A few backyard snaps

I'm not sure how many of you know this but Steve and I bought our first home this year, right before we got married. It's been an absolute joy to get into the dirt and spruce up the place with lots of blossoms. It's not much, but it does the trick for us, giving us a little oasis right outside of our door. I'm posting these images mostly for my friends and fam who live scads of miles away and can't pop over at any given moment. Enjoy!

My rhodies are gorgeous!

The birds have finally made their way to our birdhouses....YIPPEE!

And Renee---thriving at front and center are the lettuce seeds you sent. Nice!

I love a parade

Yes, it's true. I'm such a sucker for the Memorial Day Parade, especially the one in my hometown of Fairfield. Flags, veterans, overpriced Bomb Pops and those hazardous poppers thrown at your feet---aaah, I can't get enough of it!

Um, can this dog get any cuter?

The Ancient Mariners---undoubtedly my fave.

And how come no one told me it was 1985 again?

Until next year...

A veterans memorial

On Saturday morning in Fairfield, I photographed the annual veteran's memorial at sea for men and women who have paid the ultimate price while in service on the water. I've shot it many times but honestly, I've never seen it so well attended. It was obvious, after one of the Navy chaplains read the way-too-long list of soldiers who have died since 9/11, that it's hitting very close to home these days and more people come out of the woodwork to pay respect to those who have served so selflessly.

The other thing that touches me the most is how the World War II veterans are practically non-existent these days. Those who are still around are usually very fragile and appear to be so vulnerable. If you see one in your travels this weekend, thank them for their service. And if the vets are camped outside of your local supermarket, get your dollar out and buy a poppy!

Prom fun

Yes, I shot another "Senior Prom" today during which a handful of Milford high schoolers mustered up their civic duty and stormed the senior center for a swingin' prom with the groovy oldsters. One of the things I love about these images is that they have an awkward tension about them.....like something you might see in a David Lynch film.

Heavy cloud but no rain

Luscious clouds this week, huh?

A dramatic dance

A group of young dancers from the Monroe Dance Academy will be performing in NYC next month to benefit an AIDS organization. Apparently the event is only meant for adult dancers but this group was sought out by one of the organizers. The routine was extremely dramatic---almost melancholy---and I was hoping to try and convey that in my images. I was very impressed by this group of teenagers. Their expression of emotion was well beyond their years.

Gettin' squirrelly

I had an impromptu photo shoot with my bud John Galayda last night. He needed some new headshots for his wedding website and I thought I'd share a few of my fave snaps. Things got a little out of hand when he spotted the righteous plastic squirrel that the previous homeowner left behind for Steve and I to enjoy.

Wedding fun

So Steve and I went to a wedding yesterday. His friend Mike Testa got hitched and I brought along the ol' point-n-shoot. I couldn't resist superimposing the happy couple's snap inside of a brandy snifter, as per the request of my #1 blog fan Dougie Snides. Sweet!





How are those red eyes makin' out guys? Have another drink!


How 'bout that view, huh? It was at the Waterview in Monroe. Gorgeous!

Good friends...

funny faces...

the night portrait setting on my cam---psychedelia baby!

Fellow photog Warren crouches for the low angle...

the boys played for the crowd---it was very touching!

Groom Testa and my Stevie---what a night!