Tag Archives: Photography/Art

Exploring Cincinnati

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Yesterday, my friend Dee and I went exploring in Clifton, an area of Cincinnati next to the University of Cincinnati.  I haven’t been there in five years and enjoyed walking around, taking photos, and having a bite to eat!

Here’s some of the architecture…

We stopped in a wonderful wine shop called “Ludlow Wines” and here’s a photo of Mike — the extremely hospitable owner!  He loves his business and is expanding into a larger building down the street.  We had a tasting of four wines for $5.00.

Next, we went through some of the shops that lined Ludlow Avenue.  I have so much fun just looking at things with an eye for photography.  It keeps me busy and an added plus…I don’t spend money!

This is an African shop owner and some of his wares…I remember going in here and buying a ring back in 2006.

We went for a short walk through Burnett Woods.  Dee was going to go for a hike with the Tri-State Hiking Club through Meetup.com, but she knew I needed some company, so she came with me.  I’m thankful I have good friends like Dee!

We filled our tummies at Sitwells.  I had a Gouda and Guacamole Sandwich.  Our waitress was cool…she had red-eye shadow on and a few piercings.  I love when people feel free to express themselves through fashion/makeup/body art.  She was very pleasant and sweet also!

This picture was in Sitwells…when you look at the lady from one angle, she looks like this…

and from another angle like this….

No matter where we live, there is beauty and interesting people…so let’s get out and explore our own backyards!

Lexington…by day and night

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To finish the walking tour of Lexington, Kentucky from yesterday’s post…this is the First Baptist Church.  I just LOVE the colors of this church…the pink and red just POP!

Resting and soaking up some Kentucky sunshine!!

We walked through the local farmer’s market which was located in the “Cheapside Park” area.  This had been the site of slave auctions and abolitionists’ passionate speeches!

We ate at Cheapside Bar & Grille.  Here’s a photo of my hamburger with caramelized onions and bleu cheese!

Next…we went to the Barrelhouse Distillery and had samples of their Pure Blue Vodka, Devil John Moonshine and Rum.  Woowee!!  We also received a quick run-down of how you make alcohol.

After arriving back at the VRBO, we took our time snacking, drinking and primping!  We had fun with our photo shoot…

That night we went to Bogarts at the Crown Plaza Hotel.  We got there too early and it was mostly people in their 70’s!  Then we went to a new nightclub called “Trust”.  It was too hoigty toity…so we went to the Skybar.  It was fun, but we never found the bar that quite fit us!

“Fall” in Love with Lexington

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On the second day of our girls’ weekend, we went for a two mile…self-guided walking tour of downtown Lexington, Kentucky.  As you can see it was a glorious “fall” day!

Some of the sites we passed were the First Baptist Church, Mary Todd Lincoln‘s house, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, and many more…

This is “Gratz Park”…with lots of beautiful historic homes lining the streets surrounding this Park!

This is the old Courthouse…

 

Transylvania University is the oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains and the campus is beautiful!

Tomorrow, I’ll finish our walking tour…see you then!!

Wine and Women

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Our second stop of the day on our annual “girls’ weekend”, was to Talon Winery in Lexington, Kentucky!

Here is the tasting room.  As you can see, the grounds and scenery were lovely!

For $5.00, you receive six tastings and they were yummy!  I had two Chardonnays, a Traminette, a Syrah, and their Chambourcin Reserve.

According to Wikipedia…the oldest known winery is located in the “Areni-1” cave in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Archaeologists announced the discovery of this winery in January 2011, seven months after the world’s oldest leather shoe, the Areni-1 shoe, was discovered in the same cave. The winery, which is over six thousand years old, contains a wine press, fermentation vats, jars, and cups.  “The fact that winemaking was already so well developed in 4000 BC suggests that the technology probably goes back much earlier.”

It’s a good thing this glass wasn’t used!!

The Glory of a Lexington Horse Farm

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After researching “things to do in Lexington” for our yearly “girls’ weekend”, I decided having a tour of a private horse farm would fit in nicely with our schedule and would be a unique experience with a personal touch!  I chose Taylor Made and our guide was “Emily”, the young lady in the next photo.  She was knowledgeable, professional and sweet!

The 1500 acre farm specialized in breeding and has received up to $8 million dollars for one conceived “baby”!  Usually, it’s more like $100,000…but still, that’s a lot!

While we were there for the hour tour, two gentlemen had arrived for their appointment to check out a couple of stallions for possible breeding, so we were allowed to watch them being brought out for show!

The farm was beautiful…even though it was an overcast day!

It was breathtaking to watch these horses race up the fence line!

 

 

They even had a small horse “cemetery”…

Here are the girls…from left to right….Gina, Cindy, Me, Sherry, and Michele.  Dee came the following day for the second night.

 

We learned quite a bit…this is the breeding room.  It usually takes about 45 minutes and they have someone restraining the stallion, so he doesn’t get too rough with the mare…such as biting her.  They videotape it for proof!

Here is the Mare‘s compound…

The tour is free…but you tip the guide.  We really enjoyed it!

 

Sausalito and Sonoma

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During our two-week training class to become a Tour Director, the 27 of us traveled by motor coach to Sausalito for lunch and onto Sonoma.  Sausalito is known for their houseboat homes.

These are some photos I took…

I love outdoor art sculptures…they’re readily available for everyone to enjoy!

Initially, I thought this bird was part of this sculpture until he moved…

This is Richard in Sonoma where a group of us went in for a quick wine tasting.

Of the wines I sampled, I was impressed with the White Zinfandel…I like dry wines and thought it would be on the sweet side, but it was excellent!  I just don’t remember the name of it.

I’m heading off to Lexington today for the weekend, so I’ll report back next week!

Hope your day is filled with wonder and beauty!!

Kings Canyon National Park, California

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During my overnight Tour Director class field trip to Sequoia Nat’l Park, we also stopped at Kings Canyon Nat’l Park, which is geographically right next to Sequoia.  These are some photos from the Park…

This is Frank giving information about the General Grant tree.  The night before at the Montecito Lodge, where we stayed, he played the role of John Muir and was so talented!

This shrub/tree is called the Manzanita and it’s branches are so smooth to touch!  I used my flash and was able to get more contrast.

Hope you enjoyed your tour and if you have any questions, let me know!

Sequoia National Park, California

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My ITMI Tour Director class stopped at Sequoia National Park and we walked around for about an hour.  One of our classmates gave his five-minute presentation there (instead of on the motor coach) because his topic was the difference between giant Sequoia trees and Redwood trees.  Loving photography as I do, when we arrived, I’m rushing here and there taking photos of these amazing Sequoia trees.

When it was time for his presentation, he got choked up trying to impart his emotions concerning the magnificence and wonder of these living things.  He made me stop and really think about how blessed we were to be standing there amongst the largest and oldest living things on the planet.  To think that some are approaching 3,000 to 4,000 years of age is simply amazing!

The giant sequoia is the largest tree in the world in volume and has an immense trunk with very slight taper; the redwood is the world’s tallest tree and has a slender trunk.  Sequoias reach around 300 ft. and redwoods up to 364 ft.

The General Sherman tree is the largest living thing on the planet!

It’s fun to learn something new!

Montecito Sequoia Lodge…Sequoia Nat’l Park

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My Tour Director class stayed at the Montecito Sequoia Lodge for one night in October.  It’s located in the Sequoia National Park, California.  That evening we had a bonfire and it was magical!  First, one of our classmates’ topics was Sasquatch aka Big Foot, so having her present at night by the campfire was a perfect setting.  She did a great job and then another classmate who is also a singer, sang O Danny Boy.  She’s Irish and has a lovely voice!  I cried (trying not to let others see me)!  To top off the evening, a man named Frank gave a talk about John Muir, playing the character of John Muir.  He spoke for at least 30 minutes and I was amazed at how he could recite and remember so much!

The next morning, I woke as usual before dawn and watched the sun rise.  It was gorgeous!

The lake on the property was perfect for taking reflection shots of the trees and as the sun came out, I was able to capture some breathtaking colors…

We had a hearty breakfast before embarking on our tour of Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nat’l Parks!

Big Bone Lick State Park and Elk Creek Winery

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I’ve always wanted to check out Big Bone Lick State Park!  My girlfriend – Gina – wanted us to go to Elk Creek Winery in Owenton, Kentucky (less than an hour’s drive from Cincinnati), so we stopped by Big Bone on the way.  There are some hiking trails and a campground there.

 

We didn’t stay long and were on our way to Elk Creek.  This is Gina…

The winery was gorgeous!  They have a bed and breakfast, a restaurant (with good food…I had the veggie sandwich), live entertainment, and a large bar.

There was a wedding going on at the winery…

 

This is where we were sitting…

 

You get 5 wine tastings for either $5 or from the better wines…$8.  These are some photos from the winery…

 

It was a beautiful day and a great way to spend it!

 

Everything is a Miracle

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I believe everything is a miracle.  You are a miracle.  There is no one else on earth like you!  Everywhere you look, there is a miracle…the spider web in the windowsill, the computer I’m typing on, flying in a plane, being able to hear and see and taste and touch everything!

People are amazing…the things that they can do physically and intellectually!  Animals are so cool!  Anyway, this is the park I trail run at, but I took a hike there tonight…some of the photos may seem to look-alike, but they are actually quite dissimilar…the colors of green are different and the composition of the trees, etc.

This is what I see first after exiting the vehicle to jog or hike…

Then…I walk down this gravel road and turn to the left…

 

Jake, the spoiled hunting dog runs ahead…

 

 

That’s me…

It felt strange hiking rather than running the trail this time…

 

I love the light in this photo…

 

Here comes Jake…

 

There goes Jake…

Hope you can see the miracles all around you and in you and have gratitude for them!!

Hiking in Hocking Hills State Park

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Since returning from my whirlwind trips through Washington, British Columbia, Colorado and New Mexico, I’ve been thinking more about finding beauty in your own backyard.  Many people from Cincinnati usually feel that there are much better places to live than here, but because of work or family, continue to reside in this area.  I’m beginning to embrace living here and realize there are wonderful places for enjoying the “great outdoors”.  I have been a member of Meetup.com for four years and joined a hiking club at that time.  My friend Dee, my husband Randy and I decided to take a day trip to Hocking Hills State Park, which is located 2 1/2 hours from Cincinnati in Logan Ohio, to hike 5-6 miles with the club.  These are photos from the day…

This is a “Hickory Horned Devil” and then it becomes a “Royal Walnut Moth” or “Regal Moth”.  Later that day when I showed my friend Dee a photo of it, she thought it was a fake photo because it looks like it has sunglasses on.  It was about 4 inches long by 1 inch wide.

Since I was taking quite a few photos…I was usually lagging behind and had to run to catch up…but sometimes it’s better to be by yourself.  It’s quieter, no people in your photos and the timing was good for getting this photo.  I was told that this guy just dropped out of a tree a minute earlier.

 

I love the “gnarled” look of these roots…

 

Everything seemed to have a green hue…lots of moss-covered rocks and even trees.

 

Since today was a record 100 degrees…I had to take a dip in the ice-cold water!

 

This is Dee…

 

I usually try to turn around frequently when I’m taking photos so that I can see things from a different vantage point or observe when the light changes or is really nice…like this photo!

Hope you’re finding beauty in your day!

 

Positive Energy Adventure – Colorado/New Mexico – 8/2011 – Day 10

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We were invited to Artist Bill Worrell’s home for coffee.  So…while visiting, he allowed me to take a few photos…

 

We drove to Albuquerque and walked around Old Town…

 

After checking into our room at the Days Inn Suites at the Airport, which I must say was another wonderful deal at $65 for the night (indoor pool/hot tub/business center/free breakfast), I went to Betty’s Bath and Day Spa, for my scheduled massage with Samantha.  I got the “Bill Chill” special, a 45 minute Betty’s Blissful Massage and a 1/2 hr. Spearmint/Gingergrass exfoliation.  First, I soaked in the hot tub and utilized the sauna, followed by a cold outdoor shower.  I’ve had quite a few professional massages, but this ranks as one of the best!

It was a great vacation!  Now, I need to get a job…or maybe just one more trip!

Positive Energy Adventure – Colorado/New Mexico – 8/2011 – Day 9

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Today was a big day!  First, we drove 1 1/2 hrs. North to Abiquiu to a “real” cowboy’s land to horseback ride!  His name is Fred Espinola…and I learned more on this 4 hour ride than I’ve ever learned.  Having rode in Spain, Costa Rica, Texas, Indiana and Hawaii…not to mention a variety of places in Ohio…I discovered why horses usually gave me a difficult time.  They want you to show them who’s boss…(kind of like men).  I fell off of a horse in Spain because he wanted to eat grass on the side of a cliff and I let him.  A horse laid down with me on top of him (of course I had to jump off quickly) in Texas.  On the Loveland Bike Trail in Cincinnati, a horse tried to buck me off of him.  They used to love to scrape my legs against trees and fences.  At least I’ve followed the advice of getting back on a horse if you fall off!

I hadn’t ridden in 4 years so I asked for a nice steady horse.  Meet Charlie…the one-eyed horse.

Fred had us take a minute to close our eyes and visualize what our ride was going to be like…and to sense the connection between ourselves and our horse…pretty cool!

This is Fred…

This is Mitzi…visiting Fred from California.  She’s a sweetie!!

This is Tony Llama!

His horses are rescued Mustangs!

At times, we were riding along some higher hills/cliffs and I was afraid that Charlie (since he was missing an eye) wouldn’t be able to see where the cliff dropped off!

We got to trot/canter/gallop a lot…so I’m still sore a week later!!

Fred made me a little nervous when he said if Charlie starts to paw at the water…to pull him away from it…because that means he’s going to lay down in it!

Next, we stopped at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs to hopefully help with the sore muscles from riding.  Their sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters have flowed from a subterranean volcanic aquifer for thousands of years. Over 100,000 gallons per day come to the surface, revitalizing those who soak in the long believed, healing waters.

SPA is the acronym for the Latin phrase Salus Per Aquas, which means “health through water.”

There was a European guy that hit on me…as I’m telling him about my bruises from horseback riding…he said I was sexy and he would kiss them for me…oh la la!!  I told him he had something in his mustache (a “booger”).  I’d want to know!

We only spent about an hour there…because we had a schedule to keep.  Next…we went to a piano bar called “Vanessie”.  The pianist’s name is Doug Montgomery and he is very talented.  It is a local’s hangout…if you want to sing…you tell Doug ahead of time and it’s great fun!!

Positive Energy Adventure – Colorado/New Mexico – 8/2011 – Day 8

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This morning we hiked at Tent Rocks…as you can see from the photos it was amazing!  From Wikipedia:

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, located 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico was established as a U.S. National Monument by President Bill Clinton in January 2001.

The area owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by a volcanic explosion. Over time, weathering and erosion of these layers has created canyons and tent rocks. The tent rocks themselves are cones of soft pumice and tuff beneath harder caprocks.

A 1.2 mile (1.9 km) recreation trail leads up through a slot canyon to a lookout point where the tent rocks may be viewed from above. A 1.3 mile (2 km) loop trail leads past their base.

 

Always look up…

 

It reminded me some of Cappadocia in Turkey.  There they call them the fairy chimneys…

I love hiking in beautiful places…it’s one of my most favorite things to do!  We went back to our rental to shower and made a healthy lunch of fish, broccoli and salad.

Next on the agenda…Cowgirl Bar & Grill in Santa Fe for a margarita and some chips/salsa.  Kathy’s friend…Chris…met us there.

We wanted to dance…so we checked out Evangilo’s, but the band hadn’t started yet.  We ended up at La Fonda’s again and the band Soulman Sam was playing.  It was so much fun…great band!