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.

We real estate agents are independent contractors. That means we often work many hours for free, hoping to meet somebody buying or selling a house. This very rainy weekend I held a house open both days on Foothill Blvd, and it was looong time between few lookers. I believe this was also the weekend for NFL playoffs. No playoffs here.

Well, there is time for reflection. And whining, apparently! Things could be worse…

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 attended the League of Women Voters Soup Supper at Lema Ranch. I sat for soup with Redding Mayor, Patrick Jones. He’s a very dedicated public servant, and I came away impressed.

Above, LWV member Erin Murphy and Redding Mayor Patrick Jones. Along with great homeade food in a matchless setting, we listened to a presentation by the State Auditor’s office about the upcoming legislative redistricting. There’s more about that, and how you can be involved at this article I wrote at A News Cafe.
Seen above, Mary Stegall of the Redding City Council, getting some soup. You can learn more about the Redding LWV at their online newsletter The Voter. Also, come on over and become a friend of the League at their Facebook Group. Their mission of non-partisan voter education continues.

Ran across this bit of poignant humanity on Craigslist. Would you be willing to sell Rick his guitar back?

Sometimes a guitar is just a guitar…

The Pilgrim Congregational Church in Redding is a unique and significant building. It was designed in 1958 by world famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

” If it is true that architecture reflects the people that produce it, their life, faith, hopes and fears, the following comments will be helpful for the architect’s preparation.

There followed a description of Our Faith, Our Heritage, and Our Cultural Crisis and Position in Time. Some of the significant items were these: We believe that creative architecture will make people aware of the resources of our Christian faith. Men thirst for God and are particularly desperate in our time. For many people God is transcendent and distant. Our building ought then to reflect the intimacy and eminence of God as well as his majesty. Man, if we correctly evaluate his predicament, feels incomplete, fragmentary, and anxious. Our church ought then to enhance his desire for wholeness, and develop his capacity to fulfill his divine destiny and confirm his nature as a potential child of God.”

It’s a lovely paragraph. So interesting, that phrase “particularly desperate in our time.” 1958 seems rather idyllic when compared to 2010, but such is the nature of our perception of the present. When the resulting architecture is viewed in the context of the congregation’s stated intention, it truly is inspirational. You can read more about the present day Pilgrim Congregation here.

The church building is an understated testament as to how great architecture can capture nobility and yet remain humble. The angularity, the natural stone in concrete, the low slung ship-like main structure suspended beneath bone white cantilevered ribs, all of it integrates the intention of the architect and the Redding congregation.

When I used to work in Chicago and New York, I saw many examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and influence. We are graced to have this particularly spiritual example in our community. You can read more about his designs for sacred spaces here.

The existing church is only 20% of the original intended structure. How can we complete the vision?

The newer Sundial Bridge has become the architectural symbol of Redding. It’s a bold piece of soaring bravado. I think this church captures a more representational expression of our community and setting. I could take pictures of this all day long. It’s Really Redding.

This view greeted drivers on north Lake Blvd today.

I’m guessing what must have happened was that the tongue came off the ball. Then the rig flipped, but was held on the tow vehicle by the safety chain, and drug to the side. I’m sure that was an “Oh sh**!” moment.

It’s Really Redding.

Fatboy’s Rotisserie in Redding is on Twin View Blvd. They have a great selection of barbeque and more, and 12 beers on tap.

The food is tasty and served in very generous portions. The pulled pork is my favorite. You can add all kinds of condiments to suit your taste.

They have a meeting room area too, as seen below, with a flat screen TV. Barbeque and beer. What’s not to like?

A News Cafe ran the 3rd and final installment of my Homebrew series of articles. In case you missed it over there, you can link to it at the image below.