John & Anne Wiley

2012/06/03

Old California

Walking the mission area is relaxing, connecting with how it was here in past centuries. Yet we often discover something that’s new to us. This bell tower between the mission front and the seminary might have once housed the bells.

0541 Missing Bells

0541 Missing Bells

The big fountain in front of the mission is an ageless magnet for kids, and their watchful parents who navigate that ageless line between protection and freedom as their child teeters along the wall or leans to splash.

0544 Water Child

0544 Water Child

This visit, a new fascination for me was the sculptures over the mission roof. I like how the afternoon light played on the top one.

0545 Roof People

0545 Roof People

I presume her anchor honors the maritime history of Santa Barbara, and the brave souls lost at sea over the years.

0545 Anchor

0545 Anchor

From the front her anchor is invisible, and her visage changes. Probably more religious in theme, yet to me this could be a contemporary young woman in a hoodie engaged in quiet conversation.

0551 Quiet Maiden

0551 Quiet Maiden

Across the street on the expanse of lawn next to the rose garden, some young maidens were enjoying themselves, the weather, the setting and each other in just such a dialog at this gentle place where old California is renewed.

0559 Relaxed Conversation

0559 Relaxed Conversation

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