Posted on by Anne Sandler · 14 Comments

Public Art: More Sacramento Murals

Yes, back for more–murals. But this is the last of the art gracing the buildings in downtown Sacramento for this year.

First, I’ll show you my favorite mural of my last two outings.

Next are two murals that I thought were great. The first, for me, is a new take on “Rosie the Riveter” an icon from WWII and the other is a great design. I’m posting a version that shows how the artist wrapped it around the corner of the building.

Now we have two murals with children in mind.

I’ll finish this post with some murals I liked.

I’m sure Wide Open Walls will continue next year. Sacramento is so beautiful with its public art. Thanks to all the artists who contribute their talents year after year.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Sunday is funday: Roaming Sacramento City

Photography is definitely a stress reducer. That’s what brought Marlene and I out on a Sunday morning. Concentrating on shooting takes your mind off various stressors and allows a couple of buddies to talk it out.

Fortunately, Marlene knows Sacramento City because I took the wrong freeway and truly didn’t know where we were when I exited. All I knew was that this wasn’t where we were headed! We decided to just drive and find neat things to shoot. We eventually found our way to the iconic Tower Theater, out last stop for the day. I’m saving that for another post because I want to focus on it.

This Sunday morning was fun, sometimes challenging because of harsh lighting or total clouds, but fun. I think for both of us, photography is an escape. Whether for just a couple of hours or a full day, it takes us away, gets us concentrating on the process of shooting, and challenges our minds. It’s also taught me what wonderful places we have right here.

Yes, this past Sunday was funday.

Confession: I thought this was a water tower, but I can’t find it on the internet. It’s located close to the fire department.
The Libby, McNeil and Libby Fruit and Vegetable Cannery was a cannery operated in Sacramento, California by Libby, McNeil, and Libby. The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A different slant on the can!
A building across from the Cannery.
Puddle shooting.
More puddle shooting captured this neat truck.
Another view.
This is the McClatchy Library. Located in the middle of a residential area, it may have been a large home at one point.
Book return boxes are located along side of the driveway.
The library’s back yard.
Shot from the library driveway.
Red doors just get my attention.
So do bright yellow chairs and pumpkins!
We had lunch at Jamba Juice before walking over to the Tower Theater.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 7 Comments

If the shoe fits: River Walk, West Sacramento, California

This evening about 3 hours ago, I wore a pair of tennis shoes for the first time in 10 1/2 weeks! And, just in time for the rain!! I was beginning to wonder if I would ever be able to wear a shoe other than Birkenstocks again. Foot surgery has certainly been a bummer and has had an effect on my photography.

First, I found a difference in my energy level. Second, I had to choose places to shoot that were flat and not rocky. And, third, squatting down was difficult. Now I’m hopeful.

With my problems and Greg’s new physical difficulties, we decided to take the River Walk path in West Sacramento. This is located directly across the Sacramento River from Old Sacramento, and I have wanted to shoot from that side for a long time. While the trail goes for a long way, the River Walk is short and easy to walk, even on the grass areas.

Our bonus for the day was Tuesday’s farmer’s market. It’s so much fun to shoot produce! We were also on hand to capture lunch time as the workers came to enjoy food from the catering truck and some of the food booths.

Next Tuesday, I’ll be wearing my shoes, but I’ll bring along Birkenstocks just in case. Hopefully the shoe will keep fitting and keep my feet in comfort.

 

A view of the I Street Bridge.
This goose was willing to pose for me.
This is the paddle wheel on the Delta King boat.
I just liked the shape of this tree.
The middle of the Tower Bridge seen through
A restaurant and buildings in Sacramento.
The Tower Bridge.
This building belongs to CalSTRS (The teachers union). You can also see the vendors in the Farmer’s Market.
Close up of a chain.
A light pole.
Want to buy some dried fruit?
This weird looking thing is a citrus plant. Sorry, I can’t remember its name.
How about some lettuce? I liked the light shinning on it.
An apple a day….
Back to the river.
It’s lunch time.
Another view of the CaSTRS building.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Beauty is close by: McKinley Park, Sacramento

I’ve heard of McKinley Park, but it took 14 years of living in the Sacramento area to visit it. Now I’m wondering why I waited so long. And, it’s funny what brought Marlene and I to visit it–I still can’t wear anything except Birkenstock sandals! Enclosed shoes still hurt the surgery area on my right foot. The park was an easy access walk. However, it had rained the day before and my feet still got wet from the grass.

There are two areas to visit in McKinley park: the rose garden and the pond. I loved the rose garden. Without a macro lens, I did close up shots of the colorful cast in the rose play. The pond offered beautiful scenery and a lot of ducks.

Best of all, McKinley park is relaxing and peaceful. See for yourself. It won’t take another 14 years for me to return.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 3 Comments

A quick trip before being grounded: The statues in Sacramento and Capitol building.

Knowing I’d have to be house bound for a week, I wanted one last photo outing before I had foot surgery. Photo buddy Laura suggested that we go to Sacramento shoot the statues and buildings. We left at 8 a.m. (Laura can always get me out early.), and it was wonderful. The streets were empty on Labor Day, and the parking was free.

Laura works downtown and knew where to go, park and shoot. Walking the streets, we stopped and shot whatever was in interesting and ended our morning at the State Capitol building. As morning grew closer to afternoon, tourists started to come and gave us the opportunity to shoot around them. I found it fun to include them in the shot.

That was Last Monday and Tuesday I had my foot surgery. I’ve spend the last week being a couch princess, processing images, posting blogs and reading tutorials. Tomorrow I’ll be going shooting with Greg and Marlene. I told Greg that I would take his back seat, use a pillow to rest my foot on, and bring a book and read if I get tired or find it difficult to shoot.

I don’t know what or how I will shoot, but I do know that I won’t be house bound. One day out!

Here’s a peak at Sacramento. I’ll show you the State Capitol in my next post.