Chihuly in Arizona

While in Arizona, we were told that we absolutely had to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I'm so glad we listened, because it was one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen.  We spent the evening photographing as much as we could, and I'd like to share a few of my images here.  When we asked if we were allowed to post our images from the day, we were told that the artist has graciously allowing photographers to post their images as long as they didn't sell them.  Without further ado, here's my humble attempt to share Chihuly's amazing work.  No flash has been used so that his art pieces may be appreciated as they appear in person. 

This one is my favorite from the day.

Sedona

While in Phoenix, Becki, Elise, and I took a day to drive to Sedona and photograph the area around the town.  We had a fantastic time, and even stayed to see the moon rise over the red rocks.  

Sedona seems to be the capital of psychic energies.  There are aura readers, and vortex scouts - you name, they've got it.  We found these rock formations near a trail where guides will take tourists on energy vortex tours.  We guessed the two were connected.  

This is Snoopy Rock at sunset.  

Moon rise.

Blue Ridge Hiking

A friend of mine and I went hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday to get some fresh air and have a little fun with our cameras.  Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

And one final shot of the sun beginning to set as we started home.

Under the Sea

Becki and I spent our last day in Atlanta at the amazing aquarium.  We had more fun than most of the kids there, I think.  And, yes, there were LOTS of children there.  Becki took this one of me petting a shark, which was very soft.

This guy was one of my early favorites, and man did he like to have his picture taken.  He posed for me for several minutes.

This photo was taken while walking through the tunnel that leads under the world's largest tank.  

This guy was kind of eerie.  Maybe he thought we were all there for his amusement.  Well, what else is he going to do all day?

Of course, it wasn't long before I became more interested in the people than the fish.

And finally, Becki and I felt that we needed a photo of ourselves that fit the theme of the day.

New Friends

Another photographer and a good friend of mine, Becki Dickinson, drove down to Atlanta with me over the weekend for a business seminar.  We made some great new friends, including Melissa, a photographer from West Virginia.  That's me on the left, Becki in the middle, and Melissa on the right.   

We hated to say goodbye to Melissa at the end of the weekend, but Becki and I are planning a road trip to West Virginia this fall so she can show us around the state and we can all photograph the beautiful fall foliage.  

While out to lunch one day, we ran into a group of performers making a videotape to submit to America's Got Talent.  I'm not sure what their talent is, but they seemed to be having a good time regardless.  

And, of course, what good is a road trip if you don't risk being arrested by being photographed on some kind of abstract art?  This lion sculpture was one of two outside a business in downtown Atlanta.  Stuart Hill, another photographer in our seminar, was nice enough to take this photo of Becki and I.  

Before driving home, we stopped off at the Atlanta Aquarium, which was great fun.  Photos from that adventure coming tomorrow.