Feeling Inspired By One Of My Best Friends

This is my beautiful friend Gail. I know she's going to probably love/hate/cry, probably hate me more for this because she is the type of person that would never, ever draw attention to herself  or be the center of attention and she probably would never describe herself the way I'm about to. In fact being in front of the camera was very uncomfortable for her at first until I got her to relax a little and then we just had a blast. But I've been wanting to do a blog post about her ever since we did her photo session almost a year ago last winter.

I first met Gail when both our husbands worked together at the same grocery company in Michigan almost 14 years ago. Ever since, even though most of the time miles would separate us, she has become one of my most treasured friends. She is technically old enough to be my mother (not that age has anything to do with this, I often find that I click better with those older in age than I am) but she really is more like a sister and I appreciate her wisdom as I go through the things she already has. We've cried together, laughed even harder, eaten everything in sight, shopped til we couldn't any more, crafted together, exercised together, traveled together and have talked and talked and talked for hours. She always makes time for me and is always willing to help me with anything.

Recently I was lucky enough to have her close again when our husbands crossed paths once more in their careers in Central PA.

I was always knew this about her but was happily reminded again of what an amazing woman she is. She is talented in so many ways! Give this woman a hammer and a nail and she could build you a house! Don't tell this girl from Kansas her place is in the kitchen, although she's amazing there as well. Her craft room is filled with all the things necessary to make you the most beautiful quilt you've ever seen! Need to spruce up an old antique or just some old furniture that needs a little love? This girl can paint for days! She definitely has the patience and  passion to work with her hands. I'm convinced she's capable of building, painting, cooking, creating anything. But what strikes me more about her is her heart. Faithful. Loving. Giving. Kind. Caring. Soft. Open. Willing. Strong. Warm. Passionate. Loyal. The list could go on. I know the most important people on earth are her husband, her son and his family, and all of her extended family and friends. She would do anything for any of them. I'm lucky to have met her and to have her in my life. She is a HUGE inspiration! And the most down to earth person I know. Count your blessings if you ever have the privilege of crossing her path because your life will be richer as a result.

The following images are my favorites from our session together. Be sure to click on the images to see them larger.

 

On The Streets of NYC

Since I've moved to the east coast I've been to New York City a handful of times but never have been able to just shoot street pictures. So when I went out for the yearly Photo Plus Expo (this was my first time to attend) I met up with a Chicago friend Pete Tsai and we had the opportunity to walk around when we weren't at the show. Hope you enjoy a few of my favorite images I was able to capture in the city.

One of the first pics of the night. 

I don't know why but to me there's something sentimental about seeing all
the street vendors out on the streets. It just might be my love for food.
 I love that I captured this just as this guy was starting to cross the frame.
This picture wouldn't be the same without him.

I also have a thing for photographing the homeless because I know there's a story.
I absolutely love the way the light was illuminating her face and body. To me she was
beautiful. 

This definitely depicts NYC to me. Coming and going, the busyness of the city.

This guy was taking a nap in the subway station. It was very warm in there.

This is my friend Pete. Was so great to hang out together and shoot and eat
and shoot and eat and shoot and eat :)

Just a few scenes in and around the subway.

This little girl was watching I think a family member tear down the case for the night.
We were taking a stroll through China town and
dummy me was reminded by my friend that I can shoot using the live view mode
instead of having to put my camera to my eye so I wasn't so obviously taking pictures.
Love it when I learn something new!

China Town

Saw several similar signs. I wonder if this works better than lying?

A typical scene in Times Square

Another shot taken in Times Square

So this "Batmobile" was parked. Had to grab a few shots
and chat with others as we saw some interesting characters.
Why I love it there so much. 

Speaking of interesting characters. How fitting to be lugging around
3 rats on your shoulder. He does this for money so he didn't like it when you took
a picture and didn't pay. Yeah whatever. I'll still get my shot.

Sometimes being in focus is over rated. 

Ah yes, The Naked Cowboy. Luckily for him it was warm out. Will he
still be naked when it's in the 30's?

I love red hair.

Ha, this guy was sleeping standing up. I'm going to guess he
was a little inebriated. 

On our last day we took a stroll through Hell's Kitchen street flea market.
Saw some interesting things and more interesting people. 

Whenever I see pigeons in NY, I think of Sesame Street.

Did a whole photo shoot of this guy and he didn't even know it. I'm pretty sure he
had Tourettes as every few seconds he blurted out something unrecognizable between
talking to himself or.....someone.

They grow strange things in NYC. Ohhhh right, it was Halloween weekend.

Another gentleman taking a rest with what looks to be his belongings.

Shoe Shine!