ART, ARCHITECTURE & MOTORCYCLES IN DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA

Today I was on a mission. To explore my neighborhood of Santa Ana, look at things from a unique perspective through the lens of my camera, and try to capture some of its beauty to share with the world.

So, this morning my husband Tim & I saddled-up on our Harleys and rode into Downtown Santa Ana - parked in front of the Artist's Village - loaded-up on caffeine at The Gypsy Den - and then spent some quality time wandering the streets, exploring every nook & cranny of every building we could find.  

I love this town. Founded in 1869, it's rich with Californian history and culture. I first moved here almost 10 years ago, and it was a completely different place then.  I always had hope for Santa Ana, though, and in recent years it has undergone a complete transformation. It's in the midst of a Renaissance - with new restaurants, bars, shops & art galleries opening regularly in its many newly-restored buildings. What used to be run-down and downright scary at times is quickly becoming a fun, safe, fantastic city to hang out in.

If you haven't been to Downtown Santa Ana lately, then you should definitely check it out - restaurants & bars such as Chapter One: The Modern Local, Lola Gaspar, The Copper Door, The Crosby, Proof Bar and Memphis Cafe are just the tip of the iceberg. Next Saturday, June 18th, 2011 is a GREAT opportunity to come down & check it all out at the 'Posse on Broadway' event in Downtown Santa Ana from 9pm - 2am where 11 venues will host 11 events with free admission for all. 

Meantime, if you don't live locally, I hope these photos can give you a small taste for Santa Ana's beauty...

THE ANNE WATSON PHOTO GIVE-AWAY CONTEST!

It's here - The Anne Watson Photo Give-Away Contest!  I thought it was time to give a little something back, so I've created a super-easy-to-enter contest in which you can win an 8 x 10 matted & framed print of your choice from the Anne Watson Photo Gallery. 

There are two incredibly easy ways to enter:

1) Click on the Anne Watson Photography Facebook Page and hit the 'Like' button to become a fan of Anne Watson Photo on Facebook - All Fans are automatically entered in the contest!

2) Share something about the Anne Watson Photography Facebook Page on your Facebook Wall & tag us in the post to be entered a second time & increase your chances of winning!

The winner will be announced next week - So, be sure to get your entries in ASAP! Good luck!!

A LITTLE THING I LIKE TO CALL 'MOTORCYCLE CHURCH'...

I've found many ways to feel at peace in my life amidst the madness of daily existence - Yoga is a main one for me. As are things such as an early-morning walk with our pugs, a good laugh with my incredibly funny husband, and even cooking a particularly fantastic meal... there is a feeling of peace that comes through the pure enjoyment of these moments.  And, I suppose this is a reflection of my general attitude towards life as a whole - that life is meant to be enjoyed.

Photography is another form of meditation for me. I love to envision an image far before I ever hold the camera to my eye... I find life in general to be so inspiring, I probably drive my husband crazy sometimes with the number of times a day I say, "Oh wow! Let me grab the camera, because that would make an amazing photo!"

So, last but not least... a rather unexpected place where I've found peace in recent years - probably more than anywhere else in my life - is in the saddle of my motorcycle. A dear friend of mine gave me a sign for my bridal shower last year that I proudly display in our living room that reads, "You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office."  Amen.

So, on Sunday mornings some people go to church to feel closer to God. For me - I ride my motorcycle. And, I call it 'Motorcycle Church'. Alone with God, on my 'bike, the empty Sunday-morning streets, a refreshing chill in the air and nothing but my thoughts & the sound of 1600cc's rushing around inside my helmet.