Chapter 49 - Redwood City Walk

For this trip to Amy's in California I had flown down. That meant I was sans personal transportation. That's a real game changer. It seems such a small thing but not having your own means of getting about does seriously change the whole experience.

Amy had commented several times prior to my visit about my lack of personal mobility aka The Mini. I shrugged it off and confidently told her I'd be OK. For the most part I was. I was limited in getting to the store (laziness was a huge factor there) and I certainly could have gotten out to shoot in different places around the Bay Area but, on the whole, I was only minimally affected by having no car.

It may have played on Amy's nerves more than mine. There was a day, I think the day after Christmas, when Amy made a, to me, strong suggestion that I get out and take me a nice, long, leisurely walk.

Hahaha, OK. Usually I can't catch a hint even if my life depended upon it but, this time, I not only caught that hint but I acted on it, quickly.

It was time for me to get out and stretch my legs. Time for Amy to spend some quality time with her kids without me standing on the side. It was time for a small adventure.

And so this is the theme for this chapter. Ol' Smilin' Jack gettin' out and about with his new camera. The only problem was that I had no way to get out of the immediate area. It was all foot-power and that energy source was definitely limited.

Bottom line was I hauled my hefty posterior out and put it on the road. Walking with the camera. Seeing the world. Being a big boy.

And I'm becoming bolder, somewhat. I patiently waited for all the traffic to go by before standing in the street for this shoot looking northwest up Broadway in RWC.

Just having fun, taking a few 'context' pictures and enjoying myself. And forcing myself to fight my self-consciousness, without being an ass about it, to explore angles, views and ideas.

This RWC is something else. Small town America swallowed up by Suburban America. And yet the small town survives. 

It's architecture is beautiful, distinct and, almost, timeless. Like Peets. What a pleasing, clean, stately building. I don't know what it was originally but I can imagine the pride the builders might have taken in creating this. The pleasure the owners might have taken in coming to THEIR business and opening it up each day.

Color is important. Color can, much like B&W, make a mundane scene into something dynamic and compelling.

Like this silly shot of pigeons on top of a yellow brick building. There's nothing in the whole to suggest this would be an interesting picture but the color...the brick set against the sky with the straight lines...broken only by the irregular placement of the pigeons. It calls to me.

A long time ago before the road was rerouted, this gateway sign welcomed everyone to Redwood City, Climate Best by Government Test.

Here's the story behind the slogan: Starting before World War I, the U.S. and German governments began conducting climate surveys and gathering meteorological data. Their findings revealed Redwood City to be one of the world's three best climates (The other two? The Canary Islands and the Mediterranean Coast of North Africa). These findings were printed by local newspapers and read by a happy public delighted to discover their climate to be the best by government test. Even if one of the governments was German.

And, hey, it's a catchy slogan for a sign

Mind you, I am amblin' along now. Taking my time. Shooting this and that. Seeing.

Hahaha, that's one of the things I like most about photography. It forces, causes, allows me 'see' the world. It gives me reason to look a bit closer; to be more aware; to actually 'connect' with my surroundings rather than just pass through them on the way to Point B from Point A.

And I get to see the trees, buildings, colors, cars, shades, umbrellas, the sign...the whole nine yards.

I'm always attracted to this City Hall. It's an imposing structure meant to convey power, strength and a respectful solemnity. Which it does. It's impressive in its solidity, it's symmetry.

Plus it always reminds me of the City Hall from Back to the Future. All it's missing is the clock.

It was a pleasant afternoon. Cool weather working with a clear blue sky. Of course the plaza was filled with folks enjoying the day.

A detail from one of the fountains lining the plaza. There's a picture in there but I didn't allow myself the time to explore it. I know I shouldn't but I am restrained by the notion that people will think I'm a pretentious ass with my little camera shooting dull, moronic pictures in my asinine little life.

Hahahaha, it's a hurdle I haven't been able to get past yet...but one I am always working on.

Just not today.

Colors, lines, angles, shades.

Not great art but, y'know, it's good for, I don't know, telling a story? For establishing context? A photographic essay of the city?

I sometimes think I could shoot a really good brochure/portfolio of a particular area. In other words, my photography could have some value...just not necessarily as art.

I do feel I can weave a semi-interesting story around my pictures. And, as proof, I offer the albums from the Troop and Pack FaceBook pages. The pictures need just a little clarifying and, POW, there's a neat little story.

Call me cynical or jaded, but I am always surprised by the vitality, vigor, life of this small downtown area. I've seen too many small towns that are either dead or just missing the mark for revitalizing. This one works. 

I always enjoy walking through the downtown. Always busy, filled with energy. Always interesting for someone who is looking.

Like the plaza in the front of the Old City Hall. There was some guy juggling for kids off camera to the left. People camped out under the umbrellas, reading, sipping coffee, chatting, relaxing. And the backdrop of the city's architecture, both old and new, to frame the afternoon.

Hooah!! 

You can tell I loves me some deep blue sky. 

I didn't realize it while I was exploring but I really do have a thing for straight lines. I know I've mentioned it before but when you look at these pictures the shapes, patterns, themes are usually around lines. Movements pushing against each other. Pointing somewhere. Pushing against the grain in a lot of the pictures.

Hmmmmmm, very deep, Jackie.

I like the idea of sidewalk cafes. I think it's so European. Sadly, when I see it in the States it's usually carved out of a space where it was never intended to be and so I always think it's over-reaching. Trying to be artsy, avant-garde, outre. And I always think it fails. It doesn't fit. 

But, still, I like the idea.

This shot was to establish context. A frame of reference as it were for the picture after this. I had made it past the table in the center of the picture when I finally acknowledged what I had seen as I walked into this scene and so I went back a ways and then shot this and then zoomed in for the detail that caught my attention.

It was this splash of color against the starkness of the white plate and black napkin resting on and framed by the earth tones.

It was this autumn leaf which randomly moved into this scene and looked as if someone had placed it there as an accent; an affectation to establish how cutting-edge, artsy, organic and hip the restaurant is.

It both amused and pleased me.

Part of the attraction of the downtown is the effort the merchants put into not only the exteriors of their businesses but also the interiors. 

Like this candy store. Seriously well done. Tempting. Everything, from the shadows on the floor to the afternoon light reflecting off the pine walls covered with sweets, invites me in. 

Hahaha, but I was strong. I resisted. I've been by this candy store maybe a dozen times and never, ever gone inside. I think next time I will brave temptation and actually go inside. 

I think they've kept the original signage, the tiles framing their name and wares. I think this because I've never seen any stationary inside the store. But it's a neat touch linking the past with the present.

Again you can see the respect and love the current owners have for their buildings.

Coolio.

Hahaha, blue skies and great architecture combined with trees for an interesting tableau.

Look at the detail, the complexity, the simplicity of the building. My gosh it's beautiful.

You know I loves me some lines and angles but modern architecture, with its cheap attempt at being arty with bare walls and plain features really falls short. No comparison.

The folks back then weren't fabricating a building...they were creating a monument. A lasting tribute to themselves and to their community.

They were making a statement.

We've lost that.

A small tribute to the Season.

This is on the building in the picture above. I can feel the pride in self, in city and in country. 

These men made a difference and wanted to make a mark upon their world. They expressed their satisfaction with being a member of their community and their country.

They were proud to be Americans.

I liked the juxtaposition of the ornamental building with its baroque extravagance pushed against the anarchy of the tree with no discernible pattern, rhyme or reason. But in its chaos, the tree mimics the art and busy beauty of the building.

And it's an interesting angle for a picture.

Hahahaha, I am such a phony artist!!

A detail.

I marvel at the men who could 'see' this in their minds and then make it a reality for all to share. 

This is the building seen in the previous pictures.

Called the Fitzpatrick Professional Center now, it is composed of two formerly separate structures. The first was originally the home of the Pioneer Drugstore. The second building, on the corner, held the offices of the Bank of San Mateo County.

The bank building was heavily damaged during the 1906 earthquake. They have photos of the damage showing the cupola sitting on the street.

The building sat vacant for over 40 years until 1982 when it was renovated and combined with the other building.

They done good.

Ahhhhh, autumn and the changing colors of the leaves. Disregard that it is Winter, it's California, things move at a slower pace around here.

I enjoyed the riots of color, primarily reds and yellows, that I encountered walking here and there about town. Keen stuff.

Like these...I was able to see a glimpse of potential (although I didn't work at exploring it or exploiting it) with the yellow leaves against that wonderfully blue California Sky.

I needed a tripod, some patience and a great deal more effort in composing my scenes. I should have taken a couple dozen shots but I satisfied myself with just a few. 

That's my style.

But, upon reflection, I think it was an opportunity lost.

I like the subtle colors especially the light green rimming the edges of the leaves. Maybe a different angle to eliminate that dark hole in the center. Maybe a bit more effort.

Learning.

I saw this scene and in my mind's eye it was a B&W. 

All patterns, shapes, shades and angles...

I missed the mark but I was on the trail of...something. It had potential.

I had walked up to the Dollar Tree to buy sunglasses and some other small stuff but that store was pretty much bare. The shelves were, for the most part, empty. There were no sunglasses!! What the...!?!

There were, still, plenty of people, and once I ascertained the absence of sunglasses for sale I dropped the idea of buying the rest of the things I had wanted to purchase and beat a hasty retreat.

Ah, well, it was a good place to walk to.

The Adventure Continues - In Reverse!

Back down Broadway I went. For some excitement, I walked back on the opposite side of the street. If I've got to go from A to Z in my world I would always rather try a different route than the one I just traveled...even if only by a little bit.

There's the candy store from the other side of the street. 

And, as time, age, my sore feet and my aching back told me, it was necessary for me to take a load off and have a seat. Plus, I needed to waste some time so I decided I would sit for at least 15 minutes.

And while I was sitting, I could watch the passing Parade of Humanity, RWC Style. And I did, just beyond the Fox Theatre.

The Fox Theatre opened in January of 1929. Not a particularly good time to open a new movie house. The owner, John Arkursh, was key in designing the theatre using various styles to create the Moorish feel on the inside and the gothic feel on the exterior.

The Theatre was renovated in 1950 to allow stage productions in addition to showing movies. After the renovations the theatre became a popular venue for artists like Vanessa Williams, Etta James, Neil Young, Melissa Etheridge and BB King.



Pretty classy, eh!?! 

Can you see the excited kids streaming through these doors to see Peter Pan when it was first released in 1953? Or maybe a young guy with his girl trying to look cool and full of teenage angst as they sauntered into the theatre to catch a movie by that new kid, James Dean. It was 1955 when Rebel Without a Cause was released and kids had their first anti-hero.

And it happened here.

The architecture alone could be a whole day's adventure. Look at that. We don't come close these days.

And, speaking of classy architecture, there's the Old San Mateo County Courthouse. Built in 1910, it was the fourth Courthouse for the County on this site. Earthquakes seemed to have it in for the Courthouse.

This dome was salvaged from the damaged third Courthouse and incorporated into the design of the fourth, and final Courthouse in this plaza for San Mateo County.

Built in the Roman and Renaissance revival style, it was known as the "Temple of Justice" when it was opened.

Someday I am going to go inside of this old beauty.

So I've been sitting, enjoying both the weather and the passing scenery and playing with my fancy-dancy new camera. And having a relatively restful and relaxing time.

Naturally, I realized it was time to experiment a bit with the new toy.

B&W!!

Hahahaha, you saw that coming, didn't you!?!

Still self-conscious and ill-at-ease, I quietly zoomed that bad boy out and snuck my pictures in from afar.

Street scenes. I've always been intrigued by this idea but I've never seriously pursued it. Maybe, with this fancy-dancy, high-powered new camera I might.

Maybe.

In the meantime, it was fun to 'reach' out and nab a piece of time out of the day. To capture it and hold it for my own.

This came as close to what I was thinking (feeling?). A candid (I have a penchant for candids although I freely admit I suck at them).

I missed the right dynamic. Whether it was the body movements of the two girls or the composure with the folks in the background or what, I don't know yet. I saw something (and I felt, then, that this might be my favorite picture because I was seeing the foreground girls and the background couple) but I missed it. 

But, doggone it!! I saw something!! That's a start, right!?! Hahahaha, now to work on my vision as well as my finding the Decisive Moment. That instant that sets your pictures apart from the crowd of others.

I could see where I would need some practice...well, a lot of practice. I could see potential but I couldn't get to it...yet.

I liked this because the background is out of kilter...like it's being seen through mottled glass.

I think this effect came about because I had accidentally slipped the camera into the 'Macro' mode. That affects the focusing of the camera to allow you to get close. I think it may have thrown off the distant background in its attempts to focus on something much, much closer.

I think.

And then this. 

This is an extreme blow-up. There was plenty of nothing behind in front and to the sides of this trio of strangers in the original picture but I zoomed it in and cut out the waste.

I don't know, three strangers passing on a street. A barely acknowledged Mom toting her baby who is seeing something else to her front while the man walks by with a fixed look upon his face. And, looking at it now I can't remember who was in front or how they moved as they passed because it looks like he will walk into the woman and her child.

Originally, I had seen him striding towards the corner and wanted his picture...and I got that tunnel vision and missed everything going on around him so that I was surprised when I pulled the picture out of the camera and saw how close, in the picture, the mother and child were.

Learning.

I had sat for my self-imposed 15 minutes. I have to force myself to stay seated or in one place. I knew my purpose was to spend some time on this walk and so I disciplined myself to sit in order to make sure I wasn't back too quickly.

But I was on the move, again!! In color!! And why not!?! Look at those leaves against the sky!!

Totally cool!!

And the Old County Courthouse, too.

Clean lines. A plan. Order. 

Love the old architecture. It appeals to me.

Speaking of patterns, I caught these shadows. Abstracts in a way.

And I flipped back and forth between B&W and Color trying to find the combination that worked best.

Hahaha, I took around 20 or so pictures of these patterns. I used three. You're welcome.

Although both you and I know I wanted to put a lot more of them on this blog. Hahahaha, I am predictable. But it's that discipline thing. I'm working on self-editing now. Not everyone, I realize, has the elegant, refined and highly sophisticated sense of beauty that I have.

And I was so absorbed in 'taking' the pictures that I didn't 'see' the flowers were painted onto the blasted sidewalk. I didn't see it at all until a few days later while walking with Amy she pointed out some other paintings on the sidewalk along Broadway and I made the connections.

Duh.

A candid street scene. What do you think? I'm thinking I want to explore this. Put it in my "To Do" bag of Picture-Taking.

You've been warned so don't whine to me about it.

OK, quick sidestep for a little humor.

I saw this gray van.

Then I saw the license plate.

And these things. I wanted so badly to get a decent picture of one of these (they're all over the place). I didn't because I couldn't isolate them or control the background.

My thing with shooting flowers is to not 'create' the picture by manipulating the scene, moving things out of the way or doing something to alter the composition. It's silly, I know, but it's my point-of-pride. I gets them as they is.

And I couldn't ever get a suitable background for one of these. I wanted to get that thing on the right out of the picture but then I couldn't get what I wanted without the frames in the windows behind it and...ad nauseam.

I tried, maybe six or seven times in different places to get a shot of this plant but, this one was the best of a bad litter.

And so I ran with it.

Sue me.

The ambiguous Liquor Store.

A Southern California staple. 

To be sure, all the other states have liquor stores but they don't present themselves like a Southern California liquor store, a definite je ne sais quoi.

They could be the subject for a coffee-table book all by themselves.

Whup!!

Hahaha, a Black Phoebe!!

Max had seen one and pointed him out to me a couple days before while we were at the park.

Now, here I was, walking by the park and, POW, I spotted this guy. And he hung around long enough for me to get this shot...but not a good shot. 

Hey!! I'm happy!! I got to see him and it was fun that he showed himself to me in roughly the same place where we had met before.

Coolio!!

Still feeling like I could waste a little more time and that I still had some gas left in the ol' engine. I walked on past the turn to Amy's and reminisced my way down a couple of those very distinct and wonderful California suburban streets. 

When I walk these I can't help but feel a tug back to that 13/14/15-year old Jackie who walked everywhere he wanted to go. Through neighborhoods much like these.

The smell, the houses, the sidewalks really do transport me at times.

And I stood in the middle of the street to get this. I'd like to get the same shot when the trees are full. A different feel for the same subject, I'm sure.

And this.

I've never seen these before and I doubt I'll ever see them anyplace else than in California.

A Gnome Village at the base of a tree along the sidewalk.

Some places can't make up their minds as to which season they're in.

It's WINTERTIME, Guys!!

And another. 

Only. In. California.

Love the mature trees in these old neighborhoods. And I also enjoy the compression effect you get when you zoom out as far as you can. 

Kinda stacks those trees up on each other.

There is something about a backlit flower. It's a different kind of beauty when you shoot them this way. A whole new subject.

I'm still learning about the abilities of this new camera. It doesn't seem to have the great Macro ability my little SX 170 has.

Or maybe I need to learn how to effectively use it.

One of the two, I'm sure.

I'd been walking for nearly four hours and so I felt it would be alright to head on back to Amy's.

This house. I've mentioned this to Amy, oh, say, about 50 or so times, but it has almost the exact same floor plan as the house I grew up in in Sun Valley. 

My house was a three-bedroom versus this two-bedroom and the back door exit is different but the restroom, the kitchen, the living room, the hallway, the dining room...straight out of my childhood!!

I can still see it. I could see where my Mom and Dad put their Christmas Trees. Where our B&W TV stood, where the couch was that Mom would take a nap on and sometimes let me lay down with her when I was real little.

I could see where we boys had to come up the hallway and into the kitchen for breakfast before we could look and see if Santa came. I could smell the gas stove as my Mom turned on the oven with the door open to warm up the kitchen. And the coffee pot  was percolating. 

Anyway, it's fun for me to visit (in several ways) this house.

And so I'll finish this particular chapter of my California Adventure.

Again they'll be out of order but, then, life is a bit out of order so who cares. It's the story...not the story line that counts.



And that is my life...so far.