A whirlwind morning!! - I worked out, swam laps, then visited the Container Park in old downtown Vegas. There was some crazy dirt bike convention where they blocked off several blocks and I experience a culture of people I had never experienced before! But the Container Park was pretty cool. It reminded me of a shopping center I visited in Christchurch New Zealand in 2012. They set up the shopping area with brightly-colored containers while they were rebuilding the city from the earthquake. A little stage in the middle with live music, an oasis in the midst of all the destruction. Apparently the container thing has become a trend!

The one place I always go when I visit Vegas is The Beat Coffeehouse. They have an entire building of rooms turned into an art gallery. Each artist has a room and each room in a different style. I never know quite what I'll find when I walk through. My favorite this time, was a jewelry guy. Through our conversation, he shared that after having a stroke last year, his whole life has been about family. He quit his job and joined his wife in their jewelry making business, they sell the daughter's art on the walls also. I love those conversations - why people do what they do. The perspective that comes from our experiences.

And then Lake Las Vegas. A deserted shopping area, almost a ghost town with all the buildings empty and "for lease" in the window. But beautiful. Simply beautiful. We got there for sunset and went on a stroll. No hurry, just some photos, some relaxing, and a few moments to take it all in.

I spent an hour sitting under this bridge. I wrote, I sang, I meditated, took pictures, and watched people walk by. The acoustics were magical! And I love the ripples from the ducks in the water. It was nice to slow down, no pressure to take certain photos, not running around doing, but instead, just to be.

Sooooo.... I'm getting pretty good at these selfies! Except no awkward arm out in front of my face. I set the camera up, focus on the spot intend to sit, then a self timer and 9 photos in a row with 2 seconds in between. Yes, yes, I know. I feel a little vain and little ridiculous. But even photographers need new profile pictures for Facebook! Or memories. Oh yes, that's right. Photos are for memories, not just Facebook :)