Accordion King of Venice

Venice Beach, CA -- His music was inspiring, but it was his spirit and stage presents that stole the show.

“Sometimes we strive so hard for perfection that we forget that imperfection is happiness” --Karen Nave

Passion for Cactus

Beavertail Cactus are abundant in and around Southern California. It thrives in the canyons and home gardens in the LA area, but never have I seen such a subspecies such as this.... It looked as though someone "modified" the beavertails into valentine figurines.

A Face in the Crowd

When I am not working, I am carrying my camera. I walked into a Target store the other day and decided to bring the D90. After 45 minutes of browsing the isles, I came away with no images. Recently, I happened upon a group of kids on a field trip. I parked the car, pulled out the camera and--without permission--took a few dozen portraits of kids. One teacher finally asked who I was. I handed her my DailyPhotoLA calling card and I told her that I am giving away photos today and told her how to contact me.

For the record, I don't always shoot first and then beg forgiveness--especially with kids. However, I will often give a little nod and hold up my camera, shoot, and say, "Thank you."

Eaton Canyon Swells

Pasadena, CA -- As the rain continued to pour, the banks of the Eaton Canyon stream widened, bringing much-needed water to our drought-burdened town.

Despite the problems storms can brings to some, I love to get out and experience the rain. One of my favorite destinations during downpours is Eaton Canyon--a quick 5-minute drive from my house. Rain water accumulates from the steep San Gabriel mountains and flow into tributaries, eventually collecting in the canyon. As like today (Saturday), there were a few spectators standing on the banks of the stream, watching the muddy water pass through rocks and shrubs.

In 1938 and again in 1969, this quaint little stream made headlines as water nearly ten-feet high rushed through the canyon, destroying buildings, bridges, homes and trees along the way to the Pacific Ocean. Since then, debris dams and reservoirs were built to help control the torrents of water that come during some of our wet winters.

Got to love this storm!

Walking in the Rain

Pasadena, CA -- Rain-lovers brave the storm and venture a muddy, dirt road to see the swollen stream in Eaton Canyon.

Other Side of The Mountian

Put back the sun roof, turn up the tunes and drive!

The Last Leaf of Autumn

For a moment, blue sky broke through the clouds casting sparkling sunshine on the new fallen snow. This is a cold start of winter for us as snow levels are supposed to drop as low as 1,500 feet.

Day Before The Storm

6:30am -- We untied the straps and dropped the 17-foot Old Town canoe into the lake. It was quiet and cold. No wind, just a few wisps of smoke from a nearby chimney, lingering above the conifers and black oaks. A small pack of coyotes watched from the shore while groups of mallards flew in to join a flock of coots in their early morning feast on the water.

With little effort, we paddled across the still water shooting photos and taking in the natural beauty of this place and breathing in the fresh, morning air.

All this just 80-minutes from downtown LA.

Tails in the Air

Even the ducks take part in synchronized swimming.

Thankful for Snow

Lake Arrowhead, CA -- We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. And yes, we do get snow in LA.