As with a lot of families, there are foods that stick around year after year for better or for worse… eggnog, fruitcake, jello salad, holiday wreath cake, pickled cream herring, my uncle’s special scrambled eggs, etc. I was just reading an article about the English history and tradition of Christmas pudding. While it never really caught on in America, another tradition that originally came from France through the English was pumpkin pie. From France?? Anyway, while my own cooking goes in and out of style, I always try and make a batch of bourbon balls to celebrate the season (from a recipe my friend Melina gave me almost a decade ago).

No houseplant is safe here.

This was taken on opening night for the new Apple store conveniently/dangerously located in our neighborhood. I thought I’d be able to get my free tshirt and leave, but I couldn’t even get within 20 feet of the door. This post brought to you by my Apple iphone, of course.

I’ve been studying and photographing the world through a 35 mm, rectangular frame. After being told by a portfolio reviewer in New Orleans and an instructor at ICP that my ‘eye’ might be better expressed through a medium format/square frame I’m considering making the leap. It’s not like changing brands of soap and it will require money, time and effort on my part. But, if I can ultimately take a better picture, then it’s all worth it. This was one of my very first attempts taken at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, a couple of years back.

I tried to show Ernie some photos of himself but obviously he could have cared less.

Vegetable soup was on the menu this evening (and grilled cheese), but let’s just focus on the fact that we avoided the evil takeout menu and enjoyed a home cooked meal in Manhattan.

Today was windy, rainy and icy, and I was in a class room learning about how my two book ideas have already been taken. On the bright side, I walked away from class feeling excited about my collection of Coney Island and Ernie pics, and with the help and encouragement of students and teacher, will continue to pursue what I love.