Sign of Spring

After commenting that the woods are full of dried leaves, void of any sign of Spring, I found this large, leafy plant. I'm not sure what it is but it is growth!

Is Spring In The Air?

The calendar may say that Spring is the air; however, the woods aren't so expressive. On a bike ride today, the woods were dark, bare and brown. Though shadows suggest a bright sun, there was a biting wind and definite chill in the air. I'll return next month to document the changes.

NYC...My favorite place on earth...so far

A Troubled Church

I recently visited a museum in NYC and spoke to a friend who said that she does not like art that is used as commentary for problems in the world today. She felt too many artists use their medium as a way of making social judgements and that that isn't the purpose of art. It struck me, at that moment, that not a few days earlier I had taken the image above, realizing the symbolism of a church behind bars. I, unlike my friend, feel it appropriate to use art in order to invoke conversation. I believe it worthy to discuss powerful and incredibly wealthy, world religions and their abuses. Whether supporting ancient crusades that killed millions, turning their backs on Jews who were slaughtered or ignoring the plight of thousands upon thousands of sexually abused boys and girls who needed protection and nurturing, the structure and power of religious institutions should be of interest. If art can draw out the controversy, rallying those who support and those who criticize, all the better. Through debate, rumours are put to rest, respect is restored, history is learned and people are saved and comforted. What can be wrong with that?

Opulence

I can only imagine the wealth that was found in northeastern cities. The cities that I know are struggling financially. The streets, bridges, houses, businesses and the mood of towns and cities across upstate New York are in a poor state. Here one sees a hole on top of the handrail, perhaps stolen or broken off, certainly a symbol of troubled times.

A Room With A View

Having a little fun with creating different looks from the same photograph. You don't need to say which you enjoy most as each can be appreciated for its own qualities. Or disliked. This is a little girl enjoying the view from the 45th floor of a building, located on the Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York.