To be honest.  I am far too busy to blog these days.

I have been busy with my baby, busy with my sites, busy decorating a new house.  Just way, way, way, to busy to keep any sort of journal, or pay attention to this blog.

I just went though and deleted posts that were old and no longer relevant.  I want to thank all of you who have stopped by.  I just wanted to quickly come in and place a new post about my sites, and how they have come along.

I have two patriotic shops now  AmericasTees.com and PatrioticTees.com.  I will probably eventually consolodate and have just one.  But for now, they are both up and running.  I have created original patriotic designs on t-shirts for adults and children.  And the good news is that at PatrioticTees.com, I am able to offer discounting on multiples.  So outfitting families is easier.  I hope you enjoy them.  I will try and get some image links of our best selling and newest designs up in the next few days, and then, you probably won't see anything new here for awhile.  My photography is still doing well, and I left the old posts with images for you all to see.  I plan on a photography update to my CityPrints shop in the fall.  If my little man lets me.

4th of JUly is right around the corner.  See you at the beach & enjoy those fireworks!

Ok, I have finally done it... I have finally opened my new patriotic t-shirt store, AmericasTees.com! All of my American flag, Statue of Liberty and other patriotic designs have been placed onto one site. T-shirts and apparel featuring my original designs are available in men's and women's styles, as well as styles for children and babies. I, for one, love to dress my whole family in matching 4th of July t-shirts. It is the one remaining corny thing that I do. I have been designing my own shirts for quite awhile, but never offered them to the public until now.   It is difficult to be patriotic during these times, but we must not lose faith in this magnificent country.  To reflect the current climate in this nation, I recently designed a patriotic peace sign t-shirt that is avail. in my shop.  I just received my family's order of flag tees this week, and they look great. We will be wearing the design of stars, shown top right. And that wee baby is my own wee one wearing the peace sign design (I ordered a bunch of different ones for him).  I want my pee wee to live in a peaceful world.  Ahh, dare to dream.  America needs to lead by example.  I have faith that we will be back on track over the next few years.

AmericasTees.com also offers patriotic tote bags, barbecue aprons, bumper stickers, buttons, mugs & more. This is not just your average American flag t-shirt shop. I have so much more to add, but to find the time....

Thanks to everyone for taking a look. Enjoy a $5 off Coupon for a limited time!  See site for details.

Happy 4th of July to all!

I am proud to announce that my PATRIOTIC SUPERSTORE featuring American flag & patriotic t-shirts will finally be open in the coming weeks.  I have been working hard pulling all of my original designs together in one place.  More soon, store still in progress.  Stop on by!

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Finally the weather breaks!  The trees have been blooming here for weeks.  This photograph was taken last week near my home.  I will be making it available in my photography gallery later on this week.  Today I noticed that already the flowers are beginning to fade, as little green leaves take their place.  I love those little green leaves.  When the trees first turn that light green color, it is so beautiful.  I will be using these next few spring weeks to take advantage of the new life all around me. 

The newest addition to my City Prints photography shop is this black and white mini poster featuring the Twin Towers/World Trade Center with American flag in the foreground. This photograph was taken in 2000 from Liberty State Park. Only the flag is in color in this powerful image. This print, suitable for framing is available for $12.99.

It is amazing how tall the towers actually were. All of the remaining skyscrapers in that part of town are only 1/2 the height. At the same time that I am in awe of their size, I can't help but think of the fear that must have over-taken the people that were trapped on the floors above the fires. I have nightmares about it still. Having been on the top floors, and on the roof observation deck several times... I can mentally bring myself to that situation, and it is difficult to get thoughts like that out of my mind.

I have been torn about posting & selling my images of the Towers. After what happened, it was hard for me to keep my World Trade Center images on my site. But at the same time, they seemed to bring people comfort and peace.... to be able to see them and remember New York City as it once was... although for such a short time... a mere 30 years. Indeed, they have become my most popular.

Now that the Holidays are over, I have more time for everything... for my new baby boy, for my photography... and more time to think about things I haven't thought about for awhile, like the Twin Towers as they once were.

You know, back when 9/11 happened, I remember thinking that it was the end of the world. For months afterward I was extremely depressed....as was almost everyone around me. It was impossible (around here) not to know someone that was directly involved. Everyone you spoke to either lost a family member or friend, or had someone they were close to working as a firefighter or rescue worker at ground zero. I remember thinking that we would never recover...never ever... I was so sure. Seeing the skyline without the World Trade Center was completely heartbreaking.

It is truly amazing how resilient the human animal is. Recovery, no... but we continue to live and love. We go places and see things and babies are born... and life just goes on. Every now and then something brings it again to the forefront in my mind, and when I stop to think about it, the tears still come. I think they always will. But I am so thankful that this horrible event did not bring a total end to the world as I know it. The world is different for sure. But, we will be OK. And eventually, when Bush is out of the White House, America's image will begin to improve overseas too. Hopefully we will again become the place where everyone wants to be, the land of opportunity.

Seeing the skyline without the towers is still heartbreaking, but sadly has become more normal and less unsettling.  I cannot wait to see something new grow in the barron spot.

Another thought....... just now I was sitting downstairs and I heard an ENORMOUS BOOM, and my first thought was "Oh my God, a refinery expoded, or a bomb has exploded!"  I never had thoughts like that before.  Before September 11th, I would have assumed it was thunder... which it probably was.  It is cloudy and raining.  However..... I know what thunder sounds like.... more of a clap followed by a boom... this was an explosive boom, and it shook the house, and woke the baby.  The atmosphere can do strange things.  I called my husband as he was on his drive to work, knowing that he was only a few miles from the house.  He said he had just seen lightning.  This put me at ease.

I live in a bit of fear, knowing that I live so close to the biggest target on Earth.  However, I am willing to die here.  And if it happens, it happens.  I will never move.  I live in a truly beautiful place.  A place with sparkling oceans, the biggest bustling most diverse city in the world, short drive to good skiing, near plains of corn and wild forests.  Beautiful small towns that were the first settled communities in the New World.... the United States.  I am proud to live in one of the original 13 colonies.  I am proud to be a "Yankee" northerner, where slavery was brought to an end.  I am proud to be open minded and liberal  (not a nut mind you... just more liberal than conservative).  I know that my intelligence is largely a result of growing up in such a diverse climate.  I love it here, and will never move away.

      Rome is such a breathtaking city.  The history of the city is astounding and around every corner there are wonders to behold.   One of the most astounding examples I have ever seen is St. Peters.   The size of this place really cannot be believed unless it is seen in person.  If you look carefully at the photograph above, you can see that the people help to give this image scale.  Look at the people that are right by the entrance doors.... they are so tiny that you can barely see them.  Then look at the clocks that are at the top left and top right of the building.  See how each clock is at least double the height of a person?  Truly amazing.

    I also have wonderful photographs from inside the Basilica, however I have not yet had the time to scan the negatives and turn them into digital files.  St. Peters is a must see, even for the totally non religious.  Anyone that appreciates breathtaking examples of architecture will appreciate this truly astounding accomplishment. 

     The print above is available in my Inspirational Photography Gallery, print prices starting at $9.95. 

     My City Prints shop is currently offering a post holiday sale on Greeting Cards.  Take $4 off all packaged cards.  Offer expires Jan. 4th.  Use coupon code BIG4 during checkout to receive discount.  Some examples of cards featuring New York City photography are shown below. 

Twin Towers by Night - framed print

    This has always been my most popular print.   Original photograph of World Trade Center taken summer of 2000 from New Jersey side of Hudson River... marina in the foreground makes this an especially nice image.  I have meant to make more available from this day of shooting, but have not had the time.  This is the best of the series, in my opinion.  Vertical version of this print will be available soon. 

Still plenty of time to shop before Christmas!  City Prints is currently offering 2 Day Shipping for the price of Ground.  This means your gifts arrive on time.  Ship to yourself, or directly to that special someone.  And don't forget, all items in shop offer 30 day money back quality guarantee.

Also now through Dec 20th save $5 on purchase of $20 or more.  Use coupon code CAMELBABIES during checkout.  Framed prints as well as posters, t-shirts, mugs, greeting cards more available.  If you love New York, you will love this opportunity!

Statue of Liberty Sunset Print

Real quick, I will take the time to post this print.  I used to love this view through the arch.  The ten years I lived in the city, I lived 2 blocks from this spot, and became very used to this view of the Twin Towers.  You would have to stand right in the middle of 5th Ave. to get the shot, but I always used to make tourists do it.   After all, a little traffic never stopped me.

Twin  Towers w/ Washington Sq. 16X20 unframed poster NOW $19.99

I was out this morning and coudn't help but notice how clear and beautiful everything is today.  With the sun so low in the sky at this time of year, the light is so golden and lovely.  The fresh snow on the ground makes it brighter than usual, and today the sky is a clear, dark blue. 

I wish I could get out to the beach, or even into the city and take advantage of this great day, however this little wee baby of mine keeps me indoors.  It  is too cold to keep him outside for any real length of time.  I am lucky even to get a few minutes to sit here and write my thoughts.  His frequent feedings barely give me time to myself.  But he is worth every minute, and by summer he will be bigger and more independent.  We will be able to go all over together and my camera will accompany us.

I was able to take some black & white shots of my new baby yesterday.  He maintained a nice mood long enough for me to get some sunny backlit shots of his head, with the sun shining through his little, blond, fuzzy hairs.  I used a fill flash, and hope I was able to get it right.  Who knows when I will have the time to process the film, but I think I should have a few nice prints come of the sitting.  He is starting to get so much more personality now, that every time I take pictures, they turn out sweeter and sweeter.

Well, almost time for another feeding, and need to get more done today.  No prints to post today.  

More soon.

Machu Picchu mini poster (orig. photograph) - $9.99

       This place is truly the most amazing place I have ever been.  I have wanted to visit Machu Picchu since I was in Jr. high, after seeing a special on PBS about it's discovery.  We (my husband and I) hiked a portion the Inca trail in 2002 to reach our final destination.  It was a wonderful trip... and I would recommend it to anyone.... well, anyone who can stand to hike miles and miles and camp out at above 11,000 feet.   I took the above photograph after hours and hours of hiking.  I have many more negatives that I still have to scan.  This one, and another one in my shop that features a Llama, are my two favorites.

      I will eventually place a link to the travel service that we used.  They were very accomodating, and with all of the people that visit the Inca Trail now, Peru no longer allows individual travellers or hikers, you have to be in an approved travel group.  More later on this subject.

Having lived either in or around New York City for all of my life, it has become a favorite subject for my photography.  There is so much beauty to this magnificent city, that I feel I have only begun to scratch the surface in terms of capturing the best images the city has to offer.  I have so many photographs that I need to still go through and publish.  I have however over the past few years managed to find most of my negatives that feature the Twin Towers (as most people refer to them), I still like to say World Trade Center.  They have always been my most popular images, but now, sadly, they are even more popular.

With the encroaching holidays, It just seems that there are not enough hours in the day to acomplish what I need to do.  I feel that I have been neglectful lately of my ever growing hobby, which is part of the reason I picked now to start a blog on the subject.  So far the holidays have been kind in terms of my sales from my various web gallerys.  I have only posted a couple of them here so far.

I hope some of you can take advantage of today's sale. 

Have to feed my wailing baby now.... I swear it never ends.... more soon.

  Today and tomorrow only, cascading discount in my City Prints shop.  Use code  HOL5 and recieve $5 off $20 purchase.  Or  HOL10 = $10 off $40,  HOL25 - $20 off $100

Photomosaic of Statue of Liberty - print sizes starting at $14.00

  Using a not so simple program, I was able to take dozens, about 85 of my own NYC images, and put them together to make this mosaic image of the Statue of Liberty.  This is truly one of my favorite prints.  I have also made an American flag out of various images.... but have yet to turn it into a print for sale.  To see close up of images used in this print, click on the link above and view the product.  A detailed view is available there. 

  This print, and all of the others in the shop are part of this HOLIDAY SALE EXTRAVAGANZA.... check it out.

Venice Print, suitable for framing - Now only $9.99

  This Venice print is based on a series of 35mm photographs taken in 2003.  I generally do not manipulate photograhy to create art, however in this case I was pleased with the result.  A colorful image is created using various art filters in PHOTOSHOP.  I will eventually release the original photographs themselves for purchase.  They are in and of themselves very colorful, however this print is even more vibrant, and has proven to be very popular.  I am able to sell this print at a very low cost, and have created colorful Venice souvenir t-shirts using these images as well.

The Gates, Central Park 2005 - Unframed print only $12.99

  One of the most creative and interesting examples of art took place earlier this year in Central Park.  Christo & Jean Claude's unique "Gates Project" drew millions of visitors to Central Park during one of the most bleak and cold times of the year.  For the several weeks in Feb. that the exhibit was displayed, total visitiors to the park increased to an amount more than double a normal Sunday afternoon in Summer.  The orange draped gates brought color and cheer to the gray quiet of winter.  I tried to capture that in this photograph.  Here, I converted a color photograph to black and white, leaving only the orange of the gates.

  I spent hours photographing this unique once in a lifetime display, and a few of my prints are available in my City Prints store (framed and un-framed).   I meant to add more to the limited edition series, however I never found the time.  The ones that are available were my favorites, and maybe someday I will find the time to add my other prints in the series to my site.

   You know, I remember years ago when my friend sent me a picture of another of Christo & Jean Claude's projects... when they covered the Reichstag in Berlin.  I remember thinking then that it was a strange thing to do.  I am glad they decided to come to New York with this unique Gates Project.  People had mixed feelings about it.  I liked it.  I found it cheerful and unique.  And since it was at their own expense, and had no permanent effect on the park... why not?

Popular World Trade Center Prints

   I am still so deeply saddened about the tragedy of 9/11/01.  Looking at the city now is a constant reminder.  Sometimes it feels as if I dreamed the whole thing.  It is so disturbing that it does not seem real to me.  It is truly amazing how resilient the American people, and the people of New York City (especially) are.  Life goes on, and the hustle and bustle of the city goes on.  There is joy, there is Christmas.... as another year approaches, we move further and further from the events of that day, however it is impossible to forget.

   I have many memories associated with the Twin Towers.  I grew up thinking they were quite ugly and plain (compared to other NY buildings).  I grew to appreciate them over the years, there was a simple elegance to them.  For 9 years, I would walk out of my apartment building, and look south to see them anchoring my block.  Many a time I went to the observation deck with my relatives from abroad.... and many a Christmas party and dinner date were spent at the "Windows on the World" restaurant at the top. 

   Having been in the buildings so many times, I can imagine the horror of being someone stuck so high with no means of escape... and I try not to think about it. 

  The one thing I am so thankful for is that the attack did not occur a 1/2hr. later.  There would easily have been double the loss.... likely more than double.  Seems a huge flaw in the attacker's plan, and a flaw I will be forever thankful for.  Above are some of the photographs I have taken of the World Trade Center over the years.

Shadow of Liberty framed print - 49.99

   This is my favorite Statue of Liberty photograph, even though it is not actually a photograph of Miss LIberty, but of her perfect shadow.  It was the perfect time of day, and without knowing it, I was in the perfect position to capture this unique image.  It is very high resolution... and I actually have had a poster print made of this image that hangs in my gameroom.  Everyone comments on it... a real conversation piece.  The poster is actually avail. in my "inspirational Photography" gallery.  You can look at the magnified image to see how much detail there really is in this photograph.  The white dots on the grass are actually seagulls.

 I was just thinking how confined I feel in winter.  In the summer, I cruise around with the top down, spending as much time as possible outdoors.  In winter, everything is so gray and cold.  My new baby is so tiny still, and we will be spending most of this winter here in the house.  It is supposed to snow again later.  I do love snow, but I need more than this dribble drabble.   I love lots of snow... feet of it.  Weather should always be dramatic.  The photograph below was indeed taken in winter, however this dramatic image of weather is actually FOG.  The fog, during my trip to Germany last year, would freeze to the branches of the trees, and then when the sun came up... there would be this beautiful scene of snow like crystals hanging on the trees against the blue sky.  I feature three prints taken on this day in my Inspirational Photography gallery.  A link to one of the prints is featured below.

Avenue of Dreams - prints starting at $9.95

Well I am going to sieze this time while the baby sleeps to get some things done.  Sort the Christmas decorations, make some changes, additions to my web galleries, and work on editing some of my new photographs of the baby.  If I am lucky... I get 2 hrs.

more soon.