Resting place reflections

Mies van der Rohe is a famous architect who was born in Germany and later died in Chicago after an illustrious career. I was lucky enough to catch some reflections in his gravestone when I visited Graceland Cemetery in Chicago recently. Photo taken in April 2013.

For more reflections visit Weekend Reflections. You can also see one of van der Rohe's early works on my other blog, Berlin 365.

Giant red snail

I'm not sure what these giant snails were promoting, but they were all over Sydney when I first arrived in Australia back in October, but they were gone when I left the country. In any case, I thought they were cute! For more red, visit Ruby Tuesday. 

Photo taken in October 2013.

Australian benches

A nice pair of benches outside Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney, Australia.

Photo taken in October 2013.

Mural and bench

A cute mural with a comfy-looking bench in Sydney, Australia. What more could you ask for? For a look at more murals, visit Monday Mural. 

Photo taken in October 2013.

Another Vickie

Unfortunately, I ran out of time (i.e. lost interest) in posting the rest of my shots from the Farewell Canada Tour. I promise to get back to it one of these days. In the meantime, here are some shots from my Australian Adventure. Since I ended with Vickie in Montreal, I thought I'd start with another likeness of her in Sydney. This statue stood in Dublin, Ireland until the late 1940s when it was put into storage. I guess they did some spring cleaning in the 1980s when it was gifted to the city of Sydney. 

Photo taken in October 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Vickie

Here's a look at queen Victoria herself - the main attraction of the square.

After all the years, I think she's still got it! Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Victoria Square

A different angle on Victoria Square. Enjoy the blue sky - for more of them check out Skywatch. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: More water

There's no shortage of fountains in Montréal! I especially liked this shallow one near Victoria Square. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Symmetry and signs

More from Montréal. Something about this scene appealed to me - the windows with those flower boxes and the woman standing there. And I also love that the stop signs in Quebec are arret signs! They don't even have those in France; they definitely brought a smile to my face. Photo taken in July 2013. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Farewell Canada Tour: Fountain fun!

I found these playful figures in this small fountain very appealing. The work is entitled Hommage à Marguerite Bourgeoys. She was apparently one of the important pioneers in the development of the city of Montréal. She especially championed the idea of education for girls. I can definitely stand behind that! Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Black and white water

I love fountains - in color or black and white! Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Just reflections

A look at the skies of Montréal as reflected in the windows of the Palais de Justice. Photo taken in July 2013. For more reflections visit Weekend Reflections.

Farewell Canada Tour: Greenery among the benches

This little oasis looks like the perfect spot to take a break in the middle of they city. I found this lovely spot just near the Palais de Justice in Montréal. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Old city architecture

One of the things I love about Montreal is the architecture. You almost feel like you're walking the streets of Paris. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Impromptu concert

This pair of musicians took advantage of a street piano in Montreal to give an impromptu concert. They were quite talented and they drew quite a little crowd. It's nice to have opportunities like this to bring people together in big cities. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: The cock and the pirate ship

Montreal was filled with fascinating murals. Here's another one which I have entitled "The Cock and the Pirate Ship." Feel free to make of it what you will, I'm getting Portuguese vibe though. For more murals, check out Monday Mural. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Lined up and waiting

If you're looking for a place to spend eternity, there are several openings here at Mount Royal Cemetery! These stones are lined up and waiting for new tenants. I do like they way they are so shiny - the green grass is nicely reflected, but I hope someone will plant some flowers once these graves are in use. The weekend is here, for more reflections take a look at Weekend Reflections. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Black and white boy

A family from the Netherlands who came to Canada in the 1950s dedicated this memorial to all other Canadian immigrants who arrived in this country on a quests for "distant horizons, diverse possibilities and searching for the self". Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Little Emma

By the dates on this stone, Emma was certainly a full-grown woman, but those pink flowers and the tiny tombstone suggest something childlike. Photo taken in July 2013.

Confidential to my sister: Happy Birthday!!!

Farewell Canada Tour: Simpson lady

I was surprised to find quite a few Simpson graves in the Mount Royal Cemetery. It certainly isn't a very French-sounding name! In any case, I definitely liked the look of the pensive lady and the way the name stands out. Hope you are enjoying this tour of the cemetery, for more cemetery shots, visit Taphophile Tragics. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Through the pearly gates

No trip up the Royal Mount would be complete without a visit to the cemetery. It is said that some famous people are buried here - I didn't find any of them! But I'll show you what I did find in my tour of the cemetery this week. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: The plaza

A final look at the Royal Mount. This plaza stretches out in front of the chalet and you can get some great vista shots from the railing. I miss Montreal already! For more skies take a look at Skywatch. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Chalet on the mount

This fantastic chalet awaits visitors at the top of the Mount Royal. There is a welcome center inside where you can get maps of the mount and all the walking trails. 

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to do one of the hikes, but I certainly enjoyed the architecture and design of the chalet. I don't know what it's original use was, but it certainly is grand! Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Montreal vista

I think the best part of the Mount Royal is actually the view. The city is such an interesting mix of new and old. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Montreal

Here's the main attraction atop the royal mount for which Montreal is named! I'm sure this big cross looks more impressive at night, but I never made it back in the evening to see. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: First leg Montreal

My time in Canada is quickly coming to an end, so I've been trying to squeeze in all the trips I can before leaving. The first leg of my Farewell Canada tour was Montreal. I spent a long weekend there back in July. I found this interesting mural just off Saint Laurent Boulevard. It must have taken quite some work to paint such a large wall! For more murals, take a look at Mural Monday. Photo taken in July 2013.

The guardian

I don't know what the actual title of this work is, but I like the way she seems to be guarding this pathway at Taliesin West. 

Here's a closer look at the lady. Photo taken in February 2013.

Desert views

A not uncommon sight in and around Phoenix, Arizona. Photo taken in February 2013.

Red door

The door to the red theater at Taliesin West. I love that bright color! Photo taken in February 2013. For more red, visit Ruby Tuesday.

Sunny spot

A wonderful spot in Scottsdale, Arizona to soak up a bit of sun and ambiance! Photo taken in February 2013.

Super shadows

I love the lines created by the pergola over one of the walkways at Taliesin West. Photo taken in February 2013. If you enjoy shadows, head over to Shadow Shot Sunday for more.

Inside a kaleidoscope

I found this public work of art on the streets of Scottsdale. When you walk inside and look up you see all these wonderful reflections, it really is like being inside of a kaleidoscope! 

 

Here's a look at the piece from the outside, the actual name it is The Doors and Sound Passage. I loved the way there was so much public art in and around Scottsdale. For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Sign of reality

I found this quote from Laotse inside Talesin West. I think it's quite appropriate to the venue. Photo taken in February 2013. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Red accents

A look at the actual structure of Talesin West. Wright did a wonderful job of integrating the natural landscape into his buildings. If you're ever in the Phoenix area, it's definitely worth it to take one of the tours of this architectural gem. Photo taken in February 2013. For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

Primitive mural

While on the tour of Talesin West, our guide explained that Frank Llyod Wright's architectural vision was for what was manmade to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Wright loved to used stones and boulders he found in the desert as part of his work such as this one with ancient Native American drawings on it. Photo taken in February 2012. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Flags and fences

I don't know what ties to Germany and Wisconsin this golf course has, but I like the way the flags were flying in the wind. Photo taken in February 2013. For more fences, head to Friday Fences.

Bright blossoms

I found these beautiful blooms at the Frank Llyod Wright Institute in Phoenix - Taliesin West. I had a wonderful time touring the property - and I'll have more shots for you later this week! Until then, catch more red on Ruby Tuesday. Photo taken in February 2013.

Eat your veggies!

Although these guys are almost too cute to eat! They were found outside El Barrio restaurant in Phoenix Arizona. Photo taken in February 2013. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Fuzzy cactus

I liked the way the spines on this cactus look like little fuzzies. Photo taken February 2013.

Browns and golds

Another look at the fantastic desert scenery in Arizona. I love those colors! Photo taken in February 2013.

Painted lady

There is a part of town in Phoenix that is covered with Mexican-themed murals. I spent a little time shooting there during my recent trip to Arizona. I really liked this mural especially, maybe it's the girlie-morbidism that I find appealing or perhaps it's the color. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals. Photo taken in February 2013.

Futuristic bridge

I found this interesting piece in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more bridges, visit Sunday Bridges and you'll find more reflections at Weekend Reflections. Photo taken in February 2013.

Archer in the desert

There's something about this sculpture that I really like. Maybe it's those wonderful circles or the lovely patina on the archer himself. 

The only thing I couldn't decide is whether I like it better in color or black and white. What do you think? Photo taken in February 2013.

Desert golf

I was happy to find the winter break hasn't affected my game too much. The desert courses are fantastic, I just don't want to think of how much water they must need to maintain it. Photo taken in February 2013.

Welcome!

I recently spent a long weekend in Phoenix, Arizona and got lots of new shots to share on this blog. Welcome to Arizona through my eyes! For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals. Photo taken in February 2013.