Happy Halloween!



This is one of the decorations along the paths in the garden that were set out for the Dia De Los Muertos festival.

Dia De Los Muertos



The Desert Botanical Garden held a Day of the Dead festival this weekend. These two were welcoming the crowd as they entered. Over the next week I will be posting pictures from the festival and the garden. The day is actually celebrated on November 1st. For those wanting a little more information take a look at this site. www.dayofthedead.com

Stone and Glass



Back to the Collier Center. On the second floor is another of Otto Rigans sculptures.
If you go back in the archives he is the one who worked on the glass and stone tribute to fallen workers.

A BIG ONE!



The front of the Weinermobile.

Oscars in town.



Yesterday we got a visit from the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile. Why you might ask? They called and said they wanted to bring their Hot Dog to visit our shelters hot dogs.

Up the stairs...



This is where the stairs lead to that you see in yesterdays photo. There are resturants and shops on this level. It's normally not this empty, but I took this on a Sunday.

Bank of America



This B of A building is downtown in the Collier Center. The center houses The Hard Rock Cafe and several other resturants. It is another part of downtown referred to as The Copper Square.

Phoenix Symphony Hall



The hall has been in the middle of a remodel so I could not shoot it from the front. The Phoenix Symphony, The Arizona Ballet and the Arizona Opera all perform here. Its a great place to see the Nutcracker.

Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix



The building itself is not as nice as the old building so I just took a picture of the guitar. The H.R used to be uptown but the neighborhood that it was in did not want a 18 foot guitar in front of the building. So they packed it up and moved downtown to a smaller and not very exciting building.

Dancer II

Dancer I



These statues are in front of the Herberger Theatre.

Herberger Theatre Center



This is one of the theares in the downtown area. Most of the performances here are plays.

Plaque on the Plaza

Cesar Chavez Memorial Plaza



This plaza in the downtown area was named after Cesar Chavez who was a leader and activist.
www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/chavez

Navajo Veterans Memorial



This is also at the foot of Window Rock. The memorial is built to honor all Navajo veterans who have served in the military.

Code Talkers



This statue was placed at the foot of Window Rock to honor the Code Talkers and their role in the war by using their native language to create a code that was never broken by the enemy.

Window Rock



I really must say that the Navajo Reservation is a very beautiful part of Arizona.
I wish I had more time to explore the area but the rain would only let up for a few minutes at a time. This site has more info on Window Rock if your interested. www.lapahie.com/Window_Rock_Capitol.cfm

In the rain.



On the way home we decided to drive throught the Navajo Reservation. These two were trying to get a ride before the big rain hit.

Ruins on the road.



I spent this weekend in Albuquerque at the Balloon Fiesta (check out Albuquerque Daily Photo there are great pics there). On the road home I came across this place. It was a Trading Post built for a Kirk Douglas film in the 1940's.

You never know...



When your out hiking around here you never know what things you will be sharing the path with. Not a great pic but he was in a hurry to get somewhere, and so was I. Away from him.

One cactus standing alone...



Went out for a hike and saw this one and only cactus standing alone soaking up the last bit of light.

Bug love..



I just love these Volkswagons.

Well at least until its nap time.

Checks for possible safety hazards...



He works hard.

He files...

My co-worker Rufus.



One of the benefits of working at an animal shelter is having cute little guys like Rufus here hanging out all day with you. Let me tell you he's a big help. He can locate lost pens.

All the way from Poland



This artist was out on a corner all alone, just him and his paintings. The photo does not do these paintings of Warsaw justice. He said that he lived in a smaller town outside of Warsaw. I have to give him alot of credit I would not be brave enough to stand out on a corner like this.

Good music...



There is nothing like going to a gallery opening and listening to some good music. These guys were playing at Legend City. This gallery only opens for a few shows a year but when they do its always a good party.

First Friday Art Walk cont...



One of the things that I love about the First Friday Art Walk is that it is so casual; no need to put on a suit and tie. But then that is one thing I like about the Southwest, its very casual. Not that there aren't Black Tie events at more former galleries, but after a long day of work its nice to throw on a pair of jeans, look at some good art and maybe enjoy a glass of wine.

Voted Best Local Artist by the Phoenix New Times...



One of our local city papers The Phoenix New Times has voted Lisa Albinger "Best Local Artist who buys her supplies at Target." Please take a moment to check out her work and website at www.lisaalbinger.com

I took this photo of her at a showing of her work during the First Friday art walk at a local gallerie. There are so many good things that I can tell you about Lisa, she is friendly, beautiful, and not to mention talented but please see for youself and take a look at her website and find out more about why Phoenix is lucky to have her here

Arts on the corner...



On the first Friday of every month the downtown galleries in Phoenix open with new shows for an art walk. There are also some artist and crafts people who also sell their works along the street. Last night there was a full Harvest moon, great weather and alot of fun and interesting people.

El Pedregal



This is one of the nicest places to shop,see art,and dine. Its up in the north end of the city in a town called Carefree. This center part is a open stage where there are some great summer evening concerts.

Dance to the beat....



Drummers out playing in the middle of the city. There is something to be said for getting lost in the music. Just watching these individuals gets you in the groove.

Everlasting....



For those who want flowers or cactus that will never die there is an assortment of them to be found in various metal galleries or garden shops all over the city.

A Southwest design element.



If you see a Southwest home or a desert landscape this will be one piece that you will find as design staple in a lot of these homes. Now, if you fly into our airport chances are you will find these on a t-shirt or a smaller plastic version that you to can take home as a souvenir of you visit to the Southwest.

Its Monday.



I think this poor cactus didn't have what it takes to get thru another Monday. Do you know people like this? I think its all in what you make of it. Smile and the world smiles with you. Good day everyone :-)

Theme Day- Taxi!



It's not a Mercedes but it will get you from point A to B. There are some that are vans and some that are Lime Green in color.