High Desert Tour – later morning

Nestled among the sculptural rocks of Yucca Valley’s Rock Reach Ranch, was the second house I visited on PS Mod Com’s High Desert Tour 2012.  Another stunning view framed by another über cool home from Blue Sky Homes.

Hovering over a small arroyo, this 2 bedroom home, embodies all the hallmarks of Blue Sky Homes – a gentle footprint in the landscape, stylish, while being nearly wholly recyclable.

We continued up to Landers.  Kate Pierson from the B-52′s has moved her Lazy Meadow from upstate New York to the high desert and rechristened it, Kate’s Lazy Desert.  A glistening mirage of polished Airstream trailers circle the sandy high ground like latter day Conestoga wagons – but with a modern twist, this ring sports a splash pool!

 

 

 

The Secret Prague

When I travel, one of my favorite activities is to escape from the well-trodden tourist paths and seek out the side streets and narrow lanes less taken to experience the essence a city.

The following pics were taken on one such diversion in Prague on a beautiful spring day while searching for a laundromat.

A narrow lane zig-zagging up to the castle lined with blooming pots of geraniums.prague, czech republic side street to castle lined with geraniums

A grandmother anxiously awaiting the arrival of her grandchildren.grandmother in prague, czech republic peering out from her window

A baroque church spire poking through the newly-leafed trees.prague, czech republic baroque church spire

A stout Communist farm labouress confronted me when the back street I was exploring deposited me smack in the middle of Wenceslas Square.communist propaganda sculpture on building in wenceslas square, prague, czech republic

Crossing through the Jewish Quarter I stumbled upon a thought-provoking statue of Franz Kafka by Jaroslav Rona.franz kaftka sculpture in jewish quarter of prague, czech republic by jaroslav rona.

Discovering a city in a very personal way, is the way I like to travel.

The Colors of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome provides today’s color palette inspiration.The ceiling of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy

From the warm hues of dusty, golden light that stream through high windows to the flickering flames of  prayer candles, a slumbering haze infuses this Papal basilica.Intricate mosaic floors of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, ItalyFresco detail of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy

All color is caught in this suffused, amber glow.Inlaid marble floors of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy