Photos of a Catalpa Tree in October

Fruits Hanging from Catalpa Tree in October

One thing I love about living where there are so many trees is watching their appearance change from season to season. I showed you what the catalpa tree below looked like in bloom a few months ago. Last night I was walking in the Paso Robles City Park again and found two catalpa trees. Both had the hanging fruits you can see now.

Hanging Fruits of the Catalpa Tree in Downtown City Park, Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic

The spring blossoms are gone. The heart-shaped leaves have not yet turned to gold. That will happen before the leaves fall. I hope to get back to photograph the tree then. Read more about the catalpa tree's characteristics on the Cal Poly website.  The pods you see hanging above are some of the very longest found on trees. Although the website states the fruits are three inches long, I can tell you many of these were at least twice that long. Perhaps you can see why the catalpa tree is nicknamed the bean tree, though the fruits are not edible.

You can see why the catalpa tree is also called a bean tree. © B. Radisavljevic

The tree above is closer to the center of the park near the Historical Museum housed in the old Carnegie Library. You can see that a few of the leaves show signs of the approaching color change.

The Whole Catalpa Tree in Autumn

Here's my photo of the entire first tree (at least that which I can see from one side.) As you can see, it's a tall tree. It often grows as high as 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide. I had trouble getting the entire width into the photo. You can see how tall the tree is compared to the man walking beside it. It also grows fast -- up to two to three feet a year. It can live up to 150 years.

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This is my post for Day 3 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge for October.

Studios on the Park Brings Art to All Ages

How Much is that Guitar in the Window?

On my visit to Studios on the Park, our Paso Robles local art hub, I noticed this guitar in the window. There was a sign: "Win this guitar," but with no details as to how to win it.

 Electric Guitar for Some Lucky Winner  Photo © B. Radisavljevic

If you've never been to Studios on the Park, a peak past the reflection in this window will give you a glimpse. The art on the walls ranges from paintings to mixed media.  The doorways you see lead to individual artist studios and galleries. You will often have an opportunity to meet the artists in their studios.

After I took this picture, I went back inside to find out how one might win this guitar and how long the opportunity would last. I discovered that the guitar is a custom-made Gary Kramer electric guitar. Find out more about its construction and history here.  Proceeds from ticket sales went to support art programs for both children and adults. Find out more about these art education programs. 

Reflections on Studios on the Park

I have enjoyed visiting Studios on the Park for many years now. I've met many talented artists, seen their work, and watched their demonstrations. If you're interested in art and you're in Paso Robles on a weekend, you simply need to see what's happening there. A wonderful time to visit is the first Saturday night of each month. That's when you can experience the magic of Art After Dark. Don't miss it. 

I have increased my understanding and appreciation of art through my many visits with artists at Studios on the Park. As I reflect on those visits I see that the   artists I've met are very much like me in wanting to express their talent in a unique way. They use all kinds of media to carry their message. I use words and a camera.  I'm not very good at drawing or painting. 

It's not the particular talent we have that's important, but how we develop and use it. I don't have to create paintings or mosaics or sculptures to appreciate the skill that goes into making them.  It is enough to watch the artists in action and listen to them explain what goes into creating. What a wonderful opportunity those at Studios on the Park offer to anyone who wants to create or learn more about art. We are fortunate to have it in our town. 

Harold Spencer at Work in His Studio in April 2015, © B. Radisavljevic

Go and meet the artists while you can. Resident artists come and go. Some have left this world for the next. I'm so glad I met Harold Spencer before he died last year. Read his obituary to see the caliber of artist you can meet just by walking into Studios on the Park. His work is still on display in his old studio. I used to visit him there often to watch him work and talk to him. I miss seeing him now when I visit, but even living artists you can meet today may have moved by next month or year. 

As a regular visitor to Studios on the Park I've watched as artists develop and grow. Some have changed styles many times. I walked in one day and it seemed almost all the painters were creating abstract art. I'm not sure why.   Others experiment with new media, styles, or themes independent of what the other artists are doing. I'm getting to the place now where I almost don't need to see the artist's name to know whose work it is among the past and present resident artists.  Past residents often place their work in the monthly exhibits. 

Become a regular visitor. Then you will notice who's coming and going and catch up on studio gossip, as I did last night. Most of all, you'll keep up with the Paso Robles art scene and have a good time. So don't miss Art after Dark on October 7. There will be lively music, fine wine, and refreshments -- if you look around. It's a great introduction to Studios on the Park.  See you there. 

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This post is for Day 2 in the Ultimate Blog Challenge  It's not too late to join.

The Sensual Bearded Iris

The Bearded Iris Is a Sensual Flower

Many flowers are beautiful or glamorous, but I can't think of one that is as sensual as the bearded iris. The City Daily Photo Bloggers theme this month is sensual so I will feature my photos of the bearded iris. This is also Day 1 of the October Ultimate Blog Challenge, and I've decided to participate. 

How Can an Iris Be Sensual?

To be sensual, something needs to appeal to the physical senses. There can also be an element of sexuality in something sensual, but there doesn't have to be. I think irises have it all. Bearded irises have a delightful fragrance. They come in an array of colors. Their texture is smooth and silky. Their beards tickle when you touch them. 

Wear my Irises

elegant flower blue iris Slip-On sneakers


I decided to show off some of my irises on T-shirts. Click through on any of the shirts to see the other styles and colors you can choose. I added the shoe that someone else designed because I thought it was beautiful.

& 

Light purple with pink irises T-ShirtHoody with White IrisesLight purple with pink irises baby bodysuit

Modesty Enhances Sensuality

Like a beautiful but flirtatious woman, the iris leaves much to the imagination. You don't see all of an isis at once. It actually emerges from a rather ugly bud that looks a bit like a distorted onion. It would be hard to imagine by looking at the bud how sensual the flower might be. 

Would you guess it would look like this? Yet even with its flags unfurled, it does not reveal its golden center. The spider is looking for it. If you don't see the spider moving when the video starts, just click through to YouTube. 

In the photo below it appears the spider found what it was looking for. Look closely in the center. The spider is storming the inner sanctum of the iris in search of the pollinating insects which are attracted to it. 

Below you can see an insect that will soon be trying to pollinate the iris it has chosen.

Notice how modest the iris is as she keeps her private parts covered until she is ready to show them off.  Only the pollinating insects and their predators are allowed in under her folded petals.

Next time you see a bearded iris, touch it, smell it, and feast your eyes on all it reveals. It may be more sensual than you gave it credit for.

What do you like best about the iris?

See how City Daily Photo Bloggers worldwide have interpreted this month's theme of sensual.

Sky Photos from Charolais Corridor Trail at Dusk

Back on the Charolais Corridor Trail for a Photo Walk

Life has prevented me from doing much walking in these past few months, but tonight I couldn't stand being confined and so I walked. I drove to the trailhead of the Charolais Corridor Trail across from Larry Moore Park in Paso Robles, camera in hand, as the sun was beginning to set. The weather was just right for a walk. 

Sundown from Charolais Corridor Trail, © B. Radisavljevic

Photos of The Sky from the Trail

I will show these sky photos in the order in which I took them so you can imagine you are walking with me. All photos, watermarked or not, are my intellectual property and may not be used without my written permission.

As I started my walk along the trail, a solid band of clouds was just in front of me above the treetops. As you will see later, the color deepened as the sun got lower and disappeared.

A Band of Clouds across The Sky Over the Trail, © B. RadisavljevicAs you 

As you look at these photos you will notice I love tree silhouettes against the sky, as in the photo below.

Golden Stripe of Sunset behind Tree Silhouette, © B. Radisavljevic

I also like unusual cloud formations like this one. I saw it from many different angles as I walked. It was always in front of me or off to the right of the trail. Here it appears to be disappearing into the oaks below it.

V-Shaped Cloud Formation on South Side of Trail, © B. Radisavljevic

The trail runs between two housing areas: Riverbank on the north side and the rural properties, many of them small farms, that face onto Oak Lane on the south side. The palm is in one of the yards in the Riverbank tract.

Palm in Yard Across the Fence Along Trail with Clouds Behind, © B. Radisavljevic

I was not alone on the trail tonight. Two families passed me with their dogs. I thought the boy was going to have to carry the little black dog. It was stubbornly refusing to keep walking. Finally, it decided to follow, but only after much urging.

Company on the Trail, © B. Radisavljevic

These large trees are on the side where the small farms are. I love their silhouettes as the sky darkens.

Whisps of Clouds behind Tree Silhouettes, © B. Radisavljevic

This is the same band of clouds I showed you earlier, but now some time has passed. Both its color and shape have changed a bit.

Band of Clouds Across Trail Is Turning Pink, © B. Radisavljevic

There are many more pictures I could have shown you -- over a hundred -- but this is enough to give you an idea of what you missed. This last photo was taken after I returned to the entrance. The trees are on the end of Riverbank Lane, near where I parked. If you live in Paso Robles and haven't walked this trail yet, it's very manageable -- even for those with disabilities. It's mostly level, and you can see it is paved with concrete. Walkers do need to watch out for cyclists, though. I often encounter them here.

Back to Where I Started as It Begins to Get Dark, © B. Radisavljevic

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North Up the Cuesta Grade at Sundown: Photos

Photos On the Cuesta Grade between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles

The last time we went to San Luis Obispo, we returned as the sun was beginning to set. The sunset was gorgeous. We watched the sky show all the way home. I only wish we'd washed the windshield before going up the grade. 

Shortly after We Started Climbing. Still in San Luis Obispo. © B. Radisavljevic

Here is some of what we saw, but no photos do that sky justice. 

 The Sky Photos Coming up the Cuesta Grade

 These are some of the other photos I took as we climbed the grade to get back to Paso Robles.

Passing through Santa Margarita, © B. Radisavljevic

I think we are still in Santa Margarita, but we could have gotten to Atascadero. © B. Radisavljevic

Getting Close to Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic

Detour Through Wine Country on Arbor Road

Detour Through Wine Country on Unpaved Section of Arbor Road

I took this photo while escaping the backed-up traffic affecting almost every route between Paso Robles and Templeton Monday. When I saw South Vine backed up all the way to First Street from Highway 46 West, where I was headed, I turned off quickly on Kiler Canyon to get to 46 through the hills to Arbor Road to 46. It's a tricky detour because if you don't make the turn onto Arbor Road, it's a long slow dirt road to connect to Peachy Canyon Road -- several miles. 

Vineyard on Arbor Road in June, © B. Radisavljevic

I had just rounded a curve when I found a place to pull over and take this photo. Before I was back in the car, a CHP car came by followed by two construction trucks. He probably thought I was lost or in trouble. I reassured him and then asked what was tying up 101 and all the alternate routes. He explained about the work that entailed lane closures in both directions from the 46 West exit. I'm guessing he was leading those construction trucks behind him to the project so they wouldn't get lost. 

If you'd like to take this detour some time or just see what happens if you take the wrong turn, read Kiler Canyon: A Scenic Drive in Paso Robles, California.  Its photos will help keep you from getting lost.

Nature in My World

Today is theme day for City Daily Photo Bloggers, and this month's theme is nature. That's a pretty hard topic to narrow down to just a few shots. Most of my posts on this blog are about nature. I will limit this post to shots of three of my favorite nature subjects: sunset, the Cambria coast, and trees.

I never get tired of sunsets. It's hard to choose just one to share here, but there are more in my other posts. See smoky sunsets during last year's Chimney Fire here. You can find photos of the Salinas River at sundown here. I took these shots during sundown from the Steinbeck Winery.  The shots below were taken in my own neighborhood.

Sunset in my Neighborhood

This shot contains two of my favorite nature subjects -- trees and the sunset.

See more shots of these trees framing sunsets here.


My third favorite nature subject is the ocean. My favorite place to take ocean shots is at Moonstone Beach in Cambria, where this was taken.

Driftwood on the Cambria Coast at Moonstone Beach

See more views of the ocean along the California Central Coast here.

See more oak tree shots in Deciduous Oak Trees in Winter

What is your favorite nature subject?

See the photos other City Daily Photo Bloggers chose for this theme here.
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