The Photodiarist

The Beach

New York: Brighton Beach/Coney Island, Brooklyn

Inspiration: On Sunday, I needed to get out of Manhattan. I often forget that we have some pretty nice beaches in the city, so we decided to check out one of them - Brighton Beach/Coney Island - a mere 20 minutes away. I grew up by a beach and love the ocean, but I have to admit that on this day I did not last very long. The sweltering 95 degree weather got the best of me. After about 2 hours, I was ready to get back to some air-conditioning. But I lasted long enough to take some photographs. Here are some color shots.

The Williamsburg Bridge

New York: Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Inspiration: I took this while in a car as we drove from Coney Island/Brighton Beach to Williamsburg. The sun was beginning to go down and created a filmy haze in the background. 

"Rockabye Dude-Guy on the Roadtop. . ."

New York: Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Inspiration: I took this photograph on Sunday evening at close of a street fair in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Everyone was packing up to go and people walked all around him and over him, but he remained oblivious. Fortunately for this rockabye dude-guy, this portion of the road was still cordoned off and, for that moment, free from vehicular traffic. 

The Other Guy

New York: Mott and Broome Streets

Inspiration: I've fallen hard for another guy. It was love at first sight. His name is Mac. Even though he's a big guy, he has the sweetest, gentlest and most lovable personality in the world. If he didn't belong to another, I would make him mine. But alas, he doesn't love me the way he loves his current squeeze.

 

Mr. Cool . . .

New York: Washington Square Park

Inspiration: Here he is again on another day. Mr. Cool . . . cooling off in the heat but always, it appears, mesmerized by some electronic gadget or another. 

The Drummer

New York: Washington Square Park

Inspiration: Both his face and drum say so much. 

Summer Moments

New York: 110th Street and 5th Avenue

Inspiration: I know I shouldn't have favorites -- each season is wonderful in its own right -- but I do. Notwithstanding the heat, I love summertime. Hope that you all have a great weekend!

Got Passion?

New York: Steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 81st and 5th Avenue

Inspiration: Got passion? He does. I've seen him perform up and down the island of Manhattan during every season. This guy doesn't just sing. He belts. He uses every fiber of his body. You can see it in his popping veins and clenched fist. The other members of A Capella are wonderful, but his performances are divine. When I watch people perform with that much passion, I feel as though I've received an unexpected and invaluable gift.

Soaked

New York: Washington Square Park

Inspiration: It's been hot as hell in New York these past few days. So hot that some of us could not help but jump into the nearest body of water (in this case, the fountain at Washington Square Park) to cool off.  

Pearl the Mime: Acting Up

New York: Union Square

Inspiration:  I couldn't stay for Pearl's mime show at Union Square. But she let me see a snippet of some of her antics.  While we were talking, a tiny bug landed on her face. This is how she reacted! She had me in stitches. She's really a delightful person - one I am glad to have met and hope to run into again - but next time, during her show.