Chihuly at Phipps: Gardens & Glass

I got lost in a happy dream at The Phipps Conservatory on my last night in Pittsburgh. I'm so happy that Tacy and Nancy told me about the Chihuly at Phipps: Gardens & Glass exhibit. I didn't know who Dale Chihuly was before this trip (he just happens to be one of the world's greatest glass artists, known for his work around the globe like the famous ceiling at The Belagio in Las Vegas! Find out more at www.chihuly.com)... but I instantly fell in love with his amazing work.

This is what greeted me as I entered the Conservatory and looked up...

Seeing that I was alone, the kind tour guide offered to take my photo with the red-orange serpents...

The one-way pathway brought me outdoors where I saw this one-of-a-kind yellow fountain...

...and this huge tower of pretty pink ice cubes (with the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning in the background!).

The sun was fast setting (it must have been around 8:30 PM) and when I went back inside, they had switched on the lights, bringing an instant magical feel to the whole place (as if it wasn't magical enough!). This is the centerpiece of the exhibit...

...but this blue room (blue pieces softened by silvery plants) also took my breath away...

...as did the giant clam-shaped, swirly-and-splattered bowls below.

I went back to serpent room, now all lit up, to wave goodbye...

The exhibit runs until November 11, 2007 so if you're anywhere near Pittsburgh, you shouldn't miss this!

Panglao in Full Color

BLUE . On a boat heading to Balicasag Island, off of Panglao.ORANGE. A starfish swimming in Panglao's crystal clear waters. GREEN. My view from the poolside lounge chairs. YELLOW. Leaves basking in the sunshine.WHITE. Powdery white sand... with countless of these perfect coils. BROWN. Wooden slabs on the balcony overlooking the beach. PURPLE. A giant, alien-like jellyfish (that doesn't sting). BLACK & SILVER. Dolphins off of Panglao Island. (Watch these four videos and please clap and cheer with us!)




CRYSTAL CLEAR. Snorkeling heaven at Balicasag Island.

Tomorrow

Two of my favorite shots of Panglao Island. One year and one week since these photographs, I'll find my way back here, a little piece of quiet space, on a well-deserved (but short) vacation to Elsewhere.

She Was All Yellow

A burst of bright yellow along Bauan Street. Perfect against the solid blue sky. This tree has since disappeared. To all the fallen trees after Milenyo, may you find your space in Tree Heaven. Say hello to my bright yellow friend.