One of the most delightful things (to me) about Washington is that the entire area shuts down for the smallest bits of  snow. Other, more winter hardened areas of the country scoff at us, but  secretly we like it. After Snowmageddon, we got to stay home and play  for days, and wander
the winter wonderland streets free of cars.

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These beauties were in a very tall vase on a high stand at the flower vendor's. I like the up-view, the way the hanging light looks like the sun, and the neat ceiling slats where there "should" be a sky.

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Alley View
Quintescential Sight

Nearly every block has an alley, which presents a completely differrent side of the neighborhood - more casual and more private.


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Shadow Can
Quintescential Sight

In the bright sunlight, these trash cans make their own shadow  halos, giving them a  devine aspect. If cleanliness is next to godliness, trash cans do indeed do God's work. The gold bricks are a nice touch,  too. After all, even the Yellow Brick Road would need trash cans.

Round 3 Winners!

This was a very close
5-way race, with two big favorites behind by just one point. They will be re-submitted in the last round.
More Winners here

Shadows and Bricks
Quintescential Sight

There's something about the pattern of shadows on the underlying grid structure of  bricks that delights me. Two entirely different elements that together are much more interesting. This is a very common occurance in a neighborhood of brick walks and trees, but no less beautiful for it's being everywhere.

" Fire Truck Horn"
  8th Street

There is a busy fire station on 8th St, about  six blocks from us, and  just a block away from the Old Naval Hospital. I've often seen the big shiny engines peel out and race off, sirens wailing and lights flashing. 

One time, though, there was what seemed to be an old classic engine parked in the alley next to the station. It was still big and red and shiny, but rounded, simpler, less festooned. It had wonderful old-fashioned silver horns like trumpets, which reflected the sky, the fenders,  the street, and itself.

I used six different layers, pictured below, plus a few special effects to produce the final piece. Some of the layers are barely perceptable in the final piece.