Art About Town: Santa Rosa... A Joe Cool Summer (2007) Archived

"I think I have discovered the secret of life, you just hang around until you get used to it."

~Charles Schulz

One of my favorite memories of chasing down public art, happened in the summer of 2007, you see, that was the Joe Cool Summer in Santa Rosa, California! That summer Snoopy statues, each with a different theme, dotted the town, and Alan and followed the pup around town, with the help of map that indicated each uniquely themed Snoopy could be found. It was a lovely way to get to know Santa Rosa, the town in which Charles Schulz lived, and where the Charles Schulz Museum is located! 2007 was the third year that Santa Rosa exhibited the Peanuts art, the two previous years featured the main man Charlie Brown, and the second year was completely devoted to Woodstock. I need to do a search through my archives to see if I can come up with the photos I took from the earlier series, but for now we have Snoopy to enjoy. I always loved Snoopy!

A Joe Cool Summer 
Santa Rosa,California
2007

Classic Joe Cool

Beagle Ridge

Asnoopbis

Cool Reflections

Cool The World

Coolest Conservationist

Impressionist Joe

Joe Brakeman

Joe Masterpiece

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem

 Pucker Up Sweetie

Shakespeare Snoopy

World Famous Novelist












Alan and I had an amazing time that day. And to think, it was August 2nd 2007, so just about seven years to the day! I think it might be time to revisit Santa Rosa! It's less than two hours from Berkeley, and that makes it just about perfect for a day outing with the camera and the hubby! 

Note: I only posted a partial list of Snoopy sculptures, to see the full gallery from the summer of 2007 click here.

Sounds like a plan! :)

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

The Strength Of Observation

"It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way, so we must dig and delve unceasingly."

~Claude Monet

I have spent the last week or so digging deep into my archives, trying to get photos moved to the new computer. I should have saved the images to either a portable storage device, or online cloud, but I procrastinate a bit, so now I find myself tasked with going through files going all the way back to 2003, to make decisions about what to store, what to keep on a flash drive, and what to store in one of the older computers I keep for just that... storing files.

It's quite a task, I have a lot of images to file, but it's a lot of fun too! I have been smiling a lot the last few days as I reminisce about my kitty Elvis... gosh I miss him... and all the flowers and interesting places I have been in the last decade! I have come across photos, and memories, I hadn't considered in years! I think tip-toeing through the archives more often! Sometimes one forgets just how happy they really are, and how happy they have been!

Life is good!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Art About Town: Berkeley, Addison Street Poetry Panels... "A Textbook Of Poetry, 21 By Jack Spicer

"There is something about poetry beyond prose logic, there is mystery in it, not to be explained but admired."

~Edward Young

A Textbook Of Poetry, 21
By Jack Spicer

Hold to the future. With firm hands. The future of each afterlife, of each ghost, of each word that is about to be mentioned.

Don't say put beauty in here for the past, on account of the past.
On account of the past nothing has happened.

Stick to the new. With glue, paste it there continually what God and man created. Your fingers catch at the edge of what you are pasting.

You have left the boy's club where the past matters. The future of your words matters. That future is continually in the past.

That pathology leads to new paths and pathfinding. All the way down past the future. The words go swimming past you as if they were blue fish.

I love the Addison Street Poetry Panels and visit when I can. They inspire me, and calm my nerves, and remind me that even in the toughest time, there is truth and beauty just around the corner! Addison Street is a very special place on this earth.

A Look Back At July 2014

"Taking a picture is like giving a piece of your soul away. You allow other people to see the world through your eyes."

~Katja Michael

It's time to say goodbye to another month! Goodbye July, 2014! You were kind to some and devastating to others. I have no complaints about my life, or my little corner of the world, but I am saying some prayers for others... prayers of peace...and keeping a good thought that maybe August will bring some kind of ... well... sanity to this world. I will never give up on hope. NEVER!

Looking In The Rear View Mirror...

And Forward We Go...

Mood: Hopeful

~Me :)

Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia)

 

"Go on, hitch a ride on the back of a butterfly. There is no better way to fly."

~Pat Monahan, Scott Michael Underwood, and James W. Stafford

~Get To Me

Just a picture and a quote tonight. Super busy, means super tired! I thought about maybe not doing a post for today, but I came across this photo in the archives from February, and thought it deserved to be seen! Just think, that pretty butterfly has already lived it's life, and moved on to the other side. I imagine that heaven must be  filled with the souls of a million butterflies! In fact, I can't imagine heaven without a creature of such beauty, but in truth, I imagine there is all kinds of beauty in heaven. And cats too. LOL.

What, and who, do you think you'll see in heaven?

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Zebra Longwing
Heliconius charithonia

The Old And The New...

San Francisco
March 1st, 2014

"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life."

~Mark Twain 

Mark Twain loved San Francisco... and so do I. But he loved the city in a different era, so I have often wondered what he would think of today's San Francisco. I would love to be able to sit down with him, and really find out what he thinks of today in general. Would he be a follower of reality TV, maybe, but I think if he did it would be to mock it. Would he enjoy a good ride on BART? I will have to consider that one longer! LOL. How about all the amazing street performers, especially the ones who dress like him, and tell tall tales? Someone impersonating you could either be the biggest compliment ever, or a total insult, so I am sure when it comes to that he would consider the issue from all angles.  What about one of the most famous quotes about San Francisco, most often attributed to him, not actually being by him?

"The coldest winter I ever spent, was a summer in San Francisco."

According to Snopes.com, it wasn't said by Twain! This opinion is based on some pretty extensive research into his writings. That quote is simply not something mused by him, however it's believable he could have uttered it. Have you ever been in San Francisco in the summertime? It can be cold... really cold... and layers of clothing are often required, but it's also true that we have micro-climates in and around the city, and we natives have just come to depend on the best bet of always leaving the house with a sweater, or jacket, no matter what the temperature says it is! LOL. It's just what we do! And I am sure that during his time in San Francisco, he learned to do the same thing! That's the one thing about San Francisco that he could probably still relate to the best, if he were to suddenly come back for a visit. The weather. Cities change. People sometimes change. Culture changes. The weather generally doesn't. Unless you consider Global Warming a thing. Gee, I wonder what he would think about that?

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics"

~Quoted by Mark Twain in his autobiography, he attributes the quote to Benjamin Disraeli.

"So I became a newspaperman. I hated to do it, but I couldn't find honest work."

~Mark Twain

:)

Mood: Quiet

~Me :)

Vivid

"To be creative means to be in love with life, You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance it's beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, and little more dance to it."

~Osho

I agree whole heatedly that your general outlook on life affects your creativity. When I became deeply depressed years ago, and lost my ability to enjoy life, I couldn't even think about being creative, and yet people around me encouraged me to try. I at first that it was a waste of time, but as it turns out, I was wrong. I took pictures. Dull, lifeless, unfocused, half hearted photos, and it was frustrating because one of my favorite joys in life seemed to be gone, like I had surgery to remove it. In a lot of ways it sent me further into despair, but in that I felt like I had no choice, I continued and I snapped photo, after photo. Then one day, 3 years after the depression began, I felt myself wake up, and I felt life again. And I saw life again. I saw colors and places and objects with renewed interest. Like those things had not existed for a time. VIVID. LIFE WAS VIVID ONCE AGAIN!

I have been feeling uninspired lately, but slowly I have been getting my photography mojo back. This week I am hoping to get out and do some real photography! There are some new public art pieces in San Francisco, and some new gardens that look promising. I may not have my energy as high as I would like, but I have the will and the drive, so perhaps the other will follow. I have to try... right? If the current conflict in the middle east, and in the Russia/Ukraine has taught us nothing in the last couple weeks, it has served as a reminder that life is too short to allow depression to take our joys from us!

Mood: Encouraged

~Me :)

Here We Go Again...

"You live and learn. At any rate, you live."

~Douglas Adams

Okay, well, it was inevitable. Today I am officially posting from the new computer. It is an HP Envy. It's too soon to tell you that you should be... envious that is... but I will get back to you on it! LOL. It's going to take me a few days to get everything back where it belongs, you know, websites and such, but I do have a few things in place. Blogger and Twitter, and, of course, I have my celebrity crush, Dylan McDermott, all nice and tucked into my favorites tab! I have my priorities after all! :) The one downside to getting this new computer is having to deal with Windows 8.1!

 I will not mince words, I was happy... HELL... thrilled after the disaster that was Windows Vista. What a walk through hell that was! 7 was everything Vista promised to be. Well, you know, you were there! Anyway, I liked Windows 7 very much, and I feel like they could have just continued with that program, but no, they created Windows 8, and then later, 8.1, so get over it and get with the program, right? Learn it and stop bitching, right? It's not like I hadn't used it before, I have it installed on my laptop, and it was fine there. So really, get over it!

Okay. I will. 

Sigh.

I don't like change, unless it's summer changing into autumn. I am completely on-board with that!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Round Robin Challenge: About The Weather

San Francisco With A Little Cloud Cover
October, 2013

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."

~Anothony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

RRC: About The Weather

For this round of the Round Robin Challenges, Karen wants to see some weather. I had to pay a visit to the archives for this one because the weather lately has been, well, relentlessly boring. It's summer, and sunny, with the occasional day of low clouds, but other than that it's just typical. What isn't typical is the fact that California hasn't really had seasons for the last couple years, and as a result, we are facing yet another drought. That means it's all brown and dry. Blech. I would rather not post photos of the very thing that seems to be zapping my creativity. So, as I said, I have tip-toed through my archives to bring you the very best of California weather, by the season!

Enjoy!

Winter...

Snow Falling On Grizzly Peak Boulevard


Snow In The Santa Cruz Mountains


A Late Winter Storm On The Bay
 

Spring

 A Storm Recedes Over The Marin County Headlands
 

An Cloudy April Day Along The California Coast
 

A Foggy Spring Day In Tilden Park


Summer...

The Twilight Of A Hot Summer Day In Berkeley


A Sunny Summer Day In Montara, California


A Summer Heatwave Sunrise


Autumn

An Autumn Day Of Bright Sun And Low Clouds


Clear Sky And Low Clouds On The San Francisco Bay


A Warm, Not Hot, Autumn Day At The Beach


Okay, that's all ABOUT THE WEATHER here in the Bay Area! Now, go see what the other participating Robins have posted ABOUT THE WEATHER in their neck of the woods! Just click the link at the top of this post to be redirected to the official Round Robin blog, where you will find the list of Robins who are participating, and all the info you need to join us!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

The Bathtub Diva Says: "I'm Too Sexy For My Tub"

I spotted the Bathtub Diva one day, about nine years ago, when I was out looking for the odd. I loved he/she straightaway! You see, on that day, nothing seemed to be going right. A disagreement with a friend. I had just fired my therapist. I was feeling restless. George W. Bush was still in office, and I am betting he said something stupid that day! God he got on my nerves! And then along came the Bathtub Diva, sporting a laid back attitude, and a certain unique fashion style! Clearly this diva had it going on, and there was no room for negativity about it!

Yesterday, Thursday, was not a good day. You see, Joey woke me after my having enjoyed just 3 hours sleep. And he woke me not to play mind you, or because he was hungry, no he woke me because he had a slight butt problem called ringworm! As feline afflictions go, ringworm is not the most difficult thing to deal with. One injection by Dr. Barrett and within 24hrs... no more worms. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an appointment yesterday, so later today Alan and I will take Joey, and Dylan in for an injection. 

Hendrix had ringworm last week, and at the time the doctor said there was no reason to bring them all in, if we didn't see any indication of them being affected. Funny, I should have known it would happen, but I was hoping for the best. Oh well, on the bright side, it's not difficult to fix, and Alan received a bonus from work just yesterday morning that will pay for the doctor's visit, and leave a little left over for a new computer! We have been needing one for a while, and now is as good a time as any to get it done.

I will save all the details about the new computer for Sunday's post. Saturday is the next scheduled Round Robin outing. Our subject this time around is, About The Weather!

It's funny how that bad day 9 years ago, with all it's irritations and troubles led to me finding one of my favorite photo opportunities ever! And it's funny how yesterday began so badly, yet ended with everything working out okay, and a new gadget, which is now ordered and on the way, to make life a little easier! While there were other things that couldn't be solved, like the current;y irritating political process, Ted Cruz is a DICK, at least I will soon have an more efficient way to keep up with it! LOL.

Once again it is proven, negativity solves nothing.

I appreciate the Bathtub Diva for reminding me of that!

And Now... Right Said Fred



Mood: Silly

~Me :)

Art About Town... San Francisco: Corridor Pin, Blue, 1999

Corridor Pin, Blue, 1999
By Claes Oldenburg And Coosje van Bruggen

"There is no place for grief in a house which serves the Muse."

~Sappho

I LOVE this piece. Corridor Pin, Blue, 1999, By Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. It can be found on the grounds of the DeYoung Museum, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. I love it for it's whimsy. I love it for it's color, and size. It makes me happy inside when I look at it. A common, every day object, transformed into colorful art. The simple and every day is usually disregarded, and overlooked, but this piece reminds us to look for the beauty, even if we think it can't be found!

It's comforting.

When I am faced with a lack of inspiration regarding my photography, I try to remember that there is beauty and art right inside my house. My cats, are frequent subjects, but last year when I was ill for so long, I got out the camera and began to photograph objects on my desk. I was pleased with the results, and got a number of good reviews from those who saw the photos. It takes a whole other mind set to set up a shot, rather than letting nature, such as in a sunset, take it's course. 

Shrug.

I don't prefer one over another, I just like that I can fill up my mind with positive feelings when it comes to art. In my case, the house referred to in today's quote, refers to my mind and imagination, rather than an actual house. For me, art is what clears the cobwebs, and allows me to embrace the light of happiness.



Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Three Yellow Gerbera Daisies

"Those fields of daisies we landed on, and dusty fields and desert stretches. Memories of many skies and earths beneath us... many days, many nights of stars."

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Don't you just love memories that include flowers?

:)

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Appreciating The Light

"Dreams are what guide us, art is what defines us, math is what makes it all possible, and lights our way."

~Mike Norton

I saw this beautiful flower on my visit last month to Flowerland, in Albany. I could have just stood in that light and admired the beautiful pink color all day! Sometimes light just pulls me in, and warms me, not in a harsh way, more like a hug. This particular day was cold, and overcast, so it felt especially good to just stand in the light. Not a care in the world.

It was nice. :)

One day, years ago, my dear friend Steven described me as, "Carly... seeker of light."

At the time I had to wonder why he saw that in me. I felt that I was, or at least had been, a really negative, dark thinking person. But perhaps people, especially friends, can see things in us we can't see in ourselves. Anyway, while it took me a little while to believe him, I realized one day that he had no reason to lie. So yeah, I guess I am a seeker of light!

That was quite a gift he gave me that day. I would give anything to be able to say Thank you! He always took the most beautiful photograph of flowers! I appreciated his talent. And appreciated the the encouragement he gave me when it came to my own photography. He had plenty of light in him too!

Mood: Reflective

~Me :)

Santa Cruz For The Weary Soul...

Walton Lighthouse
Santa Cruz, California
July 11th, 2014

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

~Confucius

When I was in Santa Cruz, a couple weeks ago, I was so thankful to be surrounded by all the beauty of the place. It is always fun to visit there, but my favorite part is to just sit on the beach and relax and enjoy the sun. I am thankful for where I live. California is beautiful! And Santa Cruz is definitely one of my favorite places!

From The Archives...

Santa Cruz
August 14th 2005





Mood: Quiet

~Me :)

The Paradoxical Commandments

A Blue Day
Marin County, Ca
2006

"Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears."

~John Lennon

This is not the post I planned for today, I had some archived photos that I took in Santa Cruz, in August of 2005. They are photos I am proud of, and they always make me smile. The lighting was just right. The colors were amazing, and I had just spent an amazing time on the beach, enjoying a Micky Dolenz concert. But on the way to preparing for that memory post, I came across some words of wisdom that rang so true, and lifted my spirits so much, I decided to share.
 

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today, will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

People really need help buy may attack you if you do help them.
Help them anyway.

Give the world the best you have an you'll get kicked in the teeth,
Give the world the best you have anyway.

~Kent M. Keith, The Silent Revolution: Dynamic Leadership In The Student Council

Mood: Quiet

~Me :)