Yesterday, my first full day here in Phoenix was a real treat. A brand new Mormon Temple is currently open to the public before it's dedication in March and the friends that I am visiting here in Arizona were able to obtain tickets for the tour. Oh my, what a beautiful building to behold. There were no pictures allowed inside, so dang-it I can't show you the stunning details from those inner walls, but trust me, it was a sight. Marble floors imported from Jerusalem, inlaid tile work, stain glass windows, art pieces, a baptismal font supported by 12 life sized oxen representing the 12 tribes of Israel, Swarovski crystal chandeliers that dazzled like diamonds, brocade covered seating....room after room of impressive beauty. We were allowed to photograph the outside, which is indeed a beautiful building, but the inside revealed it's true beauty.
While standing in line to enter the building I spotted another sweet hummingbird...
And the evening treated us to a stunning sunset.
A sweet little House Finch perched on a cactus singing her heart out...
An interesting Saguaro cactus...
Poppies planted beside a mailbox.....sigh!!
Then this afternoon we were off to the movies to see "Blue Jasmine" with Cate Blanchett. Stunning performance, I can certainly see why she has been nominated for an Academy Award and once again another interesting movie from Woody Allen. He sure packed an emotional whollop into this one.
Tomorrow another great day is planned, meeting up with my photography & blogging gal pals Terri, Barb H and Barb B what fun we will have.
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Until next time....
Stunning photos! You caught such a lovely photo of the hummingbird. It seems so strange to see such photos in January! I'm glad you're having a good (and warm) time. :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a treat you are . . . Treating me/us to such beauty while you are in your vacation "treat time." The Temple photos are stunning . . . and the mailbox flowers had me over the moon!
ReplyDeleteThank You . . .
You made it to Phoenix - yeah! Your photos are absolutely stunning! Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteThat is a glorious temple - bummers you couldn't photograph the inside. Looks like you have some beautiful weather, enjoy yourself outdoors.
ReplyDeleteLove that little finch framed by the cactus, and those poppies ... oh my how gorgeous! See you later! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great time with the girls. The Temple looks gorgeous on the outside or I am sure it was stunning on the inside.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous building! The greenery is stunning - soak up some sun and warmth for us!
ReplyDeleteso glad you are here Deanna, great building and images. Counting the hours until I can give you a big hug and we can walk down that path to taking some pictures. Love you see you in a few.
ReplyDeletelovely shots! must be so nice to feel the warmth and see hummingbirds, now. :) enjoy your time with friends! hi to barb b!
ReplyDeleteYou lucky girl! How nice to be in Phoenix. I know the weather there has been wonderful. My parents are staying in Mesa for a few months, so I get all the updates on the warm weather. That temple sounds amazing. I sure wish they would've allowed photos, I would love to see it. The poppies look beautiful…I can't wait to see flowers growing outside again. Have lots of fun :)
ReplyDeleteThat temple is quite impressive! So glad you got to see it ... and I can't wait for stories about your day today!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more of your wonderful photos.
Stunning architecture and that blue sky sigh.....
ReplyDeleteGlad you are having a good time! :)
ReplyDeleteI too am so glad you are enjoying this time away! It's so nice to be looking at color too. I miss our hummingbirds!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos, Deanna!
ReplyDeleteI love that little hummingbird.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Gorgeous shots Deanna. Love how you framed the poppies. Did you know I. Follow Terri and Barb B on IG?! Yup-I do. They are great photographers too. Glad you
ReplyDeleteMade it out of the snow.
Beautiful shots, Deanna. Looks like a wonderful time. Can't wait to see the hummingbirds here this summer.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great set of images. I just love the hummingbird one!
ReplyDeleteLiving vicariously through you as I sit here watching MORE snow fall again today, expecting 6+ inches before it's all said & done.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see blue skies and colourful birds and flowers in your photos! Hope you're having a lovely time. xo
ReplyDelete