Trompe L'oeil Loveseat ~

So - maybe at first glance this looks like a cozy spot for resting your feet after a hard day of shopping... but look again. These festive floral "cushions" aren't fabric - they are cement and tile! Yep, you will definitely NOT get to sink down into these cushions. Oh my aching back!

http://www.stphilipsplaza.com/

Rest, contemplate, enjoy Tucson's sun ~

Rounding out the week of images, here's even more wonderful, colorful tile work to enjoy in St Philip's Plaza. This brick and tile bench is so festive. I'd love to have a bench like this on my patio at home!

http://www.stphilipsplaza.com/

Walking on fruits, flowers, fish & sunshine ~

Here's another view of the plaza. These gorgeous and colorful tiles transform an ordinary staircase into a fun walkway. Each stair riser is decorated with a different theme - flowers, fish, birds, fruits, stars & planets, and - on the top - the everpresent Tucson sun.

http://www.stphilipsplaza.com/

Luscious planters with luscious plantings!

During our conference sessions' breaks we get to enjoy the lovely plaza that surrounds the hotel. Here are some of the gorgeous, brilliantly colored tile planters. Bright tile work is everywhere ~ planters, steps, benches, tables...

http://www.stphilipsplaza.com/

So...European!

Lucky me - this week I'm attending a conference at the lovely Windmill Inn. Here is an assortment of bicycles that are available for guests. The hotel is situated in beautiful St Philip's Plaza ~ a charming shopping area with several nice restaurants, courtyard fountains, and festive tile work.

http://www.windmillinns.com/TUCShome.html

Cactus for Cleveland, Bobcat for Boise ~

The group of vendors who sell their wire & metal art in this gas station's parking lot tell me that most of their sales are to winter visitors who want to bring a bit of Arizona back with them. I suppose nothing suprises airport security - including a 4' long metal cut out of a bobcat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobcat

Snowy Succulent ~

I just love it when it snows here! The desert landscape is totally transformed and even the ubiquitous agave suddenly looks regal and mysterious. The agave is often referred to as a cactus but it's actually more closely related to the lily and amaryillis. And the heart of the blue agave is the source for... you guessed it.... tequila.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agave