Designing Woman

Well, it has been a while since I have had time to write  Blog.  I have started doing some design work.   I have been creating unique and funky IPad cases & IPhone cases.  This a new thing for me so I am still trying to figure out what appeals to people.  I have been using my Photography as inspiration as well some fun designs using my scanner and a couple different programs on my computer.  I can, also, personalize the designs for individual customers.    You can check out my my designs here:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/tvlgoddess/works/10751718-altered-glass
You can also order cards and prints of my Photography at:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/tvlgoddess/works/10743971-golden-sunset

Now that summer is coming to an end, it is time to start thinking about getting out and shooting the fall colors. For those of us who live in the desert it requires a trip to the mountains to shoot pictures in the Fall.   Here is an article from our friends Pop Photo on shooting the beautiful fall landscapes:
http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2011/10/5-tips-better-fall-foliage-photos
On that same note it is time to start thinking about your winter getaway.  The air and hotel packages are now open for sale and there are some good Early Booking Specials going on.  Give me a call for some ideas.
 There has been a lot of news coverage and misinformation on the subject of bedbugs. Keep in mind this is not a new problem.  It has always been an issue that hotels have to address.  This article will give you more accurate information.  The author of this article is Christopher Elliot who is a respected travel expert and travel writer.
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/07/29/the-truth-about-bedbugs/
Another resource on this rather unpleasant subject is this website:
http://www.bedbugregistry.com/
The Thought For The Day:
"If I saw something in my viewfinder that looked similar to me, I would do something to shake it up."  Garry Winogrand
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://fineartamerica

Old Town Tucson

After having a wonderful day exploring The San Xavier Mission we took a drive to Downtown Tucson to see the Old Town area of town.  We wondered through the Barrio District to see some of the old buildings.  There were many examples of beautiful Spanish and Mexico architecture.  Many of the businesses and residents have loving restored their structures.  There were several old Spanish style churches as well.  It was a great place for a Photo Shoot.  For more information on click on the link below:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60950-d561907-Reviews-Barrio_Historico-Tucson_Arizona.html

 There is a great shopping area called Old Town Artisans.  You can wonder through all the shops and art galleries.   It is a great place to shop for one of kind art pieces.  The prices were higher than you would see in the shops.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60950-d108869-Reviews-Old_Town_Artisans-Tucson_Arizona.html

This is not a tutorial like usual but it gives you some great examples of what great images you can make using reflections.  Enjoy!
http://www.photographyblogger.net/20-remarkable-reflection-pictures/
The Thought For The Day:
"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."  Ansel Adams
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359
Prints, cards, IPad covers & IPhone covers available:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess
Prints available on:
http://fineartamerica
See my photos on Flicker:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/
Let's be friends!

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess

Montezuma's Castle

While we were still waiting for RV to be repaired we took a drive to visit Montezuma's Castle National Monument.  It is an easy drive from Flagstaff or Phoenix.  Sedona and Cottonwood are close by so be sure to stop if you have the time.
Click on the link below for driving directions:
http://www.nps.gov/moca/planyourvisit/directions.htm
This is a great place to visit for families as well as adults.   The park is pretty compact so it is an easy walk to see the cliff dwellings.   Be sure to bring water if you visit during the summer as it can be quite warm.
There is a visitor center with, of course, a gift shop.  The Park Rangers are available to answer questions.
It will give you a glimpse into life 800 years ago for the Sinagua Culture.  It is amazing that they were able to build such elaborate structures on the cliffs.

For more information about Montezuma's Castle National Monument click on the link below:
http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

Here is an article with some tips to improve your vacation photos from our friends at Fodor's:
http://www.fodors.com/travel-photography/
  The Thought For The Day:

"You must master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be."  Marianne Williamson
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html

San Xavier Del Bac Mission

After we left Benson, Arizona on our great RV Adventure we headed West to Tucson, Arizona.  The main reason I wanted to visit Tucson was to shoot pictures the historic and beautiful San Xavier Del Bac Mission.  It is the oldest structure still standing in Arizona.   It took 14 years to build beginning in 1783.  This magnificent building is often called "The Dove Of The Desert;"  You will notice that half of the Mission has been restored and the other half is not.  I hope to go back when it is finished

It is located 9 miles South of the city of Tucson off Interstate 19.   It is a bit of a drive but well worth it. There is plenty of parking.  You can stroll the grounds and enjoy the desert landscaping as well as seeing the inside of the church.  For more detailed information click on the link below.
http://www.patronatosanxavier.org/

Click on the link below to learn about the rich history of San Xavier Del Bac Mission.
http://www.sanxaviermission.org/History.html

Here is a great website that has TV show Photography lessons.  My Thanks to Jim Zurales for sending me this link.
http://www.wildphotoadventures.com/watchshow.html
Here is a great article about the things happy people do.  I think we all want to be as happy as possible  A BIG Thank you to my friend, Michelle, for posting this one.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10387/25-things-happy-people-do-differently.html
Here is the Thought For The Day:
"The test of vocation is the love of the drudgery it involves."  Logan Pearsall Smith
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359
To order prints:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky
Follow me on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess