Creative Artist Blog

Want to know the inspiration of my work?  This interview is part of it.  Give it a read and let me know what you think.  This this interview was published, our travels have taken us to Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Kutna Hora (Czech Republic).


Read the interview

Ever wonder how an optical lens is made for your camera?

This video from the Discovery Channel gives a great "how its made" view of how to create a camera lens. This is awesome. So, now I have a better appreciation on why high quality lenses are so expensive.



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Amsterdam - Prinsengracht Farmers Market

My wife and I took a trip to Amsterdam this fall.  We stayed at this great flat at Prinsengracht 79 that is on one of the outer canals just a 10 minute walk from the Danrak.  The flat was wonderful - spacious and comforatable and big enough for four people.  When we look out of the flat window, we overlooked the Noorderkerk Church & square.  On Saturday's they had a fantastic farmer's market with veggies and cheeses and baked goods.


Creamy dutch cheese


Delicious mushrooms



the warmest and moistest fresh baked breads and croissants



beautiful flowers of Noorderkerk


Noorderkerk - a protestant church and a center of artists during monday's Antique mart.


The pipe organ and angel in Noorderkerk


the view from Prinsengracht 79 of Noorderkerk


This man played the most beautiful songs for hours during the antique mart on Mondays.


Local musicians at Noorderkerk.

Dia de Los Muertos 2010

Día de los Muertos, also known as “the Day of the Dead” or “All Souls' Day” in Mexico, takes place on November 2nd to pay homage to the departed. Día de los Muertos celebrates life through music, dance, food, art, prayer, and family togetherness. Ofrendas (or offerings), as bread, candy, tequila, flowers, and pictures are placed upon candle-adorned altars as gifts to loved ones, while wood, clay, tin, and paper are transformed into skull masks and sculptures to exchange and display.

These are captures from the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration held at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California. This was an awesome event attended by thousands of people. This event use to be held in downtown oceanside, but this venue holds much more appeal (and people). The costumes and makeup were awesome. What a great event. A wonderful mix of culture, religion, music, and vendors.

Music & Music Makers

David Sanborn at Anthology

Ever since I started working at Eli's Records in Phoenix, I was exposed to more variations of music that i could have known existed. My store manager started pulling music for me to expand my mind. David Sanborn was one of the vinyl albums that got pulled.

Ever since that time in 1983, David Sanborn has been my all time favorite Saxaphonist. I had the honor of grabbing one of his performances at Anthology in Little Italy, San Diego. This was the first time i was able to hear him live.

His performance exceeded my expectations.

I was able to capture this shot (although no cameras were allowed) through a reflection in the mirror of his trio. I wish i had my better camera because this shot could have been magic, but, considering the point and shoot pentax, i am very happy with this.

Thanks Anthology and Mr Sanborn!

Ah, you will notice that although this was a reflection, you can read Anthology . . . i took the liberty of flipping this shot horizontally.



This guitarist was part of a mariachi at the Tropicana hotel in San Jose del Cabo, BCS Mexico. The food was great and the room authentic looking - although i know they had just gone through a refurb.

This is the Chapel Choir of Worksop College. Led by the Asst Director of Music, Timothy Uglow, the Cappella del Pazzi was filled with beautiful music on 6 April 2010. As we walked through the garden, i was just in time to get the flyer for the upcoming performance. It was rich and beautiful. A wonderful treat.

Basilica di Santa Croce. Final resting place of Michelangelo. 

Most of the grunge band that practiced every Thursday night. The gal, don't remember her name, had a fantastic voice.

Beauty is in the eye of the camera

Abeyta's Travel Italy Travel Journal

Abeyta's Travel Journal - Italy