The Santa Rosa - Hornblower Yachts

The Hornblower yachts are docked at different piers along the Embarcadero depending on their mission. The photo above is of the Santa Rosa yacht which is docked at Pier 3 and cruises to various points North. I took many shots of this boat and chose this one as I wanted to give you a full view. This particular yacht has a capacity of about 500 and has a ballroom below deck. These yachts are available for private parties and dining. Many have lunch, dinner and brunch cruises. One also accommodates the tours to Alcatraz. I took one of those tours a while back and it was so much fun. Then again, I love boats. I remember having lunch consisting of a salad and chicken cacciatore - almost like my Mom used to make with a dessert that made my palate smile.

The tour to Alcatraz has become so popular that now you need to book days in advance which means you need to make your reservations before you leave home. I sent a couple of friends on a brunch cruise a couple of years ago for their anniversary. They had a great time with a buffet brunch which included champagne - they loved that treat!

It does however get choppy out there at times so if you are prone to motion sickness come prepared. While cruising the views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay Bridge are spectacular so make sure you have your camera with you.

The 7 Menopausal Dwarfs

I saw this over at Cute As A Buggy and could not resist re-posting it. Although funny when seeing it now, it was not so funny while going through the stages. Please visit Cute As A Buggy here. Enjoy!

Entrecard /Adgitize /Project Wonderful /Google Adsense

When I began blogging over a year ago now Entrecard was the first advertising method I used. I loved the idea of having my own business card widget and being able to advertise on other blogs just by using the credits I earned from dropping on different blogs. I have never paid for credits with EC. I always just earned by dropping and I think I only once dropped the maximum 300 which at that time I said to myself I would never do again. It literally took hours. I normally drop around 100 and receive about half back.

As with Adgitize there is the constant problem with receiving virus warnings, browser takeovers and all the other annoyances that go hand in hand with dropping EC. Now with their latest news that alerts all of us they will no longer be providing credits for drop backs I'm asking myself why should I stay with them? EC has said that the credits to advertise on other blogs will decrease as a result of this change and therefore we will all be able to take advantage of advertising on some of the premier blogs. However, let's think about this for a minute. Even if you drop 300 per day it seems to me that you will still in the long run need to actually buy more credits in order to keep advertising. It is not a winning situation for us bloggers but rather a winning situation for EC. They will be making more money and we for the first time will have to pay for our advertising.

I remember when I first began blogging I read an article by a woman, sorry I don't remember her name or blog name, who wrote a post for newbies. In that post she created a time line of what a blogger should be doing at different stages of their journey. One key phrase stuck in my mind and that was a successful blogger is one who has built his or her blog to a point where these extra advertising gimmicks are not needed because you have built a loyal following through networking and building friendships with other bloggers. I am now at that point where I believe she is right.

My thinking is, I normally visit, follow and drop on blogs that I enjoy and which I have some interest so instead of spending all this time dropping for the sake of dropping why not spend my time interacting with the blogs I follow? I can keep EC for dropping and advertising with my favorites and therefore my time much more productively spent.

I have decided not to do any advertising and limit my dropping with EC until after Sept. 1st so that I can evaluate the new decreased credits for each blog. I will however spend the next few days checking out all the blog categories which interest me and make sure I'm following the blogs I like.

Another positive on this is that it will also decrease the bounce rate and allow me to spend more time on writing and taking photos, which is why I blog. It may result in less page views but it is a weight off my shoulders.




I've been with Adgitize now for a few months. I signed up as a publisher which basically means that you provide them with your blog information, you then place a code on your blog which displays advertisers blogs and then each day visit 100 blogs in order to receive points which are transformed into cash. You also receive points for posting on your blog each day. I have been doing this religiously now since I signed up and I will be receiving my first payout next month.

I have however been wondering if having to visit 100 blogs each day is really worth my time. I've noticed as with Entrecard, there are many blogs which have pop up windows, scripts on their pages, viruses and on some occasions blogs which basically take over your browser when you visit them. Not to mention the ones that take too long to load. All of this, including the time factor for visiting tells me it's really not worth my time. They, being Adgitize will tell you that if you also advertise with them at $14.00 per month that you do not have to visit that many blogs. However, though the advertiser's payout is monthly, they are only receiving a few dollars above what they paid to advertise. So, again, what is the point? Granted this is a better system than Entrecard because you are getting paid to drop/visit but it is mind numbing and so monotonous that I really wonder is it all worth the trouble?




Now this is my kind of place. I signed up as a publisher with Project Wonderful, got my widget on my blog and earn cash each day. People bid to advertise on my blog and all I have to do is approve or reject the bids. The threshold for payout is $10.00 and I am very close to that amount. They are also great to deal with in that they are professional, organized, helpful and friendly. PW is a keeper.



Google AdSense is the staple when it comes to earning money on your blog. Granted the average blogger or website owner makes pennies per day however it does not require you to do anything other than add some code to your blog. The ads shown have relevancy to your blog content and if someone decides to click, you've earned $$$ that day rather than pennies. I just recently had to update all my information and provide google with taxpayer info in order to receive my payments when I reach that threshold. It certainly takes some time but is well worth the payout when the time comes. Also a keeper.

Perfection

The year’s at the spring
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hillside’s dew-pearled;
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
God’s in His heaven -
All’s right with the world!

~Robert Browning

I love this poem by Robert Browning. It epitomizes perfection. It speaks of new birth. The birth of Spring, the birth of dawn. It shows how the universe is in order and on a divine path. The earth and nature are perfection. As humans, we manipulate the earth and it’s bounty by our ego driven acts. Rather than looking at the earth and the gifts it has bestowed upon us we are constantly looking for more and striving to be that perfect person. We look for situations and outside sources to make us feel perfect. We look without rather than within. Rather than seeing the earth in awe, we see it as awful.

Each day the earth rotates, the sun rises, the sun sets, the stars glisten and the flowers bloom. These daily earthly rituals are perfection yet we only see the imperfections. Being out in nature will refresh your senses and allow you to see the perfection within you. Our roots are grounded in nature so if nature is perfection, so are we. We do not need the outside sources to become perfect. We already are perfect.

Here are some suggestions

1. Give yourself a few minutes each day to experience the perfection around you. Get outside and just see, listen and feel nature. Breathe it and allow it to permeate your senses. This will bring a sense of gratitude for the earth in which we live.

2. See yourself as perfection. You are connected to nature. It is inside you and therefore divine.

Blog Awards

First I want to thank Icy over at Reach Beyond Limits for the following awards. I am ecstatic! I visit Icy daily and find so much inspiration from her writings and photos that I should be granting her awards. She is such a thoughtful and caring friend which make these awards so very special to me and I appreciate them so much. Thanks Icy. Make sure to visit her blog at http://reachbeyondlimits.blogspot.com

For the honest scrap award I have listed 10 honest things about myself.

10 honest things about myself

1. I love all music. When I'm down all I have to do is listen to some music and it completely changes my mood.
   
2. I love mustard, yellow mustard. I can put mustard on anything, including eggs and love it.
3. I am the most impatient person in the world. Waiting in lines, waiting for buses, waiting for anything drives me nuts.
4. I despise self righteous people. I don't care who you are if you have that attitude, I don't want to be around you.
5. I am addicted to the soap opera All My Children. I have been watching it since it's inception over thirty years ago and normally plan my days around the episode.
6. I am severely claustrophobic. Airplanes, elevators etc... make me anxious.
7. As many of you know, I love being out in nature. I could live in nature, being self sufficient and be perfectly happy.
8. I'm addicted to my blogging. It's almost like a job for me. If I miss one day I feel guilty.
9. Though I do not like housework, everything has to be in it's place - it's just a little dusty :)
10. I sometimes speak without thinking - I can't be perfect all the time, can I? :-)
    

Green Tips From The San Francisco Zoo

Courtesy of the San Francisco Zoo

Green Home Cleaning

Before you do any cleaning, why not start by cleaning out all the cleaning products under your sink or in your cupboard? You’ll free up lots of space while freeing yourself from toxins, allergens and irritants. Be sure not to throw those products in the trash – make sure the lids are tight, box them up and take them to your local household hazardous waste disposal facility (visit www.1800cleanup.org to find a location).

All you need in your cupboard for a clean and healthy home are the following:

• Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). This multi-purpose alkali powder can remove stains from tile, glass, oven doors, and china as well as fruit juice and acidic stains; clean the inside of your refrigerator; absorb odors; and remove baked-on food from pans.

• Borax. A powder or crystalline salt sold in most grocery stores, borax is a water softener and sanitizer. It makes an excellent freshener when added to laundry and is an all-around deodorizer.

• Castile soap. A mild soap available in liquid or bar form that can be used for general-purpose cleaning. It was once made from olive oil, but now may include other vegetable oils as well.

• Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate). This common baking ingredient is a mild acid that can be used as a sink and bathtub stain remover. It can also be used to remove spots from aluminum cookware.

• Hydrogen peroxide. A mild alternative to chlorine bleach that can be used for stain removal and mild bleaching and killing germs. Available in drug stores and supermarkets.

• Lemon juice. This familiar ingredient can be used to lighten stains and cut grease. It can also be used to remove tarnish on brass, copper, bronze and aluminum (not to be used on silver).

• Washing soda (carbonate of soda). A stronger alternative to baking soda, washing soda can be used as a water softener in conjunction with laundry detergents (gloves are recommended as it may irritate skin; not to be used with silks, woolens or vinyl).

• White vinegar. Good for a variety of household cleaning tasks, vinegar may be used to help kill germs and deodorize, remove some carpet stains, and clean coffeemakers, chrome, cookware, and countertops. It can also be used to unclog drains. While white vinegar has a slight scent while wet, it leaves no odor when dry. Do not use it on acetate fabrics, such as in some tablecloths, because it can dissolve the fibers.

For a complete Green Home Cleaning Guide with cleanser recipes, click here.

Wordless Wednesday -Sony Holland Sings "At Last"

Silver Street Performer

We have a wide variety of street performers here in San Francisco. Many perform around the Fisherman’s Wharf area and others just set up shop downtown and anywhere tourists can be found. I was reminded of this story by a post on AVCr8teur's Photo Blog.

Years ago, right after September 11th I was working in Ghirardelli Square. Our store was located right on the West plaza near the fountain. After 911 things were very slow and quiet. No one was really traveling so the square was basically a ghost town. It was in the afternoon when we happened to see some guy with his face and arms painted silver with a duffel bag on the bench across from the store. He opened the bag, took out silver clothing with wires attached to the attire and began getting dressed. Now remember this was right after 911 so we were scared of anything unusual. Seeing wires attached to this guy dressed all in silver was definitely unusual and something we hadn’t seen before. So, panicking, we alerted security who threw him out of the square and told us that he was merely one of the street performers who regularly works the wharf. Of course we didn’t know this and thought he was there to blow up the square. Street performers are allowed to entertain along the wharf but if they want to perform in the squares such as Ghirardelli, Pier 39 etc… they need permission to do so.

Anyway, Mr. Silver man you can find any day of the week along the wharf. He’s out there with his boom-box and his tip cup and for a buck will do a little dance for you. The tourists love him, the locals are tired of him but he does entertain. I found a video of him doing what he does best - asking for money which the tourists love to provide.

Enjoy!

Standing Alone

Strength of numbers is the
delight of the mind.
The Valiant in spirit glory in
fighting alone.

Ghandi

Did you ever notice that when you decide on doing something, whether it be changing jobs or following your dreams and you begin to discuss your ideas with family, co-workers and friends, that you will inevitably need to defend your ideas and most likely end up arguing in defense of your thoughts? Why? Because when we put those ideas out there, two things happen. First, behind those ideas is our ego intent on bragging to others in order to validate the thoughts and intent. Remember that intent from ego is taking the wrong direction. Intent from heart is the true and right direction.

Second, no matter how strong you feel about your idea, the fact is that when others finish telling you how “out there” your idea is or give you logical reasons as to why it’s never going to work, all that negativity will kill your idea and result in it never coming to fruition.

As in the quote above, the Valiant is one who stands alone in his or her ideas. Your ideas from the heart grow and our born into fruition by your not needing any validations but rather taking that first step on your own with a clear understanding and knowing that this idea which comes from your heart is your destiny.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Creation is derived from the unseen into the seen. It is born within your spirit and created as a result of that birth, by you.

2. You do not need endorsements from others. Endorsements come from ego. Your heart needs to be the ruler.

3. You don’t need to announce your ideas. They come from your spirit therefore they need no introduction or applause.

Alcatraz Island

Before Alcatraz began operation as a federal prison in 1934 hosting residence to the likes of Al Capone and Robert Stroud (The Birdman of Alcatraz) it was a harbor defense post and military prison back in the nineteenth century. The lighthouse went into operation in 1954 and was the first American lighthouse in operation on the West Coast. It can be seen from 18 miles out to sea. Alcatraz was closed as a federal prison in 1963 when it became the site for an Indian protest movement. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area took over maintaining and preserving the island later on and reopened it as a park in 1973. It is owned by the Federal Government and as a result is required to be maintained as is.

There have been various proposals to take down the prison and build hotels, spas and shopping complexes on the island but all of these proposals have been rejected by the government. In 1973, the year it re-opened as a park and sight seeing attraction it hosted over fifty thousand visitors. From then on it has attracted over one million tourists each year. It is home to exotic plant and flower species as well as marine wildlife and various seabirds.

There are four tours available each day. There is the early bird tour which is perfect if you want to avoid all the crowds especially during the Summer months. There is also the day tour, the night tour and the Alcatraz with Angel Island tour. If you are traveling to San Francisco and plan on a cruise to Alcatraz it is better if you buy your tickets in advance, as the tours fill up quickly. You can find out more information including ticket prices and tours on the official Alcatraz website.

Thank You Froggy Bloggy & Secondary Roads

I'd like to thank Justine at The Froggy Bloggy for sending me the 1000 EC credits she won for the most embarrassing contest award on Secondary Roads. Please visit Justine's blog & The Secondary Roads blog by clicking on the images below. Also a very special thank you to Chuck at Secondary Roads - Very much appreciated. You can read all about the contest and submissions here.

Tranquility

Tranquility

Beyond darkness
within light
lies the key
to acceptance,
one with spirit.

Ego absentia
authentic truth
caress the soul,
awakening.

Vocalist Sony Holland - Interview & Review

Photo courtesy of www.sonyholland.com
All Rights Reserved

Upcoming Performances, Discography & Video

Sony Holland Videos

Billed as the largest jazz festival in the world, the San Jose Jazz Festival attracted more than 100,000 people over its three-day gig. The event so huge that trying to find the admission and will call booths is like being on a scavenger hunt – with no clues. There was music emanating throughout the entire downtown area. No matter where you were Latin rhythms from the Salsa stage and Afro beats on the main stage kept your ears reverberating in a sweltering crescendo of musical heat.

It ended on Sunday with a packed house in the Imax Dome Theatre - Tech Museum on the Smith Dobson Tribute stage with the Sony Holland quartet consisting of Sony Holland – vocals, Benny Watson on piano, Seward McCain on bass, David Rokeach on drums and Jeff Buenz on guitar.

It was a much-anticipated concert due to Ms. Holland’s return to the Bay Area specifically for this performance. They did not disappoint.

The quartet opened the show with the classic rock number “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry. Sony ignited the crowd with her playful persona and electrifying voice. It was clear from the onset that this band knew their stuff whether it be jazz, rock or otherwise as they set the tone for the evening. With tunes like “All I Really Want To Do” by Bob Dylan and “Honky Cat” by Elton John, they simply rocked the house

An original tune written and composed by Jerry Holland titled “I Am Not Alone” brought out Ms. Holland’s silky smooth vocals. She belts out ballads with a true passion that can be felt through each word and phrase. Her vocal range and ability to flow flawlessly from one key into another is simply nothing short of perfection and is evident when singing ballads such as Sanssouci by Rufus Wainwright of which was also on tap for the evening.

We all have diverse tastes when it comes to music. We all have our favorites and not so much. The classic “What A Difference A Day Made” by Dinah Washington has always been a song where no matter who occupied the microphone I could live without hearing. So, when Sony introduced the song I thought it’s time for a nap. Was I wrong. Her rendition of this tune simply blew me away. She took it to new heights, which I have never heard. It was done with a powerful mix of vocals and instrumental genius, which kept me spellbound.

Ms. Holland enjoys the obscure. The song “Those Dancing Days Are Gone” by the poet William Butler Yeats and originally recorded by the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy fits right into that obscure category. The original by Sarkozy is a very earthy/raw rendition while Sony’s take is a reggae-laden beat that gives the song new life and perfectly blends with the meaning behind the poem. Yeats would be pleased.

“Blame It On Peggy Lee” is an original tune penned by Jerry Holland and a tribute to one of Ms. Holland’s favorite singers, Peggy Lee. The lyrics are witty, precise and written specifically for Sony as are all the original songs. Her sensual and playful sides tease while performing this tune. The Jeff Buenz solo on this tune was hot! He worked that guitar into frenzy and had the crowd mesmerized.

Many years ago while having dinner at Zingari restaurant in the Donatello Hotel near Union Square in San Francisco, I had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Holland with a piano accompaniment performing in the lounge. I had heard Sony sing before but had never heard her sing the Etta James classic “At Last” until that evening. From the first note out of her mouth, my jaw along with everyone else in the room dropped. We were stunned by her powerful performance. Her passion and vocal elegance on that song are unmatched. It has become a tradition to end her concerts with the song. Her fans expect it and she always delivers. There also is no one else who can play that song to perfection backing her on the keyboards like Benny Watson. Together on that tune they are simply THE BEST! Sorry Etta, just my opinion.

One of the aspects of this show that made it so entertaining was Ms. Holland’s ability to connect with the audience and her players. She has a humorous side to her personality that can light and delight the audience with her natural charm. Another interesting thing is watching her eye contact with the crowd. I’ve never really seen any other performers who can do that. It’s as if she is personally connecting with each audience member and they love it. She moves and dances around the stage while performing, which I enjoy. I like animation on stage and she does it well. If you are lucky enough to be in the first three rows you get a glimpse of how well all of these musicians connect with each other. It makes for a lively and enjoyable concert experience.

Her players lend a unique spark of individual musical expertise to each song. Benny Watson on piano works those ivories and creates magic. He is animated and so much fun to watch as is David Rokeach on drums who is one of the best in the business. On bass, Seward McCain can make his instrument sing and get noticed. Last but not least, Jeff Buenz on guitar gives this band a Latin and reggae sound that rounds out and seals the deal. Individually, masters at their craft. As a whole, they are second to none.

This was definitely a concert worth seeing. Would I go back to the San Jose Jazz Festival next year in that blistering heat trying to navigate my way through a maze of complete and utter chaos? To see the Sony Holland quartet you bet I would.

Click here to read my interview with Sony Holland on JazzWest.com

Wordless Wednesday - San Francisco Strange

I came across this camel on Ocean Beach near the Cliff House one day while on my walk. I don't know why he was there but I can tell you that his fur was the softest fur I had ever felt and his presence made for a great photo opportunity.




Created of iron and living foliage, this crab is located at the entrance to Pier 39 and is photographed hundreds of times per day by tourists. Why? I will never understand.



Pots n' Pans drummer along the Embarcadero. He makes a living at his craft.

Fort Mason

Located along the Northern tip of San Francisco Fort Mason served as a Military Army base for over one hundred years. It was also a coastal defence base for over 30 years. After the military conversion it now houses officers’ quarters with many buildings open to the public. Sitting on twelve hundred acres of land the area hosts over fifty buildings which are used for entertainment and educational purposes. There is a youth hostel located within Fort Mason Park and is frequented by many tourists especially during the Summer.



San Francisco residents who own boats and yachts use the docks adjacent to Fort Mason for their housing. Hundreds of years ago these docks housed merchant marine ships and served as a military port.



As in the above photos the views from this area are gorgeous. The Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the far background as well as the Marin Headlands. If you enjoy walking or biking there is a path along the Fort Mason and Marina area where you can walk or bike to the bridge along the Marina Green and Presidio area. I’ve done it many times while walking and it’s just beautiful. Even on a day when the bridge is shrouded in fog, you cannot beat the views.

On weekends the Marina Green is a playground for local residents and tourists alike. There is kite flying, picnicking, frisbee tournaments and during Summer months many types of festivals and gatherings.

For obsessed shutterbugs like myself, this is a photographer’s dream scape.

Vocalist Sony Holland - Upcoming Performances

Photo courtesy of www.sonyholland.com All Rights Reserved

Visit www.sonyholland.com for more detailed information.





August 17
MASSIMO'S: LOS ANGELES, CA
8p - 10p (guitar/vocal duo)

August 20
CAFE DIVINE: SAN FRANCISCO, CA
7p - 9p (guitar/vocal duo)

September 11
PORTFOLIO: LONG BEACH, CA
9p - 10p (guitar/vocal duo - all original material)

September 19
THE VENUE: FARGO, ND
7pm - Appearing in concert with the Jazz Arts Group Big Band. Sony will be singing standards from the Great American Songbook.

September 20
THE DAKOTA: MINNEAPOLIS, MN
7pm - Performing with a quartet of Minnesota's finest musicians at the Twin Cities premier jazz room. Sony's debut @ the Dakota!

Sutro Heights Park

Sutro Heights Park is where the Pacific Ocean meets the San Francisco Bay. The twenty fourth mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro owned about a tenth of the property in the city during the late 19th century. He built the famous Sutro Baths, Sutro Heights Park and The Cliff House. The above photo depicts the gazebo located within the park area.



Near the main entrance you will find the above photographed stone ram sculpture. The park hosts various stone statues to include the lions situated at the main entrance to the park located at 48th Avenue and Point Lobos.



Adolph Sutro built the park for his own pleasure. This was basically his backyard park. He enjoyed walking through the exotic trees and flower gardens while picnicking and exercising. The stone sculptures were his babies.



There rests in the park a cornucopia of tree and plant species as well as colorful flower beds and lush foliage. From within the confines of the park you can get an aerial view of the Cliff House, Ocean Beach and the San Francisco Bay. The views on a clear day atop the park are spectacular.

This photo was taken at the park looking down upon the outer Richmond District, along the great highway and with the outer Sunset District in the distant background.

Although these sights are not your typical tourist attractions, they are definitely something you should experience. You can get to Sutro Heights park, The Cliff House and Ocean Beach in one day. There are also some good restaurants in that area which I will be writing about soon. For transportation inquiries please comment and I will get back to you.

More Trees @ The Botanical Gardens

Teatro Zinzanni

Located along the Embarcadero in San Francisco this venue is a bit difficult to explain due to its uniqueness. It is an eclectic mixture of cabaret, circus, acrobatics and dinner show. The music is mostly cabaret type theatre music along with high wire acrobatics and pole maneuvers by the entertainers. This is all taking place while you’re having dinner. It’s fun and entertaining if you don’t mind this type of theatre while dining. If you are the type that just wants a nice dinner with some leisurely conversation, this is not for you. It’s also interactive in that the entertainers will at random pull diners up on stage to be a part of their act.

The seating is good especially if you are seated along the walls in the booths. You will get a great view of the entire room by sitting there. The costumes are colorful, vivid and just really beautiful. Everyone including the waitstaff is very friend and accommodating.

The food is good as well. I loved the black bean raviolis. The portions are small but satisfying. The tickets which include your dinner are expensive and do not include drinks. However this is a very unique attraction and something everyone can enjoy.

For more information visit http://love.zinzanni.org

Latin Fever

Some Latin fever from the San Jose Jazz Festival this past weekend. Enjoy!

The S's of Sex

The S's of Sex

Sensual
Sensations
Scald
Sweltering
Skin
Singeing
Sacred
Spaces

Slowly,

Sinfully,

Seductively.

Wordless Wednesday - Australian Grass Tree

Photo taken at the Botanical Gardens in San Francisco.

Garden Bouquets

High Society Nights with Jonathan Poretz @ Yoshi's San Francisco

Read my interview with Jonathan Poretz on JazzWest.com


Photo courtesy of Yoshi's San Francisco

www.jonathanporetz.com

August 19, 2009

Jonathan Poretz - vocals
Lee Bloom - piano
Jeff Neighbor - bass
Kent Bryson - drums

8pm show $12 advance / $16 at the door

Information and Tickets

Squirrel Standoff

I'm walking the paths at the gardens and decided to take a short cut up a stone walkway surrounded by dirt and fallen leaves. Without even looking I begin climbing the stone path when I see something move towards me. I look down to find a squirrel propped up standing before me about six inches away from my feet. He's glaring at me as if to say "okay move, you're blocking my way." I had my camera in my hand and immediately thought of my buddy Ratty over at the Everyday Adventurer blog.

I thought to myself what a great shot. He's looking right up at me and I'll be able to finally get a closeup of one of these critters. So, I slowly raise the camera to get a photo of him when in a split second he dodges his way between my feet and my camera caught him "leaving the scene." I guess he doesn't like his picture taken :)

Odds n Ends at The Gardens

While walking the gardens I came across this dirt path through another pathway of tall trees. There were no flowers on these trees yet you can see the pathway through a Cabernet colored infusion of what looked like dust along the dirt. It was unusual yet beautiful.




I found this interesting. It tells a story and I love the colorful hues. I like the contrast and the fact that it is so unusual.




There are stumps and odd shaped stones and rock providing unusual decor all around the gardens of which I find wildly fascinating.

Wordless Wednesday - More From The Gardens

Musing Seaside Canticles

Musing Seaside Canticles

It is about solitude
In the wake
Of anchored foghorns
Over a voiceless pitch
Of baritone riptides.

Strumming undertows
Syncopate rhythmic currents
Fusioned in a clef
Of aqueous harmonies.

A soulful soliloquy
Of seaside stanzas.

Sony Holland in Concert This Sunday August 9th

Sony Holland in Concert @ The San Jose Jazz Festival
August 9, San Jose Jazz Festival
Smith Dobson Stage, 6pm
w/Benny Watson, Jeff Buenz, Seward McCain & David Rokeach
www.sonyholland.com

Redwood Trails at The Botanical Gardens

I have been to the Botanical Gardens three times this past week including a plant fair and show yesterday. I can never get enough. While there a few days ago I decided to absorb the redwood trails. I was so invigorated, refreshed and inspired by the trails that I did not want to leave. I was there during the week when it is virtually quiet. Being there late in the afternoon, thoughts ran through my mind like a waterfall. I began thinking "what if I just hide somewhere, which would be very easy to do and spend the night under these redwoods." I just wanted to experience waking up in the morning under these gorgeous trees. If the weather hadn't been foggy, overcast and misty I would have done just that.

These photos were taken on three different visits this past week. I find new and interesting paths and surroundings each time I visit. More from the gardens in the next few days so check back often.