeletons discovered in old hotel!

Two elegantly dressed skeletons can be seen seated just inside the front entrance of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town.
Two elegantly dressed skeletons have been discovered seated inside the front entrance of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town.

I was stunned to observe that a large number of skeletons have been discovered in an old San Diego hotel. The Cosmopolitan Hotel, to be exact. The elegantly dressed skeletons, wearing frilly dresses or top hats, were seen standing about the hotel’s entrance, in the saloon, even seated on chairs behind a large wedding cake.

Huh?

I’m just having a bit of fun! The Cosmopolitan Hotel is part of Old Town, and dozens of elegantly dressed skeletons appear in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park every year as Día de los Muertos approaches.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is actually a celebration of ancestors and loved family members who have passed away. In Mexico, the deceased are remembered and prayed for, and certain joyful traditions are observed. One unusual tradition is derived from La Calavera Catrina, a famous etching by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, which depicts a female skeleton dressed in a fancy hat. Even though the image was originally created as satire, the Catrina has become a familiar sight in many places where Día de los Muertos is observed.

I snapped these photos at the historic Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town. The original building dates back to the late 1820s, when the wealthy Californio cattle rancher Juan Bandini built a “mansion” among the simple adobes in Old Town. When Bandini’s fortunes faded, he sold the house to Albert Seeley in 1869, who built a second story and converted the house into a hotel for a new San Diego stagecoach stop, which he also built nearby.

I believe I photographed a couple of the same skeletons a year or two ago, but I simply couldn’t help myself. They’re so much fun!

A covered wagon in front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A covered wagon in front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, two lady skeletons wearing frilly dresses greet visitors to the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Here's one.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, two lady skeletons wearing frilly dresses greet visitors to the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Here’s one!
Here's the other!
Here’s the other!
Inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel's saloon, more extremely elegant but skeletal customers are observed.
Inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s saloon, another lavishly elegant but skeletal customer is observed.
A shy skeleton in quite fancy attire stands silently in the corner of the Old West 1800s saloon.
A shy skeleton in very fancy attire stands silently in the corner of the Old West 1800s saloon.
A bony customer at the bar. That must have been a stiff drink.
A bony customer at the bar. That must have been a stiff drink.
A wedding cake for a skeleton bride and groom! Día de los Muertos is a joyful holiday that celebrates past life.
A wedding cake for a skeleton bride and groom! Día de los Muertos is a joyful holiday that celebrates the past lives of loved ones.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

Funny, scary faces in downtown as Halloween nears!

Scary skulls on mannequins in a Gaslamp shop window. Halloween must be approaching!
Scary skulls on mannequins, gazing out from a Gaslamp shop window. Halloween must be approaching!

I was frightened out of my wits (and amused) this morning during my walk through the Gaslamp Quarter. Halloween must be coming to downtown San Diego!

For Halloween, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have become skeletons in this store window. Does anyone need a costume? Trick or treat!
For Halloween, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have become skeletons in this store window. Does anyone need a costume? Trick or treat!
And here we have some happy scarecrows and a pumpkin. Autumn has come to downtown San Diego!
And here we have some happy scarecrows and a pumpkin. Autumn has come to downtown San Diego!

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

A pile of scary, ghostly horrors in a city park!

Creepy skulls await visitors near entrance to The Haunted Trail for the approaching Halloween season.
Creepy skulls await visitors near entrance to The Haunted Trail.  Many visitors will scream this coming Halloween season.

Is it nearly Autumn? That means Halloween is quickly approaching! And so are the usual nightmarish horrors!

I saw during a walk through Balboa Park’s west end that The Haunted Trail is under construction. Around Halloween, the annual outdoor “haunted house” scares even the bravest living residents of San Diego. Passing through the dark, ghostly trees at night might be scary enough, but imagine being surrounded by legions of hellish ghouls and flesh-eating zombies!

I conquered my own fear and poked my camera over a fence to record the coming terror…

The Haunted Trail is under construction on the west end of Balboa Park. Workers seem to be just getting started.
The Haunted Trail is under construction on the west end of Balboa Park. Workers seem to be just getting started.
Bloody decapitated heads on pikes will scare thrill-seekers in the dark of night!
Bloody decapitated heads on pikes will scare thrill-seekers in the dark of night!
Various dummies arranged on the leafy ground. Like the undead, they will soon rise!
Various dummies arranged on the leafy ground. Like the undead, they will soon rise!
What would Halloween be without a pumpkin head. And some ghouls, ghosts, specters and whatnot.
What would Halloween be without a pumpkin head? And some ghouls, ghosts, specters and miscellaneous whatnot.
That's one big pile of terribly mangled bodies. It almost looks like what happens during a fumble in football.
That’s one big pile of terribly mangled bodies. It almost looks like what happens during a fumble in football.
I thought one grim reaper was quite enough, thank you.
I thought one grim reaper was quite enough, thank you!
And to top it all off, a good old spooky demon with horns. October must be approaching!
And to top it all off, a good old spooky demon with horns. October must be approaching!

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Old Town San Diego and Día de los Muertos.

Día de los Muertos special event at Bazaar del Mundo is filled with color.
Día de los Muertos displays at Bazaar del Mundo are filled with life and color.

Día de los Muertos, also called Day of the Dead, is a popular holiday in Mexico and in many other cultures around the world. It’s a celebration that honors the memories and spirits of loved ones who have passed away. It closely follows Halloween, a holiday that is similar but actually quite different. Día de los Muertos, rich with images of skeletons and decorated skulls, is neither scary nor morbid; it is joyous!

This weekend, Old Town hosted its annual Day of the Dead special event. Altars, costumes and other sights that are common during the holiday could be found throughout the park and surrounding area. I took lots of photos!

Día de los Muertos altar at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town, San Diego.
Día de los Muertos altar at Bazaar del Mundo in a corner of Old Town, San Diego.
Kids decorate sugar skulls, a fun tradition of Day of the Dead.
Kids decorate sugar skulls, a fun and tasty tradition of Day of the Dead.
Ethnic and folk crafts and ornaments are abundant at Bazaar del Mundo.
Ethnic and folk crafts are abundant at Bazaar del Mundo.
Young lady has face painted to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
Young lady has face painted to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
Image of woman skeleton in old-fashioned purple hat and dress.
A traditional Catrina. A female skeleton in old-fashioned hat and dress.
Altar at Fiesta de Reyes features Virgin Mary and photos of departed loved ones.
Altar at Fiesta de Reyes features Virgin Mary and photos of departed loved ones.
Fantastic sign above pumpkin shows lively, dancing skeletons.
Fantastic sign above pumpkin shows lively, dancing skeletons.
Lady in San Diego's Old Town arranges bright frilly flowers in the sun.
Lady working in San Diego’s Old Town arranges bright frilly flowers in the sun.
Folk dancers on and off stage at Fiesta de Reyes during Día de los Muertos.
Folk dancers on and off stage at Fiesta de Reyes during Día de los Muertos.
This scarecrow and skeleton seem happy together!
This scarecrow and skeleton seem happy together on this perfect Autumn day!
Bench at Fiesta de Reyes painted with sombrero-wearing, flower-bearing skeletons.
Bench at Fiesta de Reyes painted with sombrero-wearing, flower-bearing skeletons.
Small image in crude wooden frame in a larger altar.
Small crowned image in crude wooden frame in a larger altar.
Radiant image of Virgin Mary on wood above altar candles.
Prayers are directed toward radiant image of Virgin Mary above altar candles.
Altars often contain food liked by the deceased, to entice their spirits.
Altars often contain food liked by the deceased, to entice their spirits back.
Mariachi skeletons strum guitars at entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.
Mariachi skeletons strum guitars at entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.
This big flower and heart-covered skull faces Old Town's central square.
This big flower and heart-covered calavera faces Old Town’s central square.
Larger-than-life Day of the Dead mannequin wears a beautiful red dress.
Larger-than-life Day of the Dead mannequin wears a beautiful red dress.
Dead couple sits in lobby of Old Town's historic Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Dead couple sits in lobby of Old Town’s historic Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Bartender offers drink to skeleton cowboy at the Cosmopolitan Hotel's bar!
Bartender offers drink to skeleton cowboy at the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s bar!
The bony fellow at the bar was called Calaca McAlvarez!
The bony fellow at the bar was called Calaca McAlvarez!
Stylish but dead bystander is resting near one of the many Old Town shops.
Stylish bystander is resting near one of the many Old Town shops.
Musician entertains at Old Town's Day of the Dead festivities.
Musician entertains on pipes at Old Town’s Day of the Dead festivities.
Día de los Muertos display with a strong Mexican flavor.
Día de los Muertos display with a strong Mexican flavor.
Photographs remember loved ones who have passed into the spirit world after death.
Photographs remember loved ones who have passed into the spirit world after death.
Snow White has been transformed into lavish Day of the Dead artwork.
Snow White has been transformed into lavish Day of the Dead artwork.
This guy is sitting on a wagon near popular entrance to Old Town State Historic Park.
This guy is sitting on a wagon near popular entrance to Old Town State Historic Park.
Sculptor recreates face of living tourist posing for a unique souvenir.
Sculptor recreates face of living tourist posing for a unique souvenir.
Prints on display for the big crowds attending Old Town's Day of the Dead.
Prints on display for the big crowds attending Old Town’s Day of the Dead.
This elegant couple was spotted among the many historic buildings in Old Town.
This elegant couple was spotted among the many historic buildings in Old Town.
This well-dressed family all had their faces painted to resemble skulls!
This well-dressed family all had their faces painted to resemble skulls!
Author A. B. Curtiss was signing her acclaimed books at Día de los Muertos.
Author A. B. Curtiss was signing her acclaimed books at Día de los Muertos.

Please check out her website!

Cool, astonishing sights popped up wherever I turned!
Cool, astonishing sights popped up wherever I turned!

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Signs of Halloween in downtown San Diego.

Scarecrow and hay bales at pumpkin patch in San Diego's new waterfront park.
Scarecrow and hay bales at pumpkin patch in San Diego’s new waterfront park.

During my mid-afternoon walk around downtown San Diego today, I was watching for fun Halloween photo opportunities. It’s less than two weeks away!  I had a little bit of luck…

(The above pic was taken after all the pumpkins were snatched up, but lots of families were still about enjoying the pleasant day!)

Spiders on side of Little Italy building wrap a skeleton.
Spiders on side of Little Italy building wrap a skeleton.
Spooky shredded sails of haunted Star of India on Embarcadero.
Spooky shredded sails of haunted Star of India flutter in wind on the Embarcadero.
Gaslamp parties celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead.
Gaslamp parties celebrate Halloween and Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
Alamo Flags at Seaport Village has a smelly witch foot!
Trick or treat?  Alamo Flags at Seaport Village has a smelly witch foot!
Just relaxing on a nice Autumn Sunday by the Seaport Village carousel.
Just relaxing on a nice cool Autumn Sunday by the Seaport Village carousel.
Kid checks out pumpkins and colorful display at Seaport Village.
Kid checks out pumpkins and colorful leafy display at Seaport Village.
Gaslamp banners advertise a monster bash block party.
Gaslamp banners advertise a monster bash block party.
Donut Bar window contains a scary skull-headed server!
Donut Bar window downtown contains a scary skull-headed server!

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Ghosts seen rising from graves on Haunted Trail.

One of several huge monsters awaiting visitors to the 2014 Haunted Trail.
One of several huge monsters awaiting visitors to the 2014 Haunted Trail.

Warning! Some of the upcoming pics are pretty darn scary! You’ve been warned!

Runner in Balboa Park passes behind a grinning ghoul!
Runner in Balboa Park passes behind a grinning ghoul!

This morning I was nearly frightened out of my wits. I was taking a nice brisk walk up the west side of Balboa Park, enjoying the fresh air and at peace with the world…when I found myself surrounded! I couldn’t escape from silent ghosts rising from the cold ground all around me!  A catastrophe!  The horror!  I had met my doom!

Oh, thank goodness, I realized at last. It’s just the Haunted Trail. You know, the yearly outdoor “haunted house” that’s extremely popular in San Diego around Halloween.

The spooky attraction, which brings in thousands of thrill-seekers on dark Autumn nights, is under construction once again. It’s larger than ever and looks super spooky. I walked around the perimeter and tried to get a bunch of cool daytime photos for you to enjoy. Here they are…

Black-robed ghosts and grim reapers are rising in the popular Halloween attraction.
Black-robed ghosts and grim reapers are rising in the popular Halloween attraction.
A ghost town in the mournful trees contains many grisly and horrible surprises!
A ghost town in the mournful trees contains many grisly and horrible surprises!
Welcome to Silent Hill, where nightmares rise from a well.
Welcome to Silent Hill, where nightmares rise from a well.
Props on ground behind a school bus filled with Halloween frights.
Props piled on ground behind a school bus filled with Halloween frights.
In late September, the Haunted Trail is a work in progress.
In late September, the Haunted Trail is a work in progress.
Mangled cloth mannequins lie lifeless on dead leaves.
Mangled cloth mannequins lie limp and lifeless on dead leaves.
Artists creating the scary park trail use gallons of paint each year.
Artists creating the scary park trail use gallons of paint each year.
Entrance to Haunted Trail rises again this year, as do many spooky old props.
Entrance to Haunted Trail rises again this year, as do many spooky old props.
Close look at skulls embedded in the castle-like entrance.
Close look at skulls embedded in the castle-like entrance.
Structure made of bones beside a Haunted Trail sign just inside entrance.
Structure made of skeleton bones beside a Haunted Trail sign just inside entrance.
Here's that huge bloody yeti I took a pic of last year, just as frightening as ever!
Here’s that huge bloody yeti I took a pic of last year, just as frightening as ever!
This poor guy has sat in that electric chair for so many years he must have a stiff back.
This poor guy has sat in that electric chair for so many years he must have a stiff back.
Surprise! Another zombie, ghoul or creature waiting to scare some nice visitor.
Surprise! Another zombie, ghoul or creature ready to scare a nice fun-seeking visitor.
This prop lying on the ground is quite eerie and realistic.
This prop lying on the ground is quite eerie and realistic.
A ravenous, hellish hound prowls the perimeter of a vast cemetery.
A ravenous, hellish hound prowls among tombstones in a dark cemetery.
I suppose all the undead have risen from this scary graveyard on the Haunted Trail!
I suppose all the undead have risen from this scary graveyard on the Haunted Trail!

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Funny skeleton tries to get a bone tattoo!

funny skeleton gets a bone tattoo

This morning, as I began to climb Bankers Hill, I casually glanced into this tattoo parlor and was immediately horrified.

Just inside the window, a poor skeletal artist was attempting to apply ink to a sadly bony customer. Not much progress was being made.

Seriously, I believe this funny window display was created for Halloween!