St. Mary of the Angels Restoration

Often while driving I see this gorgeous basilica (at least that is the term that comes to mind!) and can never seem to get a shot (since I'm barreling down the highway...).   Going to savethedome.net, I learned that the church is called St. Mary of the Angels.  I just think it is one of the most gorgeous churches I have ever seen.   Is it sacrilegious that I prefer to enjoy the architecture of a church rather than go to one regularly?   Maybe.   But I just can't help myself...  I feel a need to climb something to get a lovely shot of all those amazing angels...

I always wonder:  what would it have been like to grow up having religion be beautiful, at least on the outside?   To sit in a cavernous church - would I feel closer to God?   What would it be like to have concrete religious beliefs instead of the scattered remnants of a forced strict religious upbringing?   Does a person feel more connected to others?  To themselves?  To God?   Would it have made a difference?   Would I be less dysfunctional?   More so?   Do angels really watch over me?  Pondering, pondering...

It can't rain all the time...

New in my shop for Halloween...   

Who knew Picnik could enchant me more at times than my beloved Photoshop??  I didn't see that coming...  

Here's a little Poe / Eric Draven mashup for Halloween...  What do you think?    Is the "zooming in" feeling too subtle? 

I'd love to see some of your Halloween photographs if you want to share...

145/365 - a tale of books, architecture, and bokeh

i would have pressed my nose to the glass in total drool over this bookstore, but my lens was in the way. having already had a full day, this had to be saved for another excursion. but i'll be back. and i might stay for hours.

{ forsaken }