Friday, May 9, 2014
Backlit Gold

The odd weather this year has not deterred our state flower. On the way north through Monterey county there are areas of the hills off of the 101 freeway that are more gold than green. Patches of what must be hundreds of thousands of flowers cover the crests of many foothills. There are smaller groups that have taken over rocky harsher more vertical terrain, and some even appear right out of cracks in the asphalt along highway 1. This particular beauty was close to the coast, in a spot that was quite obviously buffeted by harsh winds constantly as evidenced by the windswept cypress trees in the area. The poppies in this spot were a little smaller and more variegated than average with yellow edges. Most of them were hunkered down near the ground, but this guy caught my eye standing tall for his portrait. This is a great time of year to travel around California.

Friday, September 23, 2011
Toro de Oro Pepper Reflection

The Golden Bull pepper... or Toro de Oro. This amazing beauty is from the Santa Barbara Farmers' Market. I picked it out on State Street this Tuesday for a photo shoot for a couple of upcoming Fine Art food photography shows. One show will be part of First Thursdays in Santa Barbara. The show will be displayed at the office of Casa Magazine in downtown Santa Barbara and the reception will be First Thursday (of course) the sixth of October at 5 to 8pm and is open to the public. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 24, 2006
Where's the Goose?

Today was one of my favorite days of the year! The Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration. This is one of the few parades I really try not to miss.

I like the Big Dogs Parade too, but I really go to that one to spot Basset Hounds. Of course, today I was looking for the goose that produced these eggs, but they wisely must have left her at home. :-D

These eggs are called "Cascarones," and they are a Mexican/Spanish carnival tradition (they may even have roots in Italy.) It is customary to break them over your friends' heads.

Saturday, March 4, 2006
Poppy Pollen

There are not may California Poppies blooming at the moment. But the ones that are sure do put on a nice show.

It was the pollen that attracted me to this particular flower.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Cup of Fire

Another red California Poppy. The dark areas are not shadows, this flower was in full sunlight. That is actually the color of this one.