Day of the Dead Altar, San Antonio

I’ve visited San Antonio once, and I was lucky enough to be there around the time of year when Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muerto, is celebrated. So in addition to getting to see such wonders as the Blue Hole and all of the missions, I also got to see many, many beautiful altars, erected for loved ones who are no longer with us physically. Many of the altars were for family members, but this was also shortly after Katrina, so there were quite a few dedicated to the victims of Katrina as well. (more…)

Filed under:
365 days of stories, My Art, Reminiscences by Courtney

Stairs, St. Peter’s Basilica

This picture is one of those literal pictures that doesn’t require too much story, too much explanation. Italy has any number of long, steep stairways that wind and curve their way up into the domes of various basilicas or towers. There was something special about this one, though, at the church of all churches, St. Peter’s Basilica.

The sunlight flooded in from above, gleaming off the rather pedestrian tiles (compared to the mosaics inside) and gave this photograph an other-worldly glow.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art, Rome by Courtney

Bird on a…, Sharjah

Teeny, tiny bird, what world did you come from? Perched on twine… or is it a rope, and you’re not so tiny after all? Your head blends with the blue canvas you’re perched against. What is that called again? Never mind, it’s time to sit still for a moment, take in the view, not bothering with silly details, before soaring to new heights.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, My Art, Stream of Consciousness by Courtney

Feet, Belur, India

This photo holds a lot of meaning for me personally. This was taken when my husband and I were on our honeymoon in 2007. We had just had our second wedding in Bangalore and were traveling the countryside near by with his cousins.

After a day or two in Bandipur to see the nature preserve, we headed back to Bangalore, stopping in Belur to see the temple. My hands and feet were covered with mehendi, which was a source of amusement to not only me, but most of the Indians as well.

While I was at the temple, walking around barefoot, I stopped to take some pictures of my own feet. I have a penchant for doing this on vacation. While doing so, I noticed one woman trying to catch a glance of what I was doing, a knowing smile on her face. We smiled at each other, and I carried on.

When I came across this image, doused in tumeric and decorated with offerings of flowers, I couldn’t help but think of my own decorated feed, and the role they played in our Indian ceremony (the husband helps the bride take steps with a rock under her foot). A friend purchased this as a wedding present and I couldn’t think of anything more befitting. Every time I look at this, it reminds me of my own wedding, my own vows, my own decorated feet. I hope the lucky newlyweds gathered the gist of that feeling.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Honeymooning, Memories from the Wedding Celebrations, My Art, Wedding by Courtney

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be one of my favorite places on earth. Come on, the name alone sounds enchanting. Add quirks like no addresses, and this place is like something from a fairy tale.

I’ve spent a bit of time in front of the fireplaces that dot the courtyard of Hog’s Breath Inn’s pub, drinking Guinness and sipping pinot noir. One day, while partaking in drink, these two purple flowers fell from overhead. The lines of the table reminded me of ancient writing, some poetry, perhaps, or maybe sheet music. The two flowers circled, like two dancers waiting to embrace. Mother Nature rang in on this one too, providing the overcast sky that gave this picture a nice white light, lending to the ethereal feel.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, california, My Art by Courtney