Food Stop: Thai Rama

Thai Rama Restaurant
Thursday, May 1 2008
Approximately 2:00 P.M.

Tina and I had just left the Bead Museum in Glendale in search of a cool place for LUNCH. We were on our way back to check into the Wyndham then setup at the Convention Center. We were searching, looking and earlier in the day we had passed a few Thai restaurants. Being from the Los Angeles area, we are no strangers to good Thai restaurants here at home but the thought of having Thai food in Phoenix was a fun prospect. Will Phoenix be up for the challenge of big city Thai restaurants? Thai Rama Restaurant on Camelback Blvd in Phoenix was going to be the real test of what Thai food can be away from home. There is another restaurant in Chandler, AZ too.

Opening the door, you are welcomed by a beautiful wooden statute of a woman in traditional garb. Then you are pulled in further by the aroma of curry, lemongrass, spices, basil, etc. YUM, is all I could think. They also prepare everything with old traditional style cooking and NO MSG. I always seek out non-chain restaurants on my travels because as Anthony Boudain would say "Be a traveler, NOT a tourist!" Go ANTHONY! Why have the same old, same old folks. Tease your taste buds and live a little, will you? There is so much wonderful cuisine, from every culture, offering us a bounty of deliciousness.

I would say, Thai Rama is UP there in terms of taste, comparable to the finest Thai restaurants in Los Angeles. "At Its Finest" , kudos to the chef who has been preparing excellent food for 15 years! This restaurant has been around for 24 years dishing out all their yummyness. Now that is staying power for ANY restaurant, chain or not!

The lovely statue welcomes you inside Thai Rama Restaurant. See the gentleman in the background wondering what the heck I am photographing the restaurant for? No subject is safe from my Canon! The decor of the restaurant was very appealing and authentic. None of the commercialism you see in chain restaurants. That is what catches your eye first and then the aroma pulls you further inward.

Tina and I started with Angel Wings as an appetizer. This is a boneless chicken wing stuffed with a mixture of chicken, secret spices and rice vermicelli. You dip the chicken in a sweet and chili sauce filled with marinated cucumbers.

My FAVORITE Thai dish is Beef Panang. I love the peanutty flavors and the sauce is DIVINE. Dribble the sauce over rice and just soak everything up in that red coconut creaminess. Some places put their mediocre cuts of beef in this concoction but Thai Rama's beef was so succulent and tender. I give this dish FIVE STARS. I love the colors of food, don't you?

Tina decided to order one of the lunch specials so we could share. This is Coconut Curry Chicken. With the dish you get a lovely eggroll and some dipping sauces. In the curry, there are potatoes and slivers of onions cooked with boneless chicken breast. This was good but hands down, the Beef Panang WINS in my book.

So if you are ever in Phoenix and have a taste for Thai food, I highly recommend Thai Rama on Camelback Blvd. It's a small restaurant and not all that appealing looking from the outside but give it a chance and you can't go wrong. Keep an eye for these mom and pop dining treasures on your travels. Sometimes you'll be surprised on what you find. Always ask to see the menu first if you are not sure you want to stay for a meal. It never hurts and better than walking out after they've served you water! You MUST love flavor-filled, aromatic and spicy goodness to dine Thai. I give this restaurant three YUMs.

YUM YUM YUM
Lisa

Food Stop: My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant
Wednesday to Saturday, April 30 - May 2, 2008
Approximately 6:30 to 9:00 P.M.

After being disappointed with the Phoenix Public Farmer's Market, Tina and I scooted to the Arizona Center after picking up necessities at Trader Joe's. We were hoping to find something interesting and different for dinner. And then there it was, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. We knew having seen the restaurant earlier, this meant that we must dine there TONIGHT. We noted that they were still having HAPPY HOUR. Not being one to drink but only an occasional glass of wine, I was actually eyeing the fact that between 2-7 p.m. on weekdays if you sit in the bar or patio you'll get your appetizers for HALF OFF. What a bargain!

With 8 locations in Arizona, you're bound to find one close you. The menu is full of mouthwatering deliciousness. This is how they describe themselves and their cooking. "A Mediterranean flair of cooking created by the gods. Only virgin olive oil, fresh ingredients, selected herbs and just the right amount of spices are used. Secrets cherished and kept for thousands of years are now yours to enjoy. After Zeus released these great recipes to his children, we were finally blessed with great health and a long, prosperous life. Enjoy our warm hospitality along with your dining experience. Yasou!"

So Tina and I couldn't help ourselves. We went a bit crazy with the appetizers not realizing that they were actually a meal in themselves. After ordering 5 appetizers, we had no room for dinner. We will make up for that in future days! But more on that later.

Dolmades, homemade ground beef and rice rolled in grape leaves topped with a lemon cream sauce. DELICOUS. Everything is served with slices of toasted pita bread.

Keftedes, tender spiced meat balls "the Greek way" served with diced tomatoes and onions. More pita bread too! This was YUMMY when hot so eat this one quickly or the meat will taste dry when cool.

Zucchini cakes, filo dough stuffed with feta cheese and spices served on a bed of julienne veggies and tomatoes. This was good but not the best zucchini cakes this girl has had.

Spanikopita, filo dough filled with spinach, feta and fresh herbs. I love FILO anything, just about. It's fun eating the different layers of flaky goodness until you reach the center. The feta topping was so rich so I suggest eating that with some of the meal as it can tend towards being too salty otherwise. And, unfortunately I can't have much Baklava which is made with filo, honey and nuts, but that is one dessert you should have if you can have SUGAR and love LOTS of it!

Because sometimes you can't have too much of a good thing, on Friday night I took Rajeev and Paul, my buddies from Miami back to the MBFG Restaurant. I was surprised to hear Paul tell me he never had real Greek food. Being from NYC, I thought he had most foods. We'll I guess that is where I come in to help the fellow out. We also just had appetizers and that was enough for a full meal. It was good company but Tina had to go back to study for her presentation (for school). I had a good time catching up with my friends but they were too tired to keep the conversation going past 9:30 p.m. I wore them out or maybe just the crazy drive from New York to Phoenix is what finally caught up to them.

*****

When Nick flew in on Saturday, we decided to treat him to MBFG also for lunch, since he is a fan of Greek food. We had more deliciousness at the booth and then that evening, because all the local restaurants were not all that appealing, we took Nick's Uncle Joe and Aunt Dee with family to MBFG Restaurant also. So all I can say is that MBFG Restaurant holds many memories for me now. It was a good fun time.

Saturday night, we had to order the Flaming Saganaki since I was dying to see fire put to good use in creating delicious food. This dish contains imported kefalograviera cheese flamed with ouzo and metaxa. Okay, all that was hard to pronounce but I can tell you it was an interesting flavor of saltiness and you MUST subdue the flavors with the pita bread. It was good!

Here is the waiter finishing up preparing the Saganaki and taming the flame. We also had some Greek fries which were very delicious. The dinner was all around YUMMY. I give the MBFG Restaurant. three YUMS and definitely I will return, if in Phoenix.

YUM, YUM, YUM
Lisa

The Arizona Center

The Arizona Center is at the center of downtown Phoenix. There are many tourist type shops, restaurants and movie house on the premises.

Palm tree lined skyline

At center court, right outside the MBFG Restaurant, there are these tall palms trees with spiraling lights. As the sky darkens and night falls, the lights brighten the court with a water sprouting spiral to entertain the guests. Little twinkles of light, sparkling in the dark.

On the side adjacent to the restaurant is a nice waterfall. The sounds of water, is so serene amidst the human chatter of jovial celebrations.

Then further down some steps there is a lovely pond garden


Another view of the water ponds and garden

The Leaping Frog Sculptures

Mr. Frog sees something in the horizon and being the curious inquisitive one, he wants a closer look

He eyes the next lily pad and thinks to himself "I can make it", he starts jumping towards it.

He has his sight a little beyond the lily pad. Oh, the drama, will he make it? Oh what the heck, he just GOES FOR IT! Go, Mr. Frog, Go! You can do it!

Here's to Beautiful and Delicious Food

with Fond Memories Shared with Love Ones
Lisa

Food Stop: Carney's Limited Express

Carney's Unlimited Express
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Approximately 6:00 P.M.

As the sign above states "Beware of Trains" when you enter Carney's Express Limited in Studio City. You will first notice the wonderful aroma in the air. I have definitely prewarned you if you DARE to read this post further, as you too will be tempted to travel far and near distances to this haven of the BEST hot dog in the WORLD. Just look at the scrumptious menu and then you'll know why I don't need any excuse to want to come here twice a year.

The hot dog was purportedly invented in 1874 by German immigrant, Charles Feltman, at Coney Island, NY. Well, listen to this girl, I've had the so-call best hot dogs in New York - Nathan's at Coney Island and Papaya King in Manhattan. I've even tasted the Dodger dogs MANY years ago which are supposedly one of the best ballpark dogs. HANDS down, Carney's has the BEST hotdog in the WORLD. As somewhat of a connoisseur on EATING, I love the way the Carney dog extends outside of it's bun and actually, really SNAPS when you eat it. The chili is DELICIOUS and I am not one for fru-fru toppings on my hotdogs either. No need to get too fancy on me. The recipe is top secret but I'm betting it's the special casing they use to hold together all that snappy scrumptious goodness. All I can say is that I give Carney's a TRIPLE YUM YUM YUM!

Can you see Nick excitedly ordering our Chili dogs and fries for dinner?

There are actually two trains in parallel. One train is the kitchen and the other train is the customer sitting area. There are also additional outside patio sitting too. Just look at all the yummy-ness going on with happy, smiling patrons. (Yes, they are smiling even though you are only seeing their backs!!)

Our standard order, THREE chili cheese dogs to share amongst the two of us with one order of chili fries. (Nick is already eating his dog and fries, while I snapped and posed this photo!) Just look at those HUGE tomato slices. I have to eat everything with a fork and knife it is so darn sloppy. And yes, this meal is a heart attack waiting to happen but considering I only eat like this twice a year, I think I'm allowed. So this is the REAL reason why we love exhibiting at the Los Angeles Bead Society Bazaar. Uhmmmm... I mean... no we are really at the show to support the bead society and talk to our wonderful customers. Forget I showed you all these photos and told you about my well hidden secret. Eeeek, now the world knows my weakness! And, you didn't hear about Carney's from ME. You heard all this from Jerry Connell!!

So I guess I won't see you at Carney's next time, huh?

Here's to YUMMY Chili Dogs and Fries
Lisa

Show Stop: April 27, 2008: Los Angeles Bead Society Spring Bazaar

Another show completed and this time it was a one day event at the Los Angeles Bead Society Spring Bazaar. The LABS bi-annual bazaar holds many memories for me. It was the first major show that I exhibited at, while I was a young up 'n coming glass artisan, still working full-time, as a quality assurance engineer.

Can you find my name on this list?

That first year, Fall 2004, they placed me on the STAGE. Here I thought I was "extra special" but then I found out that newbies always got placed on the stage because it was generally the least desirable location. Haha! No one really liked being under all the stage lights as it can get rather hot. Imagine glass beads under stage lights! Ouch!

You see, the bazaar is held at the Culver City Veteran's Memorial Auditorium (shown above. Notice the beautiful movie reel sculpture? This is the movie industry (as a matter of fact, Sony Pictures is just down the street) and you can't really escape Hollywood when you are in L.A. I was in the main room with a stage (aka the auditorium). I was just glad to have gotten a space at the show, since I was a new member of the society. So I was placed right smacked at center stage right in front of the mobile stairs. I was afraid that people would hurt themselves coming up to the stage to visit the "lucky" vendors placed there.

The Main Room aka Auditorium
(the stage is way in the back under the lights)

Now reflecting back, it was a pretty good darn first show for me. I consider any show where I make new connections and friends, a good show. Of course making money is good, but it's not the prime objective in my business. I think if one focuses and makes beautiful work, the money will follow. So for me it's all about the connections and re-connections, the links and friendships. I was under the limelight and I met a lot of people being at center stage. One of my future friends was none other than Karen Lewis (KLEW) who traded with me one of her beads for one of my earlier Le Fiore Vive florals. I didn't care how much or how little I sold that day, but the fact that KLEW wanted to trade with ME? Wow that was somethin' else.

Since then, I have been exhibiting at every show except one (Spring 2007.) I exhibit at this show to support the bead society and I enjoy my time spent talking to all the beaders. Couldn't you tell Sunday for those that couldn't escape my chatter? (smile) Not many photos to share at this venue but I did manage to break in the Canon, finally. Woohoo. There is more to Sunday in the next post. What next post, you ask? Be patient.

I want to thank all the customers who came to visit my booth, to thumb through Bead Romantique, to buy the book and then listened to me speak about the Japanese PPT kit. It was a fun time and I look forward to October when I see you all again! See you then, but don't drift too far, because I wanted to share with you what Nick and I love to do AFTER the LABS show. I am ready to come clean, divulge a well hidden secret and a weakness. Yes, we all have weaknesses, even ME! (smile) I'm not ashamed of it and I'm ready to tell the WORLD!

Okay, now the real truth comes out. I really only exhibit at the Los Angeles Bead Society Bazaar bi-annually because we love going to CARNEY's after the show. You twisted my arm and now I have to show you why we love Carney's so much in the next post. Don't blame me if you end up at Carney's next time you are in Studio City! I DID warn you. (smirk)

YUMMY, YUMMY for my TUMMY
Lisa

Celebration Time ... Come on

Let's Celebrate

We celebrated my Dad and sister, Sandy's birthday this Friday. My Dad and sister's birthdays are one day apart and she happens to be born on tax day! So April 15th, I would say the entire nation is celebrating her birthday by either paying the US government their taxes or getting a nice chunky refund.

I want this blog to be more about creativity, color and texture - as well as my travels, writing and/or special projects - but I couldn't help myself recently by talking about FOOD. I think this is a topic I will slip in once in awhile. Forgive me but I love food and so I can't help but talk about it from time to time. I blame the influence of the Thorntons. I'm talking about Andrew Thornton and Cynthia Thornton, of the Green Girl Studios family. I don't have much time to read other's blogs but at times, I jump over to theirs to see what they are up to. Andrew and Cynthia often talk about delicious foods. So I'm in good company in this topic. I just saw Cynthia, Greg and Azalea in Miami too as we were all at Bead Fest Miami. What a beautiful family!

Well, I can't have much dessert as you know, but on special occasions I splurge a bit. I was in charge of the birthday cake and I found a beautiful sculptural cake at Vanille de Patisserrie, the one on Huntington Dr. in San Marino, CA.

The Beautiful Cake Box

(click at any of the photos for an enlarged view)

Just look at the box which was just the beginning in the presentation of the beautiful cake! I had dibs on the box and took it home to be filled with goodies later. I tend to keep these things, beautiful boxes and papers, for inspiration later. And I'm driving Nick crazy with this "hording" behavior. Not only are books piling up and filling the house but I am starting to collect paper too! (as well as other hidden secrets, please don't tell Nick. hahah!)

The cake was a buttercream 1/2 strawberry filling and the other vanilla - 3 layers of scrumptious goodness. I was good and only had a small slice. Everyone loved it. Look at all the chocolate decorations on the top! There was dark, milk and white chocolates with HUGE sugared strawberries. They were able to fit both birthday names on a piece of chocolate. I'm sure you are reaching into your screen trying to grab a morsel of this deliciousness. So, if you are ever in Southern California, there are three branches to tempt your sweet tooth. (Irvine and Hacienda Heights are the other locations)

The COOKIES

Okay, so I didn't stop at just the cake, I bought the above cookies to give them a "test drive" and also gave the pecan cookies to Nick. I figured for putting up with me and bad-mouthing his Kodak, he deserved some treats. It turned out the green tea cookies were very tasty but TOO SWEET so I ended up giving those to Nick too. What a lucky guy. I think I will just have to test drive some other cookies, maybe biscottis (without anise, thank you very much!) next time, to find the ones with the least amount of sugar. So many mouth watering sweets at Vanille de Patisserrie.

Here's to yummy cake and cookie dreams!
Eat up and enjoy life
(in moderation)

Be at Peace,
Lisa

A View of Miami: Coral Gables: April 14, 2008 Part III

Miami's Coral Gables Part III

On My Way Home
Monday, April 14, 2008
Approximately 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

(click any of the photos for an enlarged view)

I had a 4:00p.m. flight and figured since I had "time to kill" I might as well see if I can capture MORE of Miami. I checked out at 10:30a.m. and the Sheraton manager on staff recommended Coral Gables. Of course, they were directing me to the shopping district where most tourists enjoy going. *I* however had a map, which is all I needed, to get myself into trouble . So with map at hand, I decided to drive to the coast, further down the beaten path. Hey, I'm the adventurer not just a mere "tourist" (Thanks Anthony Bourdain!). Coral Gables had lots of fancy mansions and it was an enjoyable scenic drive.

There were these wild, absolutely WILD banyan trees that seemed to "leap out from the ground" in animated suspension. I had a fun time imagining interesting stories for these trees while I drove through Coral Gables. They were SO BEAUTIFUL, captivating and eerie, but absolutely so beautiful to me.

Finally there was a stopping area further down at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove area that looked to be a vista point. Here I thought I would just take some scenic photos so I parked the little RED Chevrolet. And after snapping the photo below, the lovely Kodak decided to lose power. Aargh! I knew I forgot to do something back at the hotel, I FORGOT to charge the darn battery. Goodness, here I am WANTING to snap more photos and not being able to. Hmmm, what is a girl to do? Well THIS girl thought a mile a minute and was determined to have the battery charged so she could continue her adventure.

I decided it was probably time to have lunch and I figured, if I am nice to the restaurant staff, maybe, just maybe, they will let me charge my battery so I could continue to capture just a bit more of Miami before my flight. Okay 1.5 hours left, time is a ticking away, but I'm on the move in my little RED Chevrolet.

Peacock Park in Coconut Grove

So, I'm driving along SW 27 Ave following the arrows that told me I was going towards the airport. I spotted the Las Culebrinas Restaurant as I drove past it. Ah, there's lots of cars in the parking lot, it must be good food! I wasn't going to settle for the norm or fast food and still had a taste for what makes Miami - well, what makes Miami, MIAMI! So I did a U-Turn (legally, mind you!) and decided to give it a try. My Kodak battery was yearning to be charged baby! We had further adventures to explore. The valet parking attendant didn't even have to do his job, I saw an open spot and figured $4.00 was nothing if I could experience more of Miami. I am sure the attendant thought I was strange to park my own car but yet willing to pay him too. Ahaha!

Las Culebrinas

The friendly and wonderful waiters of Las Culebrinas who was kind enough to wait for my battery to charge so I could snap this photo of them. It's not the best photo since the Kodak takes so-so indoor shots but I had to share this with you. The restaurant is a mix of Spanish and Cuban cuisine. My mouth watered as I read dish after delicious dish on the menu. (i.e., Bistec de Palomilla, Zarzuela de Mariscos, Filete de Salmon Balsamico, Vaca Frita Marisquiada, and more! Yes I have a to go menu here still salivating with good yummy-ness!) Decisions, decisions! Only one item for lunch? It was so hard to decide what to have for lunch. My eyes wanted them all! Goodness why have I only discovered this restaurant right before I left? I would have eaten at Las Culebrinas EVERY night whilst I was in Miami if I only knew of them! (Okay, note to self "next year... when I'm back in Miami... Las Culebrinas and these guys have a definate date! Maybe several dates! haha.)

As a consummate teacher of sorts, I encouraged the guys to go to English school. Although we were able to communicate through smiles, hand gestures (not the bad ones!), slowly speaking, and some misinterpretations, I couldn't help myself but to suggest that English classes would make their lives more rewarding, living in the U.S. Okay, I should mind my own business but hey I have this BIG mouth, you know. So I was telling them I was in Miami from Los Angeles, promoting my new book, Bead Romantique. I was doing a gesture mimicking the motions of "writing on a paper" but they thought I needed a pen and paper to write something for them. HAHAHAH. Anyhow, the gentleman second from the right, was attending English school to learn how to write POETRY in Spanish. I was able to talk to him more in depth and he interpreted my comments to the others, which were followed by smiles from all of them. One of the guys even blew a kiss my direction. (smile)

The guys had a great time it seemed. They smiled at me and a few even winked at me too while I was eating my lunch. It was somewhat darling to experience. I think they thought it was strangely exciting that a Chinese woman (who loves Japanese arts) walks into their Spanish/Cuban restaurant in the United States and actually, scrumptiously enjoys their culture. I even spoke broken Spanish to entertain them. It was fun all the multiculturalism. I LOVED every moment spent at Las Culebrinas!

I passed out some business cards and told them that I will be sure to come back to visit them on my next trip back to Miami. They thought for some reason that it would soon, perhaps the same week. I told them, no "next year"and that I was flying back to Los Angeles after lunch. (Btw, my American Airlines flight was delayed ONE hour but I did make it home, exhausted with the flu, but rewarded by all my experiences in Miami - especially meeting so many wonderful people. This is what life - at least mine is all about - meeting wonderful people, having wonderful experiences and making CONNECTIONS in life. Thank you Miami!)

The wonderful linen draped ceiling ART started giving me so many ideas sitting underneath it. I couldn't stop gazing up (ALWAYS look up everyone) while I chewed on my churrasco. I must have seemed very much an odd girl, running around the restaurant, taking photos in between the battery being charged. Some other photos came out too blurry to share. SHUCKS! Oh! THAT Kodak, misbehaving at this moment. Naughty Kodak! (Note to self: Must break in Canon for next trip!)

Okay, so this is not much of a photo since I ate most of my churrasco (flank steak for those that don't know). The Kodak's battery was charging and I had mis-loaded it, so had to fix that mid meal. In the meantime, the clock was ticking and I had to eat some of this delicious lunch. The chimichurri sauce was ABSOLUTELY the BEST I have EVER had. I had churrasco at the hotel but nothing like this. The flavors, YUMMMMIE!, just thinking about it.

I learned that there are several ways of preparing plaintains. At the hotel, they served the churrasco with sweet plaintains, so it was not battered. At Las Culebrinas they serve the plaintains like potato fritters. Plaintains are DELICIOUS any which way they are prepared. I love plaintains when prepared properly. I enjoyed my entire meal but as always, the food was great but the company was EVEN better. Until next time, Las Culebrinas, I will be back (Terminator voice!)

Coral Gables City Hall

After leaving Las Culebrinas, I turned onto the shopping district of Coral Gables heading towards the airport. And then I spotted the City Hall. I looked at my watch and I was cutting it close (of course I didn't know my flight would be delayed!) but I just HAD TO stop to photograph the architectural elements of this building! I asked permission to photograph the building since there were landscapers working on the outside.

The George Merrick Statue stands in front of the Coral Gables City Hall. George Merrick was the real estate developer that is credited for planning and building Coral Gables in the 1920s, one of the first planned communities in the United States. His statue's placard states "I have given my life to the development of our city and to the working out of an ideal".

Yes, this REALLY is the City Hall of Coral Gables as shown by this placard. Look at the beautiful columns

The columns are decorated with acanthus capitals. In architecture, the capital forms the crowning member or the decorative element to a column. The design of the Coral Gables City Hall is reminiscent of Romanesque influences.

Closeup of the capital on an inner wall column. Notice the acanthus-like leaves and a Green Man ornament?

A Green Man decorates the ornate sculpture that line the building's roof. According to Wikipedia, there are many different variations of the Green Man, which is found in many cultures around the world. The Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring. Some speculate that the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.

A side entrance to the City Hall. Notice the two Green Man ornaments?

Closeup of the Green Man ornaments. Again from Wikipedia, carvings of the Green Man may take many forms, naturalistic or decorative, usually referred to in works on architecture as foliate heads or foliate maks. The simplest depict a man's face peering out of dense foliage. Some may have leaves for hair, perhaps with a leafy beard. Often leaves or leafy shoots are shown growing from his open mouth and sometimes even from the nose and eyes as well. In the most abstract examples, the carving at first glance appears to be merely stylized foliage, with the facial element only becoming apparent on closer examination. The face is almost always male; green women are rare. Green cats, lions and demons are also found.

A Green Man guarding the wall fountain. (Wikipedia) From the Renaissance onwards, elaborate variations on the Green Man theme, often with animal heads rather than human faces, appear in many media other than carvings (including manuscripts, metalwork, bookplates, and stained glass). They seem to have been used for purely decorative effect rather than reflecting any deeply-held belief.

In Britain, the image of the Green Man enjoyed a revival in the 19th century, becoming popular with architects during the Gothic Revival and the Arts and Crafts era, when it appeared as a decorative motif in and on many buildings, both religious and secular. American architects took up the motif around the same time. The Green Man traveled with the Europeans as they colonized the world. Many variations can be found in Victorian-style Neo Gothic architecture. He was very popular amongst Australian stonemasons and can be found on many secular and sacred buildings.

First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables

Some churches and/or temples have the best architectural elements and I always look for these, in my trips, if a church or temple happen to be nearby. Welcome to the First United Methodist Church of Coral Cables.

The Arabesque style arches on the church and bell tower

A closeup view of the church's doors and entry way. Another key feature I look to capture, when I seek out architectural elements in my travels, are beautiful doors. The doors are the most "welcoming" aspect of a building.

A close-up of the gorgeous Arabesque style entry way and doors. Notice the Alpha and Omega symbols on the wall. (Wikipedia) The New Testament has God declaring himself to be the "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

The Trees in Between City Hall and the Church

I love trees. Trees of life. Without trees we would not have life. Without trees we would not have oxygen. Trees are beautiful. Trees are my teachers. I love the way the branches twists as the tree reaches out to me, to the world and to us.

SO LONG Miami

But I will be back next year
Until then, THANK YOU
For some great fond memories
In your beautiful city,
With it's beautiful people,
And beautiful (delicious) food
I will think of you in between now
And again, in my dreams
Yearning to be in Miami soon, very soon
Next time, not for a show
But for pure FUN with Nick
And I'm leaving THAT Kodak home!


Haha! (smiles)

Be at Peace
Lisa