Monday mural: mosaic man

This warehouse in Jingletown is decorated with mosaic murals that have evolved over the past few years.  They use several sizes and shapes of tile including mirror tiles that add both sparkle and definition.  I couldn't find a signature but hope someone will fill me in.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.  Happy New Year.

vinyl nirvana

If you're looking for vinyl records from new and vintage bands, this is your place.  Originating in Seattle in 2001 and transplanting to Oakland in 2003, 1-2-3-4 Go! focuses primarily on indie and punk music.  In 2008 they opened a retail store in the Temescal area, where they also host live concerts.  They've also branched out with their own record label.  Check out the website just to read the band names; they're a hoot.  I'm so out of it, I have no idea who any of these performers are.  But I like the idea of a home grown label.  If you follow various links, you'll also get to hear samples of some of the music.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

Christmas spirit

Someone was in the mood for Christmas.  And apparently Thanksgiving too.

ABC Wednesday: X is for Xolo

Welcome to Xolo (and you thought I wouldn't find an X!).  It is a newish taqueria owned by the same people who own the popular Doña Tomás.  Who wouldn't love the periwinkle walls and harlequin floors.

The Yelp reviews tout the el vampiro taco, which I had to try.  It has marinated pork with a red sauce and the usual cilantro and onion toppers.  Delicious; but three bucks for a taco is pricey compared to the dollar and a quarter you pay at most taco trucks around town.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

Happy Holidays

Sending best wishes to all of you.

Monday Mural: Oakland Riviera

Jingletown attracts artists and kindred souls.  A collaborative effort among them created multiple murals along this wall.  Drolly named the "Oakland Riviera" (referencing the estuary that runs the length of the neighborhood), this section of mural captures the local view.  These murals line a dog run dubbed rue de merde.  On the left you can see a glimpse of the section dedicated to local canine friends.  It's always interesting to visit this wall, as the murals continue to change and be refined.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.  Also, wishing you all happy holidays.

holiday reflection

This is part of the annual holiday lights display at Mt. View Cemetery.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

W is for Whiskeydrome

The Whiskeydrome is a group of guys who like to build stuff.  They made this in homage to the traveling velodromes that amazed folks with their daring-do early in the 20th century.  Here they impress the crowds at the annual Pedalfest in Jack London Square.  This photo was taken in August.  Today it's sunny but cold and we're all shivering in our boots.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: green eyes

This is a new mural in West Oakland just off Mandela Parkway.  It is a large collaboration between three artists.  This section is by Ernest Doty whom you've seen in a previous post.  There is something unsettling yet oddly compelling about these faces.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

behind the gauzy curtain

Spotted in Montclair Village.  The tree seems to reach to the clouds.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

Monday Mural: V is for La Virgen de Guadalupe

This is a section of a mural devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe in the Fruitvale district.  Her feast day in Mexico is December 12.  You'll find her image in murals, churches, tattoos, bumper stickers, tee shirts, and more.   She is ubiquitous and beloved in Latino communities.  Last year I posted a mosaic mural in honor of her day.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.  Also linked to ABC Wednesday.

painless tattoos

Spotted on San Pablo Avenue in the Golden Gate District.  I don't know, but the images seem a little contradictory.

U is for urban farm

While driving down Mandela Parkway I spied this cool chicken coop with quite a variety of chickens.  The picture is not as sharp as it could be because it was dusk and I had to shoot over a cyclone fence.  Urban farms are growing in Oakland and right now chickens are allowed but not roosters.  Funny, I could swear I've heard them crow in several spots around town.  Must be my imagination.  There's lots of debate about what other animals should be allowed and what should be guidelines for butchering.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

what is this?

Structures seen at Peralta Junction near sunset.  Don't know if they have a mechanical function but I saw them as sculptures.

Monday Mural: Peoples' Grocery

This mural adorns the back of the People's Grocery which recently opened in West Oakland.  It is another work by the Community Rejuvenation Project, frequently featured in Monday Mural.  The bright yellow is the sun breaking through the clouds.  I like the way the words of Wangari Maathai are highlighted.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.