The End. And the Beginning.

Dear Cool People,

Reaching the end of a fulfilling journey always makes me a little weepy, yet eager to depart on a new excursion. My friends, this is the end of Cool People I Know. But the beginning of LittlePurpleCow Photography, my new photography blog. In this new space, I've organized some of my favorite images by category (nature, objects, people and spaces) and created a blog-based "Moment of the Day" series whereby I'll be sharing one or more images each day. I expect to continue to share observations, thoughts, questions, stories and poems to extend the impact of the visuals. I'll continue to seek out cool people and share their images and stories. And I plan to start a new interview series focused on photographers and the stories behind their work.

It feels good to have a focus.

I appreciate you being here so much and have loved getting to you know you in this space. Please join me on this new journey:

http://www.littlepurplecowphotography.com

Much love,
Stephanie

I'm not very good at keeping secrets.

Things are moving and shaking behind the scenes here, hence my minimalist approach to content in this space as of late. Stay with me. I'm working on something bigger and better and hope you'll follow along. I'm fluffing up the cushions and brewing the coffee for you. Stay tuned...

and check out the latest additions to my Project 365 photo set while you wait. My goodness, I'm nearly at day 200.

From Sea to Shining Sea

waiting patiently
beneath a blazing sun
seeking...
Lady Liberty

* * *
I took this shot at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan last weekend. Seeing the long line of tourists eagerly await the water taxi for a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty gave me a good feeling. I love this country.

Do share your view of America today.

Cross-posted at Shutter Sisters

Manhattan Texture

You should know that bits and pieces of my heart are firmly lodged in the streets of Manhattan. And despite the fact that I've happily planted my roots on this here farm 'an all, it's sort of a requirement for me to reconnect with the city that never sleeps to keep my blood pumping. I used to travel to New York fairly regularly for business, but those trips have dwindled since September 11, 2001. And when I do get back to the city, I rarely have time to wander and properly consume the experience enough to reconnect with those missing bits and pieces.

So when two of my girlfriends suggested we fly up for the weekend (read: no work, all play), naturally I forced myself to say yes. Off we went. And although I didn't get to the MOMA on this trip, I did get to...

feel the weight of the World Trade Center site... purchase a pair of cheap sunglasses... shoot up at an erector-set-inspired sculpture of a skyscraper... dine on salmon at the Modern... witness a man-made waterfall installation under the Brooklyn Bridge... walk beneath the red, white and green garland on Mulberry Street... stroll through Central Park and browse on Bleeker Street... covet canvases suspended from string in the Village... laugh from the mezzanine on Broadway... enjoy a martini (okay, maybe two) at the Hudson... wait in line for a cupcake at the Magnolia Bakery... say a prayer at the alter of St. Patrick's Cathedral... dodge bodies in Chinatown... wonder if I should buckle my seat belt on the way to the meat packing district in a yellow cab... and

find those missing bits and pieces.

A Song for Your Heart

Watching the Grass Grow

Requires patience. . . . . . . . . .
Bunnies and their foodstuff
a real quilt
the sun with shade
and a vacant heart
to be filled
with the song
of God's quietness.

jfrancis
6.26.8

* * *
This beautiful gift slipped into my email inbox this evening like a silent embrace. I don't recognize the sender's email address, but I'm grateful beyond words. JFrancis, thank you for sharing this with me.

Taking Inventory and Searching the Soul

always grateful -
she answers
I'm blessed

* * *
It's so easy to think about what we lack. What we want. What we think we need. But the reality is, we don't need much. We need love. water. food. sunshine and rain. a place to call home. people we can depend on. hope. faith. As I read Jen Lemen's stories unfolding on her blog from her recent trip to Rwanda, I'm questioning my state of excess but feeling challenged to give up physical gifts I've "earned" and grown to appreciate.

Yes, indeed we are blessed. But how can we be a blessing?

Perspective

After staying up most of last Thursday night working on a client proposal, I left town with my family in a bit of a cloud on Friday. Frustrated. Tired. Wondering. Spending a weekend away always seems to broaden my perspective, like stepping back to see my life through a wide angle lens. I needed to see that view.

Come read my latest post at Shutter Sisters.

UPDATED: I need your perspective. I'm thinking about changing the layout and focus of this blog a bit. Larger photos. Perhaps a new photo posted each day. Maybe fewer words and links to lend a little more breathing room. I could use the space. What do you think? What should I keep? What can I let go?