Castro wires, one bird

This is just a b&w picture of a bunch of wires on a post, taken in the morning, then given a "negative" effect. The bird (a robin)'s presence is enhanced in negative. The original (positive) photo is at the bottom of this page. 

Wires on Pole, Castro, Oct 2012 (negative).

 I was struck by the convergence of wires on this post one spring evening last year. I was waiting for a show at the Castro Theater. The line was so long it wrapped around the corner to the sidewalk in front of these houses. I looked up, astonished at these wires, certain everyone else was noticing the same thing. They didn't seem to. I kept it under wraps and returned later, one fall morning. It was my secret for several months. When I returned, it still was just as astounding to me as it was several months prior.

I guess this is what a photographer, or a poet, does -- sees everyday things as extraordinary. That doesn't mean that everyone would think the sheer numbers of wires attached to this pole to be something extraordinary. I'm grateful that it was to me, because it added something unique and personal to my cityscape.

Wires on Pole, Castro, Oct 2012 (positive).

Lizard Tail

Lizard tail (Eriophyllum staechadifolium) is a medium-sized shrub that grows in coastal scrub. You need to come to California to see this plant, and once in California, head to the Pacific Coast. Once there, find a plot of undisturbed or restored habitat, such as in the Presidio, and you're certain to locate this species. It is especially easy to located in summer months, when golden flowers gracing the domed structure of its wind-sculpted stands gives it away.

Eriophyllum staechadifolium, Presidio, November 2012.

Also note the leaf texture, shape and structure. According to Calflora's incredibly thorough and indepth online California Plant Names dictionary, the Latin name for lizard tail means "woolly-leaved, leaves like lavender." I wonder if the lavender reference refers to the bluish/greyish cast that the leaves have (seen better in color) or their aromatic character. The leaf structure is not like that of lavender. But, the leaves don't smell like lavender -- more like sage -- so I'm not sure if that's the reference either.

To find native plants in California, check out this resource: 
http://www.calflora.org/entry/places.html

For more info on Midwestern natives, here's another online resource: 
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/

If you have a similar page for your region, post the link in Comments.

Towel Drying

There's something magical about the light behind this towel drying on our new porch. The towel could actually be a sunny swimming pool seen from far above. I'm pleased to have composed this. I never would have seen this with color film in the camera.

We should all strive to use clotheslines if available. Catey and I are fortunate enough to have a Butts Manufacturing Model R400 retractable clothesline on our front porch.  Currently hanging on it: a thrift-store purchased ladies' polyester disco suit; a rug; seven already re-used zipper-lock bags; and a compostable trash bag that has already been used to store organic celery in our high-efficiency fridge, and will be used again for our minimal trash.

Ahh, Marin.

Towel Drying, Mill Valley, 2012.