To all of my visitors:



Wishing everyone peace and happiness in 2007.

In Honor...


(Click on the photo for a better look)

This is my last Christmas photo for 2006. This tree is on the freeway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. I am not to sure on the story behind this tree but I have heard that it is decorated by a group of people who do this every year. There are two stories one is that its done in honor of the Highway Patrol who keep the highway safe. The other story is that its decorated in memory of people who have died on the highway. Either way its a nice tree to see every year as we drive out of town.

Looking for Mr.Right?



No,these two were just admiring a cross made out of luminarias from the balcony. They were so sweet just looking out and commenting on all of the people milling around the plaza.

Last Wreath



This is the last wreath I will be posting for 2006. The year is coming to a close and it appears that I am running out of words to say these days. Oh well here it is.

Stars by night

Stars by day

Holiday Horses



Someone felt that these two needed a little holiday spirit so they decked them out for the holidays. These sculptures were outside of Talaquepaque in Sedona.

Cross close up



There is something about luminarias,the light and the warmth. My last Christmas wish for this year. That here be peace everywhere. That there weren't so many orphans in the world. That people just cared a little more about eachother.

Merry Christmas everyone!



This cross is the main focus of the luminaria lighting in Sedona.
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Peace to everyone around the world.

Sharing more than Christmas spirit...



While in Sedona waiting for lighting of the luminarias I stumbled upon this. There was a group of dancing ladies who just performed and this lady was tying her shoe not realizing that she was sharing a little too much. Should she be put on Santa's naughty list?

Don't break a heart



These hearts were in a gallery in Talaquepaque that sells some nice art pieces for the home or for you to wear. Always a great place to pick up a gift.

Plaza decor



This is one of the plaza's at Talaquepaque. As you can see (click on photo to enlarge) there are sculptures in the planters,the fountains are decorated and the luminarias are ready for the evening lighting. This plaza had white luminarias that could be bought in honor of anyone who died of Cancer.

Sedona, Az



One of the most beautiful places in our state has got to be Sedona. It is the home of beautiful red rocks and a mecca for people who are into the New Age religion. For hikers it is full of great trails which include Oak Creek Canyon. We went there last weekend for the Lighting of the Luminarias. This takes place at a shopping center called Tlaquepaque which is a replica of the one in Mexico. I will be highlighting photos of this trip from now until Christmas. Hope you come back for more.

Mini Burro anyone?



This poor little guy was looking really bored. He was part of a live advertisment for a Nativity play that was going to be put on next weekend. I love these little miniture donkeys, so much in fact that I bought five acres in Northern New Mexico and plan to have some of this on my little ranch. The first one will be named Bean and then I will get him a girlfriend and her name will be Fajita.

Apple Christmas Tree



I love this store they always have a creative window display every year for Christmas. I like the contrast of the cranberries against the green apples.

Many faces pt II

Many faces at the college



This sculpture sits on the Phoneix College campus. Unfortunately I could not find the name of the sculpture but I think it speaks to the diversity of the students who are enrolled there. I am also posting a close up of the base as well.

Psst Christmas is coming



This time its a rabbit who is decked out for Christmas. It looks like he really is telling everyone a secret.

All dressed up.



Sporting his best holiday tie this dog was ready to meet Miss Right. He was just sitting on a bench at the Fashion Square watching all the other dogs go by.

Golden Buddha



Still out shopping looking for some Christmas spirit. I didn't find it no matter where I went but I finally came across this Buddha and I found peace.

Poinsettia tree



This tree is a tradition here at the Biltmore Fashion Square. Its a nice mall with a park setting that makes it that much nicer. They recently went through a renovation and there were some who doubted that the tree would return this year. Its a big spot for people who want to take a family photo to use as a Christmas card.

Going for a hike.



Not these two. Here in the city of Tempe we have alot of street kids that just hang out all day, begging for money and living on the streets. While standing behind these two I heard them talking about all of the places that they plan to "just hang out at." Look out, they could be coming to your town.

Golden Reindeer



While out trying to get into the Christmas season I came across these gold reindeers. Well they just didn't do it for me but the I thought they made for a nice photo.

Retired Red truck pt 2

Retired Red truck



This old fire truck is still in great condition but its just for show. It was sitting out at a recruitment for the Tempe Fire Dept.

Bike ride anyone?



How could you not smile or at least feel happy while riding these bikes. I think colors like these can tend to lighten ones mood if they are feeling down. Maybe the whole worlds needs to take a bike ride.

Christmas is all around



This rather large tree was near some of the booths at the festival. The tree was so large I could not get a good shot of it no matter where I stood.

Francine Reed



This is one of Phoenix's best jazz singers. She and her sister Margo have been performing here in the valley for years. She was performing at the KYOT stage during the festival.

A big coyote



This big guy is the balloon mascot for the KYOT(The Coyote)radio station. They are one of our local Jazz stations here in Phoenix. They had a stage for some local jazz musicians at the art festival. They now have live streaming so if you would like to take a listen you can log on to www.kyot.com and click on "Listen Live".

Nightmare before Christmas



Jack Skellington decided to make an appearance at the festival. It was a pretty chilly day on Sunday and there were people there in shorts. You can tell the true Phoenicians they are the ones with the sweaters and jackets on.

Shadow and shape



Another shot from the festival. I like the shape that the light made on the ground. I love these trees too, in the evening hours they are filled with little black birds that chirp really loud.

Tempe Festival of the Arts



Our neighboring city Tempe, home of Arizona State University hosts the Tempe Festival of the Arts every December and March. Over the next week I will be sharing some of the sights that I caught while scoping out some nice arts and crafts at the same time.

Ready for battle



This little one was ready to battle any dog that got in his way at the mall today. He was sporting the lastest fashion from Three Dog Bakery. Its a great place to take your dog for some great treats or the latest fashions. You can check out their website at www.threedogbakery.com

Balance rock



While out on hike not too long ago we came across this rock that was just out there balancing on another.

Daily Photo Theme Day: From the waist down

"What is everybody looking at," thats probably what I would be saying if I were this dog. Unfortunately all he can see is all of these legs. I took this shot while on a tour of some Straw Bale homes.

Today is DP Theme day and there are over fifty other cities participating. Please take a moment to see what my friends from around the world have on their blogs.

Today is also World Aids Day. Do something good today for people touched by this horrible disease.

Porto (Portugal) - Greenville (USA) - Evry (France) - Queens (USA) - Seattle, WA, (USA)[Kim] -Stayton , OR, (USA) - Albuquerque, NM (USA) - Joplin, MO (USA) - Singapore [Raymond] -Guadalajara, Mexico - Santiago, Chile - London (UK) - Jakarta (Indonesia) - Bandung (Indonesia) - Melbourne, Aust (John) - Phoenix, AZ (US) - Twin Cities, MN - Newcastle upon tyne (England) - St. Paul, MN (USA) Carol - Szentes (Hungary) - Tuzla (BiH) - St. Paul Kate - Dubai (U.A.E.) - Nelson (New Zealand) - Sharon, CT USA - Tenerife (Spain) - Auckland (New Zealand) - Budapest (Hungary) - Sydney, (Australia) [Sally] - Sequim, WA, (USA) - East Lansing, MI (USA) - Vantaa, (Finland) - Singapore [Zannnie] - Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) - Shanghai, (China) -Sydney (Australia) [Nathalie] - Hyde (UK) - Akita City, (Japan) - Tokyo (Japan) - Rotterdam (The Netherlands) - Manila (Philippines) - Seattle, WA ( USA) [Susan] - Stavanger (Norway) - Hong Kong - Chattanooga, TN, (USA) -Barcelona (Spain) - Trujillo (Peru) - Naples FL, (USA) - Delta, CO (USA) - Buenos Aires, (Argentina) -Bastia, (France (Corsica)).