the journey...

what was I thinking?

After 10 years in NYC I thought it was time to go view the inflation of the parade balloons. I've heard some great stories but NO one told me about the crowds. I know that it's become the thing to do in the last few years, but this was insane. I kept thinking they need to go home to feed these kids, but no. The parental commentary was predictable, "where can I get a drink...", yes, where.

Labels: parade, thanksgiving

Tracey Baran - I miss you already, 2003

I don't have any new photos of my own to post but want to share Tracey's. Sadly, Tracey left us 2 weeks ago at only 33. She was one of the first people I met when I moved to Brooklyn - she didn't have a choice since I was sleeping on her couch. Tracey photographed the world around her through self-portraits and intimate views of her life, sharing it all with us. I will always remember going to her opening in 1999, feeling slightly uncomfortable yet completely amazed. She will truly be missed.

Here are a couple links of her work and tributes:
Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects
jameswagner.com
whatsthejackanory.com

A scholarship fund in her honor has been started at her high school to support a young artist from Bath, NY. If you wish to donate -

Make checks out to: Bath Central School
memo: Tracey Baran Scholarship Fund
mail to:
Dan Roemmelt
Bath Central School
25 Ellas Avenue
Bath, NY 14810

Labels: Tracey Baran

"...only in New York"
How many times a night do you hear that?

Labels: subway

hungry?

Labels: brooklyn, williamsburg

Fall glow

Labels: fall

I told you it's always an adventure! Last night while out with friends, we met two original Williamsburg folk who just happen to make their own wine - right here in Brooklyn. So of course I asked... and away we went. In a small yard house with a lower cellar, the grapes come to life. We cracked a jug and shared stories of Brooklyn. Smile. thank you!

Labels: brooklyn, williamsburg, wine

I used to agree with the pet adoption places that 2 cats are better then 1. I was always an owner of 2... but now, with miss Nook on her own, I've never seen a happier cat! Some cats are meant to be on their own. Which only cements the theory that she pushed Grady. hmmm...

Labels: cats

Labels: greenpoint, hotel

This is from the fun in the cemetery. I had three cameras around my neck -(yes I can hear you)- a Nikon d200, Canon g9, and a plastic Holga. I'm still not in love with digital but i do love the convenience. The image above is from the $15 Holga. The film expired in 2004 and the developing was $25 (argh). Maybe everything doesn't need to be so sharp and perfect as digital... what do you think?

Labels: cemetery, holga, ozone park

Am I just noticing all the flags or are there are lot more flags flying these days?

Labels: flag, williamsburg

I'll call this one "Sneezemaker".

Labels: cemetery, fall, ozone park

It's always an adventure. Today I returned to Bayside Cemetery in Ozone Park. I left a little late and the light was beautiful so I wasn't really paying too much attention to the time. But somehow I got myself locked into the cemetery. Every gate locked - chained and bolted. Not a person around. The fences covered with razor wire. Nightmare! I finally found a fence on the opposite end - because i was not going back through the overgrown section at this hour - but the fence was super tall with wire sticking out on top. I tried once. Not going to happen. I tried twice. Almost ripped my pants off. A few passer-by'ers stopped to watch. Ugh. Third times the charm, up to the top, slowly slowly over... tada! free at last. Deep breath and back to the subway. Another pleasant day in the city... click to see more

Labels: cemetery, ozone park

a little something different.

Labels: macro

did ya hear?!??!

Still tonight the whole city is wandering around in a haze of elation. Wow!!! Isn't it going to be awesome when they move into the White House... I mean, come on!!!! It almost feels sad that it feels so amazing, how can it be that it took this long, but here we are... and all I can say is, Wow!

Labels: obama

I completely forgot to send this out to everyone - so if you are reading this and in Brooklyn - come on out to Ozzie's Cafe tonight from 6-9pm for the opening of a show with my photography group, Fort Greene Photography Organization. I am showing two images along with 7 other photographers. Yes, free wine and cheese! =)

Ozzie's Cafe is at 249 5th Avenue between Caroll and Garfield Place. Subway Mor R to Union Street.

Labels: fgpo, opening

I'm exhausted and my voice is still cracking, but here ya go! YEAH!!!!!!

Happiness!

It's 3am and the streets of my neighborhood are still full. It started with friends and then the countdown to the west coast... 5, 4, 3, 2, ..... OBAMA! We all ran into the streets. OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA.... Yes we can... YES WE DID! I am still sitting here with a smile on my face. My voice is gone, but my smile is not. PERFECT. There isn't enough room on my site to post all of the images I want to, so here are a few of my favorites. THANK YOU!!!! OBAMA! Wow, what a day.