CAT NAP

Lately, I have been seeing things in black and white. I guess that is how my world seems right now. Funny, when I first took photography in high school, I was shooting and processing everything in black and white. I have always loved black and white images, they seem stronger and more compelling. They have a timeless quality to them. Black and white photography is more dramatic, I guess I wish that real life had a little less drama in it.

SUSPENSE

In the final minutes of her first day as a fifty year old, Sonia unwrapped her last birthday gift.

BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL

MOVING ON

Today was Sonia's last day at HSBC and since she is the last one left in that particular office I stopped by to help her carry stuff out. Even though it was her decision to leave (because another bank approached her about working for them) it is hard to separate from something that has been a part of your life for several years.

NEW TRICKS

I spent the day trying to learn the ins and outs of shooting video, as well as becoming familiar with the new HD broadcast quality video camera I was issued. I will have to make some adjustments and learn to think differently in my approach to my assignments. It's visual, but a different kind of visual. When I got home I was still working with the camera, experimenting and trying to figure things out. It seemed kind of fitting to use my "still" camera.. the tool that I have used for the past thirty years to photograph my new camera. I can see that I will have to learn to think differently when I approach my assignments. In some ways life is like an elevator, you can go up or down but you can't stand still. So, I'm pushing the button for the penthouse and determined to learn some new tricks.

FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

49

In spite of everything going on with my Mom, tonight a few friends gathered to celebrate Sonia's 49th birthday. In my world birthdays are sacrosanct and each one must be honored. Happy Birthday, Sonia!

IN FROM THE COLD

I was playing with a new lens tonight when Sonia brought Pistachio (one of the outside cats) in to the house from the single digit cold. P got to warm up for a few minutes and then started to get skittish. Pistachio who was feral is really just a big mush. He is friendly and tame, but regardless of the weather he likes to live outside. It's a good thing too, Slugger wouldn't want any other cats in his castle.

WARM HANDS

LIMBO

With less than a week until Christmas I still don't know if I will survive the cuts at my company. My friends don't know what to say to me and I see the troubled looks on their faces.

WORRIED

I've been preoccupied and worried about what is ahead lately. I spend a lot of time lost in thought, although I seem distracted and can't concentrate most of the time. I'm not good company. In Barnes & Noble I looked over and saw this worried expression on Sonia's face. I guess that sums it all up. Yet I know that this too will pass.

INSIDE LOOKING OUT

Today was the kind of day when you wanted to stay inside and look out...occasionally. Sonia seems quite pensive as she observes the inclement weather. She is just happy that it isn't snow.....yet!

STORMY WEATHER

Tropical Storm Hannah came through Long Island today and brought with it heavy rain and high winds. It was the kind of day where most people choose to stay inside. Of course there are those few intrepid souls drawn to the center of the storm who keep watch on the waves and hope to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's fury.

BEACH FEET

It's hard to believe that this is Labor Day weekend and that summer is coming to an end. Instinctively I want to hold on tighter when I am threatened with the loss of something. I want to get as much as I can before it is gone. The end of summer always makes me sad. I know one day I will live in the land of sun, where the weather is never too cold and the beach is not that far. A place where I won't have to shovel snow or wear a parka. The sunshine state is calling me... soon.

PAINTED TOES

Sea Shell trimmed flip flops and bright red nail polish. Must be summertime!

ADRIFT

Life is good when the toughest decision to be made is whether to swim in the Gulf or drift in the pool. The pool won today. In this photo I love the shadow cast by Sonia on the bottom of the pool. No big plans for tomorrow and that's what makes vacation wonderful. No plans, just whatever the day delivers.