Out of Business

This broken window with the drink cup inside caught my eye.

I took two shots, one close and one further away and I'm not sure which I like best.

I spotted the broken window on the side of the Paris Laundry and Dry Cleaners which has gone out of business.

When I lived on the other side of town, I would pass this place and it's sort of mid-century modern exterior quite often.  Even though I didn't do business here, I was sort of sad to see it go.  

Rustic Doors

I was sort of surprised to find these doors on the back side of a local restaurant, because the parking area is at the back of the restaurant and I'd never noticed them before.  It makes me wonder if they recently repainted them and that's why they stood out this time.

They are on the back side of Ajo Al's Mexican Restaurant on 16th Street in Phoenix.  They have a rustic look but, there is something about them that almost looks like they exist in a painting rather than real life.  Do you know what I mean?

Modern Medusa

This mural is painted on the roll-up door for a place called Cobra Arcade Bar.  It's called La Medusa and it was painted by El Mac (Miles MacGregor) with help from L.A. artist David Choe.  It's located on the edge of downtown Phoenix.  I've never been to that bar.  In fact, I've never seen it open but, I'm sure it does open.  I just haven't been around there in the evening.

My Dream Car

A cherry red Tesla!  Oh how I wish it was mine.  I'm not much of an auto enthusiast but if I wanted to dream about a new car, this is what I'd dream about.  It's good for the environment and it's gorgeous too!

I spotted my dream car at the Kierland shopping center yesterday where there was an actual line outside the Tesla dealership of people waitting to get inside and see one of the new lower-priced models that were just released.  I saw the red one above parked on the street outside.  I didn't wait in the line.

Just down the street from the red Tesla was this baby blue Harley-Davidson.  That's a pretty nice looking vehicle too.  But, I'll stick with the cherry-red Tesla.

I have a new post on Sharon's Sojourns today.  I'm looking at the art that can be found in a train station.

In the Heart of Tempe

If you have a need to visit Tempe Arizona and you want to stay where all the action is, The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel is just the right place.  Not only is it a beautiful place with southwestern style, but it's located across the street from Tempe City Hall, within walking distance to the vast Arizona State University campus, close to Mill Avenue, the main street for shopping, dining and clubbing and it has a light rail station right in its back yard making it easy to connect to a lot of locations in the valley.  If you are a college sports fan, it's only a few blocks walk the the ASU stadium or the sports arena.  It appears to have the perfect location for anything you might want to do in the city of Tempe.

Fish Out of Water

I just recently noticed these golden dolphins frolicking in the desert air at the Kierland Shopping Center in Scottsdale.

They are adorning the front of the recently opened Mastro's Ocean Club restaurant.  It's part of the Mastro's Restaurant chain, a rather high end chain of restaurants across the U.S.  I haven't been to one so I can't give a recommendation one way or the other.  Those dolphins look like "fish out of water" out there in the dry desert sunshine.

Front Gates

Driving around the rolling hills in Paradise Valley, I find quite a few houses that are adorned with front gates at their entrances.  This one is very attractive especially with that beautifully landscaped walk up to the gates.

This one is also a nice looking gate with the added attraction of those matching wreaths attached.

This one isn't quite as dramatic as the first two but it gets the job done.

I like the scroll work on this gate and I'd love to see what the fireplace under that big round chimney looks like.

Everything is Just Ducky!

This couple of ducks were sitting by the edge of the reflecting pool at the Scottsdale Civic Center park keeping their eyes on the activity in the water.

And, this pair was in the water and positioning themselves in a ray of sunlight.  It was kind of chilly on Sunday so I'm betting that sun felt good.  The sun certainly felt good to me.

Melinda's Alley

You might remember that back in June I posted a photo of a mural on the back of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Phoenix called "Melinda's Alley".  The mural was named for a speakeasy type of bar that used to exist many years ago and has recently been reincarnated in the basement of the hotel.

It doesn't open until 9 PM and you have to enter through a door in the alley that is actually part of the mural.  There is a red light above the door and when it's lit, the bar is open.  When you enter, you sign in at a little desk and then descend the stairs into the basement.  That's where I saw yesterday's wonderful mural.  It's located just outside the door to the bar.

Once inside, you find a room awash in red light and full of vintage furnishings and people who have also found this secret place.  The bar only serves a very small selection of drinks that change on a regular basis.  You have to consult the chalk board to see what's being served that night.  It's quite an experience!  It felt almost decadent being there.  I loved it.

Salvador Dali Lives in Phoenix

I found this mural in a most unusual spot.  It's not outside as usual, it's inside at a place where not many people get to see it.  It's signed by an artist that goes by the name of "Perry" but, I couldn't find anything about the artist.  I love the mural!  Tomorrow, I'll tell you where I found it.  In the upper right corner you see a glimpse of the underside of some stairs.  Just a little teaser.

Picnic in the Olive Grove

Last Friday I joined two friends for a drive out to Queen Creek Arizona to have lunch at the Queen Creek Olive Mill.  I hadn't been there for four years when I ventured the 50 miles out there to shop for olive oil.  (Luckily for me, they have shops closer to me now but, if I want to enjoy the restaurant, I have to make the drive.)  It was a beautiful day, perfect for a picnic under the olive trees.

We were all amazed at how busy it was and we had to chuckle at one of the workers who told us we were smart to come on a Friday when it wasn't so busy.  We asked if it got busier than it was that day and she said "Oh yes, much busier".  They had that Canadian flag up because they were having "Canada Week" at the mill.  They even had a special Canadian menu for those who wanted to partake.

I'll confess, we did try the Canada inspired "Maple Piglet" gelato which was flavored with a combination of maple syrup and bacon. It was surprisingly delicious.

While we were eating our lunch under the olive trees, we reminisced about how we traveled out this way some 20 years ago to visit a friend who lived in Queen Creek at the time.  Back then, we had to drive some long distance through the desert and farm land to get there.  Now it's all solid city all the way!  It's amazing how much the east valley has grown and spread out.

I have a new post on Sharon's Sojourns today.  I found a great little hotel in the city of lights.

Automotive Flash!

How is this for a flashy car?  I found it sitting on the used car lot of the Scottsdale Mercedes dealership.

Now that's a Jeep with all the bells and whistles and a lot of pizzaz. 

A Little Bit of Whimsy

Last weekend I did a little shopping out in north Scottsdale at the Kierland Commons shopping center.  There is a Sundance store in the center and I went inside to browse around.  That's where I spotted these rather whimsical creatures making themselves at home on a table in the center of the store.

This fluffy flamingo was looking pretty cute sitting on that big wooden tray.

This little masked critter was on the other side of the table looking quite content to be there.

But, my favorite character was this guy.  He just looks so frazzled and sort of whacky.  I loved him.  It took all my will power not to take him home with me.

The Ladies!

When I was at the brewery last Saturday to hang art work (see yesterday's post), I stopped in to the ladies room before I left and was surprised to find an artistically designed facility dominated by this huge daisy-like chandelier.

Those hundreds of daisies in that globe cast shadows all over the walls.  It was certainly a surprise to see such a decorated ladies room.

I take my readers to all sorts of unexpected places.

Art Show at the Brewery

My Art Challenge Club had the opening for a new show last night at the Mesquite River Brewery in Scottsdale.

These photos were taken last Saturday when we were there hanging the pieces for the show.  In fact you can see an enlargement of my "fire in the wine glass" shot on the far right of this photo.

Here is Ted hanging a set of photos from Julie on a wall together.

I especially like this piece that Jim Lowman created just for this show.  Isn't that a great frame?

The Famous and the Flashy

I mentioned on Sunday's post that I'd show you a few people I caught on camera at Friday's Phoenix Suns game.  First up is Michael Phelps the most decorated Olympian of all time.  He holds a total of 28 medals, 23 of which are gold.

Next was Bubba Watson.  I'm betting you golfers out there will know who he is.  I'm not a golfer but, I do remember seeing the video of him whacking a ball out of the sand trap and straight into the hole.

I don't know who this guy is but his flashy and sparkly jacket was a real eye catcher.  He did attract a lot of attention but I'm not sure if he is someone famous or if that jacket was the draw.

These shots don't do that jacket justice.  It sparkled like an ice skaters tutu!

Hidden Tribute

Speaking of the Phoenix Suns (as I did yesterday), I found this mural on the back side of a little restaurant called Pocho's on 24th Street near McDowell Road.  You can't see it from the street.  You have to be in the parking lot to see it.  The artist is unknown on this one but I'm guessing the restaurant owners are fans.

Celebrating 50 Years

The Phoenix Suns have been celebrating their Fiftieth Season this year with all kinds of events.  My friend Janet took me to one on Friday night to honor the 92-93 season when we came a hairs breath from winning the championship for that year.  They had a sort of "meet-and-great" event at a local hotel.  I took the above shot before the room filled up simply because I like their Fifty emblem and way I caught it reflected in the mirror.

This is the group of players who were at this event for a little question and answer segment.  From left to right, the first guy is the moderator, next is Wesley Person, in red is Richard Dumas, in white is Oliver Miller and on the end is Paul Westphal the coach during that season.  I really enjoyed listening to these guys.  They had a spirited and humorous conversation going.  After this event was over we headed over to the arena for the game.  I'll show you some of the people spotted at that game in another post.

I have a new post on Sharon's Sojourns today.  The Italian Alps play a role.

The Phoenix Bird

I haven't posted a Phoenix bird in quite awhile because I had captured all the ones that I knew about.  However, recently I found this one at the entrance to housing area that is attached to the Phoenician Resort.  He looked pretty good against that  cloud spattered sky.

His partner was on the other side of the entrance with a large tree behind it.  I'll keep my eyes open for more. I never know where I'll find one.

For Your Amusement

Whenever I'm out with my camera I will run across some odd things that aren't necessarily scenic or indicative of my city but, they just beg to be photographed nonetheless.  Today I have a assortment of such photos.  Above is a jar of mayonnaise left at a bus stop.  I've seen clothes left a bus stops before but never a jar of mayonnaise.

These two green bikes caught my eye.  They aren't the exact same shade of green but they are green and the were chained together.  I couldn't help thinking that it might have been a mother daughter outing.

I passed by this pile of barricades several days in a row until I finally couldn't control the urge to stop and snap a picture of them.  They were in the same spot for at least a week but I never saw any construction or any other need to use them.

Finally, a trip through the car wash had me wondering what a photo through the windshield would look like.  Next thing I knew, I had my camera in my hand.

There it is, an assortment of silly shots.  We can't be serious all the time.