What Time Is It When You Photograph Time Instead of Spending Time ?

Many different times in different contexts and eras standing still in digital time format.

Looking At Art Angles With The Architectural Perspective

Ok the title is a little verbose but perspective does count, I always forget this. So does context and all given angles . That shiny sparkly metallic building in the background (second pic) has always been a favorite, it looks so different from ninth ave and some side street ! I wonder if it has a matching metallic like name.

Update: I added the another pretty metallic building pic (the pink metallic one).

Think Glitter

I fell in love with this collection of colorful material in the window. For a second my life felt colorful and sparkly, If i had been more aware I may have almost reached a star or two . But then I continued walking towards my destination. Not that there is anything right about my destination, or wrong.

On a more irritating note, I attract the most irritating of situations . Yesterday sitting all tired on the commute home trying to nurse a brain sprain and in no mood for flirty smiley men, cheerful or chatty or catty women on cell phones, sitting down next to me and was thankful when a serious looking individual sat down next to me. but I just knew this was no ordinary commute home. For starters my mp3 earplugs only had one working earpiece, I cant listen to music in one ear only. And then the mother with the baby came on. Lucky for me there was one available seat right behind me. I'm not exaggerating when I say the baby managed to shriek the entire 45 minute commute , right behind me of course. At first I tried empathizing with the baby after ten minutes it was no longerworking . In between shrieks, the mother needed to borrow my blackberry to phone someone and managed to use a few minutes that I no longer had left.
And then the baby went right back to shrieking right behind me the rest of the long commute home.
Babies should not commute during morning or evening rush hour.
Also, tourists should be given a walking speed minimum during morning and evening rush hour. At one point I worked in the heart of the tourist walking district, its impossible to hurry them up they move along sometimes barely moving at all.
Every once in a while I wish I was a tourist though.

Random Sentences/Sentiments

In no particular order :

1) The Gallery Annex of the New York Transit Museum has these fascinating new exhibits. I loved the collections of glasses on a shelf exhibit.
All of the exhibits are really fascinating.

2)I love it when I unexpectedly start off the workday with a cupful of beer, courtesy of the Heineken beer booth in Pershing Square, handing out samples of beer just for being you!
Thank you Heineken, my morning was so much smoother and brighter.

3) One thing that never ceases to amaze me, are those classy looking Mister Religion promoters on the corners and sides of sidewalks, particularly , the ones in the classy business executive outfits and heavy suitcases filled with all kinds of marketing material.
How on earth did they get to believe so faithfully in the message they are sincerely/ cordially and consistently handing out to the crowds that are passing by?
How is it that, they are so sure of the message on a paper, that they are willing to stand outside in the heat of the sunny days in a suit /tie and heavy suitcase beckoning/inviting/imploring strangers to make the same religious conclusions and choices they did.
Do they ever get tired of certain religious stances /positions and posturing and switch perspectives or points.
Do they change their marketing material or just re-interpret the text to suit the new stances and perspectives they are promoting.
4) Also, sometimes I wonder a little about the religious legal system I grew up on and how it works, from a logical and logistical point of view.

Poseik-less

So my reliable halachic religion poseik XGH just stopped blogging and he took down all his posts with him. It's soooo depressing.
So now I dont have any reliable halachic poseik.
And how am I supposed to learn the real facts of spiritual life now ?

DistractOdox and the Step-Ladder of Distraction

DistractOdox = Dazzling Distractions and Dusty Disssmissals for the Disenchanted

Dispelling contradictions, analytic inconsistencies, questions and notions one sincere dusty dismissal and warm-hearted, dazzling distraction at a time.

Just keep on climbing that well trodded step ladder of distraction !

Oh and dont forget about those color treated gemstones and jumbo plastic pearls of pseudo wisdom.

You can't climb up home without them.

You might trip on the hardcore truth or something.

Petunias In the City

When running along trying to keep up with the arguing, winning, responsibilities, deadlines and commitments , never forget to stop and photograph the petunias.

Why else would they have been planted so prettily like that on the city path your running along on?

And before you know it, they will all be withered and spent and winter will be kicking up a storm.

Petunia spottings always make me happy, they remind me of the gardens I grew up on as a kid.

Material Matters that Matter

You can take the girl out of the fashion district,

but she will always come back to play and photograph

& get high n happy on glitter n sparkle, on the long route home.

It's always good to remember where you came from,

And where you came from before that and before that too. Where you think you're going, where you are right now , why you are going there and not elsewhere and what other direction routes sound even smarter for the long run.

Most important of all is the running , it's when you stop running that you understand how tired you are. But walking slowly, carefully and considerately ,should never be an option.

It will just get annoying after a while .

How to Judge a Book by it's Cover

Wandering around in a Barnes & Noble yesterday, in a particularly frivolous and muggy mood, I actually purchased a piece of fiction based exclusively on the fact that I fell in love with the cover and title.

The Long Walk Home by Will North.
Trailing petunias in a basket, the red door , the lantern how can you not love the concept ?
Fiction is not something I willfully purchase and or waste time reading, I'm more of a non-fiction only kind of girl.
But I started reading the first chapter and Will North is actually a good writer. He even managed to fit narcissus and daffodils into the first chapter. Though I was a little confused as I thought daffodils were of the narcissus family.
But nevertheless, I'm proud to say I overcame societal pressure and judging a book by it's cover has never felt sooo goooood.
So I cleared away some shotglasses and gave her prime real estate for now on a shelf in my wooden lighthouse and everyone lived happily ever after.

Update: Will North really is a thoroughly profound writer. I love the way he describes deep concepts and gardens.

The book includes some really deep profound passages on depth, fidelity, love and truth.

On The Rocks

I cant believe August is right around the corner.

Where did all the summer minutes go ?

Color in the City

I like the swatch card theme.

Of Bratz and Barbies

Interesting jury decision on the Bratz versus Barbie actual design dates fiascoe.
Read all about it here here here and here .
I'm not sure I understand the charges against MGA and Issac Larian = "tortious interference with Mr Bryants contract with Mattel ; both aided and abetted Mr Bryants breach of the duty of loyalty to Mattle".
Was Mr. Bryant actually working with MGA during the same pay period he was working for Mattel.
I'm all for 100% loyalty to the company thats paying you to design and create, but isnt this a little beyond the call of duty during paid business hours especially with designers ?
It's not clear if the designs were actually worked on during work hours or during hours Mr. Bryant was paid to design for Mattel.
Even if Bryant invented the doll while on the Mattel payroll, it's not clear how this renders the design Mattels and not Bryants ?
Its also not clear why this would be considered stealing the idea for the Bratz doll from Mattle ie through a deal with the designer Bryant ?
I'm curious what the actual contract wording is specifically with regards to 24/7 design loyalty .
What does Mattel mean when they say Bryant designed the dolls during the time he was on the Mattel payroll ?
Four designs were clearly worked on during the time he was not employed at Mattel.
I wonder if the "Evidence Eliminator" fun fact misled the jury or at the very least instilled the very foundations of definite doubt .
I've come to understand recently that there are no limits to the kinds of disputes and misrepresentations that can arise and or are ignored during trial time.
Sometimes the conclusions are even more astonishing than the questions themselves.
The Judge allowed the jury to hear the evidence with regards to program "Evidence Eliminator" being used on the personal computer of defendant , designer Bryant .
The Judge declined to get involved in the dispute involving a exclusive access contract between one set of lawyers and a hotel that did not allow for the booking of rooms by the opposing team due to concerns that sensitive documents would get delivered to the wrong lawyers !
I hear it can be really fun sharing the same hotel with opposing counsel .

Desert Growth

When visiting really hot states, always find time to stop in the heat of the moment to photograph the scenic views on the way. The heat stroke and withered outlook is worth it. I mean where else can you find cactus plants and color growing in the outdoors together so nicely in a business district ?

Diamond Night Light Unto the Dark Street Setting

One of my favorite creative/innovative night light themes in NYC is the setting shaped posts supporting the diamond shaped lights on 47'th St.
I so love the diamond like, light unto the street at night, setting.
How brilliant is that ?

The Cottonelle Theory of Non-Cordial-ness

I'm generally not a confetti tossing fan of bathroom oriented humor, but spotting this subway wall ad message one rainy/ grumpy morning, I found myself smiling a little with the lips.

Of Sparkles Sequins and Glitter

Happy July Fourth !
In the fabric of life, things work out best when there are generous sprinkles of sparkles /glitter and sequins skillfully intertwined with the intellectual threads, in a dualism kind of way.
Hope your July Fourth is merry and sparkling with the perfect mix of fireworks and intellectualism.
And for all you serious hardcore fireworks displays lovers out there , dont forget about the HSBC Celebration of Light later this month.

Yeah summer life is sooo awesome like that.
And fireworks displays and competition, two of my favorite concepts in the same place .
Have a merry, glitter filled and blissful weekend.

Conserving Tradition with Conservative Judaism

So I came to the conclusion that Conservative Judaism makes the most sense logically, for me.
When I grow up, I want to function as an actual Judge in a Jewish court of Law.
So I can do what I love (arguing) for a higher cause/ in the name of G-d/ for the sake of G-d and for something deep and meaningful.
I think the JTS Rabbinical School is the answer. Rabbi Daniel Nevins, the Dean is brilliant.
I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for in any Orthodox sect of Judaism.
I want to wear the tight pants, sit in absolutely non partitioned houses of worship and also be able to function as an actual Judge in a Jewish Court of Law.
Rabbi Riskin’s certified overseas court assistant course is not the kind of position I’m thinking of. I want to be the actual Judge in the rabbinical court.
And Rabbi Avi Weiss certified women’s prayer groups are not what I’m looking for either. It’s mixed seating for me or no house of prayer praying.

At first, I was seriously considering the lefty oriented modern orthodox ideologies, but I don’t understand some of their soft emotional stirrings and stances and half stirred philosophies that never go all the way with the women’s roles. Like do they or do they not allow women rabbis, not rabbi assistants? Do they believe court assistants courses for women are the new Rabbinical Judges alternative for women of all sensitivities looking for jewish court positions?

Obviously, I haven’t researched the lefty ideologies in full, but did not find what I was looking for with the research that I did do.
I actually find the laws/passages in the Talmud and rabbinical courts / discourses and arguing fascinating.
Unfortunately Orthodox Judaism doesn’t share my fascination in the same way.

Conservative Judaism doesn’t seem to get all bent out of shape if a woman decides to become a rabbi. I wonder if they let women function as Judges in their rabbinical courts.

Subliminally Sublime/ Sardonic Subway Ceiling Sentiments

I've always found the subway art scenes the most fascinating concepts to analyze. I've been meaning to photograph this set of cheery eyed subway ceiling sentiments since forever but its always been so crowded and or the wrong minute to stop and photograph the subway art scene.

Two weeks ago I found myself at the perfect spot at the perfect time, yeah life is so good like that.

I did miss a sign or two ("why all the pain" ) but managed to photograph the whole series, mostly.

I always find myself smiling a little with the lips , when running along, just watching the scores and scores of serious individuals walking, resolutely and quickly, straight ahead, paying no heed to the spiritual tonic sentiments spelled out sardonically in black and white above.

Always stop to photograph the subway art scenes.

When Life gives you Dandelions

When life insists on handing you dimwitted insecure dandelions , wishing them away is probably just a waste of energy, that will come back to mock and admonish you and or indirectly fuck you in the process. Just saying.
But these dandelion lookalikes in Union Square are actually quite the photogenic patch & batch of barely beige beauties.

Roses in the Park

Bryant Park has got their roses all blooming along the way and stuff.

A Concrete Message Cast in Stone in Chelsea

Running along to work one day , I came across this concrete synagogue mission statement cast in stone right next to the Chelsea Hotel.

I found the message particularly poignant, even if just for a few minutes. Sounds like the kind of house of worship I would love belonging to.

Spirituality is always just around the corner in the city it seems .

Later on that day 2 fine individuals at Grand Central stopped me to explain their mission in life and what they have to offer in terms of directions. One kept on insisting that all the answers to life's questions are in the bible you just have to know how to read it ! The othe one advised me that their house of worship has classes all the time , and right nearby too.

She assured me that I can feel free to come by any time, as they love answering tough questions.

So if I cant find a midtown Daf Yomi , alternative bible classes for the tough at heart is just a doubt or two and a skip away.

I Heart NYC Mayor Bloomberg

I wholeheartedly believe one of the most brilliant individuals /leaders in 2008 is The Mayor Bloomberg.
Read about all the reasons I respect him more than anyone, at this time here : http://www.mikebloomberg.com/
My beach read pick for this weekend is his book : Bloomberg by Bloomberg.
Coming this September to a Barnes and Noble near you is his new book :
Do The Hard Things First (And other Bloomberg rules for Business and Politics).

I love Mayor Bloomberg's work ethic/well thought out life philosophies / focused perspectives and focus on the arts .

The Gates was one of my favorite larger than life in the city art moments .

Oh, and Mayor Bloomberg if you ever need any NYC flowering trees in the spring photography to promote MillionTreesNYC I have quite the extensive ,flowering spring trees in the city, photography collection and would be honored to donate some. Just saying.

Timeless Intimate Moments in Time and Poise

This is the kind of intimate relationship with time worthy of emulation.
If you stand still on top of time will time stand still ?

Linear Lightbulb Enlightenment

I never knew there were so many different ways to see and or ignore the light.
In life, if one changes the bulb color but keeps the same fixture, does the new light color lead & shine towards a whole different perception of light ?
What about individuals that are colorblind , how do they differentiate and or choose among the different light color options. How would they know if they've made the wrong choice.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa

I know its been a awhile, hope things are merry and sparkly on your end and stuff.
How's the wife and reindeer ? I was watching the movie Elf (one of my favorite movies )recently and remembered that I haven't written to you in Christmas light years.
Things are good on my end. I love my current job. Ànd ever since I've embraced Christmas lights as the light at the end of the tunnel I have never felt brighter and more enlightened. I've even put together a scrapbook of Christmas lighting photography that I've done over the years at different stages of my life.
Quite the story in Christmas lights roadtrip pictures.
From Dyker heights in Brooklyn to Bangor Maine.
Bel Harbor in Queens is my favorite in terms of Christmas lights decorating creativity.
I really can't thank you enough for helping me find my inner sparkle and light. I had given up ever seeing the light.
Truthfully though I've never fully gotten over the allergic reactions to consumer driven mysticism and related drivel that circuitiously drove me up the fucking wall in dizzying rhetorical circles of money, myth and myopia.
I should have listened to your message of merriment instead of always searching for analytical brilliance to make me happy. I was looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
I did try out the different flavors of spirituality none óf them felt good on me.
Basically the common denominator feature that annoys me most is the pride honor snobbery theme generally present along with knowledge knowing and teaching. I found it too hard to learn in that way.
The control freaks are too literal with the law and secretive too. The more accepting strains of spirituality debate hardcore law and decisions with fucking emotions and expressions of disbelief. I hope they hire some born again lawyers to write their press releases or something. You can't argue primary law with s bunch of secondary law concepts an irrelevant quote or two and some expired statute or treaty. This seems to be à common theme when defending à religious position any which side. Ànd the in between flavors are just too wishy washy and emotional with no intellectualism in sight.
But I bravely reached into the sparkly past and brought out all the Christmas lights.
I've hung them around in all the dark spaces in my life.
Life just couldn't get any brighter.
Don't fall Down that chimmney. Can't wait to see ya for the holidays.
Send the reindeer my love.

Toughie Tulips in the City

I've always admired the tulips patches in the middle of busy avenues.
In fact I adore these tough little patches of color, never letting anyone trample on their colorful kind of fickle seasonal floral beliefs.
And making the subway grates a prettier space in the process.

Urban growth and merriment

Some tulips prefer to grow in merry urban enviroments the fickle growth containers notwithstanding.

Mellow Yellow Ideologies

Some displays are all dressed up in mellow yellow outlooks, growing neatly and squarely in a well structured green enamel paneled box.
With just enough Ivy overhang leg room.

Tulips in the City

And they look so pretty in the rain against the steel bar backdrops !

Life is like a bucket of tulips

Life moments are like a bucket of tulips on a midtown sidewalk, eventually when the seasons change, they move on after the rainstorms. According to Tulip mythology they are supposed to come back every year. This may have to do with growth space availability and opportunity too.

I guess the trick is to plan ahead so that you have colorful n blissful moments for every season.

I loved the tulips in a bucket displays all around the city this Spring.

The flowering trees were ethereal, especially the urban/flower juxtapositions.

NYC has the best floral arrangements and flowering trees on Earth.

Rhinestone Studded Stances in Candyland

Sometimes I encounter individuals that insist on using sugar n treats treatises, and reasonings/lingo lifted straight out of Candyland's original Candy Cane constitution for the sugar based masses, to support outrageous stances and arguments .
Do I look and or sound like a fucking sweets n candy n sugar coated concepts lover ?
Sugar coated spiritual treats and fairies n faith for the fumbling tales dont last forever.
The Candy Cane Constitution did not take into account the possiblity of life after sweets n spiritual highs have taken their natural course .
Not everyone even likes candy coated concepts or even candy.
Some prefer to stay far away from sticky candy coated confectionary concontions.
Candy is not dandy. Brandy is.
Just saying.

Born Again Raindrops

Sometimes roads are paved with raindrops.

Not that there is anything emotional about that.

Livin on a Prayer

Today is the yartzheit of Rochel bas Aryeh.
I recite the Iggeres Haramban letter in her memory every morning on most days.
She would be rather appalled at what became of my religious philosophies over the years.
But I recite that letter religiously, as did she, and it's done me a lot of spiritual good.
Here's a link to a commemorative piece with an actual translation of the text.
http://www.beyondbt.com

Lucky Snowflakes

I've always wondered if the snowflakes I was born under, were kind of flaky, fickle or just a different kind of lucky.
Sometimes I worry about losing the ability to differentiate between lucky , fickle,fucked and or flaky.
Those crystal lines of sparkledust melt into each other so easily, if one is not careful about staying cold.
Just some constructive negativity, to make things blissfully bleak and a whole new shade of blacker !
Never understimate the healing powers of negativity !

Snowflake Spangled Angles

I already miss the Holiday lights and sparkle.

Narcissus Gone Daffy

Daffodils have quite the dazzling and distinguished "name that flower" mythical lineage.

Fascinating juxtaposition jottings over @ wikipedia's entry for Narcissus (flower).

I'm actually borderline ecstatic that Spring has finally decided to show up.

And midtown has all these larger than life clay flower pots with merry yellow daffodils strutting their stuff.

And pretty pansies in the purest shade of tanzanite blue.

I've even spotted some blooming white blossomed cherry trees cheerfully growing against ordinary brick buildings & ornate boutique awnings.

I'm waiting patiently for Madison Square park's ethereal display of pink trees.