Ed Abbey's American Southwest

The temperature was zero degrees F this morning. It was snowing. It is December in the northern Rockies of Colorado. Everywhere I look there are pine boughs laden with snow, a lovely vision often seen on a holiday card. So just to have a little change of perspective I decided to shift my focus to Ed Abbey's favorite country, the American desert southwest. For those of you who may not know who Ed Abbey was, he wrote many famous books and among them "The Monkey Wrench Gang," is one of my personal favorites. I can envision Hayduke, a radical environmentalist and Vietnam vet in the book, dining at this roadside restaurant and then disappearing into the rocky terrain of Zion National Park. I recently submitted these two photos to a literary magazine called "Matter Journal" for their edition coming out next summer on Ed Abbey. I thought I would share them with you and put the snowy shots aside for today.

Monkey Wrench Diner
It was a hot summer day when I came across this roadside diner in the American Southwest. It made me think of the book, "The Monkey Wrench Gang" by Ed Abbey. I can just imagine Ed dining here.
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Zion Landscape
The layers of sedimentation are clearly visible in this photo taken at Zion National Park. Ancient seabeds became limestone; mud and clay became mudstones and shale; and desert sand became sandstone.
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Twilight and Bella Italia

As some of you are aware I had a recent vacation to the Olympic Peninsula, the home of the popular Twilight book series. Although I am not a huge fan I was curious. So when we just happened to walk by Bella Italia in Port Angeles, the restaurant where Bella and Edward had their first date, I had to stop and take a photo. This one is for you, Twilight fans.

Click on Bella Italia photograph for purchase information.

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Friday Favorites - Rushing Water

This week's theme is wet and wild. I can almost smell the salty ocean breeze all the way to Colorado. It was hard to choose from so many wonderful entries, especially jewelry! The competition was fierce! I want to thank each and everyone of you who submitted work and hope you will again! Be sure to click on the pictures or titles for more information on the beautiful work of these artisans!

If you would like to be entered into Friday Favorites check out submission information below.

Aqua Photo Set
HumanInterest

S h o r l i n e s
youarefinedesigns

Ocean Deep Blue Sea Glass Necklace
CreationsByRobin

Marbled Turquoise and Gold Photo Album

movetheneedle

Blue jade spirals
echosofspring

Sterling Silver Starfish and Aqua Chalcedony Briolette Earrings
silverbeadsandclay

Next week's theme is "Earth". Submit your EARTH INSPIRED items. I'm looking for solid grounded items in rich earthy hues. It's an easy TWO steps.

1. Leave a comment below on your favorite items in today's Friday Favorites.

2. Hop on over to this Etsy Forum and post your item you would like to submit for next week's Friday Favorites.

Good luck!

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Friday Favorites - Golden Treasures

Remember the childhood stories of Aladdin and his treasure? I think I stumbled upon his golden treasure when I found these gorgeous handmade gifts on Etsy. Be sure to check out their items by clicking on the links. Enjoy!

Branching Out Blank Note Cards
madebyswirlygirl

Tree of Life Bookmark
Studio618

No clasp necklace of biwa pearls and gems
jbEbert

Aged Flowers - Original 5 X 5 Photo Block
HouseofSixCats

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2009 Paws for Charity Art Book

The 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book is now on sale! I have my order in and can not wait to receive my copy. The cover of the book below provides a link for a free look at the first fifteen pages of the book. So be sure and click on the link, or go to www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/606337 to preview and/or order.

Remember, all funds raised from the sale of this book are directly donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade by blurb.com, our book publisher.

2009 Art Book ...

37 artists raise fu...

By pawsforcharity.bl...

Book Preview

This photograph that I took of Champ a couple years ago is included in this wonderful collection of photographs and original art. To have a closer look at this print click on the photo below. To purchase go to Julie Magers Soulen Photography.