​If you ever find yourself in Brooklyn, I highly recommend taking a moment to explore the local grocers. Each market has its unique flair, and there is an undeniable artistic touch present in every one of them. I am consistently fascinated by the stylized displays that can be found throughout these markets. On a recent visit, I was captivated by the impeccably stacked vegetables in the crisper area. It was like witnessing a work of modern live art in its purest form. The stock person had masterfully created an artful arrangement that transcended mere functionality. As I admired the display, I couldn't help but feel that by choosing to bring one of these vegetables home, I was not only acquiring a delicious ingredient but also taking a small piece of vibrant Brooklyn art with me.

​How can something so irresistibly cute, delightfully fuzzy, and wonderfully chubby find its way into the heart of nature's most breathtaking cores? Picture this: the vibrant center of a fresh, fragrant, and resplendent blossom, where a new rhododendron unveils its beauty. And right on cue, there it is—a diligent and devoted bee, its fuzzy form buzzing with purpose, meticulously collecting the delectable nectar nestled within the blossom's core. This sweetest and most enticing spot, brimming with nectar, eagerly awaits the bee's arrival. 

Despite their ubiquitous presence in the gardens of Maine, they remain an exhilarating challenge for a photographer like myself to capture. The moment I lift my camera, they flit away, never pausing long enough for a portrait session. They are ceaselessly occupied, perpetually in motion, never halting to strike a pose. With its fashionable appearance, adorned in a yellow fuzzy stole and adorned with a shimmering body, the bee epitomizes both style and functionality. Ever active, tirelessly motivated, and profoundly eager, it indulges in the bountiful goodness nature has to offer.

But amidst this dynamic dance, I cherish the fleeting encounters I do manage to photograph. Each photograph becomes a testament to their tireless work and the profound beauty they contribute to our natural world. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable role they play in pollination.. So, I persevere, patiently awaiting the elusive moments when a bee pauses just long enough for my lens to capture its remarkable presence—a testament to the remarkable creatures that grace our gardens with their industrious grace.

I must confess, I haven’t always been fond of bees. However, through education and increased awareness of their indispensable role in our world, my sentiments have blossomed into respect and admiration. I find myself driven to create gardens that beckon bees to flutter, sip, and thrive. Bees, we truly need them! 

The Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has created a captivating space where an artist, Thomas Dambo, breathes life into gigantic wooden trolls known as the Guardians of the Seeds. These magnificent and friendly giants, crafted with whimsical charm, stand as inviting figures throughout the garden, serving as protectors of nature's seeds and enticing visitors to embark on an imaginative journey. With their awe-inspiring presence, the Guardians of the Seeds captivate hearts, embodying the profound connection between art, nature, and the human spirit, as they harmoniously coexist within the serene ambiance of the Maine Botanical Garden, inspiring awe, wonder, and a sense of joy.

​As a photographer, when I traverse the garden with my camera in hand, I seamlessly transition between two distinct modes. Firstly, there is the serene observer within me, the one who gazes, breathes, and immerses in the captivating beauty that surrounds. In this state, my heart rate gently slows, my breath finds a tranquil rhythm, and I find solace in the sheer magnificence of nature's tapestry. It is a deeply introspective experience, where the very act of witnessing the world around me becomes a source of internal healing and awe-inspiring wonder.

But then, like a sudden burst of energy, a wave of excitement engulfs me, and I transform into an enthusiastic paparazzi of the floral realm. Every blossom becomes a star on its own elegant haute couture runway, and I, the zealous photographer, capture each petal with zeal. With a gasp of delight, my camera swiftly finds its place against my eye, and the symphony of one hundred shutter clicks ensues. It is a thrilling dance, where I am driven to freeze these breathtaking moments in time, preserving the essence of their beauty forever.

Allow me to transport you to one such enchanting moment. Picture the scene: the perfect play of light, casting a gentle glow upon the delicate white petals. They sway gracefully, as if in harmony with the warm sunlight that bathes them. The air carries a soft and fragrant humidity. In this setting, my lens and me have a difficult time to find focus, capturing the essence of this captivating interplay between light, petals, and atmosphere.

These are the moments that truly stir my soul as a photographer. They remind me of the profound connection between nature and the creative spirit. It is in these instances, where the perfect convergence of elements occurs, that the power of visual storytelling comes alive, allowing us to share in the beauty that surrounds us.

​As a fine art photographer, it has taken up to this decade of my life to truly embrace the art of gardening. Each time I step foot into the garden, I am enveloped in a tapestry of experiences, memories, and the profound wisdom passed down through the generations of women in my family. 

Reflecting upon my youth, I wish I had been more actively involved and helpful in cultivating the garden. While many chefs fondly recall treasured moments with their elder loved ones, imparting culinary knowledge in the kitchen, I find a similar resonance in the realm of gardening. It is in those tranquil garden moments that I discover the importance of meticulous attention and the dedicated time required to nurture nature's growth. Nevertheless, I am immensely grateful that fragments of those precious moments remain etched in my memory, guiding me in caring for the garden today. 

As a fine art photographer, I see it as my duty to capture and preserve these fleeting moments, immortalizing the profound knowledge of garden care that has been lovingly passed down to me. Through my lens, I aim to encapsulate the essence of these experiences, creating timeless images that both honor my heritage and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

In sharing these photographs, I hope to make my mama and mom proud, paying homage to their legacy and the profound impact they have had on my journey as a gardener and artist. May these visual tributes serve as a testament to the enduring power of familial wisdom and the interconnectedness between nature, memory, and art.

Once, the diner's decor may have been considered cutting-edge, with its prominent use of plastic and chrome finishes. However, over the course of several decades, it has evolved into a nostalgic landmark, embodying the essence of American cuisine.

I am often drawn to capturing moments in diners across the US, as I find myself contemplating the concept of time and its passage. Diners hold a timeless charm for me, with their familiar features: the cozy vinyl-covered booths, the sleek formica tables, and the sturdy metal napkin dispenser. The menu, too, holds a sense of predictability, with its offerings of fluffy pancakes, classic club sandwiches, and the enticing blue plate specials, often listed on a charmingly retro board. These dishes are prepared right in the heart of the lunch rush, catering to hardworking individuals at an affordable price. 

​Among all the seating options, my personal favorite spot in a diner is the counter. It is here that life unfolds in its full spectrum of emotions and experiences. The counter serves as a hub of activity, witnessing moments of joy, frustration, artistic expression, warm hospitality, and the exchange of human interactions. Spanning a mere three feet, this slab of counter becomes the stage for some of the most memorable times and captivating entertainment.

The Thomas Crane Library in Quincy. 

​The Thomas Crane Library in Quincy, Massachusetts stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of knowledge and the artistry of human expression. Its soaring architecture and radiant stained glass windows evoke a sense of awe and wonder, like a grand cathedral devoted to the worship of learning.

Within its walls, we enter a hallowed sanctuary where words and ideas take flight, like a symphony of buzzing bees or the graceful dance of butterflies in metamorphosis. Here, we find ourselves suspended in a cocoon of knowledge and inspiration, ready to grow and transform.

Like a secret garden or an enchanted forest, the library beckons us to explore its depths and discover the treasures hidden within. Each book is a precious gem, polished and cut to perfection, ready to reveal its secrets to those who seek them.

And yet, the library is more than just a repository of knowledge. It is a living, breathing entity, sustained by the generosity and dedication of its supporters. Like a divine patron, they have created a sacred space where these texts can flourish and thrive, providing a safe haven for all who seek to open their minds and hearts to the wonders of the world.

In this sense, libraries are truly the coolest, for they represent the boundless potential of the human spirit, and the unyielding power of our collective imagination.