Let there be light!

This sleek light on a pole is part of the outdoor effects around the new Independent building which will soon open near us.

And still another from the Creek

This picture of Jackie's shows several displays with the walkways and a bridge.

More Waller Creek Lights

Again, credit to Jackie for this great picture.

Creek Light Show

There was a lovely light show on Waller Creek that ended last weekend. I believe they are trying to attract attention to the creek and its neglect because there is a gigantic project underway to fund improvements. We didn't see the project lit but our intrepid friend Jackie got over there at night and we will share some of her photos.

Trail of Lights

We hadn't been to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park for years. The last time I dipped into it you drove your car through. My sister and her family were visiting and the oldest kid was a teen I think. She's 44 now. In fact, the trail itself hadn't been there in a couple of years. There were financial difficulties. This year private sponsors were found and the lights and aging character displays went up. A dear friend was the event director. So we went. I didn't take a camera but shot this with the iPhone. You get the idea. That winding path through the park with trees decorated and giant dinos and such gave the impression of the maddest Christmas yard display ever. It was free and it was a hit with people with kids. Long lines to walk the mile or so through the park included lots of strollers and squirmy wide-eyed kids.

Purple Party

Last weekend we attended the Long Center Purple Party. It's a multilevel, multifaceted party held around the non-profit public center's anniversary with a VIP dinner, a performance (this year it was an Elton John cover group backed by a symphony and choir) and an after party on the City View Terrace. I shot this there with the ring lit for the occasion and the lights of some food trucks that provided refreshments for youngsters (and some oldsters) dancing to music I couldn't classify. It was a lively benefit gala.

Light Show

FFP woke up early Sunday morning and amid the rain noticed a fantastic light show being reflected on the Frost Bank Tower. I popped a camera on the tripod and opened the door and shot some pictures. Posted a couple on facebook, too. We are pretty sure they were practicing for a SXSW closing night when they thought no one would be looking. We will see.

Holiday Stroll, Light Yourself Up

Our friend Jackie took some photos at the annual Congress Avenue holiday stroll and Capitol Christmas tree lighting. In this photo, it seems people have lit themselves.

Seaholm Light Show

The Seaholm Power Plant was transformed Friday night for the last leg of Ballet Austin's Party of the Decade. Even the decommissioned exhaust pipes (which will remain as an architectural element when the property is transformed) got in on the act.

Lights on the River

FFP shot this walking back across Lady Bird Lake from Long Center the other night. The trees along the newly renovated south shore are lit up and behind the Silicon Labs building the lights in the southern spine of our building stream upwards. We got glimpses of and photographed the building many times before we lived there. (See here and here.) Now it's a beacon to draw us home.

Some Festive Lights

I chose some random lights in a yard in South Austin to give you something festive for today.

Mystery Light

Back in January I speculated about the weird grid on the other side this apartment building (AMLI on Second which really faces Third to me). It turned out to be a green light. I like this building very much and I even like the lights from a distance. I'm not as big a fan of them up close (as from my condo window), but they are getting to be a comfortable friend.

A Long-Awaited Opening

Inside and out the Long Center was full of people in finery and performances. There was eating and drinking. I think this girl in a bubble on the rain-soaked City Terrace with the search lights and light show on the ring is a beautiful picture from my puny camera. Nothing could really capture this event. Tonight there is a redo, Texas-style! Everything is bigger and better in Texas, you know. Or so they say. Reviews of the hotel opening scene in "Giant" recommended to make this seem tame.