Tag: smile

Creative urban trees add smiles to a San Diego walk.

Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.
Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.

My random walks around San Diego are full of surprises. I’m always excited to stumble upon one of those immensely fun sculptures that used to be part of the Urban Trees exhibitions on the Embarcadero.

From 2003 to 2011, seven different Urban Trees projects were funded by the Port of San Diego. Each exhibition featured about 30 unique sculptures, standing downtown at intervals along San Diego Bay. This public artwork was made from a whole range of different materials, including wood, copper, glass, tiles and steel. The fanciful pieces were selected by juried artist competitions, and when the Urban Trees exhibitions came to an end after about one year, many of the creations were sold by the artists to various collectors, institutions, businesses and public entities.

So there are times when I just can’t help smiling, because I happen to encounter one of the transplanted “trees” during a walk.

Perhaps you’ve already seen a few of these highly creative sculptures on my Cool San Diego Sights blog. If not, then click here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or finally here!

My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego's fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.
My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego’s fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.
A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!
A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!
This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It's called A Different, But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It's made of handmade tile and mosaic.
This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It’s called A Different But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It’s made of handmade tile and mosaic.
Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building, on Pacific Highway.
Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building on Pacific Highway.
Visitors to San Diego's Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!
Visitors to San Diego’s Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!
Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It's now seen by many people.
Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It’s now seen by many people.
My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!
My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!

UPDATE!

Here are a few more photos of three Urban Trees in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal! (I took the following pics in early 2017.)

Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Tree exhibitions in past years.
Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Trees exhibitions in past years.
Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.
Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.
Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee.
Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee. I can’t find a year.
Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.
Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.

ANOTHER RANDOM UPDATE!

Some of the Urban Trees that have been acquired by the Port of San Diego are moved around from place to place. I’ve observed that the Sea Dragon was moved to Pepper Park in National City in early 2017.

I’ve also noticed from the window of the trolley that the Fish Tree by Zbigniew Pingot and Tobias Flores, which used to stand with those three other sculptures in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal, is now located in the northwest corner of the Port of San Diego’s parking lot! A Different But Loving Pair no longer occupies that corner of their parking lot! Where it is, I don’t know!

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Incredible didgeridoo player adds life to San Diego!

Mitchell, an incredible musician, plays one of his didgeridoos in Balboa Park on a beautiful San Diego day.
Mitchell, an incredible musician, plays one of his didgeridoos in Balboa Park on a beautiful San Diego day.

Please meet Mitchell, the self-named Didgeridude! For many years I’ve seen him playing his collection of cool didgeridoos in public around San Diego. I’ve often walked past him performing in Balboa Park or Seaport Village, and have paused to listen to his incredible, resonating music. But I’d never spoken to him at length until last weekend.

Mitchell is not only a really great musician, but he’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever be pleased to meet. His spirit is a big as the universe; perhaps that’s why his music sounds like emanations and echoes from a place deep in the heart of the cosmos.

It brought a smile to my face when I heard he first took an interest in the didgeridoo after watching the movie Crocodile Dundee. This ancient musical instrument of the Australian Aborigines requires a special circular breathing technique, and it’s plain to see that playing the didgeridoo continuously is a labor of love that requires dedication and great effort. Mitchell told me he loses about a pound on those days he comes out to perform in public.

Check out his cool website, which is called Didjetellus. “Did I tell you” that his website has cool samples of didgeridoo music and MP3 files you can download? Mitchell does school presentations and can be booked for private concerts.

Mitchell has given me so much pleasure over the years, I feel privileged to have finally met him. If you want to hear something really cool and unusual, click the many MP3 samples on his website!

The Didgeridude is one very cool dude!
The Didgeridude is one very cool dude!
This didgeridoo features a snake! Mitchell told me it would be fun if he could somehow devise a way to make a mechanical tongue come out of the snake.
This didgeridoo features a snake! Mitchell told me it would be fun if he could somehow devise a way to make a mechanical tongue come out of the snake.

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Give your hand to the Helping Hands Foundation!

Thank you for supporting our kids!
Thank you for supporting our kids!

I was walking along the Embarcadero today when I happened upon a super nice lady who was trying to raise support for the Helping Hands Foundation! What is this organization? They help parents and children affected by a very unfortunate circumstance. According to their website, “Every year, 1 out of 2,000 children in the United States is born with an upper limb anomaly. During childhood, many more lose hands and arms to accidents or disease.”

I learned from the volunteer that they’re sending 100 kids with developmental disabilities, autism and other very difficult physical problems to our world-famous San Diego Zoo! How cool is that?

Would you like to provide a little support for this worthy cause? You’ll make the lives of children and their families so much better. You will add a little needed sunshine to this sometimes difficult old world. What could be more important?

Please visit their website!

This wonderful, smiling lady is spreading sunshine. She's trying to help unfortunate kids live a better life, with days full of joy and happiness. Can you help
This wonderful, smiling lady is spreading sunshine. She’s trying to help unfortunate kids live a better life, with days full of joy and happiness. Can you help?

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Smiles, life and culture at Pacific Islander Festival!

Friendly guy at Pacific Islander Festival representing Tokelau shows how skirts are fashioned using natural fibers.
Friendly guy at Pacific Islander Festival representing Tokelau shows how skirts are fashioned using natural fibers.

Today I went to San Diego’s annual Pacific Islander Festival. Wow!

The awesome event was held at Ski Beach Park on Vacation Isle, at the center of Mission Bay–and it was much, much bigger than I had expected. Thousands sitting in lawn chairs or walking among dozens of colorful tents enjoyed music, dance, food, fascinating crafts and a huge variety of cool sights.

Here’s some of what I saw. I’ll let the photo captions tell the story…

Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego greeted me with a warm smile!
Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego greeted me with a warm smile!
The popular annual festival attracts thousands, who enjoy lots of music and dance on a big main stage.
The popular annual festival attracts thousands, who enjoy lots of music and dance on a big main stage.
The theme for 2015 was Heroes of the Pacific, honoring military veterans from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
The theme for 2015 was Heroes of the Pacific, honoring military veterans from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
Youthful dancers on stage were a favorite of the crowd.
Youthful dancers on stage were a favorite of the crowd.
Many tents contained interesting artistic and cultural exhibits from different Pacific islands. Here we see Guam.
Many tents contained interesting artistic and cultural exhibits from different Pacific islands. Here we see Guam.
Native arts and crafts fascinated visitors to the festival.
Native arts and crafts fascinated visitors to the festival.
Lots of super nice people were enjoying the day at Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay, and many wore colorful costumes!
Lots of super nice people were enjoying the day at Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay, and many wore colorful costumes!
Glass floats are incredibly beautiful, like solid bubbles of light.
Glass floats are incredibly beautiful, like solid bubbles of light.
Tivaevae Polynesian quilting from the Cook Islands, finely made fans, and other handcrafted works on display.
Tivaevae Polynesian quilting from the Cook Islands, finely made fans, and other handcrafted works on display.
Those are two very cool ukuleles!
Those are two very cool ukuleles!
Chamorro outrigger canoe (proa) Sakman could be boarded by curious festival visitors at Ski Beach.
Chamorro outrigger canoe (proa) Sakman could be boarded by curious festival visitors at Ski Beach.
An exotic boat in genuine blue Pacific Ocean water on a glorious San Diego day.
An exotic boat in genuine blue Pacific Ocean water on a glorious San Diego day.
This juggler simply had to be photographed.
This lively juggler simply had to be photographed.
Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.
Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.
The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.
The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.
Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.
Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.
A sea turtle is swimming above the grass!
A sea turtle is swimming above the grass!
Artist representing Samoa creates Siapo, also known as tapa, using ink made from native seeds and tree bark.
Artist representing Samoa creates Siapo, also known as tapa, using ink made from native seeds and tree bark.
A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.
A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.
Books include Myths and Legends of Samoa.
Books include Myths and Legends of Samoa.
A beautiful wooden bowl was among many cultural artifacts from American Samoa.
A beautiful wooden bowl was among many cultural artifacts from American Samoa.
Palau's tent had many interesting photos and unique objects for everyone to enjoy.
Palau’s tent had many interesting photos and unique objects for everyone to enjoy.
Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!
Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!

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Fun pics of San Diego Iris Society’s rhizome sale!

These cool ladies knew all about irises and had lots of information on display during the rhizome sale in Balboa Park.
These cool ladies know all about irises.  They had lots of information on display during the rhizome sale in Balboa Park.

As you can see, I saw a lot of fun stuff today in Balboa Park. Included in the mix was the annual rhizome sale put on by the San Diego Iris Society. The folks I met were very friendly and eager to impart information about their fascinating, uniquely fulfilling hobby. After about ten minutes, I’d learned so much about irises my head almost popped!

The Iris Society has many members from around San Diego County, and features loads of fun events throughout the year. If you enjoy gardening, and irises in particular, check out their website! In May they’ll have their big flower exhibition in Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado, where spectacular blooms and arrangements will be on display for the general public. I recall walking through the free event in past years, and it’s spectacular!

Stick these guys in the ground and watch them grow! Irises are often called the poor man's orchid. They thrive in San Diego's climate.
Stick these guys in the ground and watch them grow! Irises are often called the poor man’s orchid. They thrive in San Diego’s climate.
There are many existing hybrids, with many new types being introduced each year. The San Diego Iris Society is an affiliate of the American Iris Society.
There are many existing hybrids, with many new types being introduced each year. The San Diego Iris Society is an affiliate of the American Iris Society.
This is a four year clump. One can separate root clumps to create multiple individual plants!
This is a four year clump. One can separate root clumps to create multiple individual plants!
Visitors to Balboa Park were checking out the annual iris sale and dreaming of beautiful garden flowers!
Visitors to Balboa Park were checking out the annual iris sale and dreaming of beautiful garden flowers!

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Photos of Old Town’s folklorico dance competition!

Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town's Robinson-Rose House.
Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town’s Robinson-Rose House.

I didn’t catch the names of the dance groups competing today. But I did get some fun photos! The sixth annual Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Competition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was full of energy and color. In past years, the State Park has also been crowded with vendors during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. But not this year. All the commercial vendors were outside the park, along San Diego Avenue, and I believe this was a great idea. The center of historic Old Town is a representation of what life was like in San Diego in the 1800s. Its emphasis today on the authentic baile folklórico competition, which attracted talented troupes from throughout California, and a whole lot of spectators, seemed just right!

How good was the dancing? The participants were motivated to go full tilt with a first place prize of one thousand dollars! The dancers were evaluated by several renowned Mexican judges. It was fantastic!

Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.
Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.
A competing dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town's historic plaza.
A dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town’s grassy central plaza.
Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the big San Diego event!
Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the cool San Diego event!
A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.
A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.
With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.
With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.
Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.
Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.
These guys are full of stomp and vigor and so is the crowd!
These stomping guys are full of vigor and so is the crowd!
Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.
Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.
Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers' heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.
Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers’ heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.
Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the big crowd.
Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the cheering crowd.
Another sensational performance!
Another sensational performance!
These were the first place winners!
These were the first place winners!

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International Day of Happiness in San Diego!

Hugging rather than shaking hands.
Hugging rather than shaking hands.

Today is the International Day of Happiness! Happy thoughts and deeds were underway in downtown San Diego this morning, just outside Horton Plaza. I swung on by to check things out!

International Day of Happiness in San Diego at Horton Plaza.
International Day of Happiness in San Diego at Horton Plaza.
Early morning vows of how people will make the world a more happy place.
Early morning vows of how people will make the world a more happy place.
Smiling at my kids more.
Smiling at my kids more.
Smiling and saying hi to everyone I pass by today.
Smiling and saying hi to everyone I pass by today.
Sharing my lunch with someone less fortunate.
Sharing my lunch with someone less fortunate.
Being a good father and role model.
Being a good father and role model.
Help make the world a happier place!
Help make the world a happier place!

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Tiny, watchful eyes on a very lonely bridge.

Small, vacant eyes stare up from a seldom used bridge in downtown San Diego.
Small, vacant eyes stare up from a seldom used bridge in downtown San Diego.

A pedestrian bridge in downtown San Diego spans Interstate 5. It’s almost never used. From the extreme end of a large, mostly vacant parking lot below the Veteran’s Museum, it arches high over the wide, busy freeway and descends to a securely gated parking lot next to San Diego City College’s sports fields.  It leads mostly nowhere.

I’ve lived about a mile away for over a decade, but I’ve never set foot on the bridge–until this afternoon. Walking up Park Boulevard, I’ve often gazed at the distant bridge and wondered if it was open. Never once have I seen a soul on it.

I suppose people must visit this place at times, because the bridge is absolutely covered with both new and old graffiti. It’s a singularly lonely place, enclosed in fencing, suspended above unseen drivers flashing by in anonymous cars below.

Here are some random photographs.  Who applied these small artistic faces?  The eyes never blink.

This pedestrian bridge spans Interstate 5, connecting two unrelated parking lots.
This pedestrian bridge spans Interstate 5, connecting two unrelated parking lots.
Two strange eyes seem to sprout from the concrete. Going nowhere fast.
Two strange eyes seem to sprout from the concrete. Going nowhere fast.
Stenciled images of bearded face. Stay fresh.
Stenciled images of bearded face. Stay fresh.
Two contented smiles inside lettering of boldly spray painted graffiti underfoot.
Two contented smiles inside lettering of boldly spray painted graffiti underfoot.
Shy face and downcast eyes. Welcome home.
Shy face and downcast eyes. Welcome home.
Small grinning face in some faded blue words.
Small grinning face in some faded blue words.
These stenciled faces seem to be slowly disappearing as time passes.
These stenciled faces seem to be slowly disappearing as time passes.
A whole crowd of colorful eyes watch in every direction.
A whole crowd of colorful eyes watch in every direction.
Spray painted cartoon looks happy and excited as can be.
Spray painted cartoon looks happy and excited as can be.
Another smiling face in graffiti on the lonely bridge.
Another smiling face in graffiti on the lonely bridge.
A fierce cartoon cat or devilish creature of some kind.
A fierce cartoon cat or devilish creature of some kind.
Above a Facebreaker decal is an old Gasface sticker.
Above a Facebreaker decal is an old Gasface sticker.
Looking down at the freeway where it begins its S-curve through downtown.
Looking down at the freeway where it begins its S-curve through downtown.
Enigmatic face is unable to speak to the few who pass by.
Enigmatic face is unable to speak to the few who pass by.
Another simple, childish smile. Even where it's bleak, there is always hope.
Another simple, childish smile. Even where it’s bleak, there is always hope.

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