a-xpressions

Good Bye...

2008-11-14T10:47:00.002-05:00

Hi friends…!

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I am leaving this beautiful place by tomorrow and will be exploring my life in India. I am looking forward to new challenges and to start a new phase of my career!

I have enjoyed every moments over here…Blue cold days in Buffalo, Beautiful places and smiling faces of Carolinas and Dazzling-Glittering life in and around Baltimore-DC!

I feel lucky that I got chance to spend these astonishing moments with all of you which are going to be my unforgettable memories. I thank you for this wonderful bond of friendship as well as the support, guidance and encouragement you have provided me during my time…I will certainly miss all of you!!!

Please keep in touch; I can be reached at my email address ashishsm@gmail.com or at home, 91-231-2542284

Once again, thanks a lot for everything.

In gratitude,

Ash

The Road ahead...

2008-01-20T01:38:00.001-05:00

Life is at a wonderful stage at this time...something expected n something astonishing..., something desired n something dreamed...! I know this is the most sentient phase of my life and the road ahead is going to lead my life to a fantastic journey...:)

Place - Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Happy New Year 2008...!

2008-01-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

(Click to enlarge)

Happy New Year 2008...!

(This is a superimposed image of three photographs of my friend that I shot few weeks back while making her informal portfolio. Hope you like it!)

Place - Baltimore, MD, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

After spending couple of hours in Milwaukee, we got ready to work on the evening plan…visiting Chicago was one of the options and as expected, everyone finalized it more than happily. So we headed to Chicago – all time charming city. As we have been to the city before, this time we decided to enjoy just night life. When we approached towards it, I felt that whole city was fully soaked in a festive mood…every individual soul was in a dazzling spirit and already got ready to welcome coming Christmas!!

Place - Chicago,IL, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Santiago Calatrava: Sculpture Into Architecture - III

2007-12-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

And here is the internal hallway which leads you to the permanent collection of old masters and 19th and 20th century work and German expressionism. If you are big fan of‘Georgia Keefe’ this the place to visit...!

So now you know that Milwaukee's fame is not limited only as a brewing and manufacturing powerhouses but the city is reshaping its image by adding such wonderful bold expressions on its soil...:)
See Yahh Milwaukee..!!

What is next?

Place - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Santiago Calatrava: Sculpture Into Architecture - II

2007-12-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

His elegant and daring Montjuic Communications Tower in Barcelona , Spain (1991) in the heart of the 1992 Olympic site was a turning point in his career, leading to a wide range of commissions. The Quadracci Pavilion (2001) of the Milwaukee Art Museum was his first US building.

Calatrava's style has been heralded as bridging the division between structural engineering and architecture . He is also a prolific sculptor and painter, claiming that the practice of architecture combines all the arts into one.

Place - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Santiago Calatrava: Sculpture Into Architecture - I

2007-12-12T20:09:00.000-05:00

After enjoying St. Louis’ beauty we headed towards Milwaukee to explore one of the best architectonic expressions of modern age - Milwaukee Art Museum. I always wanted to see this marvelous work designed by one of my favorite legend, Santiago Calatrava! and yes, ...this visit paid me more than what I have expected, you will get to see few glimpses of it over here, ...n yaah, gorgeous weather made it more pleasant and boosted our enthusiasm for the rest of the day trip...:)

Santiago Calatrava Valls, is an internationally recognized and award-winning Spanish architect, sculptor and structural engineer. He was born in a rural part of Valencia, Spain , where he pursued undergraduate studies at the Architecture School and Arts and Crafts School.

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Calatrava

Place - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Gateway to the West

2007-12-02T20:18:00.000-05:00

Okay...by seeing these snaps, you know where I had been for this Thanksgiving...!Yes, St. Louis! We drove to the Midwest USA (St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chicago) from Baltimore. I know, this doesn’t sound good and few of our friends wondered why we are doing such crazy thing, driving so far, that too in these wintry days when this part started to turn white...!But still we drove there, as that was the only part we haven’t visited yet and then if not now, then when...;)?? Now tell me was it not a good excuse??...;o)

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (also known as the Gateway Arch or simply The Arch) is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Arch is known as the "Gateway to the West". Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel, it stands 630 feet (192 m) tall, and is 630 feet (192 m) wide at its base. Construction began February 12, 1963 and the last section of the Arch was put into place on October 28, 1965. It is the tallest habitable structure in St. Louis, and the second tallest in Missouri, as well as the world's tallest monument.

Here are some interesting facts about arch:

Outer Width - Outside North Leg to Outer South Leg - 630' (192m)
Maximum Height - 630' (192m)
Shape of Arch Section - Equilateral Triangle
Dimension of Arch at Base - 54 ft. (16.46m)
Dimension of Arch at Top - 17 ft. (5.18m)
Size of Windows - Approx. 7" x 27" (180 mm x 690 mm)

Capacity of Observation Platform - 100 - 140 persons
Deflection of Arch - 18" in 150 MPH wind (0.46 m in 240 km/h wind)
Number of Sections in Arch - 142
Thickness of Plates for Outer Skin - 1/4" (6.3mm)
Type of Material Used in Arch Exterior - Stainless Steel; #3 Finish Type 304
Structural Capacity of Observation Area - 100 lb/sq. ft (488 kg/m)

Needless to say, being an architect, I absolutely love this monument and so the trip, as we visited few more interesting things in Milwaukee and Chicago.

More to come...So stay tuned ;)

Place - St. Louis, Missouri, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 Canon lens

Falling in love

2007-11-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

Place - Shenandoah Valley, VA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Rang de' Fall

2007-11-19T22:25:00.000-05:00

Place - Shenandoah Valley, VA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Good Morning

2007-11-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

Place-Germantown, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Happy Diwali

2007-11-07T23:37:00.000-05:00

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Happy Halloween IV

2007-11-06T22:38:00.001-05:00

Place-Fells Point, Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Happy Halloween - III

2007-11-05T22:21:00.000-05:00

On Halloween night we hangout at Fells point for the celebration. This place is quite famous for this event since many years and crazy nuts do all possible weird things you can imagine...;) Halloween always kicks off with a bang here with live music and entertainment through out the area.
And interesting part is, the place is linked with few scary stories and it says there are many ghost reside in this community....wwoouuee, am scared now...:o(

Place-Fells Point, Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Happy Halloween - Part II

2007-10-31T10:11:00.001-04:00

During the first century the Romans invaded Britain. They brought with them many of their festivals and customs. One of these was the festival know as Pomona Day, named for their goddess of fruits and gardens. It was also celebrated around the 1st of November. After hundreds of years of Roman rule the customs of the Celtic's Samhain festival and the Roman Pomona Day mixed becoming 1 major fall holiday.

The next influence came with the spread of the new Christian religion throughout Europe and Britain. In the year 835 AD the Roman Catholic Church would make November 1st a church holiday to honor all the saints. This day was called All Saint's Day, or Hallowmas, or All Hallows. Years later the Church would make November 2nd a holy day. It was called All Souls Day and was to honor the dead. It was celebrated with big bonfires, parades, and people dressing up as saints, angels and devils.

But the spread of Christianity did not make people forget their early customs. On the eve of All Hallows, Oct. 31, people continued to celebrate the festivals of Samhain and Pomona Day. Over the years the customs from all these holidays mixed. October 31st became known as All Hallow Even, eventually All Hallow's Eve, Hallowe'en, and then - Halloween.

The Halloween we celebrate today includes all of these influences, Pomona Day's apples, nuts, and harvest, the Festival of Samhain's black cats, magic, evil spirits and death, and the ghosts, skeletons and skulls from All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day.

(Well...well.., we had a little contest for best pumpkin carving in our office last week and guess what?.....my little elfin, which was first experience with pumpkin, came in first place.....Hurreeyy :)))

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Happy Halloween - Part I

2007-10-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays with origins going back thousands of years. The holiday we know as Halloween has had many influences from many cultures over the centuries. From the Roman's Pomona Day, to the Celtic festival of Samhain, to the Christian holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days.

Hundreds of years ago in what is now Great Britain and Northern France, lived the Celts. The Celts worshipped nature and had many gods, with the sun god as their favorite. It was "he" who commanded their work and their rest times, and who made the earth beautiful and the crops grow. The Celts celebrated their New Year on November 1st. It was celebrated every year with a festival and marked the end of the "season of the sun" and the beginning of "the season of darkness and cold." On October 31st after the crops were all harvested and stored for the long winter the cooking fires in the homes would be extinguished.

The Druids, the Celtic priests, would meet in the hilltop in the dark oak forest (oak trees were considered sacred). The Druids would light new fires and offer sacrifices of crops and animals. As they danced around the fires, the season of the sun passed and the season of darkness would begin. When the morning arrived the Druids would give an ember from their fires to each family who would then take them home to start new cooking fires. These fires would keep the homes warm and free from evil spirits.

The November 1st festival was called Samhain (pronounced "sow-en"). The festival would last for 3 days. Many people would parade in costumes made from the skins and heads of their animals. This festival would become the first Halloween

(Continue...)

Place-Conowingo Dam, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

The Legends

2007-10-27T23:51:00.000-04:00

I don’t think this most esteemed legendary musician needs any kind of introduction here.
Ravi Shankar, the master sitarist and his daughter Anoushka Shankar, the sound of modern era, performed in Baltimore few days back. I was fortunate to attend this program and I should say that it was one of the best evenings of my life.

Ravi Shankar - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_Shankar
Anoushka Shankar - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anoushka_Shankar

Photography was not allowed during the performance, so I took few shots after the session. Hope you all love it.

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 70-300mm Canon lens

Good Morning Folks...

2007-10-10T23:02:00.000-04:00

"Good morning folks, so how was your weekend...?"
"Hmmm...It was okay...I mean relaxing"

"well....I did some shopping you know...;))"

" And what about you miss Tiny Mini...?"

"..Ahhh....ohhh, well, mmm...I have gone to meet my school friend, I mean....;)"

"Oooo...Friend!!!...ya ya ya, we all know who is that little school Friend...;o) ;o) ;0) "

On Monday morning rambling goes on and on...!!!

Place-Conowingo Dam, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Flight

2007-10-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

"To fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is, you must begin by knowing that you have already arrived..."

Chiang to Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Place-Conowingo Dam, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Happy Monday...:)

2007-10-07T12:46:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I had gone to Conowingo Dam on early morning, a place for bird watching and photography. While driving back from the village, one fresh produce store got my attention. This beautiful flower is from the back yard of it...!
You all have a colorful week ahead...:)

Place-Conowingo Village, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

TGIF

2007-10-05T19:14:00.000-04:00

“Thank God It's Friday!
Wishing you all a happy and cheerful weekend...:)”

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Barnes & Noble

2007-10-03T22:36:00.000-04:00

Though you are bookworm or not , Barnes and noble in Baltimore downtown is best place for hang out. With Starbuck’s coffee in one hand and your favorite author’s fresh copy in other, you can spent hrs n hrs there. When you get ready to turn over the page, you can simply glance at inner harbor’s beauty for a second, have a warm sip of coffee and then flip over to next page.
This massive brick building have dominated the waterfront since 1895 and originally housed coal-fired electrical generating equipment for the city trolley system.

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

20, 19, 18, 17, ...

2007-10-01T22:50:00.000-04:00

With my previous post dated few weeks back, you know little bit about Baltimore Inner Harbor, ....and you know I like to go there...
And now you know why I like to go there....;))

Wish you happy week ahead!

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Just see beyond...

2007-09-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

No no...this shot is not from the Philly series nor from my crab city, Baltimore.
Can you guess to which city this building belongs to? hmmm....??
Okay...this one is located at constitution avenue, Washington D.C....only two blocks away from Capitol complex. Two weeks back, I visited D.C. when my friend from Europe came down for USA trip.

It is good to shoot famous and celebrated places/objects...but sometime just see beyond that, walk around and observe new things,...may be you will find few interesting things and who knows, may be you will make those world- famous too...:))

Place-Philadelphia, PA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55 mm Canon lens

Give me Red

2007-09-26T22:43:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia was one of the first capitals of the United States....you'll see numbers of colonial architecture structures which then used be government buildings. These days few of them are not in use. While heading for the lunch, I got pulled in by this one. Well, I have no idea what it serves/ served.....but what appealed me most is the red color popped up through the door and the flag which silently broke the coldness of that building.

Place-Philadelphia, PA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

You are not alone...

2007-09-25T21:11:00.001-04:00

Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

But you are not alone...

- MJ (History, 1995)

Place-Philadelphia, PA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Dancing with shadows...:)

2007-09-24T23:04:00.001-04:00

Can anyone please enlighten me what makes it so magical when shadows fall for old fabric...?

Place-Philadelphia, PA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Old is gold

2007-09-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

It is good to visit new places, adopt new thoughts and innovations, enjoy with the pace of the modern and advanced lifestyle and be on the cutting-edge living technology.
But then, sometimes it is sensible to stop by and look back to your past, relax for a while, see if you are not missing anything, learn from that and only then...continue the rest of the journey!!
You all have a happy week ahead...:)

Place-Philadelphia, PA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Liberty Bell

2007-09-19T22:51:00.001-04:00

The Liberty Bell, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American bell of great historic significance. The Liberty Bell is perhaps one of the most prominent symbols associated with the American Revolution and the American Revolutionary War. It is one of the most familiar symbols of independence, abolition of slavery, nationhood and freedom within the United States, and has been described as an international icon of liberty

Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

Why is Pennsylvania misspelled on the bell?

Inscribed on the Bell is the quotation, "By Order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada."
The spelling of "Pennsylvania" was not at that time universally adopted. In fact, in the original Constitution, the name of the state is also spelled "Pensylvania."

References:
www.ushistory.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Bell

Place-Philadelphia, PA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18-55mm Canon lens

Hips Don't Lie...

2007-09-11T23:40:00.001-04:00

Ladies up in here tonight

No fighting, no fighting
We got the refugees up in here
No fighting, no fighting

Shakira, Shakira

I never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man wants to speak Spanish
Como se llama (si), bonita (si), mi casa (si, Shakira Shakira), su casa

Shakira, Shakira

Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día

Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día

Place-Baltimore, MD, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

Shenandoah valley...

2007-09-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

...So there are few glimpses of the Shenandoah valley trip. We hiked something around four miles on this trail and you know, it was only Green, Green n Green wherever eyes fell upon...!

Place - Shenandoah Valley, VA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Starry, starry night

2007-09-04T22:39:00.000-04:00

Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.

-Don McLean's

Well I tried doing something like this when I was at Acadia, but I couldn’t...I couldn’t figure it out and missed it badly....I got little nervous that time and decided next time when I see stars in the sky I shouldn’t miss it by any means.

On this Labor day weekend, I camped at Virginia's Shenandoah Valley with my cousins. After delicious (n spicy ;) barbeque dinner, we were chilling out near camp-fire...when I saw up, I was extremely stunned by the sight...almost thousand of stars were shining in the sky making the whole place so phenomenal...so romantic! Now this time I didn’t want to miss the shot. I unwrapped my camera and got ready to shoot it...BUT! But there were all odds waiting for me. My torch batteries died, I was out of candles and as it was nearly 11-15 ish, according to campground rules, I was not allowed to turn on car lights. It was pitch dark and I was absolutely blind to frame the picture through lens...I had no clue where to see and what to frame. And suddenly, I got an idea. I got clicked that I could use my cell phone’s light to see the camera readings...wow! I got excited and started clicking shots with the help of that cell phone’s light. I thought I got it....I achieved it. But....but alas, all pictures in preview were showing me just a big, dark, flat rectangle. By this time I got frustrated... for last 40 mins I was trying hard and what I got is nothing. I had forgotten all lessons for shooting the stars and that means, I was going to miss this most awaiting shot this time toooo! But I was not ready to give up, I wanted it at any cost, so I tried once again, I tried to remember all those notes, stretched my memory, changed all camera settings...and I clicked it! It was nearly 12-00, I exposed the shot for 10 mins and finally.....finally what I got is THIS!....the shot which talk about Earth's spinning and revolving motion. The motion of stars what you see in the picture is really the motion of earth.

When I saw the preview, I was all set for a good sleep...:)

Place - Shenandoah Valley, VA. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

The Way Up to Heaven

2007-08-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is perhaps the greatest attraction in Baltimore's celebrated Inner Harbor. It shows that the city really knows how to present fish in ways other than filleted and broiled. The crown jewel of the Inner Harbor, its modern architecture impresses almost as much as its 660 species of animals.

The mission of the Baltimore Aquarium is to "stimulate interest in, develop knowledge about, and inspire stewardship of aquatic environments." And that is precisely what it does. View a life-size model of a humpback whale, see the concepts of surviving through adaptation come to life and visit a coral reef! Housing more than 16,000 creatures it exhibits a variety of species in their naturalistic habitats. Whether you're an educator, a student or simply a visitor wanting to glance at the magnificent exhibits, it has a lot to offer.

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

B'more Artscape

2007-08-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

Baltimore’s Artscape is America's largest, municipally-produced arts festival that remains free and open to the public. Artscape features continuous musical performances by local, regional, and national talent on four outdoor stages, indoor and outdoor visual arts exhibitions, film, theater, the Artists' Market with crafts and works of art for sale, opera, dance, fashion, street theater and special activities geared towards children.

That night hundreds of people were enjoying there like crazy. This was the first time I got a chance to attend this festival and needless to say that was definitely a worth visit.

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera - Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 50mm Canon lens

quack...quack...

2007-08-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

This shot was taken on last year’s Labor Day weekend. My friend and his family came down here to explore Baltimore and Washington DC area. When we were at The National World War II Memorial , I saw this duck had just finished her bath and got ready for the rest of the day…this Mallard female was so fresh and rich in that colorful dress that I couldn’t resist myself to take her snap.The interesting fact about Mallards is that they swim with their tail held above the water and, when they are alarmed, they spring directly out of the water and into the air. The sudden flight of Mallards can make quite a spectacular sight.

Place-Washgiton, D.C., Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

A Night at Niagara!

2007-08-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

In the first week of August, I visited Buffalo (NY)...to meet my friends, to visit my university town n more to celebrate my b’day....:) yes, that was the special reason n really, it was an amazing event with friends, food, music, drive n lots of fun!
We drove from Baltimore to Buffalo and reached little late...mouth-watering shrimps (by Dips) and most awaited lemon peper chicken (by Prav) served up a delicious welcome dinner menu. Next morning, a drive to Seneca Lake and then Niagara falls at night were highlights of the trip…Then dinner at Popaya n Chocolate bar and next day surprise Choco-Strawberry pastry-cake, plus that hidden `just pizza' pizza,…all added into this memorable event…:)

Here is a Niagra shot for all of you friends!!!

Place-Niagara, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Shark Week

2007-07-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

"......Prepare for the biggest shark week ever, only on Discovery starting from July 29 to Aug 4 "

Place-NYC, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Inner Harbor -B'more

2007-07-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

Again, got busy like hell for last two weeks and couldn’t get chance to update the blog. Some issues at work as well as at personal front dragged me away from the blogger world! But yes, the positive part is that got chance to collect few good shots in my bucket and now am ready to share with all of you in full swing...:)

Well, the summer is blessing the crab city, Baltimore and joy souls are enjoying all weekends and nights! Inner harbor is one of the most visited features of the city. It has been one of the major seaports in the United States since the 1700's and started blossoming into the cultural center of Baltimore that it has become today since the 1970's.

Though I work only 4/5 blocks away from Inner Harbor, this year I hardly got time to visit there; but then that evening the scene was something else,....soft silvery moonlight was dazzling all over n my mesmerized mind was not ready to go back to home till late!

Place-Baltimore, MD, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Bambi

2007-07-11T23:39:00.000-04:00

"Hello....did you guys see Bambi around....???"

Place-Baltimore, MD, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Finding Nemo

2007-07-05T22:56:00.001-04:00

Two weeks back I visited Baltimore zoo...well, I was planning to go there since long time, but some how routine things were keeping me busy and I was ending up with postponing the visit. But this time I deiced to go at any cost...spent few hours there.

The place was busy with all summer fun...kids were enjoying, playing, cheering up...and on the top of that their parents were also getting tiddler n chirking along with them.
Sometimes it is good to forget all those routine tensions and just be a kiddo n enjoy this beautiful life, right?... ;)

Place-Baltimore, MD, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

My Heart Will Go On...

2007-07-03T22:09:00.000-04:00

Let's dedicate this lovely song to this lovely couple...:)

Every night in my dreams
I see you. I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.

Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on.

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

(My Heart Will Go On...1997 Celine Dion)

This is my last pic from Acadia series. I wish all of you a Happy Independence Day...!

Place-Acadia national Park, ME, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Acadia's Geology

2007-07-01T01:29:00.000-04:00

No...no, this not a goelogy lecture nor I work for NGC (Wish I do that..;) Here are some facts I collected while reading 'Nature and Science' about Acadia. So just thought to share this info with all of you friends! (Sourse: nps.gov - Acadia)

Acadia's landscape had its beginnings long before sunbeams first caressed the slopes of Cadillac Mountain. About 500 to 600 million years ago, nameless rivers transported sand, silt, and mud onto the floor of an ancient sea. These sediments built at a rate of about one inch every hundred years until they accreted to depths of thousands of feet.

Pressure and heat transformed these sediments into the earliest bedrock. Next, titanic forces lifted and warped the bedrock of the sea into a mountain range, a range perhaps as mighty as the Rockies. But inexorably, the forces of air, water, and gravity ground these mountains down until little was left.

Today, only schists and gneisses, rocks of the Ellsworth formation, remain as testimony to those mountains of long ago. The mountains were built up by tectonic and volcanic forces, and scraped down and shaped by a succession of glaciers. The land sank beneath the weight of mile-deep ice as glaciers inexorably ground their way toward present day Georges Bank, Long Island, and Cape Cod.

As the glaciers receded, they filled a vast valley surrounding the mountains with meltwater, creating the Gulf of Maine. Relieved of the great burden of the ice, the land slowly rebounded. These processes, over the eons of time, created the landscape of which Acadia National Park and its mountains are a part.

The shoreline is also a work in progress, constantly being shaped and reshaped by waves and wind and storms. Slowly the ocean works away at the hard edges of the island, carving sea stacks and leaving pockets of beaches filled with surf-rounded cobblestones.

Place-Acadia national Park, ME, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Little Paladin

2007-06-28T23:38:00.000-04:00

Hurrey...! finally I formatted the system and now PC is running incredibly fast...just like a supersonic jet..:)

So last time I was stuck at Acadia and am continuing from there...This shot was taken at the Sand beach in the late evening, when we all had finished our funny soccer game, I caught a glimpse of her...she was enjoying on the shore and was lost in her own world...playing with that big stick/branch and acting as a little knight protecting this beautiful part of Elysium..!!

Place-Acadia national Park, ME, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Intermission!

2007-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hello!
arghrrrrrr........my PC has been affected by virus (or viruses...?) since last few weeks...system is not working properly and am trying hard to fix it up...hope it will get recover very soon and then I will be able to join you again in the blogging world...:)

Keep blogging!

See yah soon…

Acadia National Park

2007-05-31T21:47:00.000-04:00

Well.., so this memorial weekend we had our long awaited camping-plan at Acadia national park, which is situated at northeast part of Maine and off the Atlantic Ocean. I had heard about it thru my friend when he had visited there few years back and showed me few snaps...! So the plan was long due and in the end it turned out a memorable event! We drove on Friday evening from B’more to NYC, picked up our first buddy, had dinner there and headed to New Hampshire the whole night, crashed down at another pal’s place…and next morning we all continued remaining part of the journey and thennn…..next 3 days full fun time!

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful and enchanting natural places on the North American continent. Mountains, islands and ocean combine in a unique sensory splendor that has become the crown jewel of Maine and all of America. Rocky coastlines, Granite Mountains, lakes and ponds, moss and evergreen, crashing waves and abundant wildlife mix with local character and seafood in this magical place. Borders of the park are accented by picturesque harbor villages. Apart from camping, camp fire, roaming at late night in pitch dark, playing never ending cric game and then sea-soccer, making tea at sea shore, n getting up at 3-30 am to see the sun rise as it is the first place to see it in united state; other memorable event was having an Ostrich for lunch. I tried Ostrich meat first time in my life and I tell you it is yummy-mouthwatering, leaner red meat dish…so better you hurry all enthu souls...;)

On the whole, it was a wonderful road trip and all who enjoy exploring nature should definitely give your best shot to visit this park...!!

Place-Acadia national Park, ME, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Loch Raven

2007-05-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

Place-Loch Raven, Baltimore, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Singing drops...

2007-05-17T18:25:00.000-04:00

Place-Baltimore, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

Its mother’s day today…I called up my mom in the morning…the first thing she asked me if I had breakfast yet?...I am living here, away from my home, since last 5 yrs n so, n whenever I talk with her on the phone, she always ask about my food and health first…!

There is simply no way we can ever really thank mother for all she has done for us. She is the one who will be awake all night when we are sick. Praying to God to make us well and be ever ready to bear the pain that we may be experiencing. She is the one to wake up early in the morning to make the nicest tiffin and endure all our tantrums. No matter how old a mother is, she watches her children for signs of improvement.

I think no gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you and to me there's no need for mom's day because every day to me is Mom's Day.

Place-Adirondacks, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

H2 O

2007-05-11T22:33:00.000-04:00

World Water Day occurs each year on March 22, as designated by UNGA resolution. I remember, while doing my post graduation, I was working part time with UB Green and on this day, we used to commemorate, make poster presentations n speeches for little awareness among students n so society.

The world water crisis is one of the largest public health issues of our time. With some 700 million around the world currently suffering from water scarcity, a figure that could increase to more than 3 billion by 2025

Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water

The lack of clean, safe drinking water is estimated to kill almost 4,500 children per day

Some of these countries have additional problems, including high levels of arsenic and fluoride in drinking water

Many women and young girls in rural areas must trek as much as six miles everyday to retrieve water for their families

Without question, the world water crisis condemns billions of people to a perpetual struggle to survive at the subsistence level

Resources:
www.worldwaterday.org
www.worldwaterday.net

Place-D.C., Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm, PP Involved

Paint me Yellow

2007-05-06T11:18:00.000-04:00

Place-D.C., Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

Love will tear us apart again...

2007-04-24T19:43:00.000-04:00

When the routine bites hard
And ambitions are low
And the resentment rides high
But emotions wont grow
And were changing our ways,
Taking different roads
Then love,...love will tear us apart again

Place-Baltimore, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 Canon lens

"Meet Me at The Wall"

2007-03-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

On a warm and sunlit autumn morn

I was walking through the Mall

Following a path well worn

On my visit to the Wall

The granite panels stand in line

Against the mother earth

Softly, slowly marking time

For love and life and death.

Of Sons and Daughters gone to war

In another time and place

A symbol of the weight they bore

With courage, strength and grace.

From the Wall I heard their message

Sent out for all to hear

Their spirits always with us

Their memory very near.

I salute you men and women

For answering the call

You'll always be remembered

With your name upon the Wall.

- Stephen R. Guilmet

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a place of deep personal reflection for many visitors.

After watching the film "The Deer Hunter" in 1979, Vietnam Veteran Jan C. Scruggs first conceived of the idea for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A Yale architectural student, Maya Lin, submitted the winning design. "The Wall" was built in Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C., through private donations from the public, and dedicated in 1982.

Place-Washigton D.C., Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300 sigma lens

Looking thru' my Window

2007-02-25T14:16:00.000-05:00

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

"Wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day"

Place-Annapolis, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Lil Champ..:)

2007-02-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

Place-Pune, India. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

Welcome 2007...!!!

2007-01-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

Place-Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

PP in Photoshop-7.0

Rhythm n rocks...!

2006-12-26T19:42:00.000-05:00

Place-Smoky Mountain, TN. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Smokies...

2006-12-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 800 square miles.
Biological diversity is the hallmark of these mountains which are among the oldest mountains in the world, formed perhaps 200-300 million years ago.

Place-Smoky Mountain, TN. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Zen

2006-11-09T19:50:00.000-05:00

Place-Baltimore, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Wassup Abby..:)

2006-10-26T19:44:00.000-04:00

Place-Baltimore. Camera-Canon Powershot A520

Mr. Bob

2006-09-18T20:21:00.000-04:00

Mr. Bob or simply 'Baaaaaaab', used to take care of Apt. 30 Custer Street, the place where I used to live while doing my post graduation…almost 3 yrs back now!
In my recent trip to Buffalo, NY, I visited my apartment…and to my great surprise, I found this chap, relaxing on the patio steps, with his pal, and enjoying a couple of puffs after a meal…in a summery afternoon…!!!

Place- Buffalo, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Beauty That Has Gone...!

2006-09-17T16:50:00.000-04:00

Few days back...while walking on the trail,
saw this little beauty lying on the ground,
who had flew away...very very far,
over the hills,...over the river,...over the sea,
somewhere in the deep blue sky,
and now never going to come back...!

Place- Harpers Ferry, WV. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

The God of Small Things!

2006-09-17T16:39:00.000-04:00

Place- Harpers Ferry, WV. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Annapolis

2006-09-17T16:06:00.000-04:00

Annapolis, an 18th-century seaport town where Colonial-era buildings abound, is a treasure trove of historic attractions too…Few weeks back, we friends visited this place and spent the whole evening exploring the beauty of this magnificent shoreline!

Place-Annapolis, MD. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

'Peaches and Cream'

2006-08-20T21:31:00.000-04:00

Yohhh…I am wondering about lil Penelope,…was she busy eating peaches or has she already started working on her complexion…:)

Whatsoever, she does have ‘Peaches and cream complexion'......doesn’t she??

Place-Baltimore. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

ID' 06

2006-08-14T22:13:00.000-04:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
15 August 2006

Place: Lucknow, India. Year: Don't Remember. Camera: Canon, Point n shoot. Lens: NA. PP: Photoshop SW

Climb Ev'ry Mountain...

2006-08-13T10:42:00.000-04:00

Climb ev'ry mountain
Search high and low
Follow ev'ry by-way
Every path you know

Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream

- Mother Abbess (Sound of Music)

Place-Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

Early Bird Special

2006-08-11T19:42:00.000-04:00

Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Early Bird Special #1 - 2 Eggs • 2 Pancakes • 2 Link Sausages • Coffee - $5.15
Early Bird Special #2 - 2 Egg Cheese Omelet • 2 Bacon Strips • Toast • Coffee - $5.15

Sorry, No Substitutions on Early Bird Specials

Place-Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 90-300mm

Catch me if you can...

2006-07-31T20:08:00.000-04:00

one...

two.....

three........

Place-Washigton DC. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Dumplings mean chubby chicks…:)

2006-07-30T10:54:00.000-04:00

Place-Portland, Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 70-300 lens

When Blue blows...

2006-07-28T23:14:00.000-04:00

Place-Portland, Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Colors...

2006-07-28T23:10:00.000-04:00

Place- Portland, Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Lighthouse...

2006-07-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

Maine is famed for shipbuilding, historic lighthouses, paper production, potato farming, lobster and fishing villages, and an incredible, rustic beauty found no where else on the planet.
If you like lighthouses, Maine is Mecca. There are more than 60 lights along Maine's craggy Down East peninsulas.

Place-Near Portland, Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55

Yup...this is Maine!

2006-07-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

i
ii
iii

Long back, you heard it is a beautiful place…

you decide to visit there…

but then, somehow, so many times, you didn’t get a chance...all those lame reasons!…

n suddenly one day (or one night?? ) you decide enough of it…

you make a plan with your friend …drive from you place…

whole night, almost 9 hrs journey…

you finish half way and you realise, one of your old rommie’s home sited on the way and other roomie is coming there on the same day from west coast for a holiday….

yohhh, you all three going to meet once again after ages….

you stop there….get so excited when you see them…

after so many days, so many months, so many years…too nostalgic…you talk n talk…

all those old memories…all those old days…all those old things …

n now you have a dilemma…

either to hang on there or to head up…

now what…

you have to think quick…as don’t want to miss that “SUNRISE”…

for what you came all the way… about what you dream all time…

n you have so lil time in your hand…

n then…

yes, you run ahead…nonstop…full speed…

n atlas reach there…

just before sun wake up…

on exact at your destiny….

this is that place…Yup, this is MAINE...!!!

Place-Near Portland, Maine. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55 lens, 70-300 sigma lens

A whole new world...

2006-06-21T19:46:00.000-04:00

A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world…with you!!!

...from Aladdin

Place-Adirondack Park, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 70-300 sigma lens

Cho Chweet..:)

2006-06-18T23:23:00.000-04:00

Most crowded lake in the Adirondacks Park is Lake George…and it is alive with lots of events, nearby attractions, amusement parks and the fun factor.
But, so what?... this cho chweet princess was totally careless about the surrounding world…her dad, standing only few feet away, was calling her for so many times and she was absolutely clueless…n had lost in her own world!

Place-Adirondack Park, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 28-90 sigma lens

Morning Pearls

2006-06-11T12:48:00.000-04:00

Adirondack Park

2006-06-11T12:47:00.000-04:00

Wild and civilized by turns, the Adirondacks are an immense blue and green space in which to relax, play and plot an adventure.

This region in Northern New York contains 3,000 ponds and lakes, 2,000 miles of hiking trails and of course, the Adirondack Mountains.

I was lucky to explore this beauty on Memorial day weekend break! The most beautiful lakes I have ever seen;

with water limpid as crystal, and mountain sides covered with rich wood...and so placid n serene, just like a smooth mirror!

Place-Adirondack Park, NY. Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55 lens

Spring here...Spring there

2006-06-04T10:27:00.000-04:00

After long wait, spring was here! No matter how you welcome the spring, these beautiful, delicate, exquisite floras paint your life with thousands of vivacious colors that last till next season…!

Place-West Virginia, Camera-Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55 lens
Place-Lancaster, PA, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 sigma lens

Break the rule

2006-05-17T22:15:00.000-04:00

I know, generally it’s not advisable to shoot against direct sunlight unless you have specific tools. But, ...thinking out of the box gives u some incredible results too...!

Place-Goa, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

A coastal paradise

2006-05-17T22:14:00.000-04:00

Mile after mile of cool beaches fringed by lush green palm & coconut tress and lapped by the blue water of the Arabian Sea…..By day its sun, sea and surf and by night its fun, fish and feni (the local firewater), I love Goa n will always…!

Place-Goa, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 sigma lens

Lagaan

2006-05-17T22:04:00.000-04:00

Like any other Indian....am also a big fan of cricket! This lagaan team was enjoying their game while I was enjoying watching them.

Place-Panhala, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Working alone

2006-05-17T22:03:00.000-04:00

Taken from top of the fort...she was working alone under the scorching sun...no tree, no shade n no rest...!

Place-Panhala, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Panhala Fort

2006-05-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

...had decided long long back to not to miss panhala this time. I was so enthu that my friend and I biked almost at 5.00 in the morning.
Crack of dawn, Bike & Panhala have some kind of fantastic chemestry...!

Place-Panhala, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 sigma lens

Every Cloud Has...

2006-05-16T22:32:00.000-04:00

While going to kolhapur from pune, this was taken somewhere on Katraj road...was lucky enough to have camera handy!

Place-Puna, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 mm MF sigma lens

Million dollar smiles

2006-05-16T22:29:00.000-04:00

So that was Gudi Padwa, one of those indian festivals where u have that traditional look all over the place!...When my nieces came down, I was so happy n excited to see them....!!!

I know, technically this is not a great pic, but for me it is full of emotions.....it's my all time fvt!!!

Place-Puna, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 mm MF sigma lens

Swades

2006-05-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

At laas...I could make a trip to india... sometime in March, 18 days in hand n so many things to do...family, friends, indian food, festivals, parties n what not! ....visited b'bay, puna, kop, panahala, goa.....very lil time n very big list..:)

Place-Puna, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 mm MF sigma lens

Unknown

2006-05-15T22:33:00.000-04:00

On Sunday morning, I left from my cousin's place, NY to NJ to meet my friends. I took my first metro to reach Pen station. Lazy morning, one hr journey n unfilled train…almost everyone was sleepy. I had nothing to do except watching outside or looking here n there until I saw opposite back side. I don't know who was she…sun was arising from that side and she was in fast sleep when I clicked this shot…Unknown!

Place-New York City, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Feelings...

2006-05-15T22:32:00.000-04:00

Joy, Curiosity, Anger, Fear, Love…Feelings are part of human beings at all ages; from infancy to old age.
This Lil was wholly excited to see Dolphins on the other side of glass…looking for his dear mamma to tell that he has discovered something new, something strange!

Place-Baltimore, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 sigma lens

"el lagarto"

2006-05-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

The alligator is an amazing reptile, having survived almost unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Having been hunted almost to the verge of extinction, this reptile has made an amazing comeback in recent years.

Place-Baltimore, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Silent afternoon

2006-05-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

Located near busy settings of Baltimore inner harbor, Legg mason’s Headquarter has always rush hours. On that day, surprisingly there was no one except Her…, filling up the emptiness of that silent afternoon!

Place-Baltimore, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

The city that never sleeps

2006-05-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

The most populous city in the United States, New York City is the center of international finance, fashion, entertainment and culture, and is widely considered to be a capital of the World.
With one of the most recognizable skyline in the world, it is often called “The city that never sleeps”.

Few months before, got a chance to capture few images of this magnificent city where every frame holds its inimitable mood...and that change at each moment too.

Place-New York City, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Piercing the sky

2006-05-15T22:19:00.000-04:00

A distinctive symbol of New York City, Chrysler Building was the first structure in the world to surpass the 1,000 foot (305 m) threshold and is still the tallest brick building in the world.

I got thrilled to see it when I was roaming on the 42 street and the building got popped out suddenly!

Place-New York City, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

And you're cold inside

2006-05-15T22:17:00.000-04:00

How does it feel
How does it feel
When you're alone
And you're cold inside
...MJ

On that cold morning while rambling in the lower Manhattan, I got moved when I saw this helpless soul…half sleepy with a frozen nose, shivering hands n chilly feet in that windy weather!

(In recent years the number of homeless New Yorkers residing in shelters each night has reached the highest point in New York City’s history. Thousands more sleep on city streets, park benches, and subway trains. www.coalitionforthehomeless.org)

Place-New York City, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Bless O Lord...

2006-05-15T22:14:00.000-04:00

For our restful sleep at night,
For the rain and sunshine bright,
For the love that Thou dost send,
For our homes and for each friend,
Heavenly Father, we thank Thee.
Amen.

Place-New York City, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 70-300 sigma lens

Fell For Fall

2006-05-15T21:22:00.000-04:00

Beautiful morning, pleasing weather and dramatic fall season, no way you can sit at home! You get excited for long drive listening John Denver’s any country track…

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads…

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

…West Virginia welcomes you with her spectacular mountains, swirling rivers, and scenic countryside offering a change of pace from the rush of everyday life.

Place-West Virginia, Camera-Canon EOS T2 with 28-90 mm, 70-300 mm MF sigma lens

Go ChicaGo...!

2006-05-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

Acclaimed for its mind-blowing architectural language, the image is taken in city’s Millennium Park capturing reflection of urban fabric on Cloud Gate!

Place- Chicago, Canon EOS T2 with 70-300mm AF sigma lens

1

2006-05-15T21:04:00.000-04:00