Welcome to America

If you were born in this country, there’s a good chance you’ve never seen this document, nor experienced the incredible, almost overwhelming flood of relief and gratitude that it brings to its recipient.

The USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Service) calls this document the welcome notice - it’s a letter informing the applicant that form I-485 - application to adjust to permanent resident status - has been approved. I got mine years ago, but I’ll never forget how I felt when I opened it.

Anyway, it seemed like an appropriate image to post on or around the 4th of July.

Project 365: Still Going

I’ve seriously slacked off with my Project 365 during the month of June, having either cheesed out and shot some very last-minute images, or worse - having skipped several days outright. Still, I’ve been limping along resolutely, and have even managed to produce some images I’m downright thrilled with, like the one shown above from the annual Mermaid Parade. The project continues over on Flickr - head on over and check it out.

Pumas

Although we live in a culture that encourages us to constantly run out and buy shiny new things, I’m beginning to appreciate the old and well-used more and more.

With that in mind, here’s a detail of my very well-used Pumas, that have seen many, many miles on my various travels here in the US, and overseas. Now that I think about it, they have climbed two volcanoes, including Mt. Vesuvius, and Mt. Liamuiga in St. Kitts.

Pompeii, with Mt. Vesuvius in the background

The view at the top of Mt. Liamuiga’s crater

Eugenia, Icee Vendor

I was doing one of my usual rambling walks in Prospect Park yesterday afternoon - despite the fact that I don’t usually have a goal or destination, these walks make me feel like I’m actually doing something with my weekend.

I happened to make eye contact and smile at the woman selling icees by one of the entrances to Prospect Park. She returned my smile, and despite the fact that I’m usually really shy about asking to photograph strangers, that is exactly what I found myself doing.

I learned a couple of things from this exchange - one was that photographing strangers isn’t that scary. In fact, when I showed her the shot I had made on the back of my camera, she told me that she thought the photo was “muy linda”, and seemed really happy - which was very rewarding to me. I also learned that while I’m still a huge fan of the candid, unposed stuff that the hardcore street photographers do, a posed portrait of a stranger is also very satisfying.

Timberlands

My trusted companions on many miles of urban (and sometimes not) terrain. There's really nothing wrong with these things after how many ever years, but I think it's finally time to retire these bad boys.

Incidentally, I don't think I want to get into the world of product photography, but this was still a great exercise. Plus, you know... Never say never.