ABC Wednesday: T is for tiles

Many Oakland buildings are trimmed or decorated with hand made tiles.  Most are from the 20s and 30s.  Here's a sample.  For more takes on "T", visit ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: Aung San Suu Kyi

Students at Oakland High School created a series of murals of winners of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Now that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest and has decided to participate in the coming elections in Burma, I thought about her place in this mural.  Hard to believe it's been 10 years since she won the Nobel Prize, most of which she has spent in confinement.

Weekend Reflection: on autumn pond

It's hard to believe this rural looking pond is a half block from a busily traveled street.  It is one of three ponds at the back of Mt. View Cemetery.  Now that some of the brush has started its winter die back, you can see the pond's edges.  The rain has raised the water level some and the ducks are having a grand ol' time.  For more reflections, visit James's meme Weekend Reflections.  You'll be glad you did.

Happy Thanksgiving

Although the Thanksgiving holiday is not celebrated everywhere, I'm sure the practice of counting your blessings is pretty universal.  The pilgrims celebrated their survival.  I try to practice gratitude for the primary things in life.  Like a snug home, good health, companionship, food enough, and an occasional pretty thing to put on the table.  What are you thankful for?

ABC Wednesday: S is for sphinx

More than one tomb in Mt. View cemetery has sphinxes guarding it.  Much to my surprise, Wikipedia tells me the sphinx is a symbol for Christ and the divine light.  Didn't know that; did you?  The sculpture in the cemetery is always a delight to see.  For more takes on "S", please visit ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: The Carpenter

This new mural is located downtown at San Pablo and about 16th Street.  It is done by John and Michael Manente. The mural is situated on the back of an odd shaped building and as you can see is two stories high.  It's quite striking in its painterly quality and verisimilitude.  I'd swear it wasn't there a month ago.  I like that it is talking directly to us.  What do you think the message is?

Skywatch Friday: before the rain

The last light a couple of days ago.  Last night and this evening it was too foggy or rainy to get much.  Taken from Mt. View Cemetery.  For skies from around the world, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: R is for red roadster

Auto Row on Broadway used to be packed with car dealerships.  Most have now moved closer to the freeway or to towns east of here.  This Corvette has pride of place in one of the few showrooms left on Broadway.  Even through the plate glass window I could hear it go rrroom, rrroom.  Note the red trim on the white walls.  So cool.  For more takes on "R", visit ABC Wednesday.

Halloween survivors

Spotted on Ivy Hill just off Park Blvd.  A bright spot on a gray day.

Monday Mural: completed project

This mural by Thomas Christopher Haag is on the side of Rare Bird on Piedmont Avenue.  His work in progress, also on the Avenue, was featured last Monday.  Rare Bird sells clothing, home decor, and art from local artists.

Weekend Reflection: trees inside and out

This flower shop's window display is unique and eye catching.   For more reflections, visit James' meme.

ABC Wednesday: Q is for quiet

This sign is back stage at the renovated Paramount Theater.  The Paramount is the most deco-y building you'll find in California.  It has previously been featured many times including here, here, and here.  It remains a performance venue for monthly movies and concerts.  For more takes on Q, visit ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: mural in progress

Thomas Haag is creating a mural for the new holistic veterinary clinic on Piedmont Avenue.  He expects the project to last another four weeks.  Thomas has created murals in many locales around the world including Albuquerque, Barcelona, Venice and Varanasi.  His work is done with reclaimed latex paint  and his distinct mural style reflects his exposure to many cultures.  He's already completed another mural on the Avenue, which will be shared next week.

Skywatch Friday: rain

We've gone from balmy to rainy with big winds that got a little scary.  If we get a few more days of mild weather, my last round of roses should bloom.  Always a welcome sight in any weather.  As is this vista of the bay.  For more sky views, or to post your own, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: P is for paste-up

Paste-ups are ephemeral art on paper mounted with wheat paste.  They are intended to be impermanent, with weather taking its toll over time.  One of the favorite places to hang these pieces is the BART support pillars in North Oakland.   All the paste-ups I photographed in February are now gone.  That includes this piece by Get Up.  For more takes on the letter "P" visit ABC Wednesday.

Theme Day: fences

Here's a literal interpretation of this month's theme.  Driving down Lincoln Avenue you can't help but notice this fence.  Massive, marble dragons sit at the front and side of the house entrance.  Each dragon is at least 10 feet long and stands over 5 feet high at the head.  That's a whole lot of power, strength, and good luck for the home owners.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this month's City Daily Photo theme day.