Summer Solstice at the Library

This is the summer solstice at our library. The ceiling is suspended and the light from the sun will gradually pour into the sides of the building, until the entire floor is full of light. As the light slowly comes down the walls, the shadows it casts looks like the mountains surrounding our Valley of the Sun .

A Day at the Library

This is our beautiful downtown library. The first picture is part of the parking lot lined with green Palo Verde trees. Next is the park behind the library which runs from 5th street, under Central Avenue, to 5th Avenue. Next is the back of the library, and next is the side of the library looking east from the park.

Dia De Los Muertos - Day of the Dead

November 1st and 2nd is Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead which is widely celebrated in our valley. This is the time for the dead to return home and visit loved ones, feast on their favorite foods and listen to their favorite music. Alters are put up in the home and include flowers, food and pictures of the deceased. Candles are placed next to the alters. These are pictures of some of the alters placed in our downtown library. Some of these alters are very traditional, while others are more contemporary. This year I'm doing a cigar box alter for my cat, China, who died on October 26, 2006. It's a great way to celebrate your loved one's life.

Pumpkin King

This is the Pumpkin King keeping watch over the tomato plants on Halloween.

The Farm

These are pictures from The Farm which is located in South Phoenix. In addition to the gardens, they have outdoor restaurants, shops and a large picnic area shaded by Pecan trees. It is a great place to visit.

Pictures of Some of My Animals

This is my youngest cat, Birdie, who spends alot of his day in my bus. He really likes to lay in the sink. My dogs Lily and Jake. Jake is still a puppy (less than l year) and weighs 75 pounds and still growing.

Dog on Premises - Please Ring Bell

These are the dogs you will encounter at the gate...Lily, Chloe, and Jake.

Phoenix First Fridays Art Walk

Last night was Phoenix's first Friday's art walk. This is when all of the downtown galleries open their doors from 6pm to 10pm and free shuttles are provided throughout the downtown area. I specifically went to see Gary Parsel, who is a wonderful artist living just blocks from my house. He does concrete sculptures which are displayed in front of his house/studio, as well paintings of old houses and buildings in Phoenix.

Bus is Getting Fall Makeover

My old VW bus camper is getting a makeover. I've used her to haul wood, manure and plants for the gardens and now I'm preparing her for market. I've already made new curtains and have prepared the side awnings for attachment. Most of the Grateful Dead stickers will be scrapped off and old memories of past concerts washed away. The wheel cover will also get a new paint job.

Garden Art

Mailboxes and studio sign I created out of junk I picked up in the neighborhood during my morning walks. A sign I painted for our community garden, which is still in the starting stages.