Fair Maidens

Happy Thanksgiving

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for many things even though this has been a rough year for us all. The first one that comes to mind … I’m thankful I’m not the turkey.  I’m blessed to have a loving, odd Family…the best and most loyal Friends on Earth…a Husband with the patience on an angel and weather fine enough to wear sandals all 365 days. I hope for each of you…there is enough food on the table, an important person to share it with and an abundance of good old fashion laughter.

Dusty Cows

Desert Surprises

We set out for Borrego Springs early on Saturday to photograph some of the wonderful sculptures created by artist, Ricardo Breceda.

Breceda (originally from Durango, Mexico) was once a carpenter who took up sculpting 13 years ago after he fell from a second story and broke his back while working construction. He persevered and found a way to make a living from his passion for things that roamed millions of years ago by establishing Perris Jurassic Park. Then, years after his penned creations peeked over the fence along the 215 Interstate, a millionaire who happened to have purchased some dessert land surrounding Borrego Springs and Anzo Borrego National Park came along. His name is Dennis Avery, who like Breceda, shares a love for the prehistoric. Avery, upon a drive by and turn around, first saw a 30 foot Tyrannosaurus Rex leaning over the chain link fence. From that first sighting, he commissioned several works by Breceda and the transformation of Galleta Meadows began.

What I particularly like about what I saw is, not only the craftsmanship and how it weathers in the elements, but also the placement of each creature. You get the feeling you are watching them in their true setting or how they would have lived. I also love the fact that you can drive your car right up to them, making it easy for folks less able to get around, see and enjoy them easily…oh, and did I forget, it’s all free. These two men, along with their vision, have given the general public a wonderful gift that can be enjoyed by future generations.

The Halloween Portraits are in!!!

You simply must check out the Halloween portraits Jim McGill from www.Photo444.com took on Halloween night. Find your mug here to order your prints!

http://photo444.smugmug.com

These are some of my faves…Especially the little candy corn’s smile:)

364 Days to Halloween

We survived…and I just woke up from my coma. We received about 100 folks Thursday at our preview, 200 Friday and 1500 – 1800 guests by my counters estimates on the grand day. I myself was the recipient of many hugs from small children… large ones too. My costume allowed me to remain anonymous from folks that didn’t recognize me (he he he) although the feet had me walking like I had giant flippers on…
All leftovers were promptly delivered to the local Fire Station and CHOC Hospital for all the little trick-or-treaters that couldn’t go out and the dedicated folks who nurse them back to health. As always, I have many to thank. Jamie, with her sword, kept the “touchers” at bay. Loren, her husband of 105 years (and my dear friend) and their beautiful daughter Kari handled candy and toy patrol… and that folks… is only duty for the bravest of souls. Many heartfelt thanks to Jim (the photographer) for capturing all the kids, adults and dogs in costumes and to his 2 beautiful assistants Christie and Susan. You will be able to view those soon. I understand Jim took close to 1000 photos. Lastly, my utmost gigantic thanks to Micheal and Mitchell (the Brothers Grim)…whom without their knowledge (and yelling) this and every other Halloween would have never taken place… except in my head. I took a few very quick snaps in the blacklight before nodding off…