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A Quick Peek at the Tree

The other day I forgot my keys at the office and had the choice of staying at home all afternoon or heading to midtown and battling the holiday crowds with toddler in tow. We went with option 2 because we are the adventurous types. And if we had to be in the midst of the chaos anyway, why not go to the heart of it and show her the big tree? Crowds/safety/one parent meant limited photo opportunities, but let me assure you, she was a fan. 

WWB - December - 2015

Full disclosure: I have taken precisely zero non-family related images so far this month. Which is a shame, because the weather has been unseasonably warm and perfect for night shooting. And also because it means that anyone hoping for a glimpse of street photography will have to settle for city kids yet again. Our giant tree will eventually get its own post, so here are a few personal favorites that do not feature the 9 foot decoration in our living room. 

Please head over to Who We Become to see our monthly mosaic, or take a more personal spin through everyone's work via blog circle, starting with Jill Cassara, who should really be working for Martha Stewart with her gorgeous images and impeccable styling, but we're lucky to get her instead.

 

One {November 2015}

I'm having a hard time deciding what to share for my One post this month - we've been busy and there are a lot of fun pictures hanging out on my hard drive, just waiting to see the light of day. However, we did have a new experience last week, so I am going with more of a "one" moment.

We were very fortunate to attend a party with ring-side seats to the staging area for the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. They are very big, they are very fun and they inspired excitement and huge, wonder-filled eyes in my small people. Seeing the world from their perspective can truly be a joy. 

Please head out west to see what the lovely and talented Krista has in store for us this month!


WWB - November - In Memory, in solidarity

Our crew over at Who We Become chose November 15 to reinvigorate our collaboration. We plan to share our work with one another and with whomever else might be interested. To see our images this month, please click over to Who We Become for the mosaic, or for a closer look at each individual, please travel the blog circle, starting in Minnesota with the lovely Julie Kiernan. 

I wish I were kicking off on a happier note. In New York this weekend, people gathered to show support for Paris, as well as for Beirut and all victims, in the wake of recent terrorist attacks. A small gesture, perhaps, but the majority of the sombre and reflective crowd came to show love and solidarity for those enduring tremendous loss. Others had a more pointed agenda.

I doubt that there are ever "right words" for times like these, but I hope that by choosing a path of love and tolerance, any contribution I am able to make to this global conversation will  represent my belief in humanity, rather than my fears for it. 



NYC Halloween 2015

October flew by, as indicated by my lack of posting over here. However, we made it out for a little trick-o-treating tonight and I can't resist sharing a bit of the fun of Halloween in New York. Blue Dragon and One-Eyed-One-Horned-Flying-Purple People Eater (circa 2010) costumes courtesy of their talented aunt. 


Supermoon Lunar Eclipse - 2015

A certain spouse gave me a little nudge out the door this evening, and I'm so glad he did. While, ideally, I would have shot the supermoon eclipse using a tripod under a cloudless sky, those conditions did not present themselves. Instead, I got to people watch while waiting for the occasional split second break in the clouds. Grainy, imperfect and more my style anyway, here are a few scenes from the lunar eclipse this evening:

75 Days of Summer - Days 67-75

Friends, I do not claim to be going out with a bang here, but today, on this very last day of the calendar summer, my 75 Days of Summer project has reached its end.

A few take-aways:

1. I would love to spend my life traveling. 

2. Kid adventures are the best. 

3. It's time to get back into the city with my trusty camera.

4. Don't expect a 365 project out of me any time soon. 

Thanks so much to those of you who have stuck with me through this summer diversion. Your emails and messages kept pushing me forward when I was ready to call it a day. Encouragement with a hint of guilt - a powerful combination.

Happy fall!

In Memoriam - 2015

Give me your tired, your poor, 
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, 
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, 
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

 - Emma Lazarus

Empty Skies

L.A. Photo Curator - Cityscapes, 2nd Place

Also! A few weeks ago, I came across a call for entry for an online exhibit called Cityscapes - the gallery group was new to me, but I quickly learned that they contribute a portion of artist proceeds to charities of the first place winner and juror's choice. That alone made a submission feel worthwhile, so I was very excited to learn that my image was awarded 2nd place. As a longtime admirer of Henri Cartier-Bresson, it made my day to hear that my work evokes thoughts of his "Decisive Moment." I am truly honored. 

Stacey Leece Vukelj | In Tandem

75 Days of Summer - Days 51-53

The final countdown is on - only two days until summer officially comes to an end. I have to admit, the failure (entirely parental in nature) to fully assess the true scope of the kindergarten-to-first-grade summer homework situation until a few days ago has left us all feeling a tad disenchanted. Nevertheless, I'm certain we can eke out a bit more fun in the next 48 hours as we race towards the finish line. 

Days 51-53 - the precursor to the invasion of the grandparents.  Per his request, someone headed up a few days ahead All By Himself (...with an assist from Grandma) before mom and little sis crashed his party. A milestone for us both.

75 Days of Summer - Days 45-50

Perhaps my favorite part of this summer project is that I am sharing images that I would normally keep to myself. While I enjoy capturing the sense of isolation that New York can evoke, these personal photographs cause me to stop to consider, and be grateful for, the fact that my life is filled with laughter, love, family and friendship. How exquisitely fortunate we are to be navigating life with these incredible children, and from a moment in time where the circumstances of their birth afford them security and privilege unknown in other parts of the world. The onus therefore lies with us, I believe, to find ways to share this wealth. For what child is undeserving of safety and of joy?

Days of Summer: 45-50. 

75 Days of Summer - Days 37-44

After two weeks of vacation and two weeks of camp, we spent the beginning of August in lower gear. Time for adventuring, some DYI tattooing, swimming, dining and dancing with good friends and a little night wandering for good measure. Lots of pictures, lots of fun.

PhotoPlace Gallery - Going Places Exhibition

I know there must be a limit on how many favorite images a person can have, but this one truly is among them. I am thrilled and honored to have had it selected for inclusion in the main gallery of the Going Places exhibit at the PhotoPlace Gallery in Middlebury, VT later this fall. This year, and this particular gallery, have been very kind to me. I can't overstate my appreciation.

 

75 Days of Summer - Days 29-31

This year, both of my siblings up and got married and left NYC for the milder climes of California. So, when one of them pays us a spontaneous visit we are very excited, and might take a few too many pictures. Days 29-31, when Aunt C came to town...

75 Days of Summer - Days 17-22

Catching up on this project is about to become a bit easier. The problem with taking a trip at the beginning of the summer is that everything else pales in comparison upon return. Days 18-23 of summer vacation - our daily ordinary: 

One {June 2015}

This little one has been featured a little heavily in the One rotation recently, but I can't help but go with this shot. It isn't technically fabulous, but there is something irresistible about such a glorious mess. Nothing gets between our exceedingly independent baby and her object of desire.  

Please head out to Washington to see what the amazing Krista has found this month, and while you're at it, congratulate her on that shiny new Masters degree she just earned! A woman of many talents, indeed. 

75 Days of Summer

I have yet to undertake a daily shooting project, but have often been inspired by the efforts of my fellow photographers. Recently, the Instagram/Facebook hashtag #100daysofsummer has caught my eye and left me thinking about a) how lazy I am and b) how private I am and, in light of those two things, am I willing to undertake a summertime photography project that will likely center around my family? And, also...c) do we really have 100 days of summer? As it turns out, we do not. In terms of vacation, we have 75. And when it comes to a frequent photography project, that is probably for the best.

I won't guarantee a daily post, though I will plan to shoot daily and I will guarantee more personal shots for the time being. In any case, I am going to give the project the old college try. We will have adventures, excitement and a lot of time on the playground. Kicking off with days 0-3. 

 

Summer Vacation Day 0 - Last Day of Kindergarten!

Summer Vacation Day 1 - A Boy and His Books

Summer Vacation Day 1 - Why Walk When You Can Climb?

Summer Vacation Day 1 - "I'm playing race car driver with my sister."

Summer Vacation Day 2 - Up Past Bedtime

Summer Vacation Day 2 - Not High Enough

Summer Vacation Day 2 - Because Nothing Says 40th Anniversary Like Dinner and the Playground

Summer Vacation Day 3 - Monday Morning at the Diner

Summer Vacation Day 3 - Bubbles and Superheroes

Summer Vacation Day 3 - Tree Hunters

Summer Vacation Day 3 - Ignoring Mom

Summer Vacation Day 3 - Flora & Fauna

Summer Vacation Day 3 - Hands Free