new york, new york

I decided to dig up my New York City collection after reading about my friend Natalie's recent trip to the big city. I never thought I'd end up living so close to New York, but I've always had a connection to it given the amount of friends and family I have living there and so have been a constant visitor.

As much as Manhattan has to offer me, especially as a writer and photographer, I am simply not psychologically or emotionally wired for life on the island. I did consider moving there before I started dating my husband, but it's probably a good thing that I didn't attempt it. I'm not sure if it is the result of being born into a life surrounded by forests, cow pastures, and dirt roads, but something in me goes completely haywire after too much Manhattan exposure (I'm fine living in other cities though). Regardless of that, I do love New York!

I am fully grateful for these past 2 years living in a Manhattan suburb because now I can check New York off my list of things to try. I think the 40-minute train ride is the closest I'll ever come to living in New York. But, it's been great to be able to take advantage of everything the city has to offer and to grow so comfortable on its streets.

I'm feeling a New York photog day very soon (once the Northeast decides to thaw itself out). It's been awhile since I brought my camera along with me (which seems bizarre), but I think it'd be interesting to head in one day by myself and just roam around shooting the uniqueness that is Manhattan.

Here are some of my shots from over the years:

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge shot that has been captured over and over...and over. It's a classic and I never tire of it though, especially in black and white.

An interesting view of the Brooklyn bridge. I am fascinated by the construction of bridges and their ability to support themselves.

How many people think of Sex & the City when they see this?

I'm completely in love with the architecture of the Upper East Side. Streets like this one make me feel like I could live in the city.

I'm not quite sure what this is, but I love anything that is severely rusted. The colors and textures are just so delicious.

I have a special place in my heart for the Beastie Boys (I asked for their first album for Christmas when I was 6 yrs old) so this art exhibit in Brooklyn pulled me inside when I saw the graffitied B Boy lyrics on the wall. You know you want to watch this video. But, I also do love the dense collection of art splattered across the wall.

This photo of midtown at night is very New York to me...the streets are still crowded though the sun has gone down and it's a bit chaotic. Yet there is something beautiful about the chaos, especially the way the nasty, stinky fog seeping out of a manhole lights the scene with a paradoxically intriguing billow of white air.

The Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge.

What New York collection would be complete without the Empire State Building?

Here is what I love the most about New York: the random and bizarre yet totally interesting.

Ahhhh, Manhattan.