For me, one of the most enjoyable events of winter is the luminaria display at Desert Botanical Garden. This year, the 8,000 hand lit luminarias are complemented by the art of Bruce Munro, an English artist that shares his interpretation of the Sonoran Desert through light. To add to the beauty and wonderment, there are entertainment spots offering up music by Mariachis, handheld bell ringing, Spanish guitar, jazz, world music and one of my favorite groups, Simply Three. I am missing attending the festivities this year in person. My great friends shared their photos and I feel like I was there in spirit.

Tom told me that the light structures are actually made of water bottles!  Here is one close up. — Tom told me that the light structures are actually made of water bottles! Here is one close up.

So, does this light move or did Jon move?  Just a wonderment either way.  Interesting that I am probably seeing it differently than the photographer in that I have no other distractions out of the corner of my eye.  The isolation adds… — So, does this light move or did Jon move? Just a wonderment either way. Interesting that I am probably seeing it differently than the photographer in that I have no other distractions out of the corner of my eye. The isolation adds to the mystery. Or, maybe it is a different light altogether!

I admit to a smile.  Remember the Sesame challenge, "One of these things is not like the other. Can you tell which it is?"  I am going with the middle one.  But, what if it is simply a change in perspective rather than really being di… — I admit to a smile. Remember the Sesame challenge, "One of these things is not like the other. Can you tell which it is?" I am going with the middle one. But, what if it is simply a change in perspective rather than really being different. Would that be enough to make it different. Oh, Jon and Phyllis have set me on a path of inquiry . . .

The festivities will be held during all of December. Check their website for hours, fees and other details. Go if you can . . . and send me photos!!

During the Noches de Luminaries the Desert Botanical Garden takes on a whole new look and feeling. Of course, it is dark. But, it is way more than that. First there are the crowds. They are happy crowds, some walking around with glasses of wine (in some cases bottles). They chat excitedly with the wonderment usually reserved for children. There are five bands spread out through the garden. The new entry that leads you back into the Garden has been finished and is very nice. To top it off, we had a full moon rise!! We slowly made some progress in getting shots . . . very slowly. Then we sat down, listened to one of the fine bands, had a glass of wine and enjoyed just being in such a wonderful space with a great friend.

These ladies were back.  I think of them as the 'official greeters'. — These ladies were back. I think of them as the 'official greeters'.

There were several times when I felt as though I was at the bottom of the ocean.  I love these prickly corals. — There were several times when I felt as though I was at the bottom of the ocean. I love these prickly corals.

Part of the new entry way. It wraps around, is open and inviting.

We laughed and asked how many shots of the same scene we could take and make them look differently on the blog.  I promised to crop mine in a different way.  Ultimately, this shooting scene was one of that challenged our patience to get sh… — We laughed and asked how many shots of the same scene we could take and make them look differently on the blog. I promised to crop mine in a different way. Ultimately, this shooting scene was one of that challenged our patience to get shots not dominated by people. We lost and went on to get wine!

We got skunked on getting a decent image of the rising moon.  What was fun was the number of people standing behind us watching to see if we would ever get one!!  With gear like ours they must have thought we knew something!!  LOL — We got skunked on getting a decent image of the rising moon. What was fun was the number of people standing behind us watching to see if we would ever get one!! With gear like ours they must have thought we knew something!! LOL

A beautifully decorated tree was the site for many 'couple' shots.

On the way out Tom got us into some Tom foolery as we tried to practice zooming in or out on a long exposure. Sure, Tom!!!! Fortunately, before getting too discouraged with our results (which were lousy), our stomaches saved the day and we decided to get dinner at Thai Basil in Tempe. We hope you have plans to attend at least one night at the Gardens this season.

Lights, Lights, Lights

DBG Noches de Luminarias

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