Autumn Moon

Something fun I put together for Halloween awhile back. I don't recall where I found the diamond pattern texture.

Waikiki Sunset

This photo shows the beach at our hotel in Waikiki, the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Travel Partner gets points for booking us a room with an ocean view, but the very best views were from the beach itself and every evening lots of folks would congregate there to enjoy the beautiful sunsets.

In the spirit of Halloween, I've added a texture from Shadowhouse Creations titled "Of Corpse Not."

Pumpkins

Last year we grew pumpkins in the back yard. Little did we know that the vines would try to take over most of the yard! We didn't repeat the experiment this year, but I do enjoy looking at some of the photos we took of last year's crop.

I've added a crackle texture and another texture from Shadowhouse Creations.

Hawaiian Ginger Root

This flower was part of the beautiful landscaping at the Royal Hawaiian hotel on Oahu. I confess I wasn't staying there, just walking through for a quick look. It's a very serene oasis in the midst of the shopping mecca that is Waikiki.

I've added textures from muffin and Shadowhouse Creations.

Along the Elbe

Two sphinx-like statues stand guard at the steps leading from the Elbe river to Schloss Pillnitz, not far from Dresden.  I've added  a calligraphy texture from Kerstin Frank Art.

Fountain of the Virtues

One more image from my trip to Germany. This one shows the Fountain of the Virtues (Tugendbrunnen) erected in the 16th century. Some of the virtues included are Faith, Love, Hope, Courage, Temperance and Patience. It's a bit startling to see water gushing not just from the trumpets, but from the breasts of the virtues.

I've added a texture from les brumes.

Castle and Fortified Walls

This image shows the Stadtburg section of Nuremberg castle, built in the 13th century and currently used as a youth hostel. It sits above the old walls, rising above the former moat.