Red Umbrella Project #60: Umbrella Man

The Umbrella Man statue is located in Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon.  While there in 2014, my photo was made with the Umbrella Man.  I wondered if I could magically make his umbrella red!

 Red Umbrella Project #36:

Jimmy Dean  ("Big Bad John")

Jimmy Dean Museum, Wayland University

Plainview, Texas

sleeping lion

 



Lions have long been a symbol of royalty and nobility and guardian lions are an important architectural theme.  But according to researchers, the expressions on the lion's face say a lot. If they are roaring, they are seen as a symbol of power, prestige, or courage. This rather somnolent lion doesn't seem very powerful.  Perhaps he thinks being on the side entrance, rather than the front of the Capitol Building, doesn't require as much vigilance. 

Old Capitol Building
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2.1.2017

child to child

 

 

A child's grave is always sad but to find a tribute placed over 150 years after the death is poignant.  In 1858, the these three children--ages 7, 6 and 5-- died within months of each other  No wonder the parents erected a pillared monument with statues of the children within.  The Magnolia Cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1852 and the Battle of Baton Rouge.

 

Magnolia Cemetery

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

2.1.2017

bless this empty building

 

Someone once had plans for this empty building in downtown Idalou, as evidenced by the outdated building permit.  Now Mary stands watch.

 

Idalou, Texas

1.27.2017

our lady of the window

 

Las Cruces, New Mexico

6.11.2016

mary, mother of jesus

 

Established as a presidio chapel by the Spanish in 1789 and named after  St. Elzear of Sabran, the patron saint of soldiers, the San Elizario Chapel has endured.  Rebuilt in 1877 after the Rio Grande flooded an changed course, San Elizario is now on the north bank of the river in Texas. Still an active parish, visitors to the historic site must heed the praying parishioners.

 

Presidio Chapel of San Elizario

San Elizario, Texas

6.10.2016

supplication

 

 

Today we followed the Mission Trail from San Elizario to Socorro to Yselta.  Then we followed the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (The Royal Road to the Interior) into New Mexico and ended up at the Basilica de San Albino in Mesilla.  Our prayer of supplication was for relief from the 100 degree weather!

 

Basilica de San Albino

Mesilla, New Mexico

tribute to stevie

 

Although not so honored by his hometown,  Austin's adopted son Stevie Ray is honored with a statue off Riverside Drive, near where he played many Riverfests. Today there was a tribute rose in his hand - in honor of the spring day.

 

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Lake Lady Bird

Austin, Texas 

tis the season

 

To celebrate the season, today the usually bare-headed Will Rogers sported a Christmas cap. This might not have been University-approved attire.  The inscription on the statue of Will and his horse Soapsuds, dedicated to Texas Tech by Amon Carter, reads "riding into the Western sunset." Like Will, Tech students are heading into the sunset as they finish finals before Christmas break. While placing the statue, it was not politically correct for Will to ride due west, thus putting Soapsuds' posterior aimed down Broadway toward downtown.  So Will was positioned 23 degrees east making Texas A&M the target, so the story goes.

 

Will Rogers and Soapsuds

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of mine”



The grave of a child is always poignant. Throughout time, special symbolism marks such sites.  This young angel represents the untimely death of an innocent, strewing roses symbolizing the brevity of existence.  Rather than a robe or dress, this cherub wears a dress, perhaps like one worn by the child. I like the intricate detail of the hem/

Trinidad Catholic Cemetery
Trinidad, Colorado
6.20.2008

the messenger

As an avowed taphophile, or tombstone tourist, I enjoy visiting cemeteries for their sense of history.  The older places with their variety of tombstones are the most interesting.  Cemetery art with its use of symbols reflects religious and cultural influences.  Angels are symbols of spirituality. They guard the tomb and are thought to be messengers between God and man.  The angel with clasped hands prays for safekeeping.  This statue is in the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery. Established in 1874, the graveyard has many examples of Victorian symbolism.

Trinidad Catholic Cemetery
Trinidad, Colorado
6.20.2008

pet deer

 

Deer are not a common sight around here -- although they have been more frequently seen in recent years as the drought brings them from the rough country.  So it was surprising to catch a glimpse of this deer as I sped along FM 1729 and had to make the "photo op U-turn."  Turned out to be a "pet deer" at Harmon Farms in Idalou. She watches the world go by, wearing her straw hat.  Just another example of "farm art."

 

Harmon Farms

Idalou, Texas

holy water

 

 

Located high on the hillside overlooking Trinidad, the Ave Maria Shrine is a  mysterious landmark.  1n 1908 an early Trinidad physician, caught in a vicious storm, was led by a flickering light to a statue of the Virgin Mary, which had mysteriously appeared on the hillside. A simple lave rock shrine was built to mark the spot.  Through the years, the shrine has grown with a chapel constructed in 1934; continued improvements include grottoes and a reserved parking spot for the Father.

 

Ave Maria Shrine

Trinidad, Colorado

8.16.2013