I stumbled upon this unique narrative, and want to share. This blog follows the lives of a homeless young girl Alice, and her father Kev. They are Sims.

For those unfamiliar, Sims 3 is a complex and very popular computer simulation game that allows players to build communities of simulated people living simulated lives. Although the initial setup and play is controlled by the gamer, the characters have a degree of autonomy, and something akin to free will. In this narrative Alice and Kev are a homeless father and daughter, and the blog follows their daily lives.

Reading draws you into their world. Without giving it away, the unexpected humanity is revealed within the irrationality of it all. Like any fiction, something about our human condition becomes poignant, even though none of what your read really happened. Thought provoking and fresh. Well worth your time.

Not Really Redding, to be sure. Sim Redding, absolutely.

Manzanita is truly ubiquitous around here. The hardy bush thrives in solid clay, hard rock, and parched earth. I’ve sometimes heard harsh language used to describe this tenacious plant, for all sorts of reasons. But then I’ve seen the leaves sparkle in morning frost and dew. And I’ve admired the sculptural reddish wood as it gnarls and flows into resilient branches. Both loved and hated, Manzanita is just a fact of life around here. But this ornamental use of it is unique.

Located on Highway 299W, you’ll see these fanciful beauties on your right, just before Swasey Drive as you head toward Whiskeytown. I’ve admired these for a long time.

I just think these specimens are fabulous. The disciplined trimming reveals their inner beauty. Given this plants hardiness and ability to adapt under Redding’s often extreme climate, it’s odd that we don’t see this use more often. True Xeriscaping. I’ve seen folks go to bizarre lengths to keep a lawn green around here, as though Redding was somehow the British Isles. Meanwhile, you could plant these ornamentals in your yard and likely never water them. Just fertilize occasionally with chunks of cement and broken glass, and watch ‘em grow. It’s Really Redding.

Last weekend was 1/2 price entry for Redding residents. I took a few shots of the Arboretum. There were a lot of folks out enjoying the sunny day.







Still early Spring, so not much in bloom there. Coming soon though, so don’t miss it. It’s Really Redding.

Posting about sculptor Man of Steel in Shingletown the other day reminded me that David Allred has a showing currently at the The Old City Hall Art gallery.

Dave’s work is really lovely. This is a small sample of what you can find there.


On top of that, Dave’s a neighbor of mine. He lives around the corner and down a ways. It’s Really Redding.

Shingletown is blessed to be the home of the Man of Steel, sculptor Doug Stewart.

Doug Stewart’s artistic and fanciful life-sized metal renderings of animals dot the landscape. They share space with larger-than-life busy insects made durable in steel and stone.


You can learn more about Shingletown’s Man of Steel at his artist website.



His art is a prominent feature of this gallery at he corner of Hwy 44 and Black Butte Road. This Shingletown art gallery building is for sale too, and you can read more about it at the link. It’s a building with as many creative possibilities as the art it contains.

Sunday, I ran several photos I took of last Saturday’s benefit fashion show titled “The Collage.” I got some OK shots. But ultimately the most beautiful photo I saw was this, captured by my evening companion, the lovely Karry, using a Nikon S570. This is Kim, of Kimberly Nicole Boutique. The full size shot is really nice, with poetic depth and grace, and a good balanced composition. It’s a shot I wish I could say I took! I hope you enjoy this web version. Our thanks to the model, and again to all the models and show participants.

Took a few quick photos at the Fashion Show held yesterday at the Old City Hall to benefit the Shasta County Arts Council, and support our local clothing and jewelery designers. It was a terrific show and a lot of fun. We have some really talented local people. Here’s some quick photos:







Erin with Kimberly, of Kimberly Nicole Boutique.

It’s Really Redding.

You can see 38 local models show off work from 11 regional designers, a team of stylists, and 70 pieces of wearable art. The event at the Old City Hall Gallery begins at 8:30, but the doors open at 6:15, and there is an after party until 11 pm. More about this fun event at A News Cafe. This is a unique idea for our town being tried out by some very enterprising young people. I hope to see you there joining us in support of a stronger local arts and fashion community. Photo Courtesy of Vincent Kessinger Photography

We love the odd ones here. This Santa is on Oasis Road.


It’s Really Redding.

“Saw” this yard sculpture at a probate property sale in Bella Vista yesterday and just had to post it. You can picture the scene:
“Grandpa, what are you going to do with all those old sawblades?” asked Grandma.
“I’m making a ’saw horse,’ get it? Hee!” he replied.
Grandpa was a hoot. Even painted mostly aqua blue, it’s a little hard to make it out in the photo, but it’s striking enough in person. You can buy Grandma and Grandpa’s old 2 acre slice of Bella Vista life, including their 2 pigeon coops(?) for $179K.

Really Redding