A few teasers from a 70th birthday party...

I had the privilege of shooting a 70th birthday party this past Saturday at the Amawalk Fire House.  Here are some of the memories I captured that day...





Some recognition =)

My job runs a photography contest once per quarter.  Everyone is welcomed to submit their best photos and then 4 are chosen for people to vote for their favorite.  I was one of the lucky 4 this time around and just found out today that my photograph was chosen!  I took this photo on what I like to refer to as "Snow Day 2010" (when we had that big NYC snowstorm in December).  I was on my way over with some hot chocolates to meet some friends in Juniper Valley Park to go sledding (yeah, we're 5 years old).  On my walk over, this scene just caught my eye and I had to stop to take a picture.  As I was setting up my camera for the shot, a huge gust of wind blew through, swirling the snow around and making it even more beautiful.  A lady was in the park playing catch with her dog and he happened to make his way into the shot.  Thanks little guy because I think you made the photo that much more appealing to me.

((Snow Day 2010 - Juniper Valley Park))

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Ahhh the day of celebration, drinking, and thousands of people young and old finding their way into the city to be "Irish for the Day".  Some of us took our lunch break from work today to head down to 56th and 5th to take in the festivities.  Dozens and dozens of spectators lined the streets to show their support for all the marching bands, Irish Step dancers, FDNY/NYPD, Gaelic and Emerald societies, and anyone who proudly marched.  I was just happy to be there with some great people and to capture some of this joyous celebration.  HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!!  Sláinte! (that would be Gaelic for "Cheers"... pretty much the only word I know in the language).

((NYPD))

((love the sound of bagpipes))

((FDNY))

((flags for their fallen brothers - definitely made me shed a tear))

((spectators enjoying the parade))

((I can't even with this kid - too cute!))

((traditional Irish garb))

((little cutie rocking her knit sweater))

((such a beautiful head of red hair))

((I just wanted to squeeze this kid cheeks))

((FDNY pipers))

((and they merrily march along))

((family support))

((flag wavers))

((step dancers - love the dresses and hair!))

A little photo shoot with Dexter...

This is our cat, Dexter (yes, named after the handsome serial killer on Showtime).  He's just so darn cute and full of personality which is why he's one of my favorite subjects.  As I type this, he is rolling around under my feet trying to get me to play with him.  And now I am going to go do just that.  Dexter - 1, Jessie - 0.

((who loves kitty))

((love those greens))

((what was that))

Some fajitas for dinner....

Don't mind if I do!

((mmmm veggies))

My pretty friend...

Yeah, I know she is probably going to ream me for posting this but I don't care.  This Roe, she's my friend, and I think she looks very pretty in this picture.



((rosemarie))



The world lost a true comedian...



((source:  http://www.latimes.comsns-ent-destefano-obit,0,7396772.story/))

http://www.mikedestefano.com/

Today is a sad day for anyone who has ever had the privelege of knowing Mike DeStefano.  Taken from the world far too early, Mike's passing on Sunday, March 6, has bought many emotions to so many people.  Whether you were his family, close friend, colleague, or one of the thousands of fans worldwide who watched his comedy standups, you will never forget the first time you met him.  I remember my first encounter with Mike was when I first started working at Geronimo's Deli in the Bronx.  He came into the store and immediately hit us with his "in your face", crudely-hysterical banter at which you just couldn't help but laugh - even if some of the stuff he said was WAY over the top!  I just remember thinking to myself "this guy should be a comedian".  I can also remember the first stand up I ever went to where he was performing near Yonkers Raceway.  It wasn't a very big crowd and I remember my friend and I were in stitches over his entire routine.  I also noticed that we were one of the few who were actually laughing as hard as we were.  The next day in the deli, Mike came in and I told him how much I enjoyed his standup.  He looked at me and said "Out of all the people in the room, I remember looking at you (and your friend) and thinking - they get it".  And that was the point of Mike's comedy - either you got his blunt, tell it like it is sense of humor or you didn't.  For those that didn't - I'm sorry but you missed out!



I heard of Mike success in comedy slowly growing over the years, but it wasn't until he premiered on Comedy Central's "Last Comic Standing" that I realized he really was making it.  I watched every episode, laughing at all his jokes and casted my vote at the end of each episode to help keep him in the running.  I remember how pissed I was when he was voted out and told him the next time he came in the store that he "was robbed".  But even when being voted off, he still kept them all laughing til the end.  One of my favorite moments of his final episode of LCS was his farwell speech (and I'm paraphrasing):

"For all those who voted for me, I love you and thank you very much.  To everyone else, F*%@ YOU!"

Mike, I am going to miss your random appearances in the deli where you you never failed to put a smile on my face and laugh my morning away.  The world has lost a true comedian.

R.I.P. Funny man!  1967-2011

I See You...

The sky never fails to amaze me.  It's always changing, offering different ways to view it, and always has me wondering what's really up there.  This one sort of reminds me that there is always someone looking down on us.


((I see you))