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Tag: Arizona


chihuly in the desert

11
February

boat like sculpture

Chihuly in the Desert showcases Dale Chihuly’s stunning, large scale glass installations. The pieces created by this amazing glass artist are currently nestled among the collection of desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona (see more on the Botanical Garden here).

favorite chihuly dbgphx

Chihuly’s work features installations throughout the garden’s trails in addition to pieces displayed in an indoor gallery exhibit.

chihuly indoors

chihuly indoor beauty

cleaning the chihuly

Yes – cleaning is required! Pieces are cleaned by garden staff regularly to ensure the brilliance of the glass.

If you follow this blog, you have probably seen photos of the artist’s 2017 collection (click to see) displayed at the New York Botanical Garden.

chihuly sculpture

purplechihuly dbgphx

I was so lucky to have the opportunity to view Chihuly’s work again – in 2022.  And, it was so wonderful to do so in the beautiful February climate of Arizona when, back home in Connecticut, snow was covering the ground!

chihuly in reds

chihuly tower dbgphx

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of Chihuly in the Desert.  I recommend never passing up an opportunity to see Dale Chihuly’s work!  (Tip:  If you visit the Desert Botanical Garden, try to see the exhibit at the end of the day when the bright sun is not as distracting to the works.  Chihuly in the Desert continues through June.)

chihuly in blue

Thanks for stopping by!

fun curls chihuly

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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desert botanical garden

21
May

blooming cactus yellow

I became a cactus fan long before succulents were ‘in.’  I made my first visit to Arizona when I was in junior high school and I instantly became mesmerized by the unusual and glorious plants called cacti.

look up cactus

cactus prickles

When I got home from my trip, I signed up for a subscription to Arizona Highways magazine so I could regularly see beautiful, artistic photographs of Arizona plants in their native habitat.

cactus landscape

burst of yellow cactus

This background of cactus love made it extra special for me to have the opportunity recently to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.  I had never been.

blooming cactus

cactus arms

The garden is like a living museum, home to more than 4,400 species and 27,000 plants.

cactus yellow in progress

trio of cactus

Today, I share a few of my favorite views from my visit.

tall cactus with sun

Thanks for stopping by.

face mask sign

Have a fabulous weekend!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S.  Look at my last post for more from the Desert Botanical Garden.

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more frank lloyd wright

15
March

 FLW winter home

For today’s Friday field trip, I am continuing the photo essay of my visit to Taliesin West, the architectural school and winter residence of famed Frank Lloyd Wright, designer of iconic buildings, including the Guggenheim Museum.

outside view FLW

outside long view FLW

This National Historical Landmark is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

FLW Winter lab

Wright’s intent was to use the facility to train architects.

fountain at flw

ornament at FLW

Regardless of what your personal opinion may be about Wright’s style, the way he embraced nature with his design of Taliesin West can definitely be appreciated by all who visit.

bathroom at FLW

Scottsdale FLW home

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

outdoors at FLW

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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Taliesin West

12
March

residence FLW Arizona

On a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, I visited the city’s only National Historical Landmark – Taliesin West.  The landmark was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter camp and desert laboratory.

FLW residence

Whether you are interested in design or are just fascinated by notable people in history, Taliesin West is worth visiting.  Today, I am sharing some photos from Taliesin West – what Frank Lloyd Wright called “a look over the rim of the world.”  The location still functions as a learning facility.

detail at Frank Lloyd Wright

light at FLW

Frank Lloyd Wright, as you may or may not know, led a very colorful personal life (some of this has been documented in the historical fiction by Nancy Horan, Loving Frank.)

inside at FLW

books at FLW

This week, I am sharing some photos from my visit to Taliesin.

pool in front of flw

Thanks for stopping by!

outdoor ornament FLW

cactus at FLW

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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oasis in the desert

8
February

palm trees

I shared photos of the white sandy beach I visited in Arizona in my last post.  For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing some additional glimpses from my stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.  This hotel is currently celebrating its 28 consecutive year as a five Diamond resort.  It boasts 6 pools and 2 18-hole championship golf courses.

The most impressive part of the resort for me was the spa.  Even though I did not utilize the services the spa had to offer, I did take a quick tour.  From the rooftop pool with mountain views to all the thoughtfully landscaped courtyards, the way the facility is integrated with nature is truly beautiful.

row of palms scottsdale fairmont

spa stairs at Scottsdale Princess

The 5 restaurants on property also utilize the outdoors.  My favorite outdoor seating is at the restaurant Toro.  So comfy looking, don’t you think?  And, some great views as well.

restaurant at the Scottsdale Fairmont

It was also a restaurant – La Hacienda – that housed my favorite lighting fixture.  (You probably know by now that I have a thing for lighting!)

lighting at La Hacienda

The Fairmont strives to provide harmony with nature through vast open spaces, lushly landscaped grounds, and plenty of Saguaro cacti.

hotel bell in Arizona

A fun spot for visitors to party is in the faux Western town created on the resort property.  There is plenty of ambience to add Western vibes to any gathering!

Princess Scottsdale Western Village

western village at the Princess Scottsdale

If you know me, you know I never visit a hotel without checking out the desserts!  My goal is usually to do the best I can to meet the pastry chefs when I am on property – they are my rock stars!  My favorites at The Fairmont were this chocolate raspberry torte and a deconstructed Boston Cream Pie.  I plan on recreating the later!

chocolate tortes

deconstructed boston cream pie

I hope you enjoyed this little visit to The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess!  Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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for the love of cactus

1
February

cactus in a heart shape

A recent trip to Arizona rekindled an old love for all things cactus!  My succulent passion began when I was in junior high school and my grandparents invited me to join them on a trip to Phoenix.

Arizona cactus

From the moment I arrived in Arizona, I was totally intrigued by all the cacti adorning the landscape.  I even tried (unsuccessfully) to smuggle some specimens back to Connecticut. (At the time, this was forbidden by the Department of Agriculture.)

cacti

I think it is pretty safe to say I was the only 8th grader in Connecticut back then who subscribed to Arizona Highways magazine!  Every month I eagerly awaited the newest edition – each one filled with photos of cacti – many of the photos including gorgeous, colorful sunsets!

prickly cactus

So, maybe you can understand why my recent trip to Arizona had to include observations ‘in the wild’ of any cacti I was able to find!

cactus in Arizona

For today’s Friday field trip, I hope you have enjoyed some of my findings!

heart shaped cactus

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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