#150: Photo a Day: May 30 and 31 (The End)

This is it! The last day of the Photo a Day May Challenge. It’s been a crazy busy day for me. I started packing all of my stuff, ran some last-minute errands, and then threw some clothes into a suitcase prepared for a trip out of town. My weekend has basically started today already, which was pretty sweet as I only had to work a total of 2 days this week.

[Your personality]

I am creativity. I am a beach lover. I am a traveler, I am a fashion addict. My personality is too complex to describe in only a few words, but those four shots above characterize me pretty well at the current moment. I am many more things, of course. Just like everyone else.

[Something beautiful]

Pre-birthday curls. By the time you read this I will already have left the City (hopefully). Getting ready for the big day. My 25th Birthday on June 1. I am very excited and thrilled to spend my special day this time with someone I care for and at a spot I like. We are heading out to the northernmost tip of Long Island. The boyfriend has rented out a car and maybe I even get to drive again after two months of not having touched a steering wheel. Even more reason to be excited, right? I love driving, you should know. We will check out some beaches, taste some fresh sea food and discover the little town of Montauk. Yes! Sounds like the best weekend I could wish for already!

I am sad that May has already come to an end but I am looking forward to a great summer. June is typically an amazing month as well (as pretty much any other). Many birthdays to celebrate, starting with my own. And then of course all those outdoor events and beaches that have yet to be discovered. The end of this month just means the beginning of the next. Life goes on!

I hope to see many great posts on how you people are doing with the Photo a Day Challenge in June!

Cheers from Brooklyn!

Photo A Day: May 27 Through 29

Two more days until the Photo A Day Challenge for May is over. Two more days to put together some shots of awesomeness.

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend! Mine was too short. But other than that quite entertaining. More on this to come soon (when I find the time for some decent post that is). But for now I can tell you: There’s been a ton of beaches, some ships, and even a BBQ involved. So it had been some fun-filled three days off work. I even almost forgot how it felt like to sit in front of my computer for 9 hours straight. Until I walked in today. Oh well, better get used to it rather fast than never again.

But let’s rewind:

[Something sweet]

It was not easy to come up with something sweet on Sunday. In the very last minute (well, almost) we decided to throw on the grill and host a BBQ. Veggie burgers, grilled corn, a salad – it all came together just fine. After gathering the equipment and food for an entire hour before, that is. Nonetheless, my friend had a brilliant idea: S’mores. My very first ones! And they were good, too. Even though the coals had burned down at that point in time. It took us forever to find a deli in Brooklyn with decent graham crackers. But when we finally did, the crackers tasted extra good. Definitely worth the hassle!

[The weather today]

Well, yesterday I was at the beach. Once again. Good ole Coney Island this time. Since I am becoming tired of always telling you about how awesome the beach is, I decided to take a picture from our roof at 8 PM. When the sun set. It had been pretty warm and humid during the day. 90 degrees (30 Celsius) – summer is most definitely here. What better way to kick off the season than climbing on top of your house and taking in the view over Brooklyn. Or at least the roofs. Ahoi!

[Numbers]

This is a screenshot of my iPhone. Lame, I know. I merely wanted to point out the date, which I could not find anywhere else today. May 29. 2 more days of this month left. I am moving in the first days of June. Looks like a new stage of my life will start for me. Once again adjusting to new roommates, packing my bags, unpacking my stuff. I should be used to it by now. I am not, though. With June, all the fun begins. Open air events, concerts, and operas – I am afraid it will pass by too fast. Just like May, which was a month filled with appointments to look at one place crappier than the other. Leaving not much of fun left during those few hours in between work, friends, and other personal issues.

I have felt more and more that I am not living in the present lately. Therefore, adjusting my attitude towards enjoying the current moment is my highest goal to achieve as of now!

Photo A Day: May 24 Through 26

Today is May 27. It appears that this little picture project is slowly coming to an end. I am not sure if there will be a Photo a Day Challenge in June but I doubt I will once again participate in it. Not because I did not like it, just because this blog has a different purpose other than that. I had a blast following the daily suggestions and have definitely come to snap a lot more pictures than I usually do – which is typically already a good amount. I also very much enjoyed seeing the interpretation of these suggestions by other bloggers, even the ones who stopped doing it halfway through the month … HINT!

However, we still have 5 more days to go. Well, four, but I am only posting up to May 26. My day has just started here and I have yet to meet “something sweet.”
So let’s go on and see what Thursday through Saturday held for me.

[Something new]

I finally went to Macy’s again. It’s been raining a fair amount during the week, so I try to spend my lunch breaks inside. Floor 4 holds a pretty awesome collection of things. It is also here where I ran across the new designs of XOXO (yes, kisses and hugs). Don’t these bright colors make you feel happy just by looking at them? I am thrilled to see that their shirts and dresses are in accordance to my taste. I am also anticipating that I will have to stop by a few times throughout the summer to get some hard core shopping done.
On the same note, I finally fulfilled a small dream of mine: I ended up buying a nail color I had eyed since last summer. Not sure it is in fashion anymore but I simply do not care. Go blue is my motto now and I really love how the color matches pretty much everything I wear. Should have done this waaay earlier!

[Something unusual]

Well, this could apply to every day until Wednesday but last Friday was indeed the very first time I got to see them wandering the streets of New York again: It’s Fleet Week! Thousands of navy guys and marines are taking over New York. Concerts, boat tours, and other fun things are going on throughout the entire weekend. I might just have to head to Times Square today to see them perform live on stage. Or go to the Intrepid and take some good shots of the boats that landed over there. I took part in more activities of Fleet Week last year (read more here) but then, to give me some credit, the weather has really not been the best this year, either. Fleet Week will end on May 30 and I am already sad to see the uniforms go. They bring a very special vibe to this city.

[12 o’clock]

Possibly my favorite shot of the week! I had a date with my friends at the beach. We were scheduled to meet at Far Rockaway. On my 1-hour-trip over there on the A-Train this couple sat pretty much right next to me. They were German and also on their way to the ocean. I fancied their bodies covered in tattoos. Even though I could never do this, I still thought the tats looked pretty funky on them. Guess you do become alike after being with each other, right?!
I love how there is always something quite unusual to see on random days during random hours and noon time was that one occasion I wanted to share with you!

So I hope you are enjoying this 3-day-weekend (for some even 4 days) and get a great BBQ on tomorrow!
Cheers from New York!

Photo A Day: May 21 Through 23

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday! Fulfilling my three-day-schedule right on time.

With so much going on in the room search department I sorta need this challenge as a time-out from the every-day-stress I have come to experience lately. The topics were also pretty amazing for those particulars three days, I dare say! I was totally looking forward to finally being able to post my awesome pictures. Which I all took the day it was meant to be – no more cheating for me! Looks like I am finally getting the hang of it, right?!

[Where you stand]

Where would I stand on a typical Monday? Well, as of now, I work in the Empire State Building (read more here). And you have a pretty neat view from the 27th floor. After six months of going in and out of that office, I still like to appreciate the view. Especially with the current work load I am experiencing. So this is the sight you have from our conference room window on a rainy Monday on May 21 of 2012. I also downloaded this neat app on my iPhone: the 360 Panorama app. I highly recommend this toy to anyone who loves taking pictures of nature, skylines, or anything further stretched than normal. Totally worth it!

[Pink]

The color that makes me feel happy for no specific reason. I once wanted to have the walls of my room painted pink, but that was way back then, in the days of my teenagedom. I heard it is also the color of my zodiac sign, so maybe that is why I’ve always had a craving for pink. My bed linen is pink. My nail polish is mostly pink. My towel is pink. And on that particular day I was wearing… tada… a pink shirt, you guessed it! Pink is a mix between red and white. I also love red, wouldn’t have minded shooting a picture of the red dresses I have. But pink will do for now! Oh, and what happened to those fabulous pink glasses everyone had a decade ago? See pink, are we too cool for that nowadays?!

[Technology]

Where would we be nowadays without technology? I have no idea. I would be a bit more deprived of social life, education, and re-living a day. Through the use of my camera, for example. Wouldn’t exist without technology. I have been on picture tours lately once again. This is truly the best time of the season to get some photo sessions done. Park, beach, get-togethers… All kinds of fun stuff to do and which has to be recorded on a great camera. Currently I am still shooting with a Canon Rebel DSLR (see more pictures here). I had it for less than a year and am still carrying it with me a lot. Possibly a sign that is time to upgrade to a newer model, as I had initially planned.

I am generally speaking not opposed to technology. But I do think that it can be a humongous waste of our time. Couch potatoes sitting in front of the TV all day long. Video game freaks who’d rather fight a senseless battle inside instead of enjoying the first rays of summer outside…
Technology can be useful in many ways but I have the feeling it has perhaps drawn us further apart in ways we didn’t anticipate. It is about finding the right mix between artificiality and natural solutions in order to make our lives meaningful.

Photo A Day: May 18 Through 20

Friday to Sunday:

Three lovely days have passed. Once again our weekend has been filled with sun, summer, and fun. Once again I was able to go to the Park and enjoy the weather. Although this time around was a little bit different as I was stressed – more than last week. I’ll tell you the whole story in a different post. However, I still think I managed to do the very best with the few free hours I had. And as it goes, it is once again supposed to rain from Monday on (all the way to Thursday or Friday, but since the forecast is never completely right I would flip a coin on that). Let’s start with the artsy side….

[Something you made]

So Friday, after work, I finally managed to do something I never really did before. It is completely senseless as I am moving out in less than two weeks but I finally hung up my collection of bracelets. Right there, on the old school wooden wall of my nice room in the Slope. A little bit of order in the chaos that is surrounding my life right now.

[A favorite place]

This should be places instead. My favorite places yesterday were an array of bars. Bars on 5th Ave. Bars on 7th Ave. We had quite a nice day with booze, sun, and summer feelings. This is a picture of the Austrian bar Steinhof on 7th Avenue (read more here). The day ended early thanks to day drinking. I think I might prefer this type of drunkenness over being tipsy at night and then missing out on the entire day after…

[Something you can’t live without]

Nature. And summer! So let’s combine it both and what you have is trees, sunlight, and maybe even a party. This weekend was the weekend of the GOOGA MOOGA festival in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. I didn’t reserve tickets, unfortunately, but I did get to hear the loud screams of the band and masses playing today. Most likely they’ll be on it for the next three days until the party comes to an end but that doesn’t count. People have to work during the week.
I wouldn’t know what to without the prospect of having summer every year. It is the season I love the most and where so much happens. Not only here but almost everywhere.

I do have to say, I really like the weekend challenges…!

Photo A Day: May 14 Through 17

What a busy week it has been! Monday and Tuesday passed in a fling. Wednesday was dedicated to catching up with an old friend from DC who visited New York. And today, well today I had a pretty good dance lesson at the Y – Zumba class has become one of my favorites!

So noooow, before I go to bed, it is time for the Photo a Day Challenge, or at least what is left of it. Isn’t it crazy how May has already passed its middle number? Meaning from now on there will be less days towards June, the ultimate summer month. I am kinda sad, I had a good time this May. But let’s not get distracted by nostalgia and petty memories. Let’s get the daily picture show on!

[Grass]

Here it is. Freshly chopped off lawn from Prospect Park. You will see many more Prospect Park pictures for the remainder of the month, so please forgive me if I repeat myself. I tend to do that, especially when I am very thrilled. Prospect Park is simply amazing, especially during spring, summer, and fall…

[Love]

To wake up and already missing the person you just left. To share a meal together. To travel. Love is many things.

[What you’re reading]

Books! I to date do neither have the luxury nor interest in possessing an e-book or iPad. I like the tangible feeling of books. The flipping through one page and another phenomenon. The only downside to books can be that they are too heavy on occasion. That is why my shoulder sometimes hurts, especially after carrying the little brick with me all day long. Still, nothing can replace a good old-fashioned book and the sensation of touch, feel, smell. Yes, smell! Remember when you used to smell your text books back in school? Well, I used to do so, so I remember it fairly well. The fresh ink scent with a new book or the moldy stink with a used one. The book will never be replaced and I am glad I have the choice to choose from an array of interesting stories I can carry around with me.

[Snack]

Trader Giottos (how they like to be called) have come up with a peanut butter filled granola bar. So awesome! I know, it’s bad, too much sugar and stuff, but I still like to replace it with my breakfast. That’s why today I snacked a granola bar from Trader Joe’s. Sometimes I eat it with fruit, that’s the healthier way of doing it. I guess I really don’t have much to say about snacks but I hope you enjoyed the four pictures and tune in for the next Photo A Day picture show!

Photo A Day: May 12 and May 13

The weekend has almost come to a close, so it’s the best possible time to get this post out before heading to the Park again to catch some more sun. The beginning of next week is supposed to be gloomy and rainy, that’s why I am striving to appreciate the last rays of good weather which is finally here.

Let’s start with something easy aka as something that makes me happy:

Prospect Park just yesterday

Lying around on a lazy day in Prospect Park/Brooklyn. As for now, I still live an easy 5-minute-walk from this amazing park. Designed by the same people who have constructed Central Park, it is smaller in size than its Manhattaner Big Brother but nonetheless beautiful. Matter of fact, so beautiful, I’d prefer it any minute over Central Park. Lots of fun things go on here during the summer, such as Celebrate Brooklyn (read more here), an equivalent to the Summer Stage in Manhattan. The only difference: You actually get a spot here and can easily jump up and down to some great vibes of numerous artists.
Yesterday the temperature hit a satisfying 24 degrees (75 Fahrenheit), so it was the most ideal time to wander the ways, sit in the grass, and watch families trying to start a kite. Not enough wind for this, but I saw a cute shark kite I’d definitely would have bought my child, too.

Let’s not forget what this weekend is really about: It’s all about you, Mom!

My Mom being slightly annoyed with me playing a photo journalist

Happy Mother’s Day to all the great mothers out there! And the mothers-to-be.

Unfortunately I am nowhere close to mine, so I really hope that the folks who are make the best out of this day. I am sending virtual kisses over to Germany, where my parents reside and hope that you had an awesome, pleasant, fun, and loving day with the rest of our family!

Photo A Day: May 7 Through 11

Don’t say it! sigh Yes, I know … No 3-day-blogging this week. But I sure as heck made the best out of it! Five Four wonderful pictures for five eventful days. So, let’s start with:

[Someone that inspires you]

This could really be you! If you love to travel, experience every inch of the world, embrace new cultures – inspire me! If you have an interesting hobby, are creative, can see in different spheres – inspire me! If you have dreams, have fought for these, and lived these out – inspire me! If you help others, are not too egoistic, and take care of others – inspire me!

Is it really that hard? I don’t think so! Anyone who is not wasting away or only thinking about himself, does not feed a small-minded brain or is near-sighted about other people’s attitudes could make it in this list.

Unfortunately, there are about as many people inspiring as uninspiring.

I chose not to post a particular photo as I cannot combine all the inspiring characters I have met throughout my life to one big picture. I therefore leave it up to your imagination.

[A smell you adore]

Body from Burberry. My first present to myself in a while. It came late, I only discovered it last fall. The funny part is that it smells like spring and summer. When I wore it in the winter it reminded me of the warm, fresh, and exciting days yet to come.

[Something you do everyday]

I take the F. I take the G. I take the Q, A,B,D… I rely on the NYC subway. And I also love it! I like all the different people on it and the vibes you get sometimes when you are among the good people. I have to date never felt unsafe or threatened in a car. I have instead felt very entertained and especially street performers always manage to make me smile. It’s much better than driving to work in a car and listening to your own music all by yourself. Every car is different, every ride eventful. It belongs to New York like the homeless do.

[A favorite word]

Fantastic! The whole wide world should be f a n t a s t i c ! Every.single.day.! If you are having a bad time, just say that word out loud. Sooner or later you’ll start believing it. If people ask you how you’re doing say Fantastic. They will feel a lot better than if you mumble a I am fine. Fantastic triggers positive thinking and positive thinking is just …! You got it!

[Kitchen]

I have been out of my kitchen lately. Long working hours, happy events thereafter – summer has finally caught up with me! I am doing my best to try out new things. This picture is from way back then, when ahorn squash was still in season. I still think it’s a nice shot, eh?!

Photo A Day: May 4 Through 6

What a fun weekend has passed! And thanks to the new challenge I have the chance to update you a bit more with pictures from my personal life and thoughts on it…

I still haven’t figured out if I want to post a picture every day or every week, so maybe I’ll just keep it at the three-day-cycle. It comes quite in handy for the schedule I have going on right now!

A fun Friday night at my very first store launch party in SoHo. More to come soon in a separate post but this is the scene in which I take a shot with some random Asian girls during the evening. We ended up going to Williamsburg after this and I stayed out until late, but that particular Friday started with a bam!

A tribute to my 2 and a half days spent in London last September. I had so much fun exploring the Brit capital, I immediately had to think of this picture when the photo challenge mentioned the word bird. Pidgeons next to the London Eye – who would not feel travel sick?

This is it! The most recent picture you’ll be seeing of me! Shot today in Coney Island, after spending a fabulous Sunday afternoon there. And no, summer is not here yet, but it doesn’t mean I cannot go to the beach, right? Despite the weather, I still had to bundle up a bit… I am quite confused as to how and when summer will start in the City but I am happy once it does. Getting rid of the rainy weather is a must!

Photo a Day Challenge for May

They’re doing it, so I am doing it!

Last month, while I was gone and away on my trip overseas, some interesting little project started:

The Photo A Day Challenge (April).

And although it says on the poster that “Fat Mum Slim” came up with the idea, I cannot seem to find this mysterious slim overweight mother on the World Wide Web. So I am referring to Ginger and Liz, who have both taken part in this challenge last month and on whose pages I have discovered that there is a spectacular round 2…

The Photo A Day May Challenge!

So even though I do not have the slightest idea of how exactly this works (again, a shout-out to Fat Mum Slim or anyone else, help pleeease!), I am planning on being an active member of the community of daily photographers showing their lives in journal-like fashion through the eyes of any type of camera.

(And, for the sake of it, I will for now ignore the striking resemblance of name to my very own blog A Picture Every Day.)

If one of those three? two bloggers above could maybe help me out as to what exactly is expected in the challenge, I’d be more than grateful! Do you post a picture every day? Do you post 7 pictures a week? Do you post 31 pictures a month? And do you write much about your pictures? Do they have to be recent or from the same day?

I am leaving those questions up to interpretation right now. Below please find my very first shots of the past three days of May:

Peace:

Never grew up around it. Never really lived close to it. But for some reason this calm sea always makes me wind down. I love the ocean. I love how it can change its mood suddenly, how it can become a stormy place but then a peaceful haven. It makes me feel that there is so much more out there, so many more opportunities to pursue. And it also makes me think about its strong history. How many people have sailed on it centuries ago.

Skyline:

Of course it had to be New York. The city I’ve been in for two long years. Manhattan view from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Something you wore today:

Only two weeks ago I bought two pairs of comfy jeans from American Eagle. They are to date the only ones that really fit and which I hope to spend a long time with! And the awesome part about it: They are really inexpensive compared to Levis or the GAP.

Writer’s Update, May 4:

Please visit FatMumSlim’s blog to see more creative ideas of how to use instagram and create sweet photo collages!