Early Fall - Nature and Flowers

Here are a few of my recent photos from my adventures this fall. Some have asked what I use to take photographs. I bought a used Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR (rather older model) from an electronics shop in NYC called B & H. I still only have one lens and can't take all of the different kinds of photos I'd like, but it's a great start. It has enough control for manual shots if you're trying to learn, but also has a fine auto setting for the less experiences photographer like myself.

Having started photography on a completely manual Canon, I also try to take the photo I want straight out of the camera, without any post editing tools. Eventually I'd also like to learn how to use a program like photoshop, since there really is a lot more that you can do with it... but in the meantime I'll just stick with manual options and the trusty-old iPhoto that came with my computer.

I'm finding that I like macro shots more than anything, especially of nature. I'm not great at photographing people, perhaps because I get shy when I have to wait and keep the camera pointed at them for a long time in order to get the right angle, face, lighting, etc. For animals and flowers, it doesn't really matter how long you sit there. I also really like getting close shots of things that we don't always get to see, such as the spider underneath the flower (featured below). I had trouble focusing this one since the flower was swaying with the breeze, but I was quite happy with how it turned out.

I hope you enjoy them!

-Lana

All photographs are my personal work. Please do not reuse them without permission or appropriate credits.

"Home to New Yorkers"

"Flower and Friend"

"Three Ladies - We Are and We Are Not"

"Untitled"

"Untitled" - Fontanella Tea Garden in Mdina, Malta

"Peace Be With You"

"Halo"

"Red and Purple Peppers"

"The Weeping Willow"

"RamJam"

"Couples's's' Stone"

"Feeder"

Le Train Bleu

When I meet up with friends, I try to find new places and dining experiences. Going to the same favorites is also great, but trying something new is what will really give you a sense of how much this city has to offer.

This past weekend, a friend and I took a chance and visited "Le Train Bleu." I was looking in a specific region based on where I would be coming from, and found the posting on YELP. We decided to give it a try.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-train-bleu-new-york

The small French restaurant is located on the top floor of the Bloomingdale's on 3rd Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets.

When you actually manage to find the place, as soon as you walk into the "Dining Car," it's as though you've stepped back in time.

http://s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/Hp28zEr-D1uQyukYeRPDZQ/l.jpg

http://s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/mnpjvnGttBCmbVHboRTc5g/l.jpg

http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/aAqY1oaIvT_D4MCndhTm-w/l.jpg

I would absolutely recommend taking a trip there to see it. Take note of their hours before heading over, as they tend to close quite early.

If you'd like to learn more, here is a more extensive article with pictures and history available at ScoutingNY.com.

L

Picture of the Day

"The Real Flame at 454"

Pictures of the Day

Here are some pictures from recent adventures.

Grand Central and the MetLife building

"Love is Patient" 

It's fall!

Street fair/market on Lexington. Witnessed someone stealing sheets I think...

The Great U.S. of A.

Same market.

The Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO.

Art festival barge.

The DJ

The Party...

The sun coming through the apartment window at 6 am.

Pictures of the Day

"These are a few of my favorite things"

Welcome Blogger 2013

To all mothers, and especially my own:
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
I love you dearly, and hope that it was a fabulous day.

-----------------------------

And I think that it is finally time to make my comeback!

Although it has almost been a year since I've seriously blogged, it has been on my mind for months. After Japan, I spent several months traveling to see family in the U.S., and then took a two-month hiatus to the beautiful countries of Perú and Chile in South America. With less time and access to the Internet than expected, I was hardly able to keep up with my past blogger self.

With several more transitions, first to Croton and then to Brooklyn, with new jobs on my plate - I'm back and ready for action! The move and hectic schedule of settling in has died down, and I am ready to start focusing on writing again... blogging about places, people, and things that cross my path in this journey called life.

Hopefully I will be able to keep up with my ambitious goal of rekindling my blog. If not, please forgive me and know that I had good intentions. Encouragement from readers is one easy way to stay on task, so keep up with me and nag me when I'm MIA!

So here we go! Let's hope that I actually have things to write about now.

First day "back on the job," and I took a short outing around Park Slope and Prospect Park, armored with glove and ball! Nothing better than a game of catch with a new mitt, followed by a walk around the park and quiet reading time with a book and coffee. I say that today was well spent.

NYC Subway Map. Yup.

Completely empty subway station?

Everyone else enjoying Mother's Day, too.

The famous NYC brownstones. 

Perhaps this is a Japanese Red Maple.

And who doesn't love a hot dog stand.

The new mitt. New ball too if you can believe it.

Kafka on the Shore - Murakami Haruki

Awesome color combo - and so in season.

Some plants in the window to keep away the bugs. Apparently, herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and mint, help repel mosquitoes and flies.

~ L

Holiday Volunteering & Fundraising, No Impact Project

It's been a while since I've done any direct volunteering with the No Impact Project, but here is an update about the December Give Back Day.   They're going to have an awesome "make your own gifts from recycled materials" workshop and a White Elephant Gift Swap this Sunday!  Check out the event and RSVP on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/154755097958150/.

Since I'm not in NY yet I won't be able to attend myself, but I'm looking forward to joining in on many of these events in person next year!  If you're interested in helping out the No Impact Project financially, they are also hosting an Alternative Gift Auction held online at http://www.ebay.com/sch/noimpactproject/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686 (Also a facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/333738063308923/) and Holiday Fundraising Party in NYC http://noimpactholidayparty.eventbrite.com/ (facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/193816130700480/)

Enjoy your No Impact holiday season!

Sincerely,

Lana Kitcher