I received a road bike for my high school graduation and rode it everywhere. I used to ride my bike from Connecticut to Rhode Island to go to the beach. My first boyfriend in college was a cyclist and lived above a bike shop.  My bike survived longer than the boyfriend but after moving around the country too many times my bike was banged up and neglected like Woody in Toy Story. This year, thanks to the inspiration of spin classes and the realization that I missed cycling, I finally bought another road bike.  The feat at this stage of the game to conquer the fear of clipless (oxymoron) pedals is another story. Meanwhile, it naturally followed that I wanted to shoot cycling and cycling races…

I was offered the opportunity to shoot a local race sponsored by Cycles 54 called the Twilight Series.  Tara Luaducci does a great job shooting the races and other action photography. I was happy to tag along. Here are some of my highlights.

The summer riot of color, undulating curves and mixture of textures that includes annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs is a feast for the eyes at Lindhill Farm. Around each corner are more beds, more color and it just goes on. The garden was featured in the Two Rivers Garden Tour this past June and will be featured in an upcoming issue of designNJ Magazine. The garden has been tended to for over 20 years by an English gardener – a true garden. They grow their own annuals in the greenhouse, harden off in cold frames and then transfer to the nursery with other plant material. The enclosed vegetable garden is the envy of any gardener, particularly in deer haven New Jersey.

It was a beautiful day for an open air wedding on the water. Michele and Derek were married August 7, 2011 in Lanoka Harbor.

The Monmouth County Arts Council is celebrating 40 years by showcasing 40 of the hundreds artists in Monmouth County. The cross section represents a range of artists and artistry and all photos were taking by my good friend Danny Sanchez. The exhibition runs from June 10-July 31 at the Pollak Gallery at Monmouth University. I was one of the lucky ones to be included in the exhibition.  Hope you have time to take a look – it’s an amazing display of images. They are all 20″x30″ or greater which I also had the pleasure of printing and my assistant Will Figg did all the mounting.

It’s springtime, according to the calendar but here in the east we are still eagerly awaiting that magic day. You know, the day when you wake up and suddenly everything is green. It is so close but then it seems like it will never happen. The bonus is that we can enjoy the flowering tress for  a longer period of time instead of some years where it was here today and gone tomorrow, ravaged by wind and rain. I guess you could say we should savor the moment. But I think some of that east coast impatience is creeping in and I want that magic day now.

The Bear’s Paw, not the furry brown kind unless you are considering the brown ale that is served inside. Interesting names of pubs in England, Yellow Broom, Legs of Man. This pub has a contemporary twist and an unbelievable wine list (almost unheard of when I lived there… well a long time ago). It was a pleasant evening with friends I had not seen in just as many years. May even go back to shoot a dear friend’s wine and fine food shop or as they say “Purveyors of Fine Food and Wine”  See Lewis & Cooper  http://www.lewisandcooper.co.uk/store/home.asp

Horses are truly majestic animals. I have always been afraid of them after my future sister-in-law broke her back riding a horse in high school. My mother never let up about the dangers and the fear became ingrained. I did try riding once when I lived in Midland, Texas (read that as not much else to do) but knee injuries from years of gymnastics made it a less than pleasurable experience and I moved on to other things (golf was not a success either). Eventually I moved to Houston. I have a friend now that has a horse farm in Dallas and I am surrounded by horse farms here in New Jersey. While I can’t ride, horses are a true pleasure to photograph.

Simple home

What is more important when choosing a home? The house, the view, the location? Perhaps all three but not necessarily in that order. The view in this shot is gorgeous, the light falling inside makes me want to sit there with a good book. There’s even a propane tank – hmm, for food or heat do you think?  This was just a scouting shot that I came across while working on my portfolio update. While it would not necessarily fit next to the homes I typically photograph, the basic needs of a home are present and a reminder that our basic needs are truly simple.

Love letters, almost a sign of the past. It is rare today to receive a handwritten letter in the mail but it is always a treat. These are letters written by a soldier during World War II. I wonder how differently we write now – are we more cautious because we can continually edit and revise or the reverse with impulsive texting and tweeting which is never edited. Words without soul. I do think we write more carefully when we commit words in ink not type. Personally, I love paper, print and regret that I don’t spend more time with personal notes.

Pictured above are David Chan and Catherine Roe members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra who also happen to be husband and wife. This performance was for the Parlance Chamber Concerts, a non-profit organization which, to put it mildly, brings music to the masses.

The Parlance Chamber Concerts were established in  2008, by Metropolitan Opera Orchestra principal flutist Michael Parloff. The concerts bring world class instrumentalists and singers beyond their opera house and symphony orchestral performances for our enjoyment on not just a local, but personal level. It is an unparalleled opportunity to hear these talented musicians.

Michael Parloff shares his depth of knowledge with the most incredible wit and charm.

Prepare to be charmed, entertained and educated. The next and last performance for the season is March 20, 2011. See Parlance Chamber concerts for ticket information.

Matthew Polenzani (tenor), Warren Jones (piano), Sheryl Staples (violin), Michele Kim (violin), Cynthia Phelps (viola), Carter Brey (cello)