Wow, it has been an entire year since I last posted to my blog. It seems to have been a challenging year for many this 2011 and thankfully, it is about over. I will welcome 2012 as a new beginning as I am sure many people will do this weekend. New year's is a time for reflection. A time to think about the past year of your life and make new decisions. It may be time to consider new job opportunities, restructure your life or family connections, or even do nothing but continue the course as it could be worse after all.

This photo was actually taken by my older sister. I have two sisters and this year we took a sister weekend at a resort spa in Miami to regroup and reconnect. I purchased three stones from the spa as a remembrance of our time together. Courage, Happiness, and Forever. We each placed our special stone in a sacred place in our home and took a picture. It is special times like these that keep us all going. Without human connection, we would wither and die.

This past year has been very busy with a new job that fills my days with commuting and a 9-5 lifestyle. Much of my time has been structured, which had not left me much time for pictures. Unfortunately, I also had to shut down my website until I can find a better site that is easy to use and of which I can manage myself. I promise to work on that and very soon direct you to my new website for your viewing pleasure. I hope to embrace my photography this year and replace some of the craziness of life with things that I enjoy and vow to surround myself with things that I love. There is beauty in life all around us and we must slow down enough to see it. I hope that I can help you with that through my photographs.

I wish you all the best in this new year and hope that all your dreams and goals are realized. That you take the time to enjoy the things you are doing, time for the people that you love and make you happy, and slow down enough to breathe and relax. Happy 2012.
~Lindy

Happy Holidays!

Christmas in Florida couldn't be finer. Sure we have our "cold" days, but the sun is almost always shining! The holiday season is a time to gather with friends and family, reminisce those favorite memories, and bury the unpleasant ones. The new year allows one to start over. Forgive yourself, take pride in yourself, and remain positive. YOU have the power to wake up happy. Don't forget your camera this holiday season. We all dress up for a reason don't we?

I'm Back!

Hi All!

The summer has come and gone and I have been extremely busy updating my web site and landing a new job. The new format for Lindy's Photos will make it easier to see all the photos conveniently, view a slide show, and order prints, canvases, and gift items from Finerworks.com! It is still a work in progress, but stay tuned to this blog for updates.

I have also taken a couple trips this summer to Abaco, Bahamas and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Both completely different and beautiful lands. Both will be added to the site soon! The photo showing is from within Teton National Park. You really feel at one with nature out there...breathtaking!

Thanks for continuing to be a follower of Lindy's Photos! Please email me if you have any questions or post to my blog. I appreciate your interest. ~Lindy

Summer Fun

May...it feels like summer...yea! I know, many of you dread the summer months, hot, humid weather, where you can't seem to get a break from the heat or sun. Personally, I love it! Born in New Jersey, I am a Florida girl at heart. The less clothes the better. Freedom to feel the ocean breeze, even a warm one, revives my soul. Get out there, walk the beach, the neighborhood, or better yet, ride that beach cruiser bicycle you have collecting dust in the garage. The key is to go early or later in the day, thus avoiding the really intense mid-day smackdown! The same goes for photography. The middle of the day with that bright intense sun is not your friend when it comes to great photos.

Friday I will be heading up to the space coast (Cape Canaveral - Kennedy Space Center) to witness for the second time, a real American Space Shuttle launch. If you have never experienced a launch in person, I highly recommend you do so and quick. There are only three left (Atlantis - May 14th, Discovery - September 16th, and Endeavor in November) before the program is retired under President Obama's plan. The site and sounds of the launch and the excitement in the air from the crowds will make the hair on your arm stand-up and you will stand up, proud to be an American, and proud to be a witness at this incredible, historic, event. I am bringing my tripod and hope to capture one of the final photos of the Atlantis flight. You can get more information on the launches at http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ Stay tuned for photos!

I am also taking a trip to the Bahamas at the end of June. The beautiful Abaco Island. There will be fishing, snorkeling, biking, eating, drinking, relaxing, and great appreciation of the great outdoors. So, bear the heat and get out this summer, and remember to bring your camera. Just don't forget the siesta mid-day!

Have a Care, Give a Bear

It is almost April, Build-a-Bear time. Each year my sister Lori (BFF on this blog!) hosts a Build-a-Bear retreat for all the children on dialysis at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. She does this because she cares and because she is grateful for organ donation in a very personal way. She personally collects all the donations for the event. I am the official photographer for the event and have to say it gives me great pleasure to see these precious children, some little, some big, rushing around the store picking out animals, clothes, shoes, and accessories. It is a day they don’t need to worry about dialysis and their parents are able to see the happy smiles on their faces. Each child is given a “kidney” made with love by Lori, colorful and small, to place inside their chosen animal. Together then, a wish is made. The event is “Kids Need the Darndest Things” and will occur on Sunday, April 11th, 2010. Please keep organ donation on your mind and the beautiful laughter of those children. The Transplant Foundation, Inc. affiliated with the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami supports the event and provides for the children who have already had their organ transplants.

To donate, please go to http://www.transplantfoundation.org/donation.asp
Click on "Honor Gift" and enter Laura Kowalczyk. Your support would mean the world to many.

Thanks and happy smiles!

Lindy

A Bit About Spain

BARCELONA! A city of history, intrigue, and romance. From Port Olympic and the Mediterranean Sea to the hills of Tibidabo, there is much to be seen. I found myself racing to see and experience as much I could and yet realized that it was an impossible task. One trip to Barcelona is not enough.

Port Olympic is a community directly on the Mediterranean Sea and was revamped and renamed for the 1992 summer Olympics. What was once an undesirable location for prominent Barcelonans has become a highly popular location to stroll and dine on popular Mediterranean dishes. The big metal “fish” erected just for the Olympics, sits proudly by the sea at the base of the Hotel Arts (Ritz-Carlton) and the casino. Popular restaurants and night clubs lie underneath lining the shore just steps from the beach. The local marina is loaded with sailboats and provides a beautiful view for one to see while basking in the afternoon sun eating tapas and drinking Sangria. The atmosphere is lively, especially in the late afternoon as people stroll up and down the concrete walk. March is not season, and so it was noted that the restaurants are somewhat quiet or even totally empty on an American time frame of eating (Barcelonans are noted for their 10pm dinner hour and many restaurants don’t even open until about 8pm).

Las Ramblas is a beautiful, less than a mile, tree-lined street located in the heart of Barcelona. It is a popular tourist destination and one that should not be missed, day or night. The Monument a Colom (a 200 ft monument with Christopher Columbus at the top pointing to the sea, erected in 1888) lies at the east end which is located at the old port. The 360° view of Barcelona from the top is amazing, but does require a very tiny elevator (lift) ride. At the opposite end is Placa de Catalunya, the heart of the downtown or the city centre. The entire length of the street is a bustle of activity lined with street vendors, artists, and shops. At night, the lights of the buildings are amazing.

There are also many historical buildings, cathedrals, museums, parks, and endless apartment buildings with fabulous balconies over-looking the busy streets of Barcelona. The many balconies particularly caught my attention and I just imagined having one of my own sitting on a little chair, again sipping sangria and watching the active city life. Bus tours, which let you get on and off for one fee is a great way to explore, as is walking. One of my favorite areas to stroll and eat is Barri Gotic which is situated alongside of Las Ramblas. Here, there are many tapas restaurants and quaint, little shops to explore. I found the prices reasonable, except for the conversion of dollars to euros.

Much of what I have described you will see in my photographs and I hope I have done them justice and you are able to feel the city vibes and the quiet, relaxation of the parks. Barcelona is a very cool city and one I would definitely travel back to. Enjoy the photos!

Ahhhh, Valentine's Day! What better way to show a loved one you care than with flowers. Time to think out of the box. Perhaps a photo of a field of flowers or a micro shot of a unique single piece is in order. In any case, be sure to scroll through the "Flowers" gallery at http://www.lindysphotos.com/. Photos are available in a multitude of formats and gift ideas. Just contact me and I will be happy to assist you. Be creative and make this year a special one. To all I wish a Happy Valentine's Day!

Barcelona, Spain is the next destination at the end of the month. Be sure to check back in March for new photos of this beautiful part of the world. I shall also entertain a commentary of the trip highlighting the best and funniest times. So, stay tuned and I hope to hear from you!
Lindy