Thursday, February 24, 2011

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

FLW

On Friday Traci treated us to a tour of Taliesin West. This had been on our "to do in the Phoenix area" for quite some time.

 


It was pouring rain at the start of our tour which, in keeping with the philosophy of Frank Lloyd Wright was half-inside and half out-. By the end the rain had tapered off and we were able to close the umbrellas.




The construction of the walls is of native desert stone




The candles on the patio were drowning.

The desert view toward Phoenix


Above and below are two of several Chinese theatre scenes.





One of the things I found intriguing was the mix of Asian (Chinese and Japanese) and Native American art and artifacts.



The "Sculpture Garden" and some of my favorite details:










Cabaret Theatre. Wish we could have stayed for dinner!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Painted Desert

I am officially in love with the colors that are Arizona.  Even my little point-and-shoot can get decent pictures with this kind of scenery.










This view makes me want to knit something with pink and lavender and gray stripes.








Sunday, February 20, 2011

Abo Ruins

The Abo Ruins are one of three included in the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.

















A native Kiva included in a Catholic mission is somewhat of a mystery








Tom amid the runis.






















Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Next Time You are in Mountainair, NM

Just sayin', if you happen to be passing through . . . what? Well no, it isn't exactly on the way to anywhere except to some ruins of missions dating back to the 1600's.
We highly recommend the historic Shaffer Hotel as a lunch stop. The restaurant just reopened last week with new owners, family run, great food.
And the authentic 1920's "pueblo deco" architecture and decoration shouldn't be missed.
Below are some phone pictures I snapped:
Dining Room

Ceiling in dining room

More detail of the ceiling

The fence was the first thing that caught my attention.

The story we were told was that the ceiling was painted by the artist-son of Pop Shaffer. It was said that the son was thought to be "possessed" and lived in a building out back of the hotel.

Built by "Pop Shaffer" himself.