New York State of Mind....buzz....buzz

Whitecliff Vineyard's Tasting Room

Autumn on the East Coast is spectacular this year.  I had really forgotten how beautiful it can be.  After living out West for a dozen years where the leaves blew off the trees fairly quickly and ended up landing somewhere in Wyoming, I have been pleasantly reacquainted with the smell of leaves, distant wood fires and something apple-like in the air.  The trees are glowing, and the sunlight is golden in the mornings and late afternoons.  Just  perfectly exhilirating.

Picnic Grove at Robibero Family Vineyards

Yesterday, we spent the day driving around in Ulster County and Orange County in New York's Hudson Valley visiting a few wineries.  Our journey began at Whitecliff Vineyard in Gardiner, NY,  where we tasted (and bought) some excellent reds as well as a good Seyval Blanc, which admittedly has taken me some time and perseverence to learn to like.  Our next stop took us to Robibero Family Vineyards of New Paltz.  Robibero is the newest winery in the Hudson Valley, yet they have many years of wne-making experience.  Their wines are very California-style in their construction, and their tasting room is really pleasant.

on the road in Ulster County, NY all photos by AnnWilkinson Photography c 2010

New Rules for Photography



morning on hudson 10-25-10 Ann Wilkinson Photography



Yesterday I wrote about three simple things to do to improve your photography.  Today, I'm trying to put this into practice.  When I got up this morning, the sun was just coming up across the Hudson River, and I hurried outside in my pj's to set up the tripod.  It's so peaceful on the water early in the day, and I wanted to capture a moment of quiet before a more typical kind of Monday began.

The last time I was in Italy, I saw an exhibition of work by 19th Century artist, Canaletto, and this image reminds me a bit of his spacious work.  I'm lucky to have seen this sky today.

Fall Photographs

Ann Wilkinson Photography

Climbing out of an artistic rut has been incredibly challenging.  I attended a seminar today led by photographer Scott Bourne, and he gave some great advice for improving one's photography.

First, take a photograph every day.  Knowing where every dial and button on the camera is located and knowing what every setting can do is the backbone of successful photography.

Second, read a different page of your camera's manual every day.  After reading it, do that thing with the camera (see the first item).


Hoboken Train Station 1981 by Peggy Sayben



Third, look at 100 photographs every day.  All great writers are also great readers; this is how photographers should emulate that practice.  So, here's what I found today from an excellent photographer, Peggy Sayben.

What happens tomorrow?  My camera accompanies me to the office...

Artist on his way

AnnWilkinson Photography

Today's post doesn't need too many words.  Here are some photos of an artist on the rise -- Sergio Ortega's first show at the Rockwood Music Hall -- and I got to be there to take photos of him.

Sergio Ortega live at The Rockwood Music Hall, New York City

The Rockwood is a great venue -- intimate and very, very musical.  The beers aren't too expensive, and there's no cover (at least any of the times I've been there).   So, tip your bartenders well and have a great night.

An evening at the Rockwood Music Hall

Sergio

Check out Sergio's music.  He's on Facebook and he spends a fair amount of time tweeting on, you know.  He's a talented musician, singer, songwriter who has what it takes to make it.  His new CD is being mixed, the artwork is being designed, and I got to take the photos for it, too!

more tomato-ness

http://www.annwilkinson.etsy.com/

My little tomato flowers are getting bigger and brighter.  I'm planning all the ways I'm going to use the tomatoes from my two San Marzano plants!  Maybe I'll get at least a batch of tomato sauce from them.  I wish I had paid more attention when my Mom and Dad had their huge vegetable gardens in our backyard when I was growing up and learned some basic gardening skills. 

My lavender plants are growing, too.   My little balcony garden is very happy this afternoon.  Happy Father's Day to all dads!  I lucked out and got the best dad of all!

summer treats

http://www.etsy.com/listing/28823981/restart-8x10

Summer is my favorite time of year.  It makes me happy to do little things like water the tomatoes, sit in the sunshine, get a little sweaty (well, at least when I'm not dressed for work).  As soon as I finish this posting, I'm heading down to the pool to take a nap on a lounge chair...What do you love the summer for?

AnnWilkinson Photography

Tomatoes in New Jersey

Obviously, it's been ages since I posted anything on this blog, since the last entry concerns snow. It's been a very warm spring, and I've enjoyed every second of it, even as the humidity creeps up. I'm armed with hair products to prevent too much frizz, and I go into mirror denial anyway in the summer.

I'm excited to announce my tomato plants -- all two of them -- growing on my balcony seem to be making tiny, tiny flowers. With luck and lots of water and some attention from the bees, I might have some tomatoes of my own to harvest later this season! San Marzano, organic, and growing side by side with a cute little basil plant. If I could plant some bufalo mozzarella, I'd be in heaven! Here are some pics of my little weensy tomato flowers, shot with my 60 mm macro lens just after I watered the plants today.

If you have any, I could use some how-to-grow-great-tomato tips.

Snow in New Jersey

Saddle River Pathway, Fairlawn NJ

Here I am, living in New Jersey again. The snow followed me here, and some people aren't really happy about that -- you know, the people who panic at a foul weather forecast and stampede the supermarket for bread and milk, even if they don't normally consume those foods...



Anyway, I'm temporarily living in Paramus/Fairlawn and will be moving next week to a new place in Edgewater, right along the Hudson River.



I'm so excited to be back in the Garden State. New home, new job, more adventures.



Stay with me, and I'll start posting some great home finds. It's exciting to do some home changes! In the meantime, here's a view of that snow, Jersey style.

To the Last Daylight of 2009

last light of December 31, Park City-style

My friend, Susan, introduced us to a new tradition -- toasting the last of the daylight of the year at sunset on New Year's Eve. Someday we will be able to look back on all the challenges of 2009 and see some good from it. For now, let's look forward and do all we can to make 2010 and the unfolding decade a terrific one!

Cheers, Suzu! Love and peace to all!

Mantra for 2010

AnnWilkinson

This new year, it's all about diving in.

Happy, happy, happy New Year to all! Let's hope the start of the new decade brings great things to us all (we deserve them!).

Winter Visitors

A young female moose

I'm fortunate to live next to dedicated open space. We regularly see deer, elk, fox, pheasant, red-tail hawk, winter-white rabbit and moose. On a snowy Sunday recently, a mother and her daughter spent a good part of the day cavorting in our yard. I stood outside just 20 feet away from them and quietly took these images:

This "little" moose seemed to be showing off for the camera

Moose are supposedly one of North America's most dangerous animals to humans, even more so than bears or wildcats. Getting between a mother and her calf can be a terrible thing, but on this day, Mom was not the least bit interested in me. Her daughter, however, seemed happy to pose.

Mom just wanted a profile shot

Trying to Disappear

AnnWilkinson Photography

When I photograph families, sometimes it takes a little time for everyone to warm up. Not everyone is always comfortable facing a camera. I try to make people forget I'm there, in a way, while at the same time let my families get to know me a little bit. It's important for everyone to be comfortable and loose.

love, reflected

This little girl and her dad were very shy when we first met. I don't like shoving a camera in everyone's faces anyway, so we found a little playground and everyone relaxed.

Daddy's little girl, for sure

as if I wasn't even there....

Shhhhhhh.......

Happy New Year to everyone. Have a safe and happy celebration!

Sweatery Mood

Wool neck cowl from LuluCaswell of Etsy.com

Sweaters are something to think about on October 1. Not to mention, it's 20 degrees outside my house this morning. My sweaters from last winter are looking a little worn. I did a bit of on-line cruising over coffee, and here's what I've found. This season's knits seem to be a bit more streamlined, smooth and simple in construction. Look for a classic design in a beautiful, luxurious yarn.

Sleeveless wrap sweater from Vince

Knit boyfriend jacket from Vince

Cashmere scarf from Amanda Sainsbury of Etsy.com

Coming next: Boots!

Snow on Bald Mt.-September 30

Park City, Utah, looking south toward Bald Mountain at Deer Valley

Seasons Change...And So Do I

Although I love the change of seasons, I can't help but mourn the end of summer. Here where I live, as with a lot of the rest of the US, summertime was too short. I'm going to miss it. But, the consolation is that autumn is here, and it's starting to get a bit stormy and cold weather is on its way.

Cascade Falls from AnnWilkinson Photography

An Apple A Day letterpress poster from Vik Design

Here's a reason to eat something healthy every day. Just because you might not be a kid any longer, it's still a lot of fun to put stickers on things. Find a great apple, peel off the sticker, eat the apple and stick that little apple sticker onto this poster. You are not only creating your own art, you are doing something healthy for yourself.

Blue Gloves by afra...all the way from Istanbul

Mornings will still be chilly enough to warrant something to cover your hands. Why not have some freedom to find your keys, change or a tissue for your cold nose?

Autumn Dreams

Monte Rio Poster by Warren Percell

I started thinking about what it feels like to break the smooth, glassy surface of a lake with your canoe paddle on a chilly autumn morning while the birds' chirping echoes all around. You sit back and watch the ripples in the water lap away and the water smooths once again. The next thing I knew I found all these canoe dreams on Etsy.com.

Canoe-already tested by clairelc6

Take this beautiful hand-made canoe out on your nearby lake.

Blue & White Wooden Toy Boat by FriendlyFairies

This wooden toy boat will also probably do very well in your bathtub.

The Nature Writer's Desk by Robert Crum

Is this a dream or what? I love this photograph! It makes me smile.

Baby Boat Cradle by BeaverBoatworks

The ultimate gift for a special little person. Plus, it's versatile -- a cradle, a place to play, a way to see the world. I wonder how well it floats.

Harvest, Hazy Autumn, and Desires

This summer was supposed to be relaxing. It wasn't. Things just kept heating up and life got really busy. I admit, I love being busy and I freak out a little when things slow down. Now, it's fall. The air is hazy and changes throughout the day -- crispy in the morning and gradually heating up to a toasty haze in the late afternoon. The crickets are singing a sustained, one-note song. I'm just relishing the last precious days of full-on color.

I acquired a wonderful client who makes incredibly beautiful and intricate off-loon hand-beaded & chainmaille jewelry. Here are a couple of photos of her work.

DJKing Studios

I also spent a few wonderful days in California, photographing a lovely wedding and a vineyard's first pick of their cabernet sauvignon grapes.

AnnWilkinson Photography

Finally, here's a necklace I'm really wanting. My friend, Jennifer Taranto of BellaLuceDesigns on Etsy.com, has a talent for finding the most amazing vintage beads, crystals and chain, and what she puts together is absolutely stunning.

French Kiss from Bellaluce

As I write this blogpost from outside on my deck, there are five young deer prancing around right below me. I don't dare get up to get a closer look; they'll be spooked for sure. They are so lovely.

Happy Indian Summer!

A Night Under the Stars

Jackson Browne

Last night was a magical night. First, I got to help a good friend celebrate her birthday, and secondly, I got to treat my husband to an early birthday gift of his own -- a night hearing one of our favorite singer/songwriters, Jackson Browne. We took blankets, wine, cupcakes, cheeses, olives, bread and sat with about 2,200 others in Park City's Deer Valley Resort Ampitheater. Jackson ambled onstage and said a quiet hello without any fanfare and proceeded to play for the next two and a half hours without a break.

Deer Valley Resort Ampitheater






one of at least 4 guitars Jackson uses on stage

It occurred to me that concerts from my younger days would have been even more fun if we'd had the wherewithal to take a picnic and nice wines instead of warm beers and, well, not much else. Olives? Hardly.

A great night...

I'm still humming For A Dancer today.

Tweak Cooking - Summertime!

Watermelon Lemonade on the deck works for me!

Meyer lemons, juiced and muddled with sugar and fresh mint

Watermelon Lemonade on the Deck!

Just the thing for a hot afternoon -- the right amount of sweetness, a bit of tart, and even the rich anti-oxidants found in watermelon. I found this recipe on Martha Stewart's blog and had to give it a try. Here's the recipe, tweaked a bit to add a bit more nutrition:


1-1/2 mini seedless watermelons
2 Meyer lemons
large handful of fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Watermelon ready to blend 'til smooth

Slice open the watermelon and cut the flesh into chunks. Blend in a high-speed blender (like a Vita-Mix) in batches until it's blended smoothly. Quarter the lemons and squeeze the juice into a large pitcher. Throw the lemon rinds into the pitcher, add the mint leaves and the sugar and muddle them until the sugar dissolves into the lemon juice and the mint leaves are bruised. Stir in the blended watermelon. Serve over crushed ice.


Optional: Add 1.5 ounces of premium vodka to the glass with your crushed ice before pouring in the lemonade. Stir well.

see all my Tweak Cooking posts for more recipes



enjoy!