here comes the spirit

Pima Indian Cemetery, near Gilbert Rd & Thomas Rd

Wondering around the reservation one day, chasing some storm clouds, I happened upon this primitive cemetery, still being used. Nothing fancy, or ornate, just simple graves for those who died over the years. 

Beautifully simple; a barren field with a hole dug for the body, then dirt mounded to cover the spot. Striking and sacred, I felt like an intruder visiting a world far removed from my own.

taken 12/2010

El Tiradito

Barrio Viejo District, Tucson, AZ

taken 2/26/2011

the right road

Pima Indian Reservation, West of the Beeline Hwy

milling mesquite

 Salt River Pima Indian Reservation

We recently attended a Mesquite Milling and Pancake Breakfast on the reservation. We brought with us a 10 - 5 gallon buckets of mesquite pods to have milled into flour. Plus, they provided a complete mesquite pancake breakfast - all free of charge!

There were community vendors selling edible items as well as hand-made crafts. I bought some freshly made flour tortillas, as big as a pizza, it was the best tortilla my family has ever tasted.

all photos by Liev Fletcher

little house of sausages

N. 7th Street, downtown Phoenix

lucky me

7th Street & Osborn, Phoenix

It doesn't look like much but Lucky Boy has the best burgers, fries and fresh squeezed lemonade in town. It's been around forever, managed by the same friendly family ever since I've been patronizing this joint for the last 5+ years. Small sit down section adds just the right feel to this authentically old-diner like dive. A true local favorite. Don't pass it by!

water in the desert

Tempe Town Lake

This is what happens when you try and put water in a dry river bed, and then aim to create a lucrative waterfront recreational area. 

The City of Tempe failed miserably when they ignored warnings about the  inflatable dam's deterioration. In July the dam broke apart and released thousands of gallons of water to the west side of Tempe, into Phoenix. The high end condos and buildings lining the "lake" are now overlooking views of unsightly ponds of  mud embedded with debris.

taken 7/23/2010