San Diego California 2008

San Diego California 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Ahoy!
It is a wonderful llfe.. As I walked the decks of these old Tall Sail Ships, I wonder what it would be like to be a part of this culture. Would I care if the stock market is down one day and up the next? Would I care if Sarah Palin was a Hockey Mom that wore lipstick and not a pit bull? Would I care that there is a war on the other side of the world? or that I hadn't taken a shower in a week? Probably not.

I would only care about the elements of the earth, the winds and the storms to be at natures mercy. It would show me the calm of the earth on a starry night and the uncontrolled fury that the Seas can bring forth at a moments notice. I would watch the whales and dolphins dance and perform for me , yet shelter their young. I can only imagine the stories that this life on the waters could tell; those of Pirates and those of compassion. People of all ages traveling across an ocean for a better opportunity, a fresh start and looking to accomplish that dream.

We are all looking for that better life... Have a great day!

Minnesota Fall

IMG_7297.JPG, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Hello,
It is the season of crisp red leaves and the smell of fires burning in the chimney. I can feel the chill in the air, the leaves crunching beneath my feet while the days are getting shorter. This is only getting a glimpse of what will lay ahead in the long cold winter months ahead.

Each season has is beauty, it's purpose and dreams. I make plans for the Holidays and try my hand at picking out that special gift of each of my loved ones. We begin to think what will I face in the coming year ahead. What have I accomplished in the year that is fading? Have I used the gift of each day as I should? Where will I be next year at this time?

As I wander down this path, I wonder where it leads to?

French Green

French Green, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

This unusual leafy green textured plant touched with hot red stems was something that I have never seen before, I absolutely had to take a picture. This picture was taken in a garden in Paris, France. I must say that the french take pride in their parks and grounds. The well manicured flora and greenery dresses the walkways and public areas; to enjoy this chairs are provided to sit and enjoy the beauty on your extended midday break.

Happy days are here again!

Laundry to Dry Villefranche sur Mer France

IMG_1936.JPG, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Good day my friend!
I love the unusual, the out of the ordinary, the old decay or anything between, it has personality, charm and makes your photograph more interesting. I look at details such as the different color of clothes pins, the pillow case that is inside out with an airplane on it and the colorful rags that serve their purpose to the owner. I think about this picture and I start to wonder... who owns this laundry what are they like, what do the do for work. How is there culture different than mine?

This picture was taken on a narrow street in Villefranche sur Mer, France, but looks a great deal like an alley way to me. The buildings are half painted and very old, this is part of the patina of the quaint village on the Mediterranean Sea. Just down the street at the Harbor, there is an old Russian Church and a one time Palace-now used for offices and art. There is so much history in this village, trading at the Harbor, the great shops, fine dining and the underground tunnel is a historic landmark.

I highly recommend a trip to this captivating place.

Be happy and enjoy your day!

Waimea Canyon Kauai Hawaii

IMG_6314.JPG, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Hey!
This is Kauai's version of the Grand Canyon. The pictures do not show the beauty of this geo wonder. The fire orange color and the green scapes were breath taking, the clouds settled over the horizon. The trip to the canyon was a real joy ride, with the winding roads and steeeeep inclines, just to dip down quickly. The roads are narrow, however there are many look out points to stop and take pictures.

It's a beautiful day... be happy!

Vet's Musuem Branson- Ammo Belts

Branson, MO 2008 Reunion, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

When you have over 25,000 pictures, it is not hard to find some unusual stuff an example would be these ammo belts. This summer when visiting Branson, Missouri, we made a stop at the Veteran's Military Museum. If you are interested in all facets of the Military history this is a place to stop. Many of the items are displayed in glass so it makes it difficult to get the great shots that we would all like to get. If you are creative you will walk away with quality pictures that have real value. You will learn the history of our American Military; take a few minutes to reflect on what it took to make this country so great, the men and women who walked the extra mile for freedom.

Branson has a high regard for our Vets. They are honored at all of the shows and many attractions will give Military discounts.

America the Great!

Chihuly Glass Exhibit Tacoma Washington

IMG_5945.JPG, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Hello to all!
I just came across this picture on a trip to Washington state a few years ago. What a wonderful experience to capture these great works of art.
Dale Chihuly has a talent for color and expression through blown glass art. The massive Bridge of Glass at the Museum of Glass at the dock in Tacoma is spectacular. The City Building next to the bridge has several of he pieces on display including a free spirited piece in the atrium that must be 20 feet in height. There is no wonder why Chihuly is known internationally for his glass works.

Enjoy other pictures on flickr.... Have a great day!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum 2008

Boyce Thompson Arboritum 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

This picture is for my Arizona friends... One of my favorite places to stop for photographs is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It is located just east of the Phoenix area in Superior, Arizona. Superior is an old decayed mining town with a lot of photo opportunity.

At the arboretum, you will find many native plants and flora to Arizona. It has a great walking path revealing the many faces of our great desert. They have a Herb Garden that is very quaint, just outside of a dwelling of settlers to the area. On the top of the hill over looking the Arboretum there is a mansion that Boyce Thompson once lived.

Don't you find Cactus interesting with the unusual patterns and colors? They can exist in our extremely hot summers and even present a great bloom of color for us to enjoy. Now that the temps are cooling in the desert it is time to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Get out and take in a breath of fresh air!

Baby Orangutan Phoenix Zoo

Baby Orangutan Phoenix Zoo, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Good Morning America!
Don't you want to adopt this little guy? He is so cute and sweet. The Zoo is one of my favorite places to take pictures. There is always great subject matter. Also, lots of unusual activity and people enjoying the day. It is best to go in the morning at feeding time the animals are usually out at that time. I know in Arizona you have to consider it in the fall, winter or spring because the animals won't be out to capture on your camera; not even humans!

Have a great day and think out of the box. Learn something today that you never knew before.... Shalom!

Wall Drug Store South Dakota 2008

Wall Drug Store South Dakota 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

I found this gent at the Wall Drug Store in South Dakota. On the road for miles and miles you will find many signs leading you up to this icon. How could you possibly pass it up with the platform they set. Offerings of fresh home made donuts, 5 cent coffee, great food and Levi jeans, not to mention hundreds of other items. What a marketing plan! Wall Drug Store started out to be a little Ma and Pa place of yesteryear turned into a multi-faceted emporium with a down home western flair. You could find almost anything you would ever think of in this place and then some.

This gent, although I didn't catch his name, is made of wax, he looks almost real. They have several other interesting replicas of old west culture and artifacts displayed. As I walked around the not so much a drug store anymore, I noticed a feel of the early 60's. I could imagine that I was on vacation with my family back then and stopped at a place like this to do a little shopping, not much has changed here and I think Wall Drug wants to keep it that way.

Another interesting, must see stop not far from here is the Badland's National Park. The National Park system did find the right name for the Badland's there is not any other name I would pick for it.

Enjoy today for life is too short to sweat the small stuff!

Lighthouse Navy Pier-Chicago

IMG_6232.JPG, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

It was a stormy day, the lifeless grays took over the sky and waters reflection. The gusty twisting winds made it nearly impossible to hold my camera with the telephoto lens, I could only take shots between the blast of air. Is this why they call it the Windy City? I can just feel the cold north winds on the Great Lake Michigan when ships would come into this harbor with supplies and loads. This picture was taken at the Navy Pier in Chicago.

The Navy Pier has been made into an extraordinaire place to stop, you will find shops, carnival rides and many eateries to enjoy. There is a great public park with several pieces of commissioned art work. From this Pier you could take a quick sightseeing boat trip through the downtown area snapping some great pictures of buildings and bridges. You will pass many very interesting unique people to capture on your camera.

Kaleidoscope Sky

Kaleidoscope Sky, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Kaleidoscope Sky.... I love this capture, the colors, contrast and depth of this picture grabs me, moves me.

I start to ask myself what is it? How does it work? I want to look inside and see what is going on in there. How did some artist make this? The details and colors. There are several twisting knobs and do-dads to interact with this piece of creative matter. What is it doing mounted on the sidewalk next to the street facing the Pacific Ocean? It sparks interest in the young and the old, there are no age boundaries. You absolutely can not walk by this without stopping to investigate it's possibilities.This artist understands the concept of light and color allowing us all to enjoy.

Allow your beam of light to shine and touch someone!

Tall Sail Festival San Diego 2008

Tall Sail Festival San Diego 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

I couldn't resist one last picture from San Diego.... This shot shows how brave the Coast Guard men and women are; to climb to the top of the mast, pull and tie the sails for the night. This is real team work, they are all interdependent on one another to accomplish this feat. They are standing or balancing on a rope at least 35-40 feet high above the Eagle ship deck... what a sight! I'm still in awe from watching them, it almost felt like I was at the Circus watching a high wire act, but this was real life not a show. They caught the attention of everyone on the street below.
To see other pictures of this Tall Sail Ship visit Flickr at the link to the right of this post.
I love photography! Don't you?

The Door to Peace

IMG_3350, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

In memory of 9/11, I'm posting this decay picture taken in Bisbee, Arizona. One symbol says it all "Let there be Peace". How can we accomplish it? We can all work together to make peace in our families, among our friends and co-workers. Just allow it to happen, overlooking the small stuff....and go into the Door of Peace. We have to start somewhere and why not in our own personal environment?

I would like to make a tribute and honor those brave souls on Flight 93. If they had not taken the leap of faith, the attacks would have been even more of a disaster with many more fatalities. I can't even imagine what was going through their minds in the final moments. Selfless acts like this is what makes America so great. Thank you passengers of flight 93. My hat goes off to you today!

Peace be with you!

Two Harbors Lighthouse, Minnesota 2008

Two Harbors, Minnesota 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Two Harbors Lighthouse was a pleasant surprise, nestled on the harbor of Lake Superior. Mining ships would load up and take the ore to the steel factories. There is a great deal of history in this area, several interesting sites. You can actually stay at the Bed and Breakfast in this lighthouse for a unique experience. A museum located at the lighthouse that talks about the history of the area and the house is filled with decor that shows us what the lighthouse keepers home might look like in yesteryear.

Just a few blocks from here there is a Train Depot that has been rebuilt with several steam engine trains and a museum. Back in the day; trains were an important means of transportation and on this trip I have noticed that trains are being used more than in the past decade due to high gas prices.

Near by is Gooseberry Falls State Park with a great water falls and a nature walk. Then there is Split Rock Lighthouse the ultimate in lighthouses, peeking over the ridge over looking Lake Superior., just a few miles down the road.

I felt as though I had stepped back in time when I took this picture. The two chairs sitting out in the front. I could just imagine overlooking Lake Superior waiting for the ships to come in.

Black Hills 1880 Train Ride 2008

Black Hills 1880 Train Ride 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

This steam engine train would take supplies to the mining camp back in the 1880s. On our trip to the Mount Rushmore area, we took a ride on this 1880 Black Hills Train; it's starting point was Keystone, Wyoming to Hill City at a 10 mile per hour rate of speed. This ride was a step back in time, along the train route you would see the old mining camp, nature at it's best, abundant wildlife and unspoiled artifacts. The viewing from the train was great for taking several pictures. There was a nice stop for lunch in Hill City and back on the return train ride.

This is narrated tour, so you do learn many facts about the area and interesting points along the way. This is an attraction that the kids just love. I have several pictures on Flickr, so please take a peek and enjoy! Cinda Marie

Yellowstone National Park Wyoming 2008

Yellowstone National Park Wyoming 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Buffalo, leader of the pack...I have my eyes on you!

As we drove on the main road of Yellowstone Park the traffic came to a halt. After a few minutes of trying to figure out exactly what was happening ahead we came across several buffalo slowly walking on the road. Fortunately, they were on the oncoming side of the road because traffic was backed up for miles, as the quietly tromped along. How often can to open your window, reach out and touch a buffalo. Now that doesn't happen every day!

There are real adventures in Yellowstone, not the commercial kind, but the good old fashion kind. Hiking, fishing, boating, camping and cabins for those of us that like that hot shower in the morning.

There are many interesting and beautiful sights here that will take your breath away. I'm in awe at the natural splendor that I found here. It will rock you... To see more flickr picks Google- Cinda Marie Photography.

Mount Rushmore National Monument South Dakota 2008

Mount Rushmore National Monument South Dakota 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

I thought it would be a good idea to bring a little politics into my blog, since the TV is bringing the campaign to us in such a dramatic manner... I wonder if they will add George W. Bush to this great monument? NO. John McCain or better yet Sara Palin, will she be the first woman to be added? I don't think so.... it's Obama that is going to bring us out of the economic mess we are in.. If it's CHANGE you are looking for then put Obama up here. I think that if you take Lincoln and make a few minor changes it might just work. What do you think... can we do it in 60 days?

Seriously, I was moved by the greatness of this Mount Rushmore National Monument. A tribute to our Presidents of past. We are very lucky to live in America, it's almost like winning the lottery to be a part of this great country. Let Freedom ring... Speak your mind, stand up for what you believe in and take the time to vote. Your vote does count!

Several men worked on the piece of art that is a symbol of our freedom. Some even lost their lives blasting out the images on this project so we all may be reminded of how we got to be a nation of greatness and how we must work together to regain our strength.

Grand Teton National Park Wyoming 2008

Grand Teton National Park Wyoming 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

Hey... This picture was taken this past summer when I was on a month long journey to fourteen states and fifty-eight hundred miles. This is Jenny Lake, Wyoming.. breathtaking scenery and wildlife. In this area you would see herds of buffalo and elk just grazing in the grassy hills The snow capped mountains in June, what a treat when you live in Arizona! There were great photo opportunities here! You don't have to wonder why I have over 30 thousand pictures on my MAC.

When I took this picture I could feel the stillness in the crisp misty air, smell the pines and experience the calming of the soul. We don't often take time to appreciate the great beauty of this earth. We all need to slow down and enjoy!

Shamu Shamu 2008

Shamu Shamu 2008, originally uploaded by cinda marie.

The crowd roars Shamu Shamu and they perform. How amazing are these killer whales? They have grace, beauty and personality. They can make that audience come to their feet if you are in the soak zone. The trainers are serious about the soak zone, but how much fun is it to get wet on a hot day? The show would not be the same without it.

There are lots of great pictures to be taken here at Sea World. If you love sea animals, the water and the great out doors it is an educational trip for your family. There are many hands on attractions and special events to bring you closer to these sea creatures. This is well worth the stop to enjoy the near perfect San Diego weather.

I only wish that I could jump this high. Shamu Shamu....