Structurally Sound

I am somewhat of a free spirit. Just ask Billy. But we all need a little structure in our lives to get through all the things we need to get done in this crazy, busy world we reside in. My mind moves in fifty million directions at any one given time. Therefore, I make lists. They are everywhere. There is such a satisfaction in crossing off something I've accomplished. Besides, if I don't write it down, I forget to do it altogether.

I have spreadsheets for my budgeting, my pool business and my photography business. I have check lists for trouble-free camping and what to bring on my annual convention.  All these things serve to make my life easier and keep me fairly sane.

Structure is also something that intrigues me in a photographic way. Architecture, old or new, is captivating.

This building is in Anaheim.

Looks like an Erector Set

Orange County

Reflections

A Korean Structure, San Pedro, California

So Festive!

Downtown Los Angeles, California

Achitectural Overlook

Venice Beach, California

Beach Front Walk Up

Boise, Idaho

A Corner Suite

Ummm...The Empire Building

Geometric Art

 

The Capitol Building

San Antonio, Texas

A Seemingly Flat Building

The Expo Needle

Through the Looking Glass

Portland, Oregon

Vista House

Inside the Dome

Mossy Church

Seattle, Washington

Aerial View

Baseball, Football, Shipping?

Long Beach, California

The Clock Tower

A Postcard from the Past?

 Finish blog on buildings and structures - CHECK

The show must go on

Today we had rain...glorious rain!!! I must admit that I'm crazy about that wonderful stuff. It's cold and crisp and so refreshing. It also waters my lawn...no irrigation, so it's a freebie! And, while I have an outdoor job, rain does not keep me home and off the streets. I go out there and just get wet. Sometimes even soaked. Because the show must go on! And, yes, I'm just that dedicated. Unless, of course, it is coming down in buckets which doesn't happen very often around here.

At first, I was going to go in the direction of fountains for today's topic because it had to do with water, but instead I decided that I would actually go straight to the source itself...precipitation. I realized that I had some old pics that were rain-related and since today WAS raining, why not take some fresh footage.

As I got the creative juices flowing, I took a bunch of shots out the front windshield. When I got home and reviewed them, I thought they looked very abstract and artsy. Therefore, I am putting on my very first art show, so to speak.

Now, if you are one of those people that can't appreciate a picture unless it's crystal clear and perfectly in focus, you may not be a prospective client of mine. Just stand back like you're in a museum and ponder what you think the artist was trying to portray. What deep thoughts are conveyed by each brushstroke or camera click. Work with me here people!!!

This first one was taken in Napa in 2006

Napa in the rain

These next ones are today's Windshield Art....for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

I believe I've found a new medium

It's kind of Impressionist, don't ya think?

A little more modern

A storm brewing

I call this one "Bright and Cheery"

I hope that you enjoyed the show. Now, onto more traditional pictures.

When we were in Portland earlier this year, it only truly rained one day. Of course, it was the day we traveled the farthest. I'm a little jealous of my son and daughter-in-law that they live in such a beautifully green and gorgeous place. I really do believe that I would be very happy in Portland.

Portland Rain

Occasionally, we do get a fair amount of rain here in Southern California (don't believe the song). This particular day I was stranded at home unable to accomplish my daily route. As you can see, the water had risen to the top of the curb...quite the flood for these parts.

The River Whitecliff

And next, a little gutter magic

Beautiful Reflection

Today's rain catcher, tomorrow's dinner...just kidding. Did you know that squirrel is listed in the Weight Watcher's point guide? All I have to say to that is EEEWWW!

SQUIRREL!!!

The next couple of pics are part of a bridal shoot I did.

Ready for rain

Beautiful

I'm just missing a rainbow picture. I'll have to get on that right away.

For the love of dog

Our friend the dog is not always a poser, but occasionally you get a good shot in. Some are more willing than others to sit and let me take a million pictures to get just the right one. Like Duke here. He was quite the ham. He is one of the new Kalyra Winery dogs. Such a sweetheart!!!

Can he get any cuter?

I think this next one could use a thought bubble.

What a face!

The next two pics were taken while walking the streets of Portland, Oregon.

Adorable

Boom, Boom, Boom Woof

So Good!

This guy was sitting ever so patiently waiting for his master who was in the store shopping. What a good doggie!

What a sweetheart!

And then there's Lucy. She is just a puppy and quite full of energy. It was really hard to get a pic out of this one. She just doesn't sit still.....she's all excited!!!

LUCY!!!!

Precious

Love me, love my monkey

Another job perk is the puppies!!!! I love most of my pool puppies. I do have some barkers that won't shut up the entire time I'm there, but most of them are completely adorable. These two little cuties are Lola and Sophie. They are very happy to see me and can't wait for me to come in and say hello.

Nosy Little Girls

Sometimes you get the needy dog. When you call them to look at you, they can't just turn and look. They have to come over, so it's hard to get a still picture or not have them right in your face. I like Mally's little tongue action going on here.

Mally the Malamute....get it?

Looking straight through your soul

So many puppies to love.

Watch your step

You've got to love when your next "assignment" is just under your feet. Saturday morning walk - Library Route. I cross the street and look down as I walk right by what turns out to be today's subject. You don't know how many times I walk past something and do a double-take and turn around.

Years ago someone wrote an old pledge of love in the gutter cement. Who knows how long it's been there. I wonder...Are they still together? Did they get married? I hope it was a nice wedding. How many kids do they have? How old are they and are they now writing in cement?

Or.....was it just a passing flicker of young romance, now a lie immortalized in stone - how poetic. Was it a bad breakup or did they split amicably?

Nevertheless, I have a subject to talk about and share. So, if they are just a distant memory, it wasn't completely in vain.

E.V. and R.P.  Forever????

Then I walked around the park and what did I see....

Quack, Quack, Waddle, Waddle

A web-footed ducky walking past me!

You have to admit, you don't see duck prints everyday! I came home and told Billy "Well, I got my blog for Monday!" Usually I have to work a little harder than that.

Of course, I have other "under-foot" pictures to share. I thought I would throw a little color in. Sidewalks are so colorless.

So Artsy

You've heard about the fly on the wall, right? This one was on the ground up in Portland, Oregon.

Where's my fly swatter?

We like the Oscar's in our household, so we throw a party every year. Sometimes we dress up to root on our favorite movie that's up for an award. I came as a non-survivor of the Titanic. We roll out the red carpet (yes, I really have one) and make a big whoop-ti-do over it all. One year we pretended we were Graumann's Chinese Theater and we all put our names and footprints in cement. I think that was the year we even had a "valet/doorman". Mostly these days we just get together, eat and have a contest of who picks the most winners.

So, here's "The Walk"

The Walk

and a few of the "Stars" of the day

Some of the Stars

Yes, it is a butt print!

  He went out after dark and sat in the cement.....coldy!!

Even the cat did it (he was not too happy about it)

Our Family

So, watch where you step. You may be trampling on art!