Saturday, December 24, 2011
Secret Meditation Spot
On the canyon side of the St. Anthony's Seminary Chapel (opened 1899 - closed 1987) you will find this exquisite Madonna and Child Mosaic created by D. Salas. I suggest you take the short hike to view this colorful work of art and enjoy Santa Barbara's picturesque Mission Canyon. A hand tooled stone wall and built-in bench offers a secluded place for a quiet meditation in nature. Located just behind the Santa Barbara Mission, Pueblo and Garden Streets, you will need to enter the trail head from the back of the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Use the museum bridge to cross over Mission Creek then turn right and continue up the hill to the cement stairs in the back of St. Anthony's Seminary. Once you make it to the cement veranda continue to the right and very soon you will stumble upon this beautiful tiled mosaic hidden in a very odd out of the way spot. Merry Christmas!
http://www.alumnisas.com/?q=node/5
Listen to the SAS 1962 Franciscan Choristers (Boys Choir) Christmas Album, their darling recording will get you in the Holiday Spirit!
http://www.epilgrim.org/SASChoir/
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Summerland Beach
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Down on You're Luck?
Sunday, November 27, 2011
An Eye for Design
Since its commercial emergence in the early 1990's, the relationship between the Internet and graphic artists has been an uneasy one despite the Internets early promise as a new frontier for graphic design. There were cyber-design-visionaries who announced a brave new world of graphic communication incorporating motion, sound and interactivity which it claimed would replace the printing press. Yet the fact remains that the Internet is the place where graphic design has encountered its greatest challenge since the arrival of computerized design. Technical and aesthetic problems associated with Web design are perhaps the biggest issues facing the contemporary graphic designer – especially those with antiquated printer’s ink stains still on their fingers like myself. Here are some tried and true design industry journals to help keep you're eye on the prize.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara’s hip bohemian waterfront side of town between State & Garden Streets. Where sightseer's frolic and revolving graffiti and grit abound close to the Amtrak station, Stearns Wharf and Cabrillo Blvd. Today this area is filled with an eclectic mix of artists, surfboards, paddle shops, galleries and wine tasting rooms. Thanks to Laura Inks the local taggers now have a corner canvas on which to express their endless creativity. It's no surprise the Funk Zone's eclectic streets are still considered uncharted territory even for some locals. If you grow tired of seeing the whitewashed pristine side of Santa Barbara... I dare you to venture down to the Zone.
Friday, November 11, 2011
11-11-11 at 11:11am
Are you ready?
Go to this cool website it gives you mudras and a cool video for what to do at that time (11:11 on 11/11/2011) Greenwich Means Time. There is even a time converter on the site. Looks like 6:00am is the time to be up and meditating positive thoughts for 11-11-11 in NY. I need to wake up at 3:00am in SB it seems, Darn!!! Okay... go check out what we're supposed to be doing for the paradigm shift.Today is what’s called a “binary day,” because if you write today’s date without the century it’s 11/11/11. As there’s no digit greater than 1 therefore, it qualifies as binary, ta dah!! And the odds are pretty good it’s also the last binary day you’ll ever see, because the next one won’t be along until January 1st, 2100!!! — that's 88 years from now. Wow!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Andree Clark Bird Refuge
The Andree Clark Bird Refuge is one of the most beautiful and serene places to visit in Santa Barbara. Located across from East Beach it is a surprisingly peaceful lagoon with many species of water fowl and natural lake vegetation. This refuge was named in 1930 and designed to harbor wild birds that migrate through or reside permanently in our area. Visitors can take advantage of the well maintained bike trails and walking pathways which provide an enjoyable setting in which to experience our natural world. Just pack a lunch and watch the birds or cruse the path on rollerblades. Nature tours are available and the refuge and nearby beach makes a great outing for the kiddies. If you're lucky you may even get a sneak peak of the giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo next door.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween
Every October 31st carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles. Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in many countries around the globe. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, DÃa de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns” comes from an Irish folktale and traditions include costume parties, trick-or-treating, pranks and games. Hey all you ghosts and goblins .... I hope you didn't wait until the last minute to get your costume!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Romero Canyon
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Chapel of San Ramon
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Avocado Festival
This weekends 25th Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, CA was a fun guacamole filled three day event! We treated our taste buds to the many food booths which make tasty pie's or ice cream treats out of the strange looking fruit. You can even sample the "World's Largest Guacamole" dip right here! Three stages entertained crowds with live music while the craft and knick-knack collectors went wild at the outdoor bazaar. Fun competitions included: the best dressed avocado, largest avocado and a guacamole competition. I think I'm seeing GREEN!!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Bacara Resort & Spa
Tonight's "Evening Under the Stars" Open House provided an exciting peek into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The local public was invited to rediscover all the things Bacara Resort & Spa has to offer. A gracious staff went out of their way to valet park, please, feed and entertain the huge crowds and they did so seamlessly. This Santa Barbara oceanfront hotel boasts a state-of-the-art 200 seat screening room, lecture hall, a ballroom that can seat 700 and many first class restaurants. Play a round of golf at the Sandpiper while the kids take a lesson from the tennis pro or just take a beach walk in search of shells. It's all right here!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sisquoc General Store
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Nojoqui Falls
What a hidden treasure! Nojoqui Falls pronounced "no-HO-wee" is an impressive 70ft moss and fern fringed waterfall. At this time of year the falls were just a trickle but during the rainy season the falls are lush and strong. The shaded tree lined path which leads to the falls is beautiful and has benches along the way. Pictures don't do it justice, either. Take your time and enjoy the creek as it twists past you along the trail, it's an easy 10 minute hike for adults and children alike. At the end, there's a nice seating area for a relaxing picnic or just taking in the view. If you are looking for a diversion from the crowds in Solvang this spot is a hidden gem. You won't believe how high the falls are!!!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Hula Luau
My new hula dance group has lots of amazing ALOHA SPIRIT! We all got together on September 11th to celebrate the End Of Summer with lot's of love and harmony. The beautiful event was highlighted by great food, hula dancing to live Ukulele music and perfect Leadbetter Beach surroundings. We really have a great bunch of hula refugees!!! I'm so very lucky to be able to call these amazing spirits my hula sistah's!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Toro Canyon Park
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Locals Only Secret
This colorful painted pedestrian tunnel under the 101 Frwy (circa 1956) is a well kept secret of Montecito natives. It offers a good way to get from Coast Village Road to Butterfly Beach. And if you're going to the beach in Santa Barbara, then Butterfly Beach is probably the best place to go! This is my favorite beach in the area, because it's well-maintained and generally peaceful. The views are breathtaking and the sand is pristine. One of my best memories ever was one particular afternoon at Butterfly Beach - watching the dolphins swim by, lying in the sun with friends, taking a dip in the warm water and actually not getting covered in tar. A great place for a romantic sunset stroll!
http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=38688
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Haunted Union Hotel
The Haunted Union Hotel situated in the Santa Ynez wine country is where Michael Jackson, filmed the video for “Say, Say, Say” here with Paul McCartney back in 1983. Right off the 101 freeway, Los Alamos is a natural stop on the way to see Hearst Castle or on the road to San Francisco. We really enjoyed the Victorian ambiance of this historic mansion which has been converted to a 14 room hotel. Comfortable antique beds reside in charming western theme rooms. Downstairs a country kitchen prepares delicious meals. A live band plays on the weekend and the saloon bar is authentic and offers good libations. It also has a very nice private garden, with a large patio for weddings or birthdays.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Cold Springs Trail
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Queen of the Missions
The Santa Barbara Mission was established on December 4, 1786 and was the tenth of twenty-one California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. The Mission's commanding position and grand proportions along with graceful lines helps to reinforce her title, "Queen of the Missions." For self-guided or docent guided "Art and Architecture" tours enter the mission museum through the main entrance.
Old Spanish Days 87th Fiesta celebration takes place in August and offers rodeos, parades, food, song and dance. Try all the events, you won't be disappointed!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Pierre LaFond
Monday, July 4, 2011
Stellar Fireworks?
Try something out of this world! NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Rods and Roses
It's an unlikely combination but beautiful classic cars and beautiful flowers do go together very nicely. There are also crafts and food for sale. Linden Avenue in Carpinteria is shut down and the most common site (next to cars and roses, of course) is neighbors meeting over (or under) open hoods and a bouquet of flowers.
http://www.carpinteria.com/events/vintage_car_show/
Friday, July 1, 2011
Solstice Parade
Don't miss the annual Summer Solstice Parade which takes place in Santa Barbara along State Street. Local artists, musicians, dance groups and float makers team up to make this a happening June event. The parade ends at Alameda Park with food vendors, souvenir booths and floats on display.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
This 230-acre reserve is one of the only places left where the land meets the ocean, providing an essential environment for numerous plants and wildlife. The Carpinteria Salt Marsh is one of the largest and most ecologically important coastal estuaries in California. Over 35 species of fish have been reported from the marsh, including the Leopard Shark, Diamond Turbot and the Longjaw Mudsucker. Waterfowl such as the Snowy Egret, Osprey and Horned Grebe also make use of this habitat. Level walking trails allow people to easily visit and learn about the coastal environment.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hot Sulphur Springs
My first Hairflipp!
Getting Poison Oak was worth it.
Natural aqua blue hot springs in a beautiful canyon less than a mile off U.S. Highway 101 at Lompoc Exit (North Santa Barbara County). A short trail takes you to this sulphur hot springs which provides a great soak while lush vegetation makes you feel like you’re in a jungle. The Palm tree at water's edge was supposedly planted by Jim Morrison of the Doors. Truth or Fiction? You decide. Beware of poison oak along the trail. Water temperature can be near 90 degrees but varies with the season. The spring is only open during daylight hours as the parking lot closes at dusk.
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