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New York: Washington Square Park
Inspiration: Do you remember the Piano Man from last week? He's a regular at Washington Square Park. I spotted him again this week. During one of his breaks, this woman took over his piano and belted out a love song that I didn't recognize. I just love the emotion on the faces of singers and musicians when they are immersed in their performances. Just incredible.
New York: Washington Square Park
Inspiration: I've photographed this drummer before and he remains one of the most expressive musicians I've seen in a while. And a phenomenal drummer too. He's a part of a jazz band but to be honest, he simply stole the show -- which is why I kinda forgot to photograph the other players. Oops. By the way, doesn't he kind of resemble Hugh Jackman's character, Wolverine?
New York: Washington Square Park (1st and 3rd photos); Park under the FDR (2nd photo)
Inspiration: Since I've found The Hat Shop on Thompson Street, I've finally been able to enjoy hats personally instead of being limited to admiring them on other people's heads. The reason that I've gone without hats until I found the Hat Shop is that I have a gigantic head for which hats have to be made on a custom basis. I didn't realize this at first. Whenever I'd go to stores and try on and thereafter promptly remove hats in stores for lack of fit, I thought my size had sold out. Now I know it's because they didn't order my size in the first place! The enormousness of my head is not immediately evident (you cannot tell by just looking) but even Linda Pagan from the Hat Shop was impressed by its ample measurements. To put things in perspective, I wear a bigger hat size than my man. He even had to buy a special motorcycle helmet for my head.
During the winter, I went nuts and bought three hats from Linda (and a super-sized Stetson from somewhere else). I promised Linda I'd be back in the Spring to check out her Spring/Summer collection but I've not yet made it. Seeing these folks in elegant (first photo), quirky (second photo) and dapper (third photo) hats serves as a reminder that I have to stop by The Hat Shop asap. If you are ever in New York, you should stop by too. Just head south from Washington Square Park on Thompson and you'll see it on the left hand side after you cross Houston.
New York: Washington Square Park
Inspiration: It has been a while since I've photographed Paul, the Pigeon Whisperer. The last time was in January 2010. Yesterday, while making my way down to Soho through Washington Square Park, I ran into him schooling his apprentice about the art of pigeon whispering (which involves a huge bag of seeds and crumbs). Let's make no mistake . . . I find pigeons quite disgusting and could never imagine allowing them to perch on my body. But there's something quite beautiful about Paul's friendship with pigeons (and squirrels too). He once told me that his home is open to animals of all types. That said, his welcoming attitude apparently landed him in hot water with his apartment building superintendent . . .
New York: Union Square
Inspiration: I am convinced that happiness isn't necessarily something one searches for and locates. The "search" for happiness suggests that it may or may not exist. Like the pot of treasure at the end of the rainbow. Or that happiness is something one must accomplish or acquire. But in reality (my reality anyway), the only "skill" one needs in order to experience happiness is the ability to recognize and acknowledge the moments, the people, the places, the smells, the feelings and activities that bring pleasure, joy and which ultimately contribute to happiness. For me, happiness is (among many things) relaxing on a sunny Sunday afternoon with people I love being around. What does happiness mean to you?
New York: Central Park
Inspiration: The incongruity of delicate music (I wish you could hear what I mean) flowing from those super-fit arms of steel inspired this photograph. I suppose the way one must play a violin -- an instrument propped on one shoulder with the other arm moving the bow rapidly across the strings -- makes arms of steel a necessity.
New York: Central Park
Inspiration: Yes indeed. There is at least one more person willing to haul into the park and play, no matter whether anyone is listening, a large piano. I remember how surprised I was when I saw the other outdoor playing Piano Man for the first time. These days, seeing sights like this seems quite normal. But what is "normal" anyway? Especially in New York!
New York: Washington Square Park
Inspiration: I feel as though I haven't seen the Piano Man in ages. It's probably because I haven't been roaming around Washington Square Park as much lately. But on Sunday afternoon, our paths crossed. As evidenced by his facial expression, he is clearly moved by playing; and the woman behind him seems lost in her own music-filled reverie.
New York: Central Park
Inspiration: We've been enjoying warm sunny days yesterday and today -- a reprieve from the off and on thunderstorms of Thursday and Friday. It's the kind of weather than induces sleep the moment you sit down somewhere, which is probably what happened to the folks in this photo-set. I remain fascinated by public sleepers!
New York: Washington Square Park
Inspiration: Hmm. He must be dreaming some wonderful dreams.
New York: Central Park
Inspiration: Partially tucked under an umbrella . . . another napper.
New York: 59th and 5th Avenue
Inspiration: Just another silly New York moment. BTW, TGIF. I cannot wait to sleep in tomorrow.
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