Benvenuti!

Welcome…..it’s time for another International Photo Challenge!  2009′s project was SHADOWS & LIGHT and 2010′s was WALK WITH ME, both of which can be accessed by clicking on their names.  This year it’s IMMAGINI ANCORA (Italian for ‘Images Again’) and we’re going back to the 365 theme specific format. That doesn’t necessarily mean a photo a day, but hopefully 365 by the end of 2011.  We’ll see!!! I’m also planning to post some photos in monochrome in addition to color, although that isn’t part of the project.  You can check the archives for a list of all posts.  Enjoy your visit and please feel free to leave comments or critiques.

December 31, 2011

Thanks to those who visited my blog throughout this past year!  Next year’s project is “Images” and I hope you’ll continue to visit.  You can find the new site HERE.

Have a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year everyone!

190. Theme 304 ~C-Creche~

This is the creche (also known as the Nativity) at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC.  Did you notice there’s an animal in the manger that is usually not there? You’re not seeing things…….it’s a yellow Lab! You can read the story about it HERE.

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189. Theme 84 ~Emotions~

Sorrow…..

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188. Theme 104 ~Fish~

Tropical fish CHELMON ROSTRATUS also known as the Copperband Butterfly Fish and Beaked Coralfish. So beautiful….

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187. Theme 78 ~Drink~

Shaken or stirred…..I’m not fussy!  ; )

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186. Theme 240 ~Religion~

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City……I can’t think of a better representation of religion particularly since this was taken during Mass.

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185. Theme 212 ~Overcast~

I took this photo last month on a very overcast day.  I like the pop of color the barge adds to the shot.  The monument left of center is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park, Manhattan.

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184. Theme 51 ~City or Town~

Technically, this is supposed to be New York City but I think it could be almost any big city with a train station.

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183. Theme 222 ~Plastics~

The New York Transit Museum creates a Holiday Train Show each year where Lionel trains journey through a miniature New York City from Grand Central Station to the North Pole.  It’s positively magical! Anyway, I think this particular engine is made of plastic.

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182. Theme 163 ~Kitchen Utensils~

These have to be the largest utensils I’ve ever come across!

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181. Theme 302 ~A-Angel~

This beautiful angel is in in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.

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____________

When I am no longer with you

Let no tears fall or sorrow prevail

When you see your reflection shimmer in the water

Smile and know that I see your smile

When you feel the cool grass beneath your feet

And the sun’s warmth upon your back

Know that I feel it also

When you hear the leaves rustling in the wind

Know it is my voice softly whispering to you

When you see a butterfly dancing among flowers

Know that I am dancing also

When you gently touch a puppy’s soft fur

Know that I too feel your touch

When the wind swirls across your skin

Know that it is I who caresses you

When you love another

Know that I too feel your love

These words are truth, my love

Have faith, my love

As long as beauty lives upon the earth and in the stars

And love lives in every beat of every heart

So then do I

So then do we all.

                                         Author unknown

                                                                                                                  

180. Theme 359 ~White~

This is one of the famous Holiday display windows from Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC.  Each year, the windows are more creative and beautiful than the year before.  This season’s theme is taken from the childrens  book “SNOWPEOPLE”  by Rick and Ryan Zeeb.  It’s about, what else, people made of snow!  Saks has partnered with St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital this year and you can hear Marlo Thomas reading the story HERE.

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179. Theme 165 ~Large~

This is one VERY large Nutcracker at the entrance to S.P.Q.R. Restaurant in LITTLE ITALY, Manhattan. Oh, and here’s an offer you can’t refuse……check out this video for a tour of Little Italy where “Wise Guys Got Whacked.” Disclaimer: not all Italians or Nu Yawkah’s tawk like this!   Badda Bing!

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178. Theme 10 ~Art~

Art at Chez Josephine.  Love it there!                                                                                 Click to enlarge

177. Theme 312 ~K-KISS~

KISS is a heavy metal rock band that was formed in the 1970′s in New York.   Gene Simmons was one of the founding members and is still a member.   I’m not a fan but one of the songs I can tolerate is I WANT TO ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT. Who knows, you may love them!  Photo was taken at the Hard Rock Cafe.

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176. Theme 174 ~Lunchtime~

Pizza and Pepsi, “no Coke! Pepsi, Pepsi, Pepsi!”  Anyone remember that from SNL – John Belushi?  Hilarious!  HERE’S the skit found on hulu.

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175. Theme 178 ~Metals~

This small car was sitting on some part of the engine under the hood of a regular sized car.  I don’t know what part it was but I do know they were both made of metal and very cool looking!

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174. Theme 307 ~F-Ferris Wheel~

This is what the Steel Pier and ferris wheel look like after Labor Day.  No seats and pretty much deserted.  HERE’S a short video I found on YouTube showing Atlantic City in the summer from the wheel.

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173. Theme 294 ~Symbol~

Corvette symbols have changed many times over the years.  I don’t know what year this one is from but if you’d like to read more about the differences, you can do so HERE.   And here’s The Corvette Song performed by George Jones.

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172. Theme 255 ~Seaside~

Off-season seaside…..

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171. Theme 251 ~Sandy~

This is one of THE BOARDWALK CATS OF ATLANTIC CITY. He/she had just finished lunch and was lounging in the sun on the beach.  Try as I did, I couldn’t get it to turn its head.

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170. Theme 191 ~Music~

This photo was taken at the Hard Rock Cafe.  The Hard Rock is known for its collection of rock and roll memorabilia and fried ice cream!  A bizarre but delicious concoction.

The plaque under the shadow box reads:

This violin was used to record the violin solo in “Don’t Pass Me By” (written and sung by Ringo) from the 1968 “White Album.”

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169. Theme 333 ~Together~

Meet Teri and George.  They were kind enough to pose together for this photo!  Thanks guys!  =D

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168. Theme 211 ~Ornamental~

Part of the roof detail of the Taj Mahal Hotel  in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Definitely ornamental.  HERE’S  a video of ‘On the Boardwalk in Atlantic City’ sung by The Lennon Sisters accompanied by a slideshow of 1930′s images from the Atlantic City boardwalk. It doesn’t look anything like that anymore!  Well, except for the rolling chairs….they’re still being used.

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167. Theme 309 ~H – Hibiscus~

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Hibiscus and Sparrow

it’s just a moment

with the hibiscus in bloom

and the sparrow in flight

chirping as it does, perhaps;

just in a moment, perhaps all of it

in the stream of being and existence:

and me, just getting up from my chair

                                                       Raj Arumurgam

 

166. Theme 188 ~Movement~

Quick, if you blink you’ll miss him! I captured this gentleman as he was moving across the room.  Actually, I can’t tell if he’s floating or gliding or walking!  Maybe it isn’t a man at all……perhaps it’s a ghost!  Hmmmmmmm………the building IS over 100 years old. I wonder………..

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165. Theme 180 ~Misty/Foggy~

Usually, a view of the New York Skyline is one of my favorite things.  When the weather is like this…..not so much.  I do think it has a certain ethereal beauty though.

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164. Theme 72 ~Depth of Field~

This image has a shallow Depth of Field (DOF).  It was the last leaf hanging from a branch of a weeping cherry tree and I loved the way it looked it against the mottled green background of the hedge.

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163. Theme 289 ~Stuffed Animals~

There are a couple of stuffed animals mixed in with these whimsical dolls.  I think they’re the extinct square-headed, pink bowed teddy bear!  

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162. Theme 356 ~Wet~

Just about everything in this photo was wet……including me [although I'm not actually in the photo, = ) ] the ducks and that jogger on the other side of the lake.

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161. Theme 146 ~Holidays~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I have it on pretty good authority that this handsome fellow was not part of anyone’s dinner!  : )

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May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

                                                            Author Unknown

160. Theme 311 ~J-Julius~

Don’t forget to watch for Julius the Monkey tomorrow as he makes his first appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!  I’d never heard of him before but apparently he’s the next big thing in cartoons, or at least he hopes to be.  He’s kind of cute!

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159. Theme 197 ~Neglected~

I’m not sure what this structure was, but I was immediately struck by the lighting…….it certainly is neglected though.

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158. Theme 36 ~Candy~

Hmmmm…….I wonder if this would be classified as a protein?  lol  A treat for the eyes as well as the sweet tooth, courtesy of THE CANDYMAN from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

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157. Theme 348 ~Vegetable~

Really?  Pizza?  Under the theme for vegetable? Yes, it’s true in case you havn’t already heard. Congress has decided that PIZZA is a VEGETABLE!  There goes the government, in it’s infinite wisdom, concluding that the tomato paste on frozen pizza makes it a vegetable. Unbelievable! I thought they had more important matters to concentrate on…..silly me!  Therein lies the power of corporations.

I can’t seem to figure out what Families of Vegetables the dough and cheese fit into though….neither can Jimmy! 

Edit: I wonder what The King of Pizza would say?  A friend of mine wrote this book about 15 years ago.  I had forgotten all about it but it’s a wonderful children’s story and it does include a recipe for VEGETABLE pizza.  = )

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156. Theme 202 ~Nuts~

“Nuts said the Queen, if I had them I’d be King”…….. I always get a chuckle from that! I don’t know if this squirrel is a King or a Queen, but it is carrying a nut in its’ mouth which you can catch a glimpse of when the photo is enlarged.  I was walking past and was amazed that he/she stopped and posed for a photo.  Thanks little squirrel!

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155. Theme 83 ~Elegant~

This is the elegant Palm Court Restaurant at The Plaza Hotel in NYC.  In addition to serving Afternoon Tea, they also serve breakfast, brunch and lunch. Of course, 24 hour room service is available for all hotel guests.  You didn’t expect anything less, did you?  = )

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154. Theme 232 ~Raindrops Keep Falling~

It’s been dreary and rainy around here but one thing that can guarantee lifting a soggy mood is a performance of “SINGING IN THE RAIN” by Gene Kelly. Enjoy!    I’m singing in the rain…….

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153. Theme 183 ~Motion~

While this hood ornament from a ’37 Chevy is not actually in motion, I like the feeling of movement it conveys.

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152. Theme 39 ~Celebration~

Birthday, anniversary, special occasion? We found THE most perfect way to celebrate! Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.  It was a friend’s birthday (I can’t reveal her age, she’ll kill me lol) and the celebration included the afternoon tea.  It was delightful!  By the way, that’s Joe in the background…..public defender by day, tea aficionado all other times!

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151. Theme 237 ~Refreshing~

Thirsty?  How about a cool, refreshing drink of water? This ornate water fountain at the NY Public Library provides H2O in a most beautiful way.

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150. Theme 313 ~L-Library~

One of the many rooms at the New York Public Library.

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149. Theme 159 ~Interior~

The interior of a ’51 Ford……out of this world!   lol   It’s a HOT ROD BABY!!!

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148. Theme 80 ~Earth Tones~

Lot’s of earth tones here…….

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147. Theme 13 ~Autumn~

My favorite season!  Cool crisp air, beautiful colors, the smell and crackle of wood burning in the fireplace, pumpkins & cornstalks & bales of hay, apple picking and baking pies, squirrels gathering acorns, cider & donuts, scarecrows, jumping in neatly raked piles of leaves, chestnuts and butternut squash soup!  lol  I really used to love the smell of burning leaves but that’s not considered environmentally friendly these days.

An Autumn Day

~

Tell me when the days turn cold

And the crisp, bitter nights set in

I’ll bid adieu, adieu to the sun

And embrace the northern winds

Wake me from my restless sleep

For the trees will crackle soon

And shed their cumbersome coats and dance

Bare with me and the moon

My mouth how it waters in pure delight

Dreaming of scented dregs

Cinnamon, pumpkin, apple spice

Swirling in my head!

And on Halloween, I’ll await you where

The headless one rides by

Chasing after phantom fools

And so this night shall I,

September days may shorten in length

October evenings can fright

November rains may fall and freeze

Over the Saman night

But deep within the heart

Of the dormant Earth

The little buds await the Fall

To ensure them of rebirth

And so I sit much like them

Dependant in every way

Upon the plentiful harvest,

Of an autumn day.

                      B.R. Jording

146. Theme 340 ~Utimate Thrill~

I think the ‘ultimate thrill’ for me would be riding in one of these hot-air balloons.  Imagine floating above a beautiful countryside just as the sun is beginning to set on a gorgeous fall day.  I imagine it would be heavenly.

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145. Theme 116 ~Friendships~

Debra and Frank……two new friendships I have as a result of joining the Camera Club. We were out on our Annual Halloween Scavenger Hunt yesterday, which had been cancelled because of snow last weekend.  Hard to believe that the weather can change so drastically in a week…..it was gorgeous here!

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144. Free Theme 1 ~They’re Baaaaaaaack………~

Meet Sonic the Hedgehog…..one of the newest additions to the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There are two other new balloons that will be introduced on Turkey Day. The AFLAC Duck and Julius.  I’m sure they’ll be making an appearance on the blog too!  Each year the newest additions are taken out for one final run before Thanksgiving and yesterday was the day.  It was a lot of fun!  You can find one of last year’s new additions HERE.

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143. Theme 193 ~Natural Framing~

For my fellow bloggers “Down Under” I present…….Slim Dusty, Australia’s King of Country Music, singing “Waltzing Matilda” .  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  And here’s an old b & w cartoon of “Waltzing Matilda”  I found on YouTube.  Very cute.  I now think I understand the song a little!  HERE’S a short explanation of the song.

By the way, “Mathilda” is an 1898 steam tug boat that is now part of the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade of a coolibah tree, And he sang as he watched and waited ’til his billy boiled “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me?”

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me? And he sang as he watched and waited ’til his billy boiled, “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me?”

Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong, Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee,  And he sang as he stowed that jumbuck in his tucker bag, “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”  Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda , You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.”  And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag, “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me?”

Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred, Up rode the troopers, one, two, three, “With that jolly  jumbuck that you’ve got in your tucker bag” “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.”  Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me “With that jolly jumbuck that you’ve got in your tucker bag” “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, you scoundrel with me.”

Up jumped the swagman, and sprang into the billabong, “You’ll never take me alive,” said he. And his ghost may be heard as you’re passing by that billabong, “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.”  Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.  And his ghost may be heard as you’re  passing  by that billabong, “You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.” You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me.”

142. Theme 149 ~House/Home~

I came upon this cute stone cottage while looking for foliage to photograph.  It’s actually on a large estate that is now used as a retreat for a religious group.  Maybe it was the carriage house or a guest cottage?  I don’t know but from the looks of the door, it hasn’t been used in awhile, unless they use the back door to enter.  One of my favorite old movies is The Enchanted Cottage (1945, Dorothy McGuire & Robert Young)….I think that may have  been made of stone as well.  The story is magical, uplifting and just all-around wonderful!  Check it out if you’re a fan of old b & w films.

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141. Theme 68 ~Damaged~

So this is the tree where both the Red-bellied woodpecker and Rocky Raccoon live.  It was hit pretty hard by that bizarre snowstorm.  Entire limbs snapped off and blocked the street.  Some Village workers came during the storm with equipment and pushed them out of the way, then came back today and cut them into manageable sizes and carted them away.  I hope Rocky’s ok,…..I saw Woody, so at least he hasn’t been forced to move!  Some parts of my town and other areas in  surrounding counties still have no electricity and/or heat. We went to the supermarket yesterday and found nothing that had been refrigerated was for sale because they lost their power until about 9 am yesterday morning and had to discard everything.   So much for man-made global warming, I never believed it anyway!  Time to give the Nobel back Al!   = )

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140. Theme 321 ~T-Trio~

Simon and Garfunkel - Leaves That Are Green

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139. Theme 303 ~B-Bird~

Once, when I was a little girl, I found my mother just staring out a window.  I remember asking her what she was doing and she told me she was watching the birds. She said she wanted to come back as one in her next life.  I never really understood what she meant until I wasn’t a little girl anymore.  Free as a Bird  by The Beatles

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138. Theme 147 ~Homemade~

The name of this balloon is “The Limelight.”  I was talking with the owner (the gentleman with the hat on) and he told me that he actually made the balloon.  It took him seven weeks and 175 hours to make using a sewing machine.  Ok, that’s a real labor of love IMHO!   Up, Up and Away!

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137. Theme 230 ~Primary Colors~

A plethora of primary colors……

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136. Theme 3 ~Airborne~

I’d say this hot-air balloon was airborne……

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135. Theme 111 ~Fly~

I spy a little fly……....

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134. Theme 129 ~Glass~

This old glass jar is the perfect place to keep these fireflies……until they’re let go that is.

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If you catch a firefly

and keep it in a jar,

You may find that

you have lost

A tiny star.

If you let it go then,

back into the night,

You may see it

once again

Star bright.

                                     Lillian Moore

133. Theme 364 ~Yard Work~

From the looks of the backyard, it looks like we have some yard work to do!

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130. Theme 177 ~Metallic~

I don’t know what type of metal this watering can is made of….tin?  aluminum?  something else?  Anyway, I really liked it when I saw it hanging there.

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The old metal watering can
Over the years it’s lost its rose
To gently water my seedlings
I don’t trust the garden hose

                                       Tony Hickman

131. Theme 64 ~Crooked~

I wonder what happened to this poor little tree to cause it to grow this way?  Maybe the Tracy or Heins family can shed some light on the subject. Good luck getting them to talk though!  = )

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  oh the
crooked
tree it
yearns and
churns
rather than
be straight

and so finds
itself in a
tangled
mess
with
other’s of
it’s wayless
fate

but they
find the
clash a
joyful
bash
and laugh
and giggle

at the
things
that
rather
stand
up straight

                     Shaun Shane

129. Theme 144 ~Hiding~

This baby robin was hiding among the leaves earlier this summer. I almost didn’t see him/her!

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128. Theme 126 ~Garden~

This house and garden were so beautiful……

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127. Theme 186 ~Motorized~

There are a few motorized objects in this photo. One is the Ferry of course!

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126. Theme 286 ~Storefronts~

If you look in the window of Johnny’s Barber Shop you’ll see the rest of the storefronts in the reflection……

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125. Theme 259 ~Shades of Gray~

I guess everything in black & white is in shades of gray….

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124. Theme 49 ~Chores~

There are always lots of chores to do on the farm…..

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123. Theme 305 ~D – Doe….~

…….a deer, a female deer.  This flash mob Doe-a-Deer video on YouTube is FABULOUS!

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122. Theme 262 ~Shiny~

The metal surfaces on the interior of this vehicle are super shiny….

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121. Theme 295 ~Symmetrical~

The line of symmetry runs right down the middle of these 2 doors.

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120. Theme 7 ~Aqua~

A beautiful ’37 Chevy…..in aqua.  Painted  especially for this theme!  ;  )

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119. Theme 176 ~Matched Pair~

Did you know that when a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it? They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again.  Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.  A great life lesson for all of us I think.

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118. Theme 335 ~Tractor~

1952 Ford 8n – America’s ‘Classic’ Tractor  <<<<<Check it out!

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117. Theme 196 ~Negative Space~

There’s lots of negative space in this photo.

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116. Theme 358 ~Wheels~

A 1948 Dodge Business Coupe……or at least what’s left of it.  It used to look something like THIS 60 or so years ago.  EDIT: I was doing some work on this photo and noticed that there are remnants of a CHEVROLET emblem!  So the man who has it for sale didn’t have the correct info…go figure!  Anyway, the best I can tell is that it’s actually a 1948 Chevy Business Coupe and THIS is what it might have looked like. They’re look very similar.

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115. Theme 318 ~Q – Question~

Why did the chicken cross the road?  HERE are some possible answers!

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Did the chicken cross the road?

Did he cross it with a toad?

Yes the chicken crossed the road,

but why he crossed, I’ve not been told!

                                                      Dr. Seuss

 

114. Theme 253 ~School~

If this shot doesn’t say ‘school,’ I don’t know what does……..except maybe this very early clip of The Little Rascals in the classroom. “Isthmus be my lucky day!” Too funny!

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113. Theme 114 ~Fragile~

This insect’s wings look so fragile……

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112. Theme 328 ~The Office~

This old train car has been repurposed into an office. I don’t know what kind of office it is, but I do know that it looks like a pretty small space to be in all day so let’s hope the workers get along REALLY well.

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111. Theme 317 ~Letter P~

P for……… purple??????

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110. Theme 349 ~Vehicle~

It’s a Ford Fairlane.……

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Update: Ceremony for 9/11 firefighters held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City

Taken 9/11/2010

109. Theme 342 ~Unfinished~

“When completed, THE FREEDOM TOWER, also known as 1 WTC or ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER,  will be one of the most important buildings of the early 21st century. It is significant in stature, in design, in its politics, its symbolism, and for the reason it was built.“

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UPDATE: In honor of One World Trade Center becoming the tallest building in New York, EarthCam has released a time-lapse movie showcasing the construction progress from 2004-2012.  You can view it HERE.

Want to see the Twin Towers on your mobile?  There’s an APP for that!

I posted a link to the 9/11 Memorial that’s scheduled to open tomorrow in an earlier post, but I’m posting it again for anyone who missed it.

Here’s the amazing story of ‘The Survivor Tree’ that was at Ground Zero but somehow made it through the horrific events of September 11, 2001.

108. Theme 325 ~Letter X~

X marks the spot……the CHEMTRAILS spot.

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107. Theme 265 ~Six~

Six stamens and anthers of HEMEROCALLIS, carrying pollen.

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106. Theme 290 ~Summer Fun~

And she’ll have Fun, Fun, Fun ’til her daddy takes the sailboat away!  = )

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105. Theme 94 ~Faces~

 The faces of passers-by…..

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Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing

I’ve got nothing to do but watch the passers-by

Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing

And they don’t see it showing, why do I?

                                                             Carole King – “Beautiful”

 

 

 

104. Theme 121 ~Fruit~

I didn’t see any partridges in this pear tree…..

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103. Theme 50 ~Circular~

I love the way the medallion breaks up the vertical lines of this homemade gate.

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102. Theme 33 ~Busy~

West 46th Street in Manhattan is always busy, but it’s especially busy on Wednesday afternoons……”Matinee Day.”  In addition to an 8PM performance, theaters offer a 2PM  performance…..perfect for a day out with the girls!  A little shopping, a little lunch, a great play…..can’t think of a better way to spend a Wednesday!  On this particular Wednesday, we saw BABY IT’S YOU, a play about The Shirelles, one of the great girl groups of the 60′s and Florence Greenberg, the woman who discovered them. You can see them performing one of their greatest hits, WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW or hear another of their popular songs, SOLDIER BOY.  Enjoy!!

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101. Theme 341 ~Underwater~

I shot this late Sunday morning after Irene’s unwelcome visit.  According to a couple of people who were there, if I had arrived earlier, I would have seen the entire field underwater.  I think the street was enough!  The area where this field is located really wasn’t hit hard at all. Check HERE if you’d like to see what happened in some neighboring towns.

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100. Theme 164 ~Landscape~

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99. Theme 221 ~Plants~

Hundreds of them! Taken the day before Irene was kind enough to stop by.

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I see you there in glory shining bright,

Following the sun and its path of light,

Standing tall above all others in the field,

You grow, conquer, and do not yield.

Excerpt from a poem by Katherine Lane

98. Theme 361 ~Window~

I loved this house  &  windows when I saw them……

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97. Theme 365 ~Yellow~

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96. Theme 194 ~Nature~

One of Mother Nature’s more beautiful creations……

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95. Theme 37 ~Car Parts~

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94. Theme 345 ~Unique Camera Angle~

I was hoping the bowling ball didn’t drop on my head!  = )

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93. Theme 66 ~Curves~

Caution……dangerous curves ahead…..

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92. Theme 189 ~Multicolored~

One of the walls of an Off-Broadway theater I was at recently.

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91. Theme 207 ~One, Two, Three~

This 1, 2, 3 is from a BLICKENSDERFER #5 typewriter made in the late 1800′s.  You can find more info HERE about Blickensderfer typewriters if you’re curious.

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90. Theme 157 ~Insect~

Busy as a bee….oh wait, it IS a bee!   = )

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89. Theme 296 ~Tables~

These tables are located in the most wonderful French restaurant, ‘CHEZ JOSEPHINE‘ in NYC. The food is fabulous, the service outstanding and the ambiance is delightful…..it’s like having dinner in a tiny jewel box.  Chez Josephine was opened by the charming and handsome Jean-Claude Baker as a tribute to his late mother, American-born Paris sensation Josephine Baker, a multi-talented singer,  actress and comedienne of the 1920′s and beyond, who was WAY ahead of her time.  You can hear her performing “Haiti” from the 1934 film, ZOU ZOU, HERE or HERE for footage of her performing ‘The Plantation’ recorded at the Folies Bergères, Paris, in 1927. Chez Josephine is located at 414 West 42nd Street.  If you’re ever in the City, don’t pass up the opportunity to dine there…….it’s an amazing experience!  Thanks Jean-Claude!

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Sorry for the poor quality!

88. Theme 31 ~Broken~

Built like a Mack truck….but the bulldog has a missing leg!  = (

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Sweet Dreams My Little Benjamin

I’ll miss you so.

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87. Theme 153 ~In the City~

The Eagles / Joe Walsh -’In the City’  - from the movie The Warriors about a street gang from Coney Island.

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86. Theme 132 ~Green~

Technically it’s called verdigris, but I think she qualifies……Check out the Statue’s  Twitter Feed!

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85. Theme 17 ~Bedtime~

Well……so to speak.

We went to a private reception Sunday night at Discovery Times Square in Manhattan for Pompeii, the Exhibit.  There was catering by Lidia Bastianich, wine from I don’t remember, lol (it was good though)  an operatic performance by soprano Cristina Fontanelli and a talk  by archaeologist Kristin Romey. (My dream was to be an archaeologist so I was in heaven!)  It was FABULOUS!   They did not allow photographs, however, there was one part of the exhibit in a separate, little room which turned out to be a replica of a room from one of the many brothels in Pompeii.  The bed & other things were from the site, the linens obviously were not but the style was of the time period.  Somehow, my camera went off….shhh…don’t know how on earth that happened except for the fact that I had my blog visor on at the time.  HERE’S a short video showing what might have happened when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in  79 A.D..  HERE and HERE are  links (Rated R) to Pompeii’s Erotic Past. In those times, prostitution was not illegal. Sex workers were male and female and the beds in the brothels were made of stone!

If you’d like a comprehensive guide to all things Pompeii, go to AD79 – Destruction and Re-discovery and check HERE to see photos recently taken at Pompeii.  Oh, and HERE’S a link to a more recent eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, in 1944. Heck, check all the links, they’re amazing!

So this was the only shot I was able to get all night and wondered if it was going to be possible to use in The Challenge.  Checking the theme list I found ‘Bedtime’, so, without further ado…..

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84. Theme 190 ~Multiples~

Many multiples on the Manhattan Bridge….

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83. Theme 145 ~High Contrast Shot~

Sailing on the Hudson River.

 

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82. Theme 118 ~From My Past~

The building on the left is the Stonehenge Apartments (obviously not the prehistoric structure in England ) also known locally as ‘The Round House.”  I didn’t live in ‘The Round House’ but I did live in the building to the right of it. Our living room had a  gorgeous view of the New York skyline and the bedroom and kitchen had an equally beautiful view of the park and lake.  I was going to post this as is but then I remembered something that happened there. It was a UFO landing in the park directly across the street.  You can read an abbreviated account of the highly publicized event HERE.  It has even been featured in a History Channel documentary which is re-run occasionally.  If you’d like a more detailed article about this incident, read  THE STONEHENGE INCIDENTS Part 1 &  Part 2 (page 8).  Scroll down in part 1 and you’ll see a photo of Mr. O’Barski standing in front of the Stonehenge. Pretty cool!  (I had to do quite a bit of processing on my photo because of all the glare, not one of my better shots…I also did some online detective work to locate these links!)

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81. Theme 201 ~Noisy~

While it might not be noisy right now, it will be when someone rings it!    Ring My Bell  by Anita Ward…..Disco Queen  = )

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80. Theme 319 ~R-Rocky Raccoon~

I had just finished filling up the birdbaths yesterday morning (it was about 101 degrees) when I looked up to find Rocky Raccoon poking out from his tree house. Can you imagine how hot it must have been in there? I ran inside (coincidentally humming Rocky Raccoon) lol, grabbed the camera and quickly changed the lens hoping he would still be there by the time I got back outside. Well, he was and he very kindly posed (either that or he was too hot to move) while I snapped some pics and then I went back inside to the cool, air-conditioned house.   I checked an hour or so later and Rocky was still hanging out….literally!  I checked about 5ish and he was gone.  Rocky lives in the same tree as the red-bellied woodpecker from a couple of Challenges ago.  If you’re not familiar with the song “Rocky Raccoon”, it’s from The Beatles’ White Album (one of my favs of theirs, can’t decide between that and Abby Road) and you can watch a funny You Tube video featuring them singing their song HERE.

 

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79. Theme 284 ~Statue~

The Statue of Liberty

For many immigrants, the Statue of Liberty was their first view of the United States, signifying new opportunities in life. The statue is an iconic symbol of the American Dream.  HERE’S a short video clip of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in 1903…. made by Thomas Edison himself!

Contrary to popular belief,  the Statue is actually located in NJ waters off Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ although both New Jersey and New York share jurisdiction of the island, formerly known as Bedloe’s Island.  Utility services, including electricity, waterand sewage to Liberty Island are provided by New Jersey although the mail is delivered from New York. You can read about the dispute, which was settled by the Supreme Court in 1997,  HERE.   By the way, did you know the Statue of Liberty used to be a lighthouse?

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78. Theme 185 ~Motionless~

At the moment, this tugboat and  barge aren’t moving.  I’m pretty sure they’re busy on the inside though.

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77. Theme 243 ~Repeating Patterns~

Pick a pattern, any pattern……this is the Goldman Sachs Building (yeah, THAT Goldman Sachs) in New York City. Now we know where some of the money went!

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76. Theme 113 ~Four~

Four sails in the sunset…..(That’s the Brooklyn Bridge barely visible in the background.)

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75. Theme 41 ~Center of Interest~

Somehow or other,  ‘The Little Red Lighthouse’ always manages to make a appearance on the Photo Challenges!  I wonder how that happens?    For those unfamiliar with it, you can find info on the charming children’s book “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” as well as some historical info on the lighthouse HERE.   Anyway, here’s ‘The Little Red Lighthouse’ making it’s appearance as the center of interest. Edit: You can see the original post of The Little Red Lighthouse HERE.

 

 

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This one is at Lois’ suggestion.  I like it!

74. Theme 357 ~What is That?~

It’s 1 WTC aka One World Trade Center.   When completed, it will be New York’s tallest skyscraper, with the antenna mast rising to 1,776 feet.  Do you think that number has any significance or is it just random?   Click HERE to find out about the 9/11 Memorial set to open this year on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The names of every person who died in the terrorist attacks of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001 are inscribed in bronze around the twin memorial pools.  HERE’S a link to an article about an 18th century wooden ship unearthed new World Trade Center site.

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73. Theme 263 ~Silhouette~

I can’t bring myself to convert this one to monochrome.

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72. Theme 195 ~Nautical~

Spent part of the day yesterday sailing on the Hudson River.  What a beautiful day…..more photos to come!

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71. Theme 220 ~Pipes~

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70. Theme 229 ~Prickly~

Well, it looks prickly!

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