Monday Mural: Ursa Major Ursa Minor

Found in the Laurel District, this is the companion piece to the starry bear posted a month ago.  This one was a little tougher to photograph because it was in the shade.  I was thinking the constellation stars would be found in each bear, but I'm not seeing it.  I find this to be quite inspiring.  By Roger Peet.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  Word Press is not allowing me to leave comments on that platform.  Sorry.

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: California grizzly

I found this mural by Roger Peet in the Laurel District in East Oakland.  Although the grizzly bear is on the California flag, grizzlies no longer can be found in the state.  It and a similar mural on a different building are sponsored by the Center for Biological Diversity, the city, and local residents and businesses.  As you can see, it's massive and mystical.  Perhaps the stars are a nod to the constellation Ursa Major.  Because it is by a freeway exit, it is also a very cool entrance to the Laurel District.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: when the sun was shining in Oakland

It's pouring rain right now and we hope this is only the beginning of significant rainfall this winter.  After four years of drought, we're ready for snow in the Sierra and rain filling our reservoirs.  And yet here I am digging into the archives to resurrect a sunny day and two colorful murals in the Laurel District that celebrate the diversity of our city.  These framed pieces decorate a wall of a local store on a stretch of MacArthur Blvd. in East Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural: if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters. Looking forward your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.

"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Shop in the Laurel District

These wonderful trompe l'oeil images decorate a Laurel District wall.  Rather inviting, don't you think?

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments, but the Linky will go up (fingers crossed) every Sunday evening.  Cheerio.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Plato

Monday Mural: tree house

This mural by Griffin One is on the side of a two-story building in East Oakland.  It is also next to the Doty bird I showed you two weeks ago.  They often work in tandem.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Plato

Monday Mural: more birds in the Laurel

This small mural is painted on the back of a magazine rack for multiple newspapers.  Interestingly, the rack is no longer in use and the other side looks very shabby.  Seems like the rack should be removed; but in the meantime this image adds some sparkle to the streetscape.  Couldn't find a signature on this piece.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Plato

Monday Mural: dogs, cats, and rabbits, oh my!

This amusing mural adorns a holistic vet's office.  What makes the practice holistic?  I'm afraid I don't know.  I do know of one office that offers doggie acupuncture.  Really.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be out of town and unplugged for a while, so will not be able to leave comments.  Apologies.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Plato

Monday Mural: another Doty bird

I found another bird mural by Edward Doty.  Just love how he presents them with such sentient awareness.  Can't tell you what kind of bird this is, but I'm pretty sure the real plant is a cotoneaster.  And the bird is sitting on a New Zealand tea plant featured in Friday's post.  I'm guessing the mountain in the background is Mt. Tamalpais which is part of the bay skyline  and found in Marin County.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Plato

Donut Time

Another vintage sign, this one found on MacArthur Blvd.  The neon tubing looks in tact but I've never seen it lit up.  The clock doesn't run; so I'm betting the neon isn't working either.

ABC Wednesday: H is for Hi Hat Cleaners

This vintage neon sign advertises a business that has continued in the same spot for decades.  Surprisingly, despite its worn appearance, the sign continues to work too.  The owner says they turn it on winter evenings during operating hours.  During short winter days, it probably serves as a beacon to front door.  He also hopes to get it restored, although I imagine that is a costly process.  The sign and business anchor the corner of MacArthur and Maple St. in the Laurel District.  Visit ABC Wednesday for other takes on this week's letter.

Laurel Lounge

Another cool neon sign.  I like the sputnik globe on top.  Too bad the cocktail glass doesn't light up.  Like the sign says, this is in the Laurel District in East Oakland.  Funk grooves and laughter were coming out of the bar.

night lights

late night snack

This is the 1/4 Lb. Giant Burger at High Street and MacArthur in the Laurel District.  The diamond at the far right should read "Shakes" but the light is burned out. 

 So is the huge neon sign that anchors the parking lot.  This local chain has at least four spots in Oakland that I'm aware of.  I previously posted the one on Telegraph Avenue in the Uptown area.  Interestingly, each spot has slightly different architecture and they are in varying states of repair.  But all shout "retro."  You expect waitresses on roller skates to come to your car to take orders.