Light and Shadows

 

With one family member on an extended road trip and another family member flying off to meet her, Christmas promises to be the most low-key of low-key affairs. As our offspring have aged out of the holiday craze, I'll join my fellow agnostics seeking a little suburban relaxation, take in a movie, go for a walk and count our blessings. Back when this holiday meant an excitement that knew no bounds, pleasing three young people in the guise of Santa was delicious fun.

Hearth and Home

 

This year, our seasonal decorations are scant. We couldn't decide about a tree, and everyone was too distracted by other things to press for one, so it seems pretty likely we won't make the trek to select, purchase, drive back, install and trim some stately pine.  I miss seeing the glow in the living room of the branches illuminated by twinkling lights. A  tender image of a glowing candle at dusk will have to suffice for today.

All About (Holiday) Me

 

As I was not immune to the thrall of getting in front of the camera, incorporating myself in to my holiday card was a fun riddle to solve. Wardrobe, hair, make-up, art direction and casting were my elements as well as finding someone willing and capable to operate the camera. Brings back fun memories.

Back-lit Holiday

I love photographing people and the connection you feel through the lens, but objects in their immutable state let me step back and ponder the picture plane. Creating something of value in the moment is a task I enjoy and when I can take my time- a complete pleasure.

From A to B

Embedded in objects is the potential for narrative and the combinations that we create are the fruits of our imaginations. This set of tin figurines purchased in a small shop in Greenwich Village presented a perfect opportunity to spin a sweet vignette of a winter day on a frozen pond.

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Ring In Happiness and Peace

I've had the good fortune to work with Tim Thayer of Eyebuzz on the design of my website and with his able assistance, I have created a series of digital greetings.  In 2006 I published a web card for the holidays which I would like to share with you here- hope you enjoy!

Still Life of the Holiday Persuasion

I've been lucky as a photographer to work across many genres, from food to landscape, from figures to still life and the many iconic images we associate with the holidays take on a certain stature when combined with a seasonal greeting. A well made object well lit and shot from a pleasing angle makes for easy eye candy. Sometimes making a thing of beauty isn't so hard at all.

Pleasures and Perils of the Season

 

Who doesn't like to be the bearer of glad tidings? And given the enormous push of retailers everywhere, we're barraged by messages encouraging us to open our hearts and empty our wallets to spread the love. This year my economy is ruled by restraint and encourages ingenuity- homemade Christmas anyone?

Thinking Holiday

During the years I lived in Greenwich Village I liked to visit my friend Michele and her family at their home in Bryn Mawr. Her kids' events were often on the calender and one Sunday, at their dance school's holiday recital, I stood offstage to admire a group of young dancers concentrating on their steps as their feet tapped away. The excitement the children feel who are performing is palpable and sweet to observe. And the audience of family members- hold the kleenex!

Boots and Gloves Required

Sometimes the urge surfaces to go out in the elements and see what you can find. After a blizzard, the world shrouded in white makes for a contemplative landscape that reveals a different kind of silhouette. Perfect for a seasonal message.  I loved photographing with my panoramic camera but it's scale and heft required snowshoes or a snowmobile to wade in.  I had to content myself with my roadside perch and my gracious driver who made sure I navigated the snow drifts and came back alive.

Season's Greetings (from HUE)

I met Sandy in college and years later, when she launched HUE with her neighbor Kathy, they enlisted me to photograph their designs. The two women founded the business in the early 80's and they revolutionized hosiery as a category. To a large extent I created their look and their packaging.

For years they mailed a holiday card and I really enjoyed those opportunities to create something seasonal that reflected their brand. It was fun to reinterpret a classic image with Kathy wearing the glittery sock and Sandy doing Santa duty in the studio.

Chanukkah 5776

 

As noted by others who know me well, I have a sentimental streak and when certain occasions arise, I will often bring my camera to capture the event. Before my own offspring came along I took delight in my 6 nieces (and still do). One Chanukkah years back, my brother Frank's daughters, Perry and Leah, lit the candles at a family gathering.  Basking in their glow was a lovely treat.

Where does the time go?

Intrinsic to documenting your children's lives is the urge to share an image (or more) on the annual holiday card. I was not immune to the desire to distribute a picture of my darling offspring with the circle of people who cared. Unfortunately, my progeny quickly progressed to refusing to cooperate, especially when I needed their participation in front of the camera. The moments I did get on film amaze me with how little they once were and how grown up they are now. It goes by quick.

Subject to Interpretation

After years of looking at greeting cards I started making my own. I sought to frame events in visuals that resonated and appealed. A quick message that offered deeper complexities- if one is so inclined and had the time. Many talented people have covered the circus in all kinds of ways and my fascination mirrors theirs. The thrill of the rings, the many activities. lighting, costume, music and more reminds me of the bustle and excitement the holidays brings (notwithstanding the melancholy experienced by many this time of year...).

23 and Counting

This month is loaded with activity and obligations between Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's Eve and my personal favorite, year end. December takes on an urgency to tackle all the unfinished projects, complete tasks and chores overlooked. I feel an increased pressure that induces a kind of frenzy. Between all the mental machinations, holiday preparations and wrapping up the year it's hard to imagine relaxation. Stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated, yes. Exhilaration occurs, unlike the skier above, only in my dreams.

(the skier was placed strategically in a snow drift by my driveway and not in Gstaad)

24 Days 'til Christmas

As someone brought up in a non-Christian faith, Christmas always held an other worldly allure.
While there were no tree or decorations in my childhood home, there were the greetings cards that arrived in the mail with cheerful designs that spoke of the season.

As my photography expertise grew, so did my desire to create messages of my own and making a holiday card became an annual passion. Putting myself on the card was something I approached with excitement and trepidation. Was it wildly vain or simply wild?  A little daring goes a long way- especially when expressing the most fundamental of feelings. Make it merry!!

Belated News from the Home Front

While editing some pix of a Versace tie, Jacob's pet snake Fluffy briefly appeared in the shapes.  Fluffy's whereabouts are a little problematic as he disappeared last month and has not been seen since. We'll see how long he can go before he finally shows up, curled up under a chair and scaring the living daylights out of me.

A Reduction in Numbers

 

We had an atypical Thanksgiving dinner this year with just three of us at the table. The meal felt like something to be consumed rather than savored but overall I made a very nice repast. (and dessert awaits after the post dinner nap.)

Eldest daughter is observing the holiday in L.A. with friends and middle daughter is at her place of employment so my dining companions of son and husband meant that dinner was dispatched quickly and our small party broke away from the table in a record 22 minutes. (I did enjoy cooking  this afternoon and was amused by Crisley Knows Best and all things Lifetime television.)

For all of you for whom life is not a Hallmark card, you have my empathy and respect. Still gratitude seems like an effort worth making- no matter how small the gathering at your hearth and how fleeting the connection.

Channeling my Inner Ebay

 

 

A day spent doing still lives and posting to Ebay inspires me to simplify more- something that brings a little peace.

(Terrible events in Paris. Too hard to comprehend the evil. Heartbreaking and terrifying.)

Waning

The days are shortening and it's easy to draw your attention inwards. There is a lot of activity but little tranquility- the family morphs and rearranges itself. After living here for twenty years I feel restless for something different. It's not likely to be better, and likely to pose new challenges and frustrations. Still simplifying our lives while expanding my horizons energizes me as the colors outside churn and fade to dull facsimiles of their prior glory. Another reminder that you can't hold back time.

Dusk (in November)

The dusk in autumn reveals a palette shift and the glow outside the window captures my gaze through my viewfinder as I examine focus and exposure. There are so many little things that make living here special- it's good to try and document these moments when life allows.

Suburban Lament

As a resident and elected official I am going to have to enter a twelve step program to manage my disinterest in Halloween. (or as is understood around here- our zip code's Christmas.) I won't bore you with the complete list of offerings including historic properties staging spooky events, a famous story read in a famous church, a Village-sponsored haunted hayride through a landmark cemetery along with an eager coterie of public employees (police and dpw) who are pleased to be on the receiving end of a ton of overtime (thankfully mostly paid by the event operators) and this year's delivery of good weather brought a new level of satisfaction to all involved. I hate driving to town on any weekend in October because there are sure to be traffic jams and I hate all the people wandering around taking the same predictable photos in front of our landmarks- documenting their visit to Sleepy Hollow.

I probably sound cynical, and I am. It's taken most of the pleasure I once found in October and replaced it with carloads of tourists- not my favorite form of revenue creation. But, the Legend goes hand in hand with living here. Luckily, when Halloween finally arrives, the trick or treaters make up for the onslaught of hype.

Rainy Weather, Thoughts and Images

I drove to New Jersey yesterday to work with my good friend Andrea Lekberg (of The Artist Baker) on a new textile project. It rained hard all day- making highway travel even more challenging. Coming back, the play of the lights inspired me to shoot my camera by resting it at different angles on the dash. I couldn't see what I was doing- I'm not so crazy that I would take my eyes off the road- but when a slow down occurred in front of me. I aimed and pushed the shutter. Sometimes my favorite results are the ones over which I have the least control.

Design Time

The past year (or so) I have been designing kitchen towels for my friend Andrea to sell at her shop The Artist Baker in Morristown, NJ.  She recently expressed an interest in selling scarves of my designs for holiday, so I've been working with squares again. As a major scarf nut ( ask any of my family members), it's been fun to work out what kind of designs I wanted to make and how to put the elements together. I'm not done, I don't think. But it's fun to share a work in progress!

Too Much to Report

  

I've been to the movies twice, a museum exhibit, volunteered at our local book sale, photographed the Battle of the Books for a second time, documented our Y's annual masquerade ball, and helped a friend at her place of business.

But the highlight was seeing Hamlet with Benedict Cumberbatch. (Thank you Lisa for the invite!) It was the most riveting performance of the play that I have ever seen. (and the lighting- pure magic!)

Sunday Morning

The past few years our neighbors have engaged in major construction projects, so when Sunday rolls around and we get a break from all the improving and rehabbing, it's a relief to sit outside, sip a cup of coffee and revel in the peace and quiet.

A tour of the garden reveals a back lit leaf with its architecture sharply displayed. I far prefer these elements in their structural simplicity that don't waver from their original form or seek expensive upgrades. Another opportunity to appreciate the small things available to all in Sleepy Hollow.

Lost for Words

A "vintage" carryall that costs in this price range somehow rattles my moral compass. (And the fact that most of the offerings will be sold within the first hour of the sale. What a world.)

Available Now

 

Among the assorted tasks, goals and obligations I've been working on my publishing project, My Resale ABC. It's an alphabetic array of things I sold on Ebay featuring my product photos and anecdotes about life and family. It's been very rewarding to bring this idea to life!

(in case you are interested the price is $24.95 and shipping and handling are $5.00. Contact me at photodot@att.net to arrange purchase details.)

A Visitor Finds Evergreen Way

My husband summoned me to the sun room door with an emphatic whisper  "Check it out!" "Look!"  Inches from the house, on the bordering yew a praying mantis meandered (a female, as James pointed out, due to her coloring). We were enchanted by our distinguished visitor and she spent some serious time gazing in to my lens. It's easy to feel a little Cinderella-like with all the flora and fauna that are drawn to this corner in Sleepy Hollow we call home.

Small Things Enjoyed at Home

  

Every spring we plant a vegetable garden in a bed by our driveway that gets tons of sun. We do the usual tomatoes and this year my daughter contributed some orange cherry tomatoes with a great sharp taste. A volunteer plant appeared growing on a neglected trellis and its bounty so far has allowed two delicious sandwiches made in my father's tradition (and using the only available bread in our kitchen.)

 

Nearby friends were overwhelmed with pears and brought us some. They ripened slowly to the point where making a pie seemed like the best thing to do and we enjoyed it down to the last crumb. (and thank you Pillsbury refrigerated crust for simplifying my life.)

 

John Boehner resigned today, the Pope is in New York, President Obama is dining tonight with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington and I am editing images of mundane activities pursued quietly in my kitchen. Sometimes, when too many concerns crowd my thoughts- cooking affords a pleasurable escape from all the doings of the world.

A Trip to the Circus (in Sleepy Hollow)

   

I attended the Circus Latino! last Sunday and photographed the performance. There is nothing more fun than capturing talented people in my camera. Picture bliss!

Circus Latino! opens in Sleepy Hollow

A few images from the press conference yesterday featuring some of the performers from this weekend's Circus Latino!. The show includes aerialists, gymnasts, and silkworks with great live music with a Hispanic twist. (and a special art exhibit as well!!)