say goodbye for now - but not forever

In just over 12 hours, I will board a plane home to the west coast of Canada, seeing as that, my New York chapter in life is coming to a close. At this very moment 3:39 AM, to be precise, I sit surround by random piles of belongings in attempts to pack away the last three months of my life. It is very hard. I am tired and sad, I love this life and I am not ready to leave, I did not realize how attatched I was until I started to say goodbye. I learned a lot during my stay about: culture, food, the american economy, art, my faith and myself. I have grown, I have changed and I feel truly alive and free.

I am thankful to God for opening the doors to this journey. Thankful to NYC friends and housemates who loved and encouraged, Thankful to those in Canada who supported me; who told me I could do it!

a day like today

NYC came to a halt this morning; torrential rains came early this morning causing flooding to the city's underground world. Subway lines and commuter rails either shut down completely or slowed to an excruciating crawl. The normal 30-60 minute commute became the one and a half hour - three-hour commute, with some passengers just giving up and calling it a day.

People became surprisingly more alert and social on the platforms, many in need of venting to the nearest listening ear, while others were just happy tourists wanting to talk, relieved to not have to stare once again, at the same old advertisement.
When the rains stopped NYC’s underground turned into an intense heat wave not unlike a sauna adding more un-pleasantries to this disordered day. Lucky for us, tomorrow is a new day. And the beauty in rain, is it makes for great photographs.

HARLEM

i sat on a bench in harlem reading.
i ate a mchicken sandwich and mangos from a vendor.
i smiled at the man beside me.

i walked around.
i looked.
i dreamed.


************

WATER HYDRANT

on the days so hot
sweat beads pour from everywhere
parents sneak up to the place
thats not allowd

they open that old hydrant
and let the water free

kids they run and play
splish and splash with glee

how else can one enjoy the day
so hot and awful
then cooling down in water gushing
in waves its rolling through the hills

the water glistens in the sunset
as its heads on down
towards the famous hudson river

word of the day

daliesque

beautiful places

July 26

Yesterday I went to Liberty Island and the sun was blazing down and it was beautiful. I had gone once before but I was really sick so I couldn’t really enjoy it as much as I wanted, so this time I soaked it all in. The liberty stands tall and she is elegant. I never knew she was not always green, so I learned something new. My friend took pictures of us with the Liberty so if I can get my hands on them I will post. We looked quite silly jumping up and down trying to get some air in time for the camera to click. After we went to china town and he haggled some good bargains.

After The liberty adventure I met up with my housemate Elena and we went into Brooklyn for amazing pizza at this famous place called Grimaldi’s: the best part is even the tomato sauce is made from fresh tomatoes.

After dinner we then proceeded to walked the Brooklyn bridge into Manhattan (after getting lost of course)…it was into the sunset so we got to watch the skyline change as we walked. I like being on the Brooklyn Bridge its so refreshing. You can see everything even the liberty.

There is this beautiful place in Manhattan called Chelsea piers. It’s right along the Hudson River overlooking Jersey and it is gorgeous. I walked along the walkway watching the sun come down and snapped away with my camera. Afterwards I sat on a bench and I felt so content just sitting quietly looking at the boats and the water and writing away on my macbook.

Flower Girl

in this life
there is beauty -

YOU are beautiful to Him

I didn't know what to say
to you, the flower girl

dumbfounded I walked away and cried

let you believe that what you see - is really what some say

Suppose I wasn't standing there, just a figment of your imagination

maybe that'd be easier...

...but the easy way won't change...
THE WAY WE TREAT EACH OTHER

when you see me - can you look at ME: into ME today?

I am beautiful
I am ugly

I am human

so are you

The Mets, The Yankees and The Blue Jays....

In the last week I have become a Mets fan, seen two games and watched the best team ever lose to the Yankees. Baseball games are this crazy adventure. The Mets game at Shea Stadium was fun and relaxed, whereas the game at Yankee Stadium was wild and reckless. The fans were crazy, they really hated my Blue Jays...It was so interesting watching people react to things. I really enjoyed both games and I had insanely good seats for both games. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

A Mets Vendor



A Mets Hitter



A Blue Jay Batting



A Yankee Pitcher



My friend Greg and I at the Mets game. See I really was there!

Understanding in the Midst of Atlantic Waves

I cannot believe I only have 3.5 weeks left. There were time when I couldn't wait for it to be over, but now I am hoping that time moves slow. There is still so much I want to do. I love it here, it still feels like a dream. The other day I went to long beach and I swam in the ocean waves. There is something powerful and lifechanging about the ocean. I remember being there letting the strength of the waves beat me down. It was like you can hit me, but i'll just get right back up. At the same time I feared the depths of the water. How deep can you before you drown. That is so scary. I love how, we can be in one place at one moment and have such intense thoughts. After swimming I sat on the white sandy beach and I wrote. I continued a journal entry I was writing about realtionships. Suddenly I was really aware of God's work in my heart. I was picturing my experiance in the waves, my fear to go deeper and I connected that physical fear to the internal fears in my life and suddenly I wasn't afraid to discover what is next. I think once we can be open with our deepest fears, that is when we can conquer them. I am excited to see where this revelation takes me. I know the journey is hard and I know it's worth it.

The Love Taxi

I have encountered many odd occurrences during my time here in NYC. Tonight’s cab ride topped the list. Ahmed Ibrahim, taxi driver extraordinaire picked me on 116th and Broadway. Barley listening for my destination spot he instantly proceeded to tell me about his life in the limelight complete with news clippings. He is a spunky man with lots of energy and he is the NYC cabbie matchmaker. He has spent his days setting his riders up on dates. One couple has already married and another is engaged. he decided to do this *"after listening to so many passengers’ sob stories about their love lives he decided to give single New Yorkers a helping hand." He offers his matchmaking talents as a free service to the people: And now he is getting widespread fame. Ahmed has been a driver for around 20 years and now he has been offered to do his own reality TV show. So if your looking for love, then hope the next taxi you flag will be Ahmeds.

*http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article510959.ece

Cotton Candy and Ocean Waves.

I lost all inhibition, that day on the beach.
I was a little girl again squealing with delight.
I walked up on the boardwalk a single motive on my mind
“must purchase cotton candy and the world will be fine”.
Once said Cotton Candy was directly in my hands,
my friend and I we walked upon the rich warm sand.
We got down to the shoreline and walked into the waves.
I danced upon the waters edge and cotton candy I ate.
My friend she snapped a bunch of photographs: As I twirled with delight.
The water’s edge it caught my skirt
I simply could not contain my laughter.
As my heart welled up in glee.


photo: Kelly Young

His Great Love

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39




beauty.
look deep inside.
look around.
seek.

pure steadfast love.

sweet bountiful raindrops

Today I felt the beauty of the rain splashing onto my face. The rain this spring have been magnificent downpours making the city that never stops, come to a crashing halt. People run for cover. Street vendors come out of nowhere with baskets full of umbrellas yelling, "umbrellas five dollars - only five dollars". During during one of these momentss I stand still huddled in the doorway of Victoria Secret, with my camera to my face catching the moment on film. People are milling around into the doorway distracted by the rain, no one notices the click of the camera. After a bit I leave happy with the faces I have captured and start walking down the soggy street, the rain slowly drips from my bangs onto my sunglasses and down my face. I am relishing it: for some reason I feel calm and happy. After a bit of walking a middle-aged man approaches with his umbrella and guides me down the street under the dryness of his umbrella. I feel like a princess, being swept away by a fairy godfather, when suddenly he disappears into a store and I am left again to fend for myself. I then walk gleefully to Starbucks for my daily fix in the form of a tea misto and head soaked from head to toe to the NYC sardine can. –I always seem to catch the train at rush hour.

Coney Island

The Cyclone and New Friends.

Sadly the attractions of Coney Island will soon be gone. They are tearing it down to build condos, or a new amusement park . . . no one truly knows. It's a sad thing, because everyone (and by everyone I mean people in the western world) knows about the Coney Island amusement park, its a little old and rickety place of dreams. We hear about it in movies and conversation. We take it to a place in our minds that doesn't truly exist but to us its real. As a Canadian, I always thought of it as this magical place. A place I could never touch. I am sad that this almost historical place is shutting down. This is the last summer to dream of it being alive after a winters sleep. Instead I am going to bring it home to you in photographs and we'll have its majestic feel forever in pictures.


Left over remnants from days before . . .

daily delights

I have started a journal and I am writing in it as I wander through these busy city streets, waiting on or off the subway, or sitting on the bus. I am writing about things that I learn, mostly these consist of what I love to call daily delights . . .or wonders. My favorite delight of the day I will share with all of you.

As I was sitting on the bus, everyone seemed pre-occupied by his or her life. Picture a tall lanky young man standing by the back doors listening to his IPOD, talking on the phone and holding on tightly as the driver reaches the bus to a stop. Now imagine a mom in her late twenties, trying to hold onto her son as she is getting off the bus, only her son is all wobbly from the motion of the bus and she has to keep catching him. The bigger problem arises when the bus doors do not open and the driver is about to pull away. IPOD man suddenly in reality interrupts his music and conversation to help this woman. He calls to the driver "back doors" and pushes the doors open for the very thankful and flustered woman.

I cherish this moment. There is something heart warming about seeing strangers love one another.

brooklyn bridge

I am so in love with the beauty of this bridge. I am fascinated by its structure. I was so tired when I was walking up to it; all I wanted to do was sit down. I kept on trudging though and I was elated with the outcome. The freeing sense I feel when near a structure like that is worth any trek. I have had this weird love for bridges for years. When I walk or drive over them I always feel so alive. I don't fully understand it but I take it and relish the simplicity and wonder of the moment. This specific adventure reminds me of the first time I drove over the Alex Fraser Bridge with my friend Jessica in Vancouver. I was so excited that I evoked a mild sense of insanity by clapping and taking pictures through the windshield. I loved it so much I wanted her to drive over it again. I kept the best picture on my wall for along time when I first moved to Manitoba. Whenever I looked at it that feeling of freedom came sweeping back into my heart.

the coffee mug.

Many of you who know me, know that at home and at your house I love to always use the same coffee mug. I don't know why maybe its a comfort thing. I go to your house and hone in on THE mug. Now the specific mug I use at home I take with me each time I have moved, sadly this I left with family and or a friend in BC ...or alberta ...or somewhere...so I have had to claim a mug here. Which has been okay. I have come to terms with not having my mug. But the best thing ever happened this morning. My new roomate (who moved in last night) asked if I wanted coffee, and then proceeded to ask me the question that is sweet to my ears. "do you have favourite mug you want to use?" It's like a kindered spirit. She has a favourite mug too.

The mug to the left is mine, the one to the right is Joann's and the one in the back is the one I use when mug number one is dirty. :)

a glimpse of the park

Central Park, NY

The Tea Spot

I finally found my place to just be: a little tea cafe that resides in the midst of Greenwich Village. It is cozy and warm with great customer service, free wireless and of course TEA. And we all know of my undying love for tea. I was inspired at church this morning. I feel like I am making good friends and contacts and I am thrilled to report that just from sitting in church I was led to yet another inspiring idea. My project will consist of an underlying theme that you all know is beauty. But there will be a secondary theme, which will unify the project. Unfortunately I cannot give you any hints, but you'll see the final product soon enough. I had a delightful conversation with a person at church. We were discussing the importance in taking time to see beauty and more often then not we rush and miss, what’s really important.

...so I encourage you all today to take the time.

six degrees

I have been watching this show called six degrees (which is really great) and I watch it because one of the primary characters is a photographer in NYC - his character inspires me. He goes out there and just does it - no hesitation. I have been trying to get brave enough to take pictures of complete strangers. Today I was brave and because of that I shot one of my top photographs ever. Its Memorial Day here and there are sailors docked in the harbour the photo is of a sailor and his girlfriend (one assumes anyways). I can't wait to show you. But we must be patient for the NYC collection. I now have to watermark all my work before it goes online. This specific photograph I won't post anyways. So you'll have to ask to see it in person. I have discovered recently there is a lot of risk of theft and plagerism in putting your work online. I desire for my things to be original and limited. So any of my work that is my best from now on will only be seen in print. Things that are meant for fun or for blogging I will still post.

Yellow Cabs

They are everywhere. I am being invaded by yellow. I love yellow. Too bad I can't afford its luxery :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

I hope you had a very realxing time playing golf a.k.a. the game we mcleod's play when we want to take life out on trees :) haha.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DAD! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

love sherri

so we all know how cool vending machines are . . .

. . . well in NYC they so cool that there is actually a store. Can you imagine the delectable taste of those cheeseburgers. My mouth is watering at the thought of it right now.

How is New York?

New York is nothing like I imagined it to be. I admit, I did romanticize this place and on occasion I still do. There is so much to see and I find myself surpised by something new everyday. There is a unique beauty here, unlike any place I have ever seen. Even though it can be beautiful is is also a very ugly place. I sit and ponder how is it possible that in a city full of millions - there is still not enough love and help for the homeless. Then I think about a homeless man who I've met recently. I remember his hope. He is making the best out of bad situation. How is that not beautiful? He paints the city in tiles using vibrant colours. People who pass by donate money for his work and that is how he gets by. Sometimes people give him a place to live, sometimes he gets gigs doing random jobs but when that all ends he just works with what he has got. He has amazing artistic talent. He knows he screws up and maybe he knows this is it for him. He appears happy and everyone liks him. I stood there and chatted with him for about 30 mins and we must have been interrupted 10 times by people he knew. I think maybe it's not about where you live, but about how you live.

In the Park

Okay I am here in this glorious park in the midst of one of the busiest parts of the city. I love it! I knew I would. I am sitting in a park blogging and the best part of this adventure is that my only worry seems to be whether or not I’ll get pooped on by a pigeon. I wonder if that happens to people often? I keep getting beamed in the head by these little buds falling from the trees. It is very windy. It is a nice warm windy that opposites the winds of Winterpeg. I am eating this delectable bean soup and drinking a lime soda (I bought it because I remember it from Haz Beans! its Italian) - a man just interrupted me. He was a nice old man talking about how he's a PC man but MAC's are easy to use. As he talked I was thinking about how long he would stand here and talk to me because I just wanted to write. But then I realized how refreshing it is to talk to someone other than myself - I just got pelted again. So I think I will revel in those random moments. It’s rare in this city for people to talk to you. So I think in listening to them I will learn a lot. I found a website www.bryantpark.org/...it tells me everything I need to know about this park and I found all these free concerts, movies and writers workshops. I signed up for a bunch of workshops and I am coming here to see Norah Jones, Rascal Flatts, and a few others that I can't remember. I am also going to come and see old movies in the park. I am so elated right now. I am trying to convince my friend Kim from BC to come here and see a movie with me. I know she will love. I should tell her about the workshops, she would like that. Anyways my friends I best be going. Happy days to you. Love.

Bryant Park

I heard about this park in a TV show where people go and watch old movies in the park on the big screen. I was researching the park today and I am going to go there as soon as my lap top is charged up. It sounds amazing. Very Sherri esque. I haven't been this exctied yet for anything. I love it when you discover something that fits! So off i go hoping its all I hope it to be.

no matter where i am, i think of you

I made a tape once of this song for my mom.
Even though she is gone she is always in my heart and I miss her more than words can say. If she were here, I would hug her and say,

I love you! Happy Mothers Day!

Faith Hill - You Can't Lose Me Lyrics

A little girl, a little small for her age
A little too slow for the field day race
Momma's waiting at the finish line
And wipes the teardrops from her eyes
She says, "You did just fine honey, that's okay
"Sometimes life's just that way
"You're gonna lose the race from time to time
"But you're always gonna find

"You can't lose me
"Bet your life
"I am here and I will always be
"Just a wish away
"Wherever you go
"No matter how far
"My love is where you are
"You won't be lost if you believe
"You can't lose me"

Momma use to say "Girl it won't be long
'"Til it's time to go out on your own
"Chase your dreams find your place in life
"I know you'll do just fine"
When that day finally came
There were things she needed to but could not say
So I whispered softly as I wiped
The tears from Momma's eyes

"You can't lose me
"Bet your life
"I am here and I will always be
"Just a wish away
"Wherever I go
"No matter how far
"My love is where you are
"You won't be lost if you believe
"You can't lose me"

Running with Charcoal

yesterday my roomate Savina and I went to an art store to get supplies for a project she is doing on her world view. standing in the store I was inspired like never before. I had this yearning to paint and sketch away my emotion, my thoughts, experiances, rants- everything. its such a wierd feeling. here i am surrounded by a city of artists and suddenly i feel like one. and tonight the charcoal is burning the pages of my sketch pad.

The Drowsy Chaperone

Nik and I went to our very first broadway show ever.

the beggining. . .

I have decided its a little scary moving across the country and into another. I have a new respect for all my international friends who have come to Canada to study. New York is the most diverse place I have ever been too. One minute you’re walking on the ritziest street and suddenly just two steps away you're in one of poorest places. My second night here I went out an African feast with my roommates, who are very wonderful. Let me tell you right now the next time you go into an ethnic restaurant don't assume anything. I assume the little fish I was ordering was going to be a nice little fillet. I could not have been more mistaken. ehem - the head was still attached to my fish! And lets not forget the tail and the bones and the fact it was practically charbroiled. I had to dig to get the meat, which I'll admit was very tasty, but I just couldn’t get past the fact I was looking at a fish head. You could say I went to bed a little hungry.

My friend Nicole from Providence was here for two glorious days in the sun. We walked for miles and saw all the major sights. It was so wonderful to have a friend here to help break the ice. I feel much more at ease now that I know I can find my way around this crazy big city.

Countdown

20 days until I make the biggest move of life. On May 5th I am moving to NYC to spend a riveting summer photographing the essence of NYC and it's various cultures. I welcome you to this journey I am about to embark on; I hope I can entertain you and that as you read my blog you can enjoy this experience with me.