Jersey Shore

I'm ashamed to say I didn't bring a real camera to our recent trip to Seaside Heights, NJ. Although, with an iPhone and Instagram, you can't really lose. Our days were spent people watching (oh, the people watching is so damn good in Seaside), being the only 20-something's eating breakfast before 9 am, lots of air hockey, and the occasional Jersey Shore cast sighting.

Being in close proximity to "famous" individuals is a strange thing to get used to. There are masses of people trolling the boardwalk, and Ocean Terrace like schools of fish waiting for their prey. All with their iPhones outs, all showcasing their Jersey Shore quoted tank tops. "You Mad Bro?", "Let's Get Weird!", & "I'm DTF" just to name a few. I know I sound like a hater right now, but I have to admit I was slightly interested to see what the fuss was all about. Pauly D's tan did not disappoint.

If you ever get to the Jersey Shore, I highly recommend driving into Asbury Park, and it's neighboring town Ocean Grove, which is full of victorian homes on the beach. Not to mention, the tent city that sets up shop during the warm seasons.

Asbury Park is a standing monument to all those in the community that helped turn it around. The boardwalks are clean, the shops and restaurants are unique and full of enthusiastic people. The beach is packed, and the historical boardwalk landmarks still stand with all their glory. It's easily my favorite spot to be during the Summer.

It doesn't take long...

A few moments like these, and I can forget (if just for a second) that life will sometimes be difficult.
Thunderstorms are rolling in, the fresh rain scent is blowing through the windows, and all feels peaceful in this moment.

A Dog in the House

Working from home today, in the dining room, has me feeling all sorts of out of place. I suppose it's for good reason because we are fostering a sweet little girl named Ariel.  She snores beside me as I type this, and it's kind of soothing.

If you're familiar with this blog, or my flickr, you know how insane I am about dogs. Do you hate when strange people come up and ask to pet your dog? I'm that person. I make that child-like squeal "oooooolookatthepuppy" whenever I see a dog.

But guys, on the real? Owning/fostering a dog is hard-freaking-work. Especially in a special case like this where we don't know if she wants to snuggle or eat our cat Trill (who is safely playing in the closed off office) or how she is with other dogs, or strangers. From her history, she is good with children 7 years and older.

Before I forget, she's a Pit Bull. Which brings on a whole new complication, even though I'm an all out loving dog person, I still have that tinge of fear inside me because of what I've been fed by the media. It's an unfair judgement on the breed as a whole and I hate it. I hate that I even wrote this paragraph - but I wanted to be entirely honest.

This dog loves to snuggle, and give kisses. So far she eats all her meals in the same room as Trill (leashed, of course), and we hope to give them a real meeting soon . Ariel is outstanding on walks and has no reaction to barking dogs, runners, or bikes passing her. She did meet Chester (our studio dog), and sadly it didn't go well at the beginning. We were still able to walk them together for an hour, and afterwards I realized it was my fault for doing the introduction too quickly. Lesson learned. 


At this point we are looking to find her a home with a potential family that is active, willing to work with her on bad habits, and love her to pieces. Ariel absolutely deserves it.  If you or anyone you know is looking to adopt a dog, please let us know! We feel it should be someone who has some Pitty knowledge, or a willingness to learn about this amazing breed.

In the meantime, I'll take all the snuggle time I can get.

Update - I should probably make a note that we have been using some great online sources and books about Pit Bulls, and the basics of training a dog, breaking a dog in to a new home, dog & cat introductions, as well as dog on dog aggression. Here are a few I found helpful.
Diane Jessup Pit Bull Site
Cesar's Way
Pit Bulls For Dummies

gettysburg

It's safe to say this place was distracting, haunting, and peaceful. Which is a strange combination, if I might add. To stand where so many men fought and died, while hearing the sweet sound of chirping birds, is a lot to take in.

Gettysburg is just striking, and I wish I had taken more photographs but I felt it was one of those trips I just wanted to take it without the pressure of getting the shot.

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Civil War related books on my to read list
Gettysburg
1861: The Civil War Awakening
Gone with the Wind
and for good measure, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

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For the book nerds, I am currently reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King and I cannot put it down.

oh, you're home.

This little monster greeted me at the door today weaving in and out of my legs. We spent some one on one time chasing light spots on the walls, then I squeezed myself under the coffee table with my camera. Oh, those paws. They kill me, every time.


P.S. Happy April!

spring vignettes

I took advantage of the recently chilly weather to set up a little something on the back dock of the studio, working with clover sprouts, fresh spring blooms from the market, vintage frames and the hunger games soundtrack which held me in a dark garden kind of mood. 

I admit I had a Starbucks venti by my side, too.

Actually, it feels more like Summer than Spring these days. Is it the same for you? I love doing Spring sales in the shop! It gives that boosted feeling of clearing out a room, making space for new and exciting photographs.

Please enjoy 25% off any print (or set!) in my shop now until April 15th!

Happy weekend!

lately

It's been a long time since I've picked up my camera. During this time in my life, it feels so damn good to hold this old friend again. 

Prints can be found here & here
More coming soon...

And the lights were set to twinkle...

After a wonderful week in Florida, I have come back to Christmas lights everywhere! I know I've said this last year, and I'll say it again. My absolute favorite thing about this season is all the twinkling lights.

After we returned from the airport, I told Mike we just had to go out and walk through the trees in downtown Wayne. We did just that!

Today is the last day of my 40% off print sale in the shop as well as free shipping over on Society6 which includes iPhone cases/skins & laptop skins!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Holiday. Are you looking forward to Christmas? Are you ready for Christmas?! I don't know if I ever am....but at least Starbucks Gingerbread Lattes are back!!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Starting Friday my shop will be offering 40% off all prints November 25 - November 28.

Whether you are really into surfers this year,  vintage cameras, you're a bird nut like myself, or you're looking for that last minute Christmas sparkle to add to decorations - there is something to find and love for everyone!

My favorite thing about this sale? No lines. Oh...my god....the lines!

All orders will contain special goodies, and a discount code for your next purchase.
Happy Black Friday!


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So many other talented people are offering sales, too. Check out the Female Photographers of Etsy blog for more info.