#Amazon #Spheres - SaturdaySnapshot and Jo's Monday Walk

Last Saturday I posted photos taken at Amazon's Spheres (here). Today I'm adding a few more.

Before entering the Spheres, we stopped at The Understory. That's a mini-museum where docents give an overview of the Spheres and answer questions. One wall displayed gorgeous photos like this one. The screen took up the whole wall.
(Click on photos for a closer look.)

Here's what we saw at the Spheres.

Tree Aloe - Mozambique

Huge trees stretched from floor to ceiling. Most of them
had orchids and bromeliads in their branches.
I'd love to visit when those plants are in bloom.

Pathways led through lush plantings and allowed close-up views.
Many of the plants were labeled.

Unfortunately, this plant wasn't labeled.
What is it?

Streams meander through the foliage.

Anthurium

Outside, the facility included a dog park.

Bikes to rent, too.

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Melinda at A Web of Stories.
To join in or view photos from around the world:
Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken, then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on the website
(Link HERE) 
Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. Please don't post random photos you find online. 

Jo's Monday Walk is hosted by Johanna at Restless Jo. So, how does it work?  Every week Jo will publish a walk on a Monday. When the walk is published, anyone is welcome to leave a link in the Comments, to any walk that they have taken.  It doesn’t have to be on a Monday.  It can be at any time and of any duration.  The amount of detail/photos, etc. is up to you. Link up HERE.

#Spheres - #SaturdaySnapshot and #MondayWalk

When I signed up for an excursion to "The Spheres," I figured Amazon's orbs would be filled with computerized displays, laser light shows, and other high-tech goodies. Boy, was I wrong! Here are some photos from our exploration of this amazing indoor forest.
(Click on photos for a closer look.)

The Spheres are open to visitors on the first and third Saturdays of the month and advance reservations (and photo IDs) are required. Although visitors have access to much of the facility, certain areas are set aside exclusively for Amazon employees.

Trying to capture this facility from top to bottom -- all four floors -- was a challenge! Every area is accessible by elevator as well as stairs.

It was impossible to photograph the entire 60-foot-tall "Living Wall" in one photo, too.

Ferns, bromeliads, anthurium, and more cover the living wall. 

Intermittent bursts of mist keep the plants hydrated and fans embedded in the walls circulate the air. Groups of people took pictures in front of this wall of plants with the Amazon logo.

One of the most fascinating structures was the "Bird Nest." 

Next Saturday I'll feature more plants, water features, and views in this lushly planted space, plus a glimpse into the neighborhood dominated by Amazon's headquarters.

For more info about The Spheres, visitor information, plants, etc., click on the official website HERE.

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Melinda at A Web of Stories.
To join in or view photos from around the world:
Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken, then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on the website
(Link HERE) 
Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. Please don't post random photos you find online. 

Jo's Monday Walk is hosted by Johanna at Restless Jo. Link up HERE.

2111 7th Avenue, Seattle

Thanks, Amazon!

Thank you, mighty Amazon, for featuring BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY in today's email message. You made my day!

Here's what J. Glasser, Patricia Gordon, and Nan had to say about Bluebonnets for Elly in their recent 5-star reviews on Amazon. 

J. Glasser: "Sandy does a great job of setting the scene and creating characters. It is most engaging to read. I loved this book and highly recommend it."

Patricia: "I really enjoyed Elly and Derek's story. Both had wounds from previous relationships, and as the two of them started to trust each other, their pasts returned to complicate things. I enjoyed Granny - she sounds like the kind of woman I want to be. I got lots of enjoyable reading time with this book!"

Nan: "In addition to the romance, a major element that weaves through the story is the loving relationship between Elly and her grandmother. Their bond, along with Granny’s zest for life and bawdy sense of humor, add depth to the story. I loved that extra ingredient in the plot—grandmother/granddaughter relationships are always special to me since I missed having a grandmother of my own." 

I'm delighted that these readers enjoyed my book. Reviews are gifts from readers that keep on giving. To authors, they're priceless! 

THANK YOU!

NOW ON AMAZON: Bluebonnets for Elly

Effective today, Bluebonnets for Elly is available in ebook formats on Amazon, All Romance eBooks, and Bookstrand, as well as the Sweet Cravings Publishing website. (Barnes & Noble coming soon.)

Sweet Cravings Publishing 
EPUB, HTML, LIT, MOBI, PDF

Amazon  
KINDLE, AS WELL AS APPS FOR SMART PHONES, TABLETS, COMPUTERS, AND KINDLE CLOUD READER (Link for Free App Downloads)

All Romance eBooks  
EPUB, HTML, MICROSOFT READER, MOBIPOCKET (.MOBI), ADOBE ACROBAT

Bookstrand
ADOBE ACROBAT, MICROSOFT READER, HTML, EPUB, MOBIPOCKET

Release of the book in paperback is scheduled for early summer.