Grand Canyon Views

I hope you have enjoyed these photos nearly as much as I enjoyed capturing them. May each of you have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed new year. Many of these scenic photographs are available on calendars and prints in my on line gift shop.

Red Rock State Park

I have been enjoying a very lazy weekend, so I thought I would share some of my photos from my Arizona Vacation a few months back.

Welcome to the scenic beauty of Northern Arizona. These photos were all taken in Red Rock State Park just outside of Sadona, Arizona.

Bell Mountain

This area is considered to contain many energy vortexes, Bell Mountain being one that is believed by many locals to hold strong spiritual powers. According to my Mother-in-law a few years ago many people gathered on Bell Mountain in hopes of a much anticipated rapture only to be overcome by heat stroke in the hot afternoon sun. For most though this area is just a magnificent area to hike and commune with nature.

I hope you have enjoyed this virtual trip to Red Rock State Park. Now please hop over and visit some of the other city's taking part in Unknown Mami's Sunday in my City.

Have I lost it?

What woman goes to a unique shopping center and doesn't look at a single item that is for sale? Yep, that would be me. I know I should have my right to call myself a woman revoked or at minimum suspended. 

However, in my defense the architecture and landscaping at Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village in Sadona Arizona is so mesmerizing I was too busy oohing and awing to notice the many unique crafts items for sale. An absolutely amazing experience. Here let me show you.

The entire village looks like an old Mexican village possibly built as long ago as when Arizona belonged to Mexico.

Just look how the tree limb has grown into the outer wall as if the wall was there when the tree was just a sapling.

Wide staircases with beautiful elaborate tile work approached by worn cobblestone paths, led to shops unexplored. Enormous Intricately carved doors thrown wide in welcome . All set in stucco buildings that captured Mexican Colonial Architecture down to the very smallest detail.

Everywhere I turned my eyes were met with beauty and grace. I was led down winding cobblestone paths that opened into breathtaking courtyards.

Black & White Wednesday Submission

To find myself branching off onto paths through narrow shaded alleys with small hidden courtyards, fountains and intricately carved benches.

No area had been overlooked, it was all terrific, Right down to small delicate fountains heavily covered with moss like this religious shrine nestled against the stucco protected by lush vegetation and ornate ironwork.

If I wasn't entranced by the architecture I was captivated by the sculptures. Every courtyard, walkway and nook held some fantastic carving from delicate pots to elaborate sculptures.

The only thing that felt a bit out of place to me was the Zen Garden in one of the larger courtyards. Although, even that held my interest. 

I was not the only one that had eyes only for the beauty of the scene around me, this artist was creating a wonderful painting featuring the villages bell tower.

So what do you think, does my defense hold up or do I need to sign up for classes on how to be a woman?

Linking up with:

and 

Victorian Peek

Here is a peek at a Victorian photo session that I shot yesterday. For this photo shoot we chose to go into the Freemason Historic District in down town Norfolk.

Weekend Reflection Submission

While taking the above photo on the steps of an old home that is now used as a business we were invited into a beautiful old home just across the street. The owners are in the process of restoring the home and decorating it with many historical pieces. In addition to opening their home to photographers they also provide historical walking tours of the area.

The owners were even kind enough to allow their little dog to take part in the photo shoot.

Linking up with:

Jame's Weekend Reflection