I was born in San Diego.
It is a cultural crossroad, the most southwestern US city that shares a border with Mexico.
The phenomenal artistic influence of Mexico is everywhere, which is probably why I so love the creative use of vibrant color.
Mexicans owned this territory, long before we ever got here, and before we subsequently declared many of them “illegal immigrants”.
Old Town in San Diego celebrates Mexican art, food, and culture.
It preserves many of the area’s original adobe ranchos, as well as the old pioneer homesteads, which I will show you in the next post.
Cheers to you from San Diego’s vibrant multi-cultural crossroads.
El mejor color.
Muchos gracias mi amigo~
Beautiful colors to brighten this Thanksgiving. We’re in Memphis visiting family and it is grey skies , cold and drab.
Oh I am so glad they brightened your day and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Lynne~ <3
Very colorful. Great photos.
Vive los colores! 🙂
Wonderful photographs !
How rich in color are !
So happy you like the color! No beige for me!!!! 😉
I love the colors and the energy that goes with them. What a wonderful place.
I love the cultures of the Latin Americas and they has a heavy impact on San Diego, expecially Mexico which is our next door neighbor.
Our pre-Thanksgiving in the Mid-Atlantic has been a combination of cold, rain and snow. I want to thank you for the bright radiant sunlight; it’s just what I needed. Happy holiday…
Awwww, so happy the spirit of Mexico warmed you up, that is what it does for me too! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours~ <3
Just love the colours Cindy. They are so full of life.
Leslie
So glad you <3 them too!
Photographs full of life! 🙂
Yes! Mexico is this way~
Absolutely right! 🙂
love, love the colors 🙂
Yay! Me three! 😉
So colorful..!
It is a warm and colorful culture~
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for posting these awesome photographs.
Awwww, I am just very happy you enjoyed them! <3
What a colorful collection of textiles, etc. Wow!
It takes an artistic eye to mix em up and make them look this good. You see this ability all over Old Town~
HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY BLOGGY FRIEND!!!
You too ma dear, to you, your sweet hubby and your gorgeous family. So priveleged to know you~ <3
Fun post. It was interesting to know that Mexicans were in San Diego first. Love the colors! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving you and yours my friend~
Fabulous color Cindy! I’m looking forward for Part II of the history. And yes, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Another wonderful Thanksgiving with my friend Dor! Happy TG to you and your hubby and family~ <3
Love it all!
So happy you do! Thank you!
I love the Mexican influence and wish I could get some of it here in Ohio. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Mexico injects warmth, color, and appreciation for living into our more beige existance. Viva Mexico! Happy TG to you~
Stunning colors. I see all my favorites. Colors make me smile! <3 I'm hanging out over here on pink! 😉 wink wink! <3 MichelleMarie
Oh, yes, you could collect some awesome contrasting pinks, with Talavera, and woven textiles, hand blown glass, I’m seeing ‘pretty in pinkl!’ 😉
I love this! My girl loves the brightest colors and I do too! These are certainly eye catching! 😀
Beautiful and colorful. A visual delight!
So happy you like it & thank you~
Mi Gusta! Yo quiero todo!
Estoy muy feliz de que te guste! Saludos ~
This is the kind of place that I like. Small decorating items or merchandises everywhere 🙂
Yes a sensory cornucopia! I love it too~ <3
Thanks for all the festive colorful photos, Cindy. Happy Thanksgiving! 😀
Happy Thanksgiving my friend to you and yours~ <3
I have always loved the vivacious rainbow of color in mexican weavings and cloth, Cindy…., and the ceramic tiles on the stair risers. I did a courtyard in red brick and ceramics when we lived in Florida. That’s another story.
He acabado la primera serie de clases en la reactivación de mis habilidades españolas latentes. Tomó el curso sólo para algo constructivo que hacer. Han realmente no se utiliza el idioma por más de 30 años y estoy muy, muy oxidado en ella !!! Buenas noches ahora Cuz. Un gran abrazo!
Usted habla tan bien! Puedo ver que somos primos. Happy Thanksgiving cuz. I’m glad to spend another one with you~ <3
Beautifully vibrant, Cindy. I share your love. Good comment on who was around first. Peggy and I are now in Sedona. Lovely colors here as well. –Curt
Oh beautiful Sedona. Be sure and check out those harmonic resonances because I never have. Have a wonderful visit my friend~
Peggy and I stood on top of one of the vortexes. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving Cindy. –Curt
Was it feminine or masculine?????? 😉
I went to California for the first time a couple of years ago. Started out in LA and I was disappointed. Not sure what I was expecting but was feeling very homesick and thankful for all the space I have in Canada. Moved on to Anaheim and then San Diego. WOW did San Diego ever make up for any disappointment I had. It’s all around the best city I have ever visited and the only city I would ever consider leaving my country for (only in the winters of course, I’m a Canuck to the core lol). So many things to do and see but I especially loved Old Town and was regretting I didn’t book my whole vacation in San Diego. Great pics, love them all!
Well, if you come again, please tell me and I can help you with ideas. I love travel planning!
As far as Canada, I wanted to move to the Sunshine Coast for retirement but was out voted. If I was really wealthy, I would have a summer home there and a winter home at The Holler. I love Canada~
Well done, as always,Cindy! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! 🙂
Vis versa 2 U X 2!
Vibrant indeed! With the abundant sunshine, the colors can be so rich in hue.
I love countries that use color like this, all of Latin America, Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy, France, Greece…….. They celebrate everyday with los colores! <3
All that cheerful colour makes me happy. Ole….
Si, yo tan bien! <3
Vibrant is an understatement. It is ALIVE! I share your love for the Spanish architecture and art. Great photos.
Thanks again for sharing.
I know you do Wally and I am sure you are missing gorgeous Puerto Rico. I want to take my kids. Happy TG to you and your family Wally. We have spent about three TG’s together now! I treasure our friendship~ <3
Hi Cindy,
And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family also. Three years! Time does fly.
I always look forward to seeing a post from you also. You have a good eye for capturing things and give nice concise descriptions of each photo.
But most of all you take the time to comment and answer comments. (Wish I knew how to make one of those heart icons but this will have to do; “HEART”
Your handmade heart is so much better. Cheers to you my friend~
Wow! I’m with you Cindy. I do love color myself. Your tiled steps, and the photo directly below it are my two favorites, but these are all fun and spectacular. You done good! 😉 Thanks for the share.
These tiled steps are a particular love of mine with the mixed up Talavera tiles. So gorgeous and so happy you liked them too!
Very much so!
Wonderful colours, Great photographs. Have a Fantastic Thanksgiving Cindy.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Thank you much David & Happy TG to you and your family!
Colorful and happy post. Have a nice Thanksgiving:)
And to you my friend~ <3
We love San Diego. Beautiful colors you have captured!
So happy you enjoyed & cheers to you both~
There’s something about colour that just energizes you. The colour in your images, Cindy, are magnificent. A joy to look at.
Ahhhh, so very pleased I posted then & cheers to you my friend~
Delicious photos of abundance. I’d love to shop there! Happy Thanksgiving!! 🙂
So happy you enjoyed and Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Lovely to learn of your roots — the origin of your flair for colour
I definitely absorbed the exuberance of Mexican art and the warmth and kindness of the people. Wonderful to hear from you Russel & cheers to you~
Schöne Fotos. Gruß, Wolfgang
Vielen danke Wolfgang! Frreunschaft~
Vibrant colours! Will be spending a couple of days in San Diego mid January – what would you recommend must sees for Mexican heritage? Thanks!
Definitely spend a full day at Old Town. There is a visitors info office there to get you oriented. It is walkers paradise. Definitely eat in one of the Mexican Restaurants, explore the original old adobe rancho, and the nearby museum, walk across the street to Heritage Park and browse the old Victorians. Have fun in the shops. Follow the map walking through the historic buildings.
Also, Spanish Village in Balboa Park is charming for an afternoon visit after you have explored the park. It is a browers artist colony.
Chicano Park is impressive to see. Check out:
http://cindyknoke.com/tag/chicano-park-murals/
Basically you will see the influence of Mexico in San Diego mixed in where ever you go. Enjoy!
Thank you!!
Wye Aye amigo 🙂
You should hop the pond and have a margarita over here Graham. It is 81 degrees today!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I have been to San Diego a few times and loved it. These marvellous colours would make any room a stunning place to be. Thanks Cindy
So happy you enjoyed it and cheers and thanks my friend~ <3
Reblogged this on Spirit In Action and commented:
Thank you Cindy! As always your ability of capturing the vivid colours and patterns, and the locus genii of a place on film is spectacular.
Where I live was also long ago part of the Aztlan Empire, and we have a lot of influences and people from there-even though we are not so close to the border. Something about subtropical climate and vivid, creative colours seem designed to go together.
Yes it does and it makes for an exceptionally visually beautiful and mood elevating place to live. Cheers to you and gratitude as always! <3
Happy Thanksgiving!!
And to you and your family! <3
Beautiful. Love the pillows. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
And to your my friend, a lovely day! <3
Beautiful and creative art and gorgeous vibrant colors 🙂 <3
Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
Back to you with gratitude~ <3
Didn’t you try one of those diverse, culturally blending Margaritas in the big glass? Lovely image, Cindy.
In my younger days, sure! Now I am on a more health conscious kick. Happy TG to you & your family~
Wonderful pictures. I adore all that color.
I’ve been to Mexico once, but not San Diego.
Well come on over…….. 😉
~(~_*)~~
Fabulous wonderful vibrant warm colours. Yes. 🙂
So happy you liked them & cheers to you~
What a wonderful feast for the eyes, Cindy! 🙂
Works for me everytime! Glad you enjoyed it my friend~
So colourful and beautiful! Happy thanksgiving – and hope you have a wonderful celebration!
Thank you so much and all the very best to you too! <3
These are wonderful, colorful photos Cindy. I’ve always been a sucker for Latin American ceramics, and have always wished I lived in a house where I could use them in my decorating. ~James
I know exactly what you mean, our house is a hacienda for just this reason. I want the color and vibrancy. Cheers to you and glad you stopped by~ <3
What a gorgeous place! I’ve always wanted to visit San Diego, and I should have realized there would be a huge Mexican influence.
This is quite a neat surprise, as well. I was just checking out the links from my newest Art Gowns post to make sure they work. I’ll be posting tomorrow, as I thought I’d give myself Thanksgiving to polish it up.
So, I’m excited for tomorrow, and more importantly:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Cindy! <3
Ooooh now I have two things to really look forward too, your gown release tomorrow AND your visit to San Diego. You must tell me when you visit as I volunteer to be your tour guide for at least one day. We can go to places less visited. What fun and I can’t wait for the gown! Drop me an email if you can to alert me to the release!
Ah!…Mexico! Glorious colours. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you more for appreciating!
Feast of the colors!
Yes and no calories either! 😉
true:)
I love this, Cindy. I live in an area with a large Hispanic community and I can vouch for their love of vibrant colors. And that color spreads to their food, music and dispositions. Beautiful photos!
Perfect description, I am completely at home with the culture, because the culture is my home! <3
One of the brightest and most inspirational crossroads I’ve encountered!
Hope you come down and visist us someday!
Ooo a blast of inspiration in color! I love it!
Works for me too! Glad you were inspired~ <3
😀
Beautiful Images Cindy. So much colour too 🙂
So happy you enjoyed los colores!
I love San Diego. Beautiful, colorful crafts and photos. <3
Ooops… Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and wonderful remainder of the holiday weekend. <3
Visa versa 2 U X 2 Fae and many, many more! <3
Gorgeous! I’ve never been….Must go now! Well, not now now…
Laughing, hope it is soon! <3
Que viva San Diego!!! Beautiful post, full of vibrant colors and great art, thanks Cindy. Wanda
Thank you more for the appreciation & cheers to you~ <3
I love the wild busyness of the images here. It it eccletic and beautiful, like the inner hippy I never got to release. 🙂
Never, EVER, let her go! You will need her someday~ 🙂 <3
Wow, the colors are incredible. Nice job on the photos, and I like the thoughts as well.
So pleased and happy you do! Thank you and be well~
Wunderschöne bunte Bilder es gibt viel zu sehen.Wünsche einen schönen ersten Advent liebe Grüße und Freundschaft.Gislinde
Vielen danke Gislinde! Grube und Freundschaft! <3 <3
Amazing color!!!♡
I love it too! Happy making~
Cindy, I loved this post. I miss the southwest so very much! Huge hugs.
Oh so happy you enjoyed and sad you are missing the southwest. Stay tuned I will post some more for you~ <3
We have visited there last year. I was so overwhelmed, didn’t where to start taking pics. I love your beautiful and colorful photos; they tell the unique culture and its history 🙂 Thank you, Cindy! 🙂
Yes! I know exactly what you mean. For me the only way to process the intensity of textures and colors is to examine it at my leisure in a close up photo. Otherwise it overwhelms me too~
The city “San Diego” looks beautiful! I will visit it someday. 🙂
Let me know before you go and I will give you some tips!
Sure! I will let you know. Thank you very much.
Wow, all those colours! Beautiful. 🙂
Yes, perfect for cloudy days, and well…..sunny days too! 😉
A touch of home north of the border. It is one of the beautiful aspects of the Mexican culture, their love of color, it is a genetic disposition that spills into the cobblestone streets and adorns their lives. And you don’t even have to life here, your photographs reach everywhere.
I love Latin America. I just relax and my blood pressure slows as soon as I start speaking only spanish.
A feast of color for the eyes!
That miraculously calms the brain!
Glorious. I like your point about illegal immigrants.
Generally I tend to avoid making points, but this one, well I couldn’t resist…… 😉
Cindy, this is so colorful , really like it. Has such a good feel to it. Thank you for sharing! Hugs! Veraiconica
Cheers & hugz to you my friend~ <3
Gorgeous colors..vibrant you can almost “feel” them……:D
Yes, how perfectly you captured this vibrancy with just one perfect word. I hadn’t thought of ‘feeling’ the colors, but that is it precisely~
This is beautiful, what colors their crafts have, it’s so quant and cheerful.
Yes, this artisitic use of color lifts one’s spirits with the joy of life!
Very interesting and stunning photo’s, Cindy 🙂
Grazi James & cheers to you~
Read a lot about San Diego and found that it is lovely and safe place in US. If you did not leave short but informative notes I would think it is Mexico.
Yes, there is a lot of wonderful cultural overlap in bordertowns. I love the energy~
Marvelous pattern and color!
Don’t you love the creative use of color. I have to go back and soak more of it up!
Glorious. My aunt married someone from Mexico, and I love Mexican art, having grown up with it in my family. 🙂
Yes, it is special and wonderful and my house is a hacienda, full of Latin American art so we are on the same page as usual! <3
I’m fond of Talavera. 🙂
Excellent post, dear Cindy… Awesome gallery of photographs.
Thanks for sharing them !. All my love. Aquileana 🙂
Love and good wishes back to you my friend~ <3
All of these photographs show heritage and interesting colors, details and meanings. I studied them before, but didn’t take the time to comment. I enjoyed this post so much!
So happy you enjoyed them as I did my friend. I am not surprised! We tend to see things similarily.
beautiful colors
Muchas gracias y muy amable!
Wow! Amazingly colorful 🙂 🙂
Love the vibrancy! Cheers to you~
Cheers to you too 🙂