Los Angeles

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Visiting Santa Monica Pier late one night after a stoll along 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California

We don’t require a lot of motivation to make the 375-mile drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles and, from time to time, end up there a bit too frequently.

On the drive out, we often stop at Mix Bowl Cafe, a favorite Thai fast food neon-lit spot in Claremont. On the way home, a stop at TenRen’s for Bubble Tea is just as important. The purpose of this trip was to visit Santa Monica for a stroll along the 3rd Street Promenade with Mark Shimer, visit the Santa Monica Pier, and take a night walk along the ocean.

Satan

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Tile of Satan at the California Inn in Ontario, California

We’ve stayed at the California Inn in Ontario many a time, and on every visit, Caroline and I both when going to the toilet, have recognized the image of the skull of Satan in this tile. It’s not in just one room; it’s in every room at this motel. Most often, the TV is set to the porn channel that is free in every room too. We often wonder about families that might end up staying here.

Little Tokyo

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Mark Shimer in Los Angeles, California

This is Mark Shimer. I hired Mark for his first graphics assignment following his graduation from a Phoenix Technical School.

We are meeting Mark in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, for some Shabu Shabu and shopping at Kinokuniya Book Store, maybe even a walk down 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Mark is now a recent nominee for a Technical Emmy – congrats, Mark. Part of the weekend was spent visiting my father, who was ill at home, but thrilled with our visits.

A Passing

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Lara, Dion Terry, Caroline Wise, and John Wise in Windowrock, Arizona

Maybe it’s a reflex to smile when the camera is pointing at you, but these are the most bewildering smiles as we are here in Window Rock, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation to lay Dion’s father, Wilson, to rest. This should be a solemn day, but on the other hand, we are here to celebrate that Wilson Terry was enjoying the company of friends and family near the time of passing.

Dion Terry with his niece Amanda and her sister (name forgotten)

After the church ceremony in St. Michaels, we had to pick up a couple of Dion’s nieces Amanda and Monica who were traveling with us to Wide Ruin, where Dion’s grandmother lived. Dion’s mom, Charity, was traveling with other family members. This was an honor that will never be forgotten.

Navajo Nation Bound

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Caroline Wise, Dion Terry, John Wise in Arizona

By this time, Caroline and I had known Dion Terry for a solid five years and helped encourage his push into art as a profession. We’d just returned from our long trip across America, and the next day, Dion called asking if we’d join him and his family for Thanksgiving; after our encounter with this country, it seemed incredibly fitting to have this celebration feast with a Native American family. Tragically, Dion’s father passed away just a few days later.

Northern Arizona

This is our journey up to Window Rock, Arizona, where Wilson Terry is being laid to rest.