Elegant Wrap

Nothing like a desert sunset

Greetings,

It’s said around here that if you live above Altadena Drive, you’re in a different weather zone.

It’s often true. We may get hail or even snow while those below may get rain, or not. On Friday a crazy weather system hit Southern California and here in Altadena, we did get hail, lightning strikes (one hit a local fireman riding his bike at Lake and Loma Alta–he’s ok). And the rain came fast and heavy. Here’s a shot from my front door, the weather apparently signaling the arrival of fall. I’m ready.

The last six months for me have been as close to hell as I’d like to be, which is why I haven’t been posting. With the rain comes renewal, growth, a deep sigh of relief. I feel it to my bones.

The magazine for photo enthusiasts of all levels.

via Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Part I.

This gives you the official info on Bodie, one of the greatest ghost towns to photograph since it feels like people just left. Can you imagine mining over $100 million in gold, and then, poof! Town is deserted.

One of the store windows in the abandoned town of Bodie, California

Sorry, I’ve been out of commission the past week. Now that I’m back, I thought we’d take a little trip. This one to Bodie, California, a town in one of the worst weather zones in Northern California, near the Sierras. Between bitterly cold winters and snows, and horrendous winds, the people here were tough, indeed. In fact, on March 9, 1882, the town’s first newspaper was published.  

Here’s a clip from the Bodie.com website: “After a long day working the claims, the miners would head for the bars and the red light district to spend their earnings. The mixture of money, gold and alcohol would often prove fatal. It is said that there was a man killed every day in Bodie. Presumably, the undertaker never had a slow day.” 

It’s a fascinating town, now a state park. Abandoned in the 1930s, it feels like people still live there. They left so much behind.  I hope to get back up there this year.

Forking Up

When in New York last fall, visited a “nearly a relative’s” place for a few minutes and saw this ingenious way to get a street view from his apartment.

Freesias at Play (c) Debbi K. Swanson

Caltech has an annual art show. Last year I was so excited to show my new scanography. Had my mentor Ed Martin and his wife Sandy there, my dear friends Michael and Irene from France, and my hubby. Didn’t win a thing. This year I didn’t make a big deal out of it. Just had Steve come for moral support, plus my coworkers, and hey, I won the judge’s grand prize. A very good day. Here’s a sample.