Christmas Truck

During our stay in Rothenburg, our hotel, the Eisenhut, was located right next to Kathe Wohlfahrt's Christmas store and its darling red truck topped by brightly colored packages. The store itself is indeed magical, with every sort of toy that a child could wish for, including my childhood favorite: cuddly stuffed animals.

Charlemagne Statue

This statue of Charlemagne stands in front of the Historical Museum in the Romerberg, the old section of Frankfurt dating from medieval times. In the background is Haus Wertheim, the only half-timbered building in the area which did not suffer damage during WWII. It now houses a pub and a bakery.

Added textures are from Shadowhouse Creations.

Rue des Bouchers

The Rue des Bouchers in Brussels, Belgium is one of those European streets that is so atmospheric in the evenings. Lined with tempting outdoor cafes offering all types of cuisine, tourists are drawn in by the friendly waiters competing for diners.

I added textures by cathair studios and Shadowhouse Creations.

Bicycle in Tuscany

A green bicycle in front of a house with green shutters in Montecatini Terme, Italy.

Shadowhouse Creations created the texture I added.

Cruising the Elbe

This river boat cruises the peaceful Elbe River from Pillnitz Palace to Dresden, Germany. This short cruise was a highlight of our trip to Germany.

I've added a texture from boccacino.

Bright Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea frame a brick arch leading to a quiet courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano. I've added a texture from Shadowhouse Creations.

Hydrant and Cactus

This photo was taken about a block from our home. The prickly pear were still blooming, but many of them had already dried up and fallen off. I liked the way in which the cactus was encroaching on the hydrant and threatening to surround it.

I've added textures by jana s, rubyblossom, and Shadowhouse Creations.

Alcatraz Lighthouse

Textures by Shadowhouse Creations and Brian Nolan create a stormy background for my photo of the lighthouse on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay.

Pienza

Taken during my trip to Tuscany a few years ago, this photo of a facade of a house in lovely Pienza features an added texture by distressed jewel.

Squirrel

This squirrel was sitting on a rock in the park by the Mountain View city library.  I've added a texture from DJ Pettit.

Siena

During my visit to Siena, the duomo facade was undergoing restoration and I had trouble taking any good exterior shots. This photo was taken from the former Medici Fortress, now a public park.

I've added textures from Les Brumes, Shadowhouse Creations and Sy Parrish.

Avignon

The Palace of the Popes was just a few minutes by foot from out hotel. During our stay in Avignon, I never tired of walking past its Gothic facade and observing its moods change from daylight to darkness.

I've added textures from boccacino, Shadowhouse Creations and sophie g.

Montepulciano

Beginning with a photo I took of a quiet back street in the Tuscan hilltown of Montepulciano, I then added a crumpled paper texture by ol wizard, resulting in an even more weathered look.

Something Different

This started out as a photo of Nyphenburg Palace in Munich. I added textures from Shadowhouse Creations and les brumes and liked the effect I ended up with after a few more adjustments.

Ships in Harbor

This small, peaceful harbor is at Enkhuizen in the Netherlands. I've added a texture by joes sistah.

Open Window

This photo was taken in Split, Croatia. I really enjoyed walking around this town and entering these old courtyards with the laundry hanging overhead. Split is a very vibrant city.

I've added textures from muffin and Shadowhouse Creations.

Protector

This statue near the Grand Canal is said to depict the winged lion protecting the Virtues of the City of Venice. The winged lion, which represents San Marco, the patron saint of Venice, is everywhere you look, not just in Venice itself, but in other towns like Verona, which were once ruled by Venice.

I've added textures by ruby blossom and les brumes.

Imagination

I like using the burst mode on my camera, but sometimes I'll wind up with a "surprise" photo I never even knew I took. Occasionally these turn out to be happy coincidences. This photo was one of those - a pensive boy against a background of blue sky with clouds. I've added a texture by pareeerica called "dreamy skies" which seems especially appropriate.

Window in the Cannaregio

I photographed this window, a study in terracotta and green, on a quiet street in the Canareggio area of Venice.  I especially liked the contrast of the lacy white curtains with the weathered and peeling shutters.

I've added textures by cleanzor and brenda starr.

Roman Colosseum

During my last trip to Rome, I finally had an opportunity to see the inside of the Colosseum and it did not disappoint. Despite the crowds, it's one of the best time machines I've encountered. I've added textures from Shadowhouse Creations and crafty dogma to this iconic sight.

Palms at Sunset

Another sunset photo from our recent Hawaii trip. I love the look of palm trees in silhouette. I've added textures from NanceeArt and boccacino posted in the Flickr free textures group.