Wednesday, August 08, 2012

So handsome

So handsome
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Maddox is thrilled that he got groomed this morning... poor boy, that long hair in the heat of this summer was making him quite the mope! He was so happy for his haircut, look at that face {smooch!}

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iPhone 4S
Instagram Hefe

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Morning Concert

If you are familiar in the least with the morning news/talk shows on the major networks you know that they all seem to have concerts on Fridays during the summer. This Friday I managed to haul my lazy bones out of bed at a ridiculously early hour to attend my first morning show concert.

I accompanied my darling daughter to the Midtown Manhatten News Corp. concert set of Fox and Friends. We drove in from NJ and arrived at 48th Street and 6th Avenue at about 6:30 am, if you should happen to take public transportation, this would be the nearest subway station.




Once we arrived on site my daughter quickly found a college friend and proceeded to catch up on all the news and move in close to the stage for a fabulous view of the performance. I took a little bit of a stroll over to 7th Avenue where I found a Smilers convenience store with cut flowers lining the 48th Street side of the corner store. I have a thing for market flowers and these sunflowers surely caught my eye.


The clouds and extreme humidity had Lazy Hazy Days of Summer going through my mind... well at least it's a happy tune :-)

As I stood back and took in the view of NYC and all it's glory the shop's keeper began to wet down the sidewalk in preparation of the day ahead. The city was beginning another new day and the hustle and bustle began. Workers can be seen rushing along the avenue and the lights of Broadway attractions were clearly lit in the background.


It was a quick walk back to 6th Avenue, where a very familiar scene from my many years of working in the city was encountered. The corner coffee cart, a workers' morning necessity long before Starbucks arrived in town. Coffee, rolls, bagels, donuts you could find them all right there at the corner cart. Quick, convenient and most importantly very inexpensive!


I couldn't resist... I got on line and partook in a delightful "regular" coffee. (Passed on all the carbs, breakfast would come after the show). I found a bench right on the corner


with a fabulous view of the stage and far enough from the speakers to avert deafness. (Yeah, I said it... I've come to really enjoy hearing and would like to keep it around for awhile)


The show's guest band was Gloriana... a country band that seems to be taking charts by storm. My daughter has been listening to their music for a couple of years now, she believes they are very talented and haven't received the recognition they deserve as yet. You can read her blog review of their latest album  A Thousand Miles Left Behind  [Stop by her blog and show her some blog love;-)]


The performance was fun and the band stills has a great love of their fans... they freely gave away copies of their CD and autographs were gladly shared.

After the show we had a quick breakfast and started to head over to Central Park. We made it as far as the bus stop on 48th and 6th but the heat and lack of sleep didn't play well for us so we just decided to head back to NJ and call it an early day.

It's hard to believe that I used to work just four blocks from here, it's even harder to believe that it was over 30 years that my career had move further downtown to the Financial District!


The move from Television & Radio to Brokers & Traders was quite a culture shock, but that's a story for another day.


White Plains rain

White Plains rain
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


A road trip with my daughter and a visit with my brother... afternoon rain was welcome as it cooled down the 99 degree temps.
I'm submitting this to July's Photo-Heart Connection, this photo brings memories of a fabulous day enjoyed with loved ones!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Ready?

Ready?
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Yotsuba gathered a gang of friends to get ready to watch the 2012 London Olympics.

We'll be watching the opening ceremonies tonight, my daughter has be anxiously awaiting the show for some time now... she has a thing for Michael Phelps ;-) Looking forward to the show Danny Boyle has put together, it should be very interesting.

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

White Plains rain

White Plains rain
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

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A road trip with my daughter and a visit with my brother... afternoon rain was welcome as it cooled down the 99 degree temps.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Dinner - Mostly Cold

Dinner - Mostly Cold
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Too hot to even think of cooking and eating a hot meal!

Chicken sausage & peppers, cucumber salad and Romaine with black olives and mozzarella pearls w/Balsalmic dressing.

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Strawberry & Cream

Strawberry & Cream
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Tried something a little different for breakfast... daughter is always trying something new, it was pretty good too!

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Bizzzzy...

Bizzzzy...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

The bees were out in full force this afternoon... this little guy was in and out of these flowers faster than I could focus!

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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Photo Heart Connection - June

June was busy indeed! There were two very important graduation celebrations and they brought the family and friends out to share these special life moments!

My daughter completed her college degree and set off in the world of broadcasting... she worked hard on developing skills and craft in media, may she succeed and be fulfilled!

My great-nephew graduated from HS and will continue on with his education at university!

This photo speaks to me of both their achievements and the beginnings of new adventures... Oh the places they will go!


I planned on sharing this photo with Kateyeview's Photo Heart Connection, but looks like I missed it!

Friday, July 06, 2012

Pick a seat...

Pick a seat...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

As I posted this photo the song "Everyone's Gone to the Moon" just popped right into my head. It's an oldie and I'll probably be humming it for a week.

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Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Love is a Shelter

Love is a shelter
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave may God send angels to guard the door
No, love in not a fight...but it's something worth fighting for ~ Love is Not a Fight, Warren Barfield

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Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Celebrating July 4th

Celebrating July 4th
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Today's photo is a composite of two images worked through PSE 9 and then Instagram. This is the first time I've attempted such a thing, I like it... What do you think?

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Thursday, June 07, 2012

Tribute

Tribute
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

In memorial of those who gave their all.

Today I'm participating in the Photo-Heart connection for May... I'm sharing this photo I took for Memorial Day in the US. While it's always signified the start of summer and the beginning of the beach season, we must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live freely and in peace. We must remember all they've given and respect the values they fought to protect.


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iPhone Instagram Hefe

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

After a wonderful afternoon movie with my loving daughter, a pretty flower shot!
 
 
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Camera Nikon D40
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/4.0

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Always Learning

Always Learning
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Learning is a lifelong process... Despite the fact that I've been using my camera for over 3 years, I continue to learn as much as possible about photography. Today I sat in on a Creative Live session "Photography 101 for Moms", very interesting session for moms to learn the basics, it was fun.

I love attending the sessions at Creative Live there courses are free for the live recording and cover many aspects of photography and more. You can also buy previous courses if you find them of interest. My budget's been kinda tight, so if I have the time I enroll in the live recording. Definitely worth checking out there course calendar... you might find something of interest.


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Camera Nikon D40
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 35 mm
ISO Speed 360

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Tender Hearts

Tender Hearts
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Paradise was made for tender hearts ~ Voltaire

Deep within the strength of stone there can found the tears of a heart

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Saturday, May 05, 2012

Delicate Beauty

Delicate Beauty
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Tall, vibrant and beautiful... Alone, delicate and vulnerable.

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. ~ Gerard de Nerval

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Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/3.2
Focal Length 35 mm

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Make a wish!

Originally uploaded by maggie_gem
“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.” ~ Elenora Duse

Seeing the wonder of the simple things in life, knowing in my heart there is beauty all around us if we just stop and look for just a moment... These are moments I want to capture!

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#lux #dandelion #flower #morning

I'm linking up with The Photo-Heart Connection with my favorite photo for April!




Monday, April 23, 2012

More iPhone Madness



Another week and half with the iPhone...
It's been a real mixed bag these few days
  • Saturday - Market flowers
  • Sunday - Perfect day for a stroll on the beach
  • Monday - Preparing the invitations for the upcoming graduation celebration
  • Tueday - Turkey on "Light" wheat
  • Wednesday - A visit with my cousin and smile from her charming Buddy
  • Thursday - Morning light made these dandies unresistable
  • Friday - Nikon is idle on the desk
  • Saturday - A family gathering at Cupsaw Lake
  • Sunday - Rainy day at the station, poor girl had to go into The City for work
  • Monday - Another chilly and wet day; toys and snacks shall prevail!
There are tons of apps for the iPhone and I'm having a grand time playing with many of them. The big problem I see is keeping track of what I do as process the photos. There is definitely a conflict between my Technical and Creative selves. The technical wants to observe and record each and every step along way while the creative side is just in there doing and playing! Oh well, I am a Gemini... so that's bound to happen.

Have a great week and until next time... Live, Laugh, Love!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Catching up on April

Catching up on April
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

1. A Touch of New England, 2. Who's Ugly Now?, 3. Chillin', 4. Spring in Bloom, 5. Some Bunny Needs Love, 6. Good Morning Earlybird, 7. MiniEggs Galore, 8. Fresh Fruit, 9. Tulip, 10. Hyacinth, 11. Maddox - Afternoon Light, 12. Outside the market - #pansies #flower #lux #squaready, 13. Flower Basket

I've been concentrating on using only the iPhone for shooting and editing my 365 for April. While the iPhone is a very simple camera to use, I think it offers great opportunities to expand one's creativity. There are many apps available to assist in capturing the photo that tells the story. As I experiment and explore I hope to share my findings and improve my photography skills.

Monday, April 02, 2012

Somebody's Fool

Somebody's Fool
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem
Happy April Fool's Day

Yesterday afternoon the light was hitting this figurine on the shelf... He belonged to my mother, when Mom passed my aunt took this little guy as a memory from my mother. He came back to me last May, now he holds memories of Mom and Aunt Lillie for me. This close-up of his face just reminds me of Mom, I think it's the little smile.

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Camera Awesome
Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/2.4
PSE for resolution adjustment

Sunday, April 01, 2012

Bidding March Farewell

The last week has just zoomed right by... I can not believe it's already April! Here's what I've been up to



Clearly, the iPhone has taken over my life... 3 out of 5 of these were taken with it. We are definitely at the dawn of the age of mobile photography and the iPhone is just the beginning. It's amazing to me that the iPhone 4 is the most popular camera on Flickr today. iPhones also are the top 4 most popular camera phones, followed closely by the Android based Samsung Galaxy S II in the fifth spot and is gaining popularity.

iPhoneography is taking the world by storm, more importantly the age of phoneography is upon us. As new smartphones are developed they are featuring improved camera performance and increased application development. Photography has become fun and hip... and so easy to share it's almost infectious!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

MegaMillions Madness

MegaMillions Madness
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

SugarPup: Wow the jackpot is hugh, hope these numbers are the lucky winners...

Rabbit: As they would say in The Hunger Games "May the odds be ever in your favor".


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Camera Awesome

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Nothing On

Nothing On
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Quiet Sunday, TV off and reading Catching Fire


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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Good Morning Daffy

Good Morning Daffy
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

An early morning errand can lead to delightful little finds... This little gem was there by my driveway waiting to be seen in the early morning sun!

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Instagram #lux #earlybird

Friday, March 23, 2012

Street Stories

Street Stories
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Today I stumbled across a fabulous article on Chase Jarvis' blog - Don't Quit Your Day Job? No Problem A showcase of very touching street photos from a NYC banker with a very serious hobby.

Chris Arnade (Twitter @chris_arnade) is proof that photography, even as a hobby, can clearly touch the heart and tell stories that need to be told. Along the streets of the Bronx there are many stories needed to be told and Chris' Faces of Addiction set on Flickr tells them with great heart and dignity. I was truly moved by this set of photographs, it reminded me of a similar project I had in mind years ago that was inspired by Richie Sambora's Harlem Rain. Chris has inspired me to start planning that project, the time has come and it is now!

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Exposure 0.008 sec (1/120)
Aperture f/2.4

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Hot Reads...

Hot Reads...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Jeero is very impressed after reading Hunger Games... he now wants to see the movie! He found the next in the series too.

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Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/3.2

Drums

Drums
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

St. Patrick's Day Parade Bayonne NJ

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Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture f/5.6

Monday, March 19, 2012

Sugar O'Pup

Sugar O'Pup
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

SugarPup poses with the decorations at the local diner... Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

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No Paws...

No Paws...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

My daughter was holding Maddox on her lap... notice how he looks away from me, me thinks he knows he shouldn't there, and he's paw definitely shouldn't be on the table!

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Decadence

Decadence
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Had a fun night at my Great-nephew's high school fashion show. A night of prizes, gorgeous young Seniors and to finish it off... this awesomeness!

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Exposure 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture f/2.4

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Remembering Cranes for Japan


I heard the news today that Japan had another earthquake... and so close to the anniversary of last year's devasting events. I also found it ironic that today's Google Doodle commemorates Akira Yoshizawa the grandmaster of origami.

My heart and prayers go out to all those that suffered the devastation of last year's horror and to those who went through today's horrible reminder!


Today's photo may be a bit of cheat, these were last year's photos compliled into a collage tonight. If you didn't see last year's efforts they are 1000 Cranes for Japan and Update

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Collage - Picasa from last year's Cranes for Japan project

Special thanks to Photobook Girl's recent article on Free Collage Tools for reminding me of this very handy feature in Picasa. BTW, she is far more creative with photobooks and collage than I am and is an excellent source for tips on books!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Finally...

Finally...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

A pose from Maddox, no cookies necessary!

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Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture f/2.8

Friends

Friends
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Maddox is such a TV Hound... I caught him watching the Friends marathon on Nick @ Nite!

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Exposure 1/15 sec
Aperture f/2.4

Monday, March 12, 2012

The Rail

The Rail
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

A walk in the park...

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Exposure 1/4608 sec
Aperture f/2.4
Snapseed +Drama and Grunge

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Homemade Pizza

Homemade Pizza
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

SugarPup: Oh yummy, better than the pizzeria!

It's the weekend and we're needing just a bit of a treat. Whole wheat pizza with fat free mozzella, turkey sausage, and onions.

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Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/2.4

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Whoa... Windows 8?

Whoa... Windows 8?
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Yotsuba's introduction to Windows 8 left her confused...

Yotsuba: Oh my, what have they done? I don't know where all my stuff is, how will I get my work done?

SugarPup is going to have to get this figured out and give her some tips and tricks on using the new technology!

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Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/2.8

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Out and About

Out and About
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

A quick roadside stop on a wonderfully spring like day in Port Reading, NJ

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iPhone 4S
Instagram #Lux #toaster