Southwest Sun Screen ~

Here is a sun roof constructed from ocotillo spines that I spotted at Hacienda del Sol, one of Tucson's historic resort properties. 

Tucson's Elite Response Team ~

Thank goodness that Tucson has a crack team trained to spring into action in the event of a zombie attack! I feel much better knowing this...

Beauty times two ~

This is the time of year that Tucson's cactus bloom in full glory. This lavender beauty is showing off in my neighbor's front yard and the blooms will fade after just a couple of days. Enjoy it while you can! 

Tucson's Favorite Flamers ~

Celebrate the new home of one of Tucson's art/performance treasures - Flam Chen! They have a home now in the expanded west section of downtown Tucson in the Mercado district. These photos are from their recent performance of "The Fisher's Wish," Here are the details of the block party coming up this weekend.
Photos courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

The building has also vanished! Throwback Thursday....

03 MAY 2010

Bookman's Fantasy Murals ~ gone forever

THEN:

Believe me, I never dreamed that this website would ever serve as any kind of historical record about Tucson but at least in this one case, it really will. Sadly the Bookman's store at Grant & Campbell has painted over all of their splendid fantasy murals to use the wallspace for..... advertising. Bob, Bob ~ what were you thinking???

So, here from my photo stash is the last of the medieval series that once enchanted store shoppers and Grant Road drivers alike. As you know from my previous postings, the staffers had named all of the mural characters. Depicted here is sweet Pip (Pretty in Pink) trapped in the tower as Evil Queen Wendy and Dr. Volt each scheme how to harm her. Assuring her of his love below is... who else but... Romeo.

These murals were a wonderful, quirky addition to the Tucson cultural landscape. I am very sorry that they have been eliminated. To see the whole series, click on the "Bookmans" label on the bottom of this post.
http://www.bookmans.com/

NOW:

Not only are these murals long gone but now the building is gone as well! The old Bookmans store at Campbell and Grant has fallen to the wrecking ball. I have no idea what will next occupy that corner. 

Guardian of Myra Drive ~

Years ago I posted this Knight in Shining Armor on the site and I forgot all about him until a site follower forwarded this photo. Obviously, years later he still stands guard on Myra Drive. These homeowners have quite an English sense of humor, yes?
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Only venemous lizard in the U.S. lives here!

For today's Tuesday Tucson Trivia let's talk about the Gila Monster. It is the only venemous lizard in the U.S. and it makes its home here in the Sonoran Desert. They are very sluggish so it is actually rather difficult for a human to get bitten. For more info (including how they sound), click here.