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New Orleans - The Degas House

I spoke with a dear friend last night who has always been like family, and more of a sister than anything. We've been through damn near everything together. High-highs, low-lows, happiness, sadness, grief, celebration, the love of God - we've certainly grown together and with each other. We share so many differences that have bonded us, and so many similar passions that allow us to continue to connect.
If you have a friend like this, just know how lucky you are. I know I do! Hold on to them and tell them that you love them. :)
As far as the photograph, she and her darling husband were married in New Orleans in a historical home "The Degas House" in an intimate and timeless ceremony. This house was the inspiration for starting their life together, and It's clear to see why. More pictures to come, but the footpath in front of the home was classic New Orleans and simply breathtaking.

Hottt Car

Another interesting adventure! Hot Import Nights! Souped-Up-Car Extravaganza!
Phoenix, AZ | November 2009

I'm Feeling Romantic Today...

Table for two? The weather here in Southern California is rainy and I adore rainy weather!! The sound of rain is both rejuvenating and calming at the same time. It's a wonderful tuning tool for the soul. I find myself feeling nostalgic and romantic on rainy days. One of my favorite restaurants in the beach cities encompasses such a warm, romantic feel. The Bottle Inn, an Italian restaurant located in Hermosa Beach, CA is quaint and has on old world feel to it. The staff is so welcoming and has expansive knowledge pertaining to their very ow in-house wine cellar! The food is the perfect level of savory and their desserts are to die for!! If you are looking for somewhere "yummy" or you have a void that needs to be filled by warmth and romanticism, The Bottle Inn is highly recommended!! And don't forget to attend their wine tastings!

Gosh, I miss New Orleans!!!

If there's one place on earth that can make you long for the days of old, satiate every foodie's craving, and whisk you away in the rhythms of the city it is none other than our own New Orleans. The people of New Orleans have a passion for life, love, food, revelry and family. Many occasions throughout my childhood and adulthood have been bench marked with memories and time spent in New Orleans. It is by far my favorite place in the world. In honor of this past weekend's French Quarter Fest, this is for my fellow Louisianians and lovers of New Orleans.

For My Nana

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Spring has sprung!! While most of you may have had more winter than usual, Spring is the time to re-energize! It's a beautiful time of year, all the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and still "playing nice".
This was one of my Nana's favorite blooms.While the "Bird of Paradise" may have a reputation of being "ostentatious", it is also a reminder of how beautiful flora can be. By it's very nature it's saying "look at me!" ... it also reminds us to stop and smell the flowers.Even the ones that don't smell....

Pirate Jean Lafitte's Tree

The Jean Lafitte Tree | Jefferson Island, LA | 2007

Two dear friends of mine had a destination wedding in south Louisiana, at Rip Van Winkle Gardens. The backdrop could not have been more stunning. Jefferson Island, Louisiana is home to an old fashioned aire of Southern Hospitality, and envelops you in irises, magnolias, hibiscus, camellias and azaleas. "The Joseph Jefferson Mansion [on the property] was built in the early 1870's.  The Mansion is filled with period antique furniture and paintings".
Everyone knows that Southern Plantations have an amazing story: "The Jean Lafitte tree at RVW Gardens is one of them. Three buried treasure chests were found there in 1928.  The treasure is believed to have been buried by [the famous pirate] Lafitte." Take an online tour at www.ripvanwinklegardens.com You wont be disappointed.

Prevent Mountain Top Removal with Wind Energy

Post-Earth Hour events, I thought this photo would provide further insight in to how to effectively conserve energy:

"Wind energy produces electricity without emitting any pollutants or greenhouse gases at all, requires no mining or drilling, helps preserve habitat and open space, and poses no national security threats. Wind energy could easily and cost-effectively contribute 20% of California's electricity supply by 2020." CalWEA http://www.calwea.org/

Wind Energy | California | 2007

Pit Stop

You never know what you'll find on a road trip!
Upon my last trip to Death Valley, we happened upon snow, and lots of it! Hard to describe how excited I was, but once I got some snow angels in and a good romp through the snow, I grabbed my camera. I am unsure as to what exactly this tiny brick "building" is or who it was dedicated to, because if you look closely, the water surrounding it was frozen over with a thin layer of ice. Perhaps I'll happen upon it again some day and find out for sure.

Amargosa Opera House

Amargosa Opera House | Death Valley, CA | January 2010
One of the most unique places I've been in Death Valley also offers up a rich history. The Opera House and Hotel offers limited "amenities", but an incredible story and would not be complete without its share of ghost stories too!! Live performances still go on every Saturday night depicting the life of the owner Marta Beckett, a one-time Broadway starlet. She rescued the abandoned property 35 years ago after serving as dormitories for Borax miners in the 20's. Her own hand painted murals can be seen on nearly every wall inside the hotel.
Past patrons include Ray Bradbury and Red Skelton who were regulars to Amargosa.

Knott's Berrry Farm - Part I

Knott's Berry Farm | June 2009

In Honor of Your St. Paddy's Day Hangover...

In honor of your St. Paddy's Day hangover, I have a photo here that may look familiar. If you've been to The Capitol Lounge (aka: Cap Lounge, The Lounge) in Washington DC, you may recognize the line up. :)

Cap Lounge | Washington, DC | Circa 2003

One Of My Favorites.

This picture sits next to my bed. It serves as a reminder that the bonds of family, and the bond between sisters runs deep. I cherish my sister for everything that she is and everything she has given me. She's a strong, individualistic young woman who knows her own mind and does not back down in what she believes in. I hope she has learned from me as much as I have learned from her. "I <3 U SIS"

Redondo Beach, CA | Summer 2007

$0.99

Austin, TX | Hill Country | 2007

iPod. Nuff Said

I have to say: Apple has it DOWN when it comes to advertising.
I mean really, what does this ad make ya wanna do? Me? Made me want to take a picture of it and ask you!!!!
Venice Beach Boardwalk, CA | 2007

L.A. Traffic, I mean CHAOS....

Just when you think getting somewhere was easy....BAM!!! You hit the infamous - and dreaded - "405".

What Comes to Mind??

Pee Wee's Big Adventure!?!?! You got it, son!
The Oscars were on tonight, so why not post something that's "SOOOO L.A." ???

Enjoy! Who doesn't love the T-Rex?? :)

Have a Coke, and a Smile!

 

Never underestimate a Coca-Cola Classic. Sure, it may have calories and caffeine and all those other things we wish to avoid... BUT nothing on Earth tastes quite like it and you KNOW when you taste a real one. Don't deny it! 

A restaurant back home, Herby K's still serves this tasty little beverage in an ice cold bottle. You know the sound that it makes, "K't-schhhh". And it does perfectly with a Shrimp Buster and Crab Claws on muggy days. As warmer weather draws ever closer, there will be BBQ's, mid-day activites, business meetings, weddings, what-have-you. Indulge, you know you want to... :)

.Irony.

 

No, this is not a mirage. :) Parallel parking was a breeze!

In the desert, you never expect to come across half of what you see. After this trip, my "Desert Collection" photos proved to be quite interesting - be sure to come back for more!

Salton Sea | Death Valley, CA | 2009

Drum Party - Part II

While gentlemen played their drums and various instruments, she danced. Hypnotic and colorful, she captivated the entire audience.

Drum Party | Part II | Venice Beach, CA | 2009

Drum Party

If you've been to Venice Beach, then you know there's no such thing as normal, in fact, the more unusual you are the better you "fit in"! Along the beach boardwalk you can find it bustling with artists, shoppers, cyclists, and obscenely muscular body builders from Muscle Beach. However, off the boardwalk, my friend and I stumbled across a "drum party" where all walks of life participate with music, instruments, dance and tradition. This particular photo was taken of a percussionist relaxing in the sand and enjoying moving to the beat of this own rhythms. It is also the first in a series of the "drum party" that I took that day, so check back for more photos! 

Venice Beach, CA | 2009

Oysters, On The Half.

Oysters on the half. One of my all-time favorite dishes. Perfect with a cold beer on a hot, sticky day in Louisiana. My best friend and I would spend hours at "Oyster Bar" in Shreveport. Talking, laughing, saying our hellos to other diners (mostly people we grew up with) and eating and drinking of course. To be home and endulge in any local Louisiana dish is, in my opinion, an re-awakening of my soul.  

Oyster Bar | Shreveport, LA | 2009

If This Tree Could Talk... Part II

....What would it say?

 

Ludlow, CA | 2010

We all have places we like to go to relax and reflect. When I was living in Shreveport, mine used to be a rickety pier at Lake Bistineau (look for future post of Lake Bistineau). This particular spot was just the type of place I would head out to, to clear my head. Being that it's easily a 3 hour drive from home, I tried to capture it, so that I might just be able to revisit this place as I saw it that day. 

Where are your "go to" places?

If This Tree Could Talk.... Part I

....What would it say?

Ludow, CA | 2010

Ever see the movie "Babes in Toyland"? A film I fondly recall from my childhood. I fell in love with this tree, because it reminds me of the trees in the film.

Vegas Lights.

Las Vegas, NV | The Mirage | 2008

Vegas. Never one to disappoint. Unless you gamble away all your money.... but then again, that's really your fault :) A city that can satiate every appetite. Rarely, you leave empty handed. You may notice a theme throughout these and future blog posts: I enjoy discovering beauty or charm or life in what most of us might pass over with just an everyday glance.

Belief.

I have long been enamored with the beautiful, bright colors and ornateness of the Buddhist Temples. Each color is carefully depicted and symbolizes a 'state of mind'. The attention to detail and use of color is inspiring. This was taken looking up into the Buddhist temple on the grounds of Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, CA.

Fort MacArthur | San Pedro, CA | 2009

Magnolia Plantation

One last photo-nugget for the evening!

No creative extra-artsy slant. 

Just nature in her shear, stunning, naked beauty. 

Louisiana's Magnolia Plantation in the background.

Magnolia Plantation | Natchitoches, LA 

2006

Beloved.

All journeys must come to an end. Once a Shreveport landmark is now gone.

Many of us - all ages, sizes and bar preferences - found ourselves there after a night out. Grilled cheese, Grits, Fries, Chicken Fried Steak... I mean it was a heart attack on a plate - but who could forget the Green Goddess!?!?! Murrell's lives on in the hearts (and arteries) of those who knew the monument at Kings and Youree. It will surely be missed!

 

Murrell's Diner | Shreveport, LA

2008

The Road Leads Here....

“I don't know anybody's road who's been paved perfectly for them, there are no manuals, you don't know what life has in store for you.”  -Drew Barrymore

 

Death Valley, CA | January 2010 

The road leads here. This is the first in a series of new blog posts -mainly photography- in and around places I've sought out or stumbled upon. In all their unique glory and beauty, I present them to you as "my story, through photos". Please feel free to comment: Share similar stories, experiences or if you've found yourself in the same place with a different interpretation, share it with the world - here.