I don’t take many photos of flowers but the posting photo drive: help brighten the day of some sick kids, on the blog Shutter Sitters, made me realize this would be a great reason to start.

Nothing compares to fresh flowers but a beautiful photo can be with you forever and it will never wilt.

If you have a few minutes click to the photo drive post by Karen Walrond to learn how you can help brighten a sick child’s day.   The photos could be of your pet, a sunset or anything that makes you smile.

I will be sending these pictures because their color and faces always make me smile.

Enjoy!

Leslie

In a previous life I exercised almost daily.  I ran, swam and sometimes did yoga before arriving at the office.   But during a period of exhaustion, from too many flights and not enough rest, the exercising stopped and I never went back.   The thought of working out was like a child eating broccoli, yuck, no way, hate it, you can’t make me do it.

But last December, during an extended period of I think my pants shrunk at the dry cleaner, a friend recommended pilates.  Normally I would have ignored the suggestion but this friend likes to eat as much as I do and hates exercising (almost as much as me).   She said her trainer Monica was the best and would really kick my $%@^.  Getting my butt kicked was of no interest, but I made an appointment for an initial try.

To my surprise, I loved it.  Pilates combined deep stretching with a focus on strengthening using machines or props that force you to focus on each move.   But a good trainer is key and Monica gently keeps you working, while watching and checking with precision your alignment.  When I’m done with a session I’m more relaxed, stand taller and often feel like I’ve just had a massage.

Monica teaches in New York at Chelsea Movements, located on 7th Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets, four days a week including Saturdays.  The studio is small but welcoming and offers a mix of private and group sessions.

But in addition to Chelsea Movements Monica has recently opened Bird on a Perch in Jersey City.  A home sun filled studio, in walking distance of Exchange Place, with pilates equipment and props by Balanced Body.

Bird on a Perch hours are Monday through Saturday by appointment and the Introductory Pack at $65 (2 sessions for the price of 1) is a steal.  As at Chelsea Movements, Bird on a Perch accepts cash, checks and major credit cards.

So if you are ready to loosen up and strengthen up while trying something new, I highly recommend Monica for pilates training.  You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Chelsea Movements - 175 7th Avenue, New York, NY  Tel  (212) 414-1103

Bird on a Perch - 194 Washington Street, Jersey City, NJ Tel (646) 549-1663

I’ve had an amazing response to my post NYC Mom & Kitty Call To Action.  An outreach to find five beautiful three-week-old kittens and their stellar mom a caring home.

If you didn’t see the original post feel free to click here to view it.  But before clicking back, please forward this post to friends, family, and colleagues to help these cuties find the perfect home.

The family was rescued by an incredibly caring New Yorker and they are now being cared for by an equally generous and caring foster home.  It would be amazing if they could be adopted as a family but understandably it may be easier to find them homes in pairs.

In just one week, since my last shoot, kitties and mom are finding their legs and are on the move, ready to play and share some affection.

Take a moment from your day to enjoy the photos (more on Flickr) and feel free to share my contact information for any inquiries.

Thank you!

Leslie

Being unemployed has its pros and cons.  The cons are you can’t go out for expensive dinners without agonizing the decision or run to your colorist, ready to empty out your bank account to correct those horrifying roots. But the pros are having time…time for personal projects and time to network and connect with people.

And almost every week a serendipitous connection is made and this week was no exception.

A job search conversation turned into a photography conversation, which evolved into a photo shoot, which has become a Mom & Kitties Call to Action to find loving homes for five beautiful two-week-old kittens and their stellar mom.

This young family was rescued from the city’s, sometimes, unkind streets by a caring New Yorker.  This incredibly generous person has invested time and money to save these beautiful cats.  She has had them checked and cared for by a Vet and has found them an equally generous and caring foster home that is helping to ensure these beauties are placed in the right hands.

Please help these cuties find a caring home by circulating this post to friends, family and colleagues, offering my email for inquiries.

If I could take them all I would, but my small New York apartment, already inhabited by one putty, doesn’t have the space.

So for a period that can be challenging for many, take a moment from your day to enjoy these beautiful faces (more on flickr), smile, and think how amazing it will be to help connect these beauties to the perfect home.

Thank you for sharing!

Leslie

Taking pictures of New York City landmarks is something I want to work on, but like the city itself, they can be challenging.

They are large and overwhelming, and depending the time of day, their appearance can evolve from lifeless cement slab to watch me sparkle and shine.

I haven’t even attempted the Empire State Building, just looking at it from down below on 34th Street can be overwhelming.  Not to mention I’m not a fan of 34th Street – too many people.  But I am always fascinated by this skyscrapers changing colors and can never explain to visitors what the evolving colors represent (unless it’s July 4th – this one is obvious).

But my lack of NYC touristic knowledge has been improved by discovering the website What Color is The Empire State Building.  The website gives you a daily visual of the Empire State Building, with the date, colors (written out in their respective color) and the occasion for the color.  Click forward to see what colors will be coming for the next few weeks or back in case you missed something.

For Tuesday, November 3rd, the Empire State Building is red, white and blue, in honor of Election Day.

The site also has an RSS feed so you can be the smartest New Yorker in your office or impress your friends while visiting New York.

So until I have more photos of New York landmarks for you to enjoy, take some time to enjoy the colors of the Empire State Building and their significance.

Enjoy!

Leslie