photochanteuse

Washington Square Park

2011-12-17T16:22:00.000-05:00

RIver Walk

2011-11-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Fall in Soho

2011-11-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

Snow Bound NYC

2011-01-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

You Would

2010-11-05T15:51:00.002-04:00

NYC September Sky

2010-09-15T13:17:00.002-04:00

Hudson River

2010-09-06T16:29:00.001-04:00

Blog Update

2010-09-02T19:16:00.000-04:00

I have been sadly camera negligent the past few weeks, hell months. I promise to be photo inspired again very soon.

BC Part 2

2010-07-14T16:33:00.001-04:00

Washington State - BC, Part 1

2010-07-07T20:57:00.004-04:00

Shadows

2010-05-16T08:50:00.003-04:00

Mom and Dad in NYC

2010-05-02T19:00:00.007-04:00

Mom and Dad surprised me and flew in for the weekend to see the bump. We basically just ate our way through downtown and Brooklyn. Lots of fun.

Breakfast at the Square Diner.

Checking out the Ghostbusters' firehouse.

A Nathan's Hotdog.

Brighton Beach was gorgeous. Just a beautiful day.

Perogis.

Dad finds he's already a legend in NYC.

Brunch at Antique Garage.

Dad's favorite place: Milady's pub in Soho.

Mom and Dad checking out Canal Street one last time.

Snowy NYC

2010-02-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

Sneaking into Wisconsin

2010-01-30T23:50:00.000-05:00

I had the chance to sneak home for the weekend to see my parents and hang with Sarah and the girls. Flew into Milwaukee and cartripped it upstart.

Flower District with David

2010-01-23T16:09:00.000-05:00

New Years in Asheville

2010-01-01T11:06:00.001-05:00

Spent 48 hours in Asheville with Vicki, Dave and Sophia to celebrate New Year. Total last minute surprise-like decision and it was a blast!

Bar light at the "Broadway" bar

Asheville has these old factories down by the river that artists take over for studio space.

Christmas in Austin

2009-12-25T23:34:00.004-05:00

We spent a long weekend in Austin celebrating with Peter's family.

More Snow

2009-12-22T22:56:00.004-05:00

The great "Blizzard of '09" as the news shows are calling it, swept through NYC and made for an enjoyable 48 hours. Peter and I love to tromp around the city in our boots, marveling at the dirty city covered up by a sea of beautiful white snow. We'll miss the snow in Texas this year, but will always have the memories!

First Snow in NYC

2009-12-20T09:37:00.003-05:00

We started to hear word of a giant snow storm coming to the east coast about midmorning yesterday and for once I was excited for the snow as we are not traveling until next week. I've had way too many flights delayed or cancelled during the holiday because of weather. We had a blast wandering through Tribeca and stopped for wine and pizza at the site of our first date almost seven years ago (again in a massive snow storm).

Thanksgiving in Wisconsin

2009-11-27T13:07:00.006-05:00

En Route to Brunch

2009-11-22T15:10:00.004-05:00

Night in Midtown

2009-11-14T11:16:00.003-05:00

Costa Rica

2009-11-07T14:09:00.002-05:00

I have so many photos from Costa Rica, it's ridiculous. Peter and I have joined forces and created a complete album that can be found by clicking HERE.

Otherwise, you can watch the very long slideshow below.

Friday Night Welcome Party

2009-10-16T23:30:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Dawn for taking the only photo of both Peter and I together the night of the rehearsal dinner and welcome party!

Montauk - Day 6

2009-10-15T16:18:00.008-04:00

Attendants and guests started arriving Thursday night and my brother in law, Roland, cooked hot wings on the grill for the entire crew.

Montauk - Day 5

2009-10-14T16:02:00.004-04:00

We spent the afternoon hitting a couple wineries in the area. Morning jump in the pool and hike on the beach.

Montauk - Day 4

2009-10-13T15:28:00.001-04:00

Peter and I got our marriage license today and both sets of parents met each other for the first time. Phew!

Montauk - Day 3

2009-10-12T15:10:00.000-04:00

David and Doreen arrived last night and the Ledanski's arrived this evening. The girls loved checking out the beach and their new digs. Probably the best weather of the whole week.

Montauk - Day 2

2009-10-11T14:53:00.000-04:00

Montauk - Day 1

2009-10-10T14:20:00.004-04:00

Another Labor Day in Austin

2009-09-05T14:10:00.001-04:00

Ruth's 1st Birthday Party

2009-08-08T13:01:00.000-04:00

Wisconsin

2009-07-29T14:47:00.008-04:00

I went home one last time before I was a "married" to spend time with my parents, aunt and grandma. Spent the weekend enjoying the garden, sipping wine and chatting. Very lovely.

Highline and Meat Packing

2009-07-09T12:33:00.000-04:00

Alison and Ty's Wedding in IL

2009-07-05T11:29:00.000-04:00

BBQ in Brooklyn

2009-06-27T23:00:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T14:10:00.003-04:00

Norway

2009-05-21T12:59:00.002-04:00

Soho

2009-04-04T15:33:00.001-04:00

More Montauk

2009-03-02T15:11:00.002-05:00

Montauk - Gurney's Inn Video

2009-02-28T16:49:00.004-05:00

View from our room directly on the beach at Gurney's. Bliss....

East Village

2009-02-08T10:00:00.004-05:00

Chinatown

2009-01-22T11:12:00.003-05:00

Wedding

2009-01-17T13:18:00.001-05:00

Winter in Wisconsin

2008-12-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

Family Over Christmas in Wisconsin

2008-12-28T17:00:00.000-05:00

SNOW!!

2008-12-19T13:11:00.005-05:00

It's gorgeous. Too bad I have to fly in this crap!

Thanksgiving in Austin

2008-12-06T10:49:00.004-05:00

Fall Skies

2008-11-21T18:42:00.003-05:00

As a New Yorker, I only see glimpses of the sky. At least this time of year the view is worth it.

The Wedding Is NOT Happening in Canada!

2008-11-04T22:09:00.001-05:00

Yippee! Kick ass, Obama, Baby.

Need Something Happy

2008-10-20T16:39:00.002-04:00

And this does it:

john edward

2008-10-18T00:57:00.002-04:00

Not John Edwards. John Edward.

Is he still around? Is he still doing his creepy, lying psychic medium bull shit? Seriously???

Seriously?

He's on right now interviewing other "psychics".

This is EXACTLY what is wrong in this country.

Engaged!

2008-09-14T22:00:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling super nerdy and girly this week.

The Palin Supremacy

2008-09-10T22:36:00.004-04:00

Listen. I know it's Matt Damon, but the boy knows what he's talking about. It's time for a reality check.

Then there's this Matt Damon, and he makes me equally happy.

Can you tell I'm link-happy lately?

I swear I'll post some photos soon......

Trying to Find My Election Zen Place

2008-09-09T09:37:00.006-04:00

Okay, I'm feeling a bit calmer about the election. While I'm still fired up, I'm trying to be more positive about it and not be such a raging bitch. I promise I'll work on that!

Jon Stewart is my god. He is in seriously top form the last two weeks, my friends. This made me laugh until I cried. I have to say, this was pretty bad ass as well.

Both of these stories bring some light on the other side of Sarah Palin (First presented to me by Peter): Fark & Cross Cut.

I had a coworker state to me today that I need to keep reminding myself that I live in a socially liberal, open-minded, culturally and racially diverse bubble. I suppose it's true. Regardless of how this election turns out, I am proud to say that I do live in this bubble. Ecstatic! Uproariously pleased!! If only the rest of the country could have the diverse experiences I've had. How enlightened our country could be. If anyone out there would like to come visit and get a little perspective, come on over.

My local rag has been doing what they do best with this election coverage. Frank Rich is my hero. While Maureen Dowd and I don't always agree (particularly on her views of the Clintons), this article made me laugh (and cringe a little).

Here are some interesting news pieces from other parts of the country about the election, the convention and the general state of things (in places other than NYC that are close to me): Wisconsin, Minnesota, & Texas.

They say that 13% of Americans actually believe that Obama is a Muslim. In my research, I found some people that scared the HELL out of me. I keep reminding myself that some people prefer to live in ignorance. Nothing can be done about them. But to anyone reading this that feels as though they have half a brain, at least acknowledge that this fact is false, Okay?

I think what this election comes down to me is the tolerance levels of our political leaders. People are so full of hate. The republicans these days (thanks to our current president) feel that presenting themselves as gun-toting, gay bashing, anti-women's rights candidates will swing their voting pool. It's time to take a long hard look at what that says to our kids and to the rest of the world. We have the opportunity to prove to the world that we aren't a bunch of uneducated, militant buffoons, people!

Okay, I'll stop as a feel another rant coming on..... Let's start focusing on how to get Obama elected. Perhaps some of you are a bit confused? Check here. Perhaps you're ready to jump right in and help? Get your checkbooks out and go to Moveon.org and/or www.barackobama.com.

Palin

2008-09-06T21:01:00.008-04:00

Any Republican woman out there feeling proud of their nominee should really be feeling ashamed. There. I've said it.

The idea that McCain and his battalion of minions can take a completely anti-woman woman VP candidate out of the wilds of the northwest and expect her not only intrigue female voters on both sides of the party line, but sway them into voting for HIM because of it, is INEXPLICABLE.

She is toxic, she is against abortion of any kind (including those for woman who have been brutally raped), she is completely unqualified, she is vindictive and hypocritical. Most of all, she is the new Dick Cheney. And we all know how vile that man is.

By the way, if I hear one more newscaster say that Bristol's pregnancy is "private" and "the business of the family" with a straight face, I will go postal. How insane can you be?!??! Then again it's hypocritical to be a woman and a Republican regardless. That is if you give a shit about your personal rights.

Whatever. No unreasonable person will listen to me or anyone else. What a joke.

If you feel like I do and you feel like Gloria Steinem does, let me know. I need a boost. She feels as I do, that Palin will only set back the feminist movement.

Frying Pan

2008-09-05T23:46:00.000-04:00

I remember hitting the Frying Pan back with the girls in 2001. It's now a super cute bar/restaurant that makes me miss summer already...

Russia in Tribeca

2008-08-16T16:19:00.002-04:00

Visitors!

2008-08-10T11:10:00.004-04:00

A weekend full of visitors! Started with Mark, Klarrisa, Nadia and Anthony from France. Took them to South Street Seaport for dinner before they headed up to stay with friends.

Yael and Bryan crossed the pond to spend a gorgeous Saturday evening with friends in Brooklyn.

Pravda/Loyal Friends

2008-08-01T18:13:00.004-04:00

Peter and I are going to Pravda tonight. It's one of my favorite places in New York, maybe the world. While we aren't able to experience it with friends this particular night, I want to note that I perhaps I love it so much because associate it with the best of friends. Some of my dear friends brought me here for a belated birthday party in June 2002 after my aunt Nancy passed away on my 26th birthday (well, the funeral was on my birthday, the 12th). Friends from across the country chipped in to purchase one of her fabulous photos (which hangs in a place of honor in our living room) and presented the card stating that the photo was en route. It was a small, lovely gathering at Pravda and couldn't have done more to ease my mind.

I'm happy to say I talk regularly to every single woman there that night to this day and do my damnedest to stay in touch with everyone who chipped in on that gift.

Six years later, I thank you all again.

Just this week a friend mentioned that I/we were loyal friends. Loyal friends beget loyal friends. That's always been my philosophy. In order to be surrounded by great, amazing people you have to set your own commitment to others very, very high. It's so important to be there for each other. Listen. And more importantly, make sure the people you love know that you love them.

Cheeseball kisses,
Sonya

THUMB

2008-07-28T22:11:00.001-04:00

I'm over my thumb. Over it! It keeps getting in the way and I hit something and yelp and get pissed. After many requests, I'm posting the picture of it here.

Reasons you need your right thumb:

Typing, typing, TYPING! Never so many typos in my life.
Xbox. Peter plays, I yell directions, he gets annoyed.
Tweezing eyebrows. I'm turning into Martin Scorsese.
Tying sneaker laces. Embarrassing at the gym.
Playing the piano. So much dust on the piano. So so sad. Can't even attempt.
Washing dishes. Luckily I have Peter for that. Score!
Turning pages in a book. Surprisingly hard with any other finger on either hand.
Taking photos. I've had some interesting mistakes at least. See kite photo from Brighton Beach.

Brighton Beach

2008-07-26T16:34:00.002-04:00

Hear ye, hear ye, Vamshi and Mark Finally Have Their Engagement Party!

2008-07-23T21:55:00.001-04:00

BACK to Gorge Harbour, B.C.

2008-07-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

The wind was so bad yesterday, we ended up back in Gorge Harbor yesterday afternoon. Mostly spent the day reading, but we did fit in a nice walk up to a hippy café. Would have loved a picture of the two toothless island dudes hanging out front, but they wanted $20 to immortalize their image.

Dinner was back at the Gorge Harbor Café (seafood curry pasta) and the gang watched the Golden Compass while I read upstairs.

Hariot Bay, B.C.

2008-07-10T09:27:00.001-04:00

Greetings from Hariot Bay which hasn’t changed since 1954, including the Adirondack chairs. GORGEOUS sunset last night. See photo.

The evening of the 8th we ended up at Hàthayim Marine Park down the Donop Inlet on Cortes Island. We moored in a mostly private bay for the evening. I read mostly, as I was nervous about getting my hand wet. Peter and Doreen took out the kayak (jealous!) though. This was the night we were supposed to have in Small Inlet (wah wah, sob sob) before I cut my hand.

The winds really kicked up yesterday when we left Hàthayim, so it took us 3-4 tries to find a spot that wouldn’t whip us around all night long. I still managed to wake up with stomach cramps and threw up a bit. Maybe the Codine? Needless to say, everyone is getting in some extra sleep this morning while I write this after being kept up half the night.

Not sure what the plan is today. It’s still a little bit windy, so we may not be able to moor as we had planned. A front may be coming in…

Only 48 hours left until we return to Campbell River for our flight to Seattle! I booked a hotel with mountain views and a hot tub. So much for the hot tub!!

Gorge Harbour, B.C.

2008-07-08T07:43:00.000-04:00

We left Campbell River for the secluded Gorge Harbor Marina. Everyone thought it best to avoid anchoring, at least for the time being. Had a late lunch at the pub (cream of cauliflower soup and a green salad with wild flowers – hard to eat with left hand!). Spent the afternoon playing cards (Peter had to shuffle/deal each hand) with dinner aboard.

This morning I attempted my first shower. Very difficult. Then we pulled off my bandage for a look at FrankenFinger. It’s pretty gross. I won’t put a picture here, too gross, but you can request a copy if you like.

Off now to Hariot Harbor or somewhere else. Nothing particularly interesting, but might have some ok trails.

This is a very boring entry.

Back to Campbell River, B.C.

2008-07-07T09:46:00.001-04:00

Oy. After a magnificent hike up a mountain off of Small Inlet, including gorgeous, tropical-like vegetation and a grand finale at a mountain top freshwater lake (crystal clear! See photo), we headed back to the boat for burgers and the sunset. Leave it to me to manage to slice the tip of my finger off while cleaning the food processor blade after dinner!!! Peter held down the bleeding and we scurried back to Campbell River to see a doc. How lame. Doreen managed to remember to grab my fingertip and bring it along on ice as the doctor sutured it on as a sort of flesh band aid. It’ll probably get nasty and fall off in the coming days, but it was large enough that they wouldn’t have been able to close it properly without it.

British Columbia

2008-07-05T07:44:00.011-04:00

Our flights into Canada were mostly uneventful. Peter graciously gave me his first class upgrade, and as I'm not the best flier, made my first part of the flight very comfortable. We spent several hours at the Seattle airport playing cards before catching a shuttle to the puddle-jumper flight. Kenmore airlines had a hard time getting organized, which delayed us by 1 hour and didn't make me feel better about flying on their teeny tiny plane. See pictures.

Spent the evening feasting on salmon that Peter's dad procured from a friend and catching up. They have the most amazing sunsets this far north. See picture.

I'm (strangely) the first one up today, but going to bed at 9pm and getting up at 7am is pretty darn good for me! I feel like I should go for a run or something, but the weather is pretty nasty. The weather will actually determine where we go next today. If it stays nasty by our go time of 10:30/11am, we'll end up at April Point Lodge Marina. If not, we'll head up

the sound to the north side of Quadra Island (part of the Discovery Islands) and anchor for the night. We’re loaded up with food, water, gas and wine, so 2-3 nights away from harbor may be a possibility (and something I’ve been looking forward to doing for years!).

Our ultimate goal is to circle around through the Desolation Sound and back to Campbell River by 7/12 (when our little puddle-jumper returns to Seattle) before heading home. I know that Peter and David talked through our itinerary in more detail yesterday, but I pretty much was spacing off during the conversation. More coffee now.....

Pain

2008-06-27T10:10:00.007-04:00

I'm having one of those post-happy-hour-with-Peter's-coworkers-
and-what-absolutely-horrifyingly-embarrassing-things-did-I-say????? mornings. Painful.

Why is it that I feel compelled to spill to complete strangers (she writes on her public blog)?

Scotty's Wedding

2008-06-24T10:32:00.007-04:00

Off to Denver for Scott's Wedding...

2008-06-20T09:29:00.005-04:00

To celebrate, I thought a little '97-'98 reminiscing was in order....

WERE WE EVER THIS YOUNG?!

Marie's Crisis

2008-06-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Marie's Crisis Cafe is a magical place. The night of my birthday brought many fabulous photo opportunities to capture the atmosphere.

Part 2 of My Birthday: Sheldon's Going Away Party at Marie's

2008-06-15T18:01:00.002-04:00

32nd Birthday

2008-06-15T17:30:00.002-04:00

Peter took me out to dinner for my actual birthday.

The Astoria Beer Garden really is heave on earth. Sausages, beer, friends.....

Thunderstorms are always good too!

I AM a goddamn feminist

2008-06-12T19:18:00.006-04:00

Right? Right?? Even if Peter did buy me a whole new set of pots and pans for my birthday and I LIKED IT! Loved it even.

This is what happens to a couple who doesn't marry and and is forced to scrape old scrambled eggs off of the faux metal pans from T. J. Maxx that they bought 10 years ago.

Seriously, 10 years ago. Peter's were from K Mart, mine were from The Maxx.

Oh, god, the new ones are gorgeous and make me realize how truly dismal my current kitchenware collection really is.

Guess this means I'm a grown-up.

Almost...............32

2008-06-11T14:43:00.002-04:00

In 9 hours and 17 minutes I will be 32.

I thought I would be much more panicky than this.

Tribeca/West Village - It's DAMN HOT

2008-06-08T15:01:00.003-04:00

I woke up early to try to beat the sweltering heat this morning and get in a walk and photo shoot in one fell swoop. I was burned, swelled up and sweaty by the time I got home at noon, but managed to get a few interesting shots.

Bridgehampton

2008-06-07T15:14:00.000-04:00

Got out of the heat by heading to Bridgehampton for Charlotte's 1st birthday for the day.

Why NOT Having a Female Candidate Depesses the HELL out of Me

2008-06-06T13:37:00.000-04:00

Obama-riffic

2008-06-04T14:18:00.000-04:00

Congrats to those Obama supporters out there. While I'm fairly disappointed that we didn't get to see a female candidate run for the presidency, I can certainly get behind someone as prolific and for-change as Mr. Obama.

Donate money to the democratic nominee today:

https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute

or

https://donate.barackobama.com/

Memorial Day with the Folks

2008-05-28T02:25:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day included our annual traverse to Wisconsin to see the fam. I could have used another week or two hiking and trying to avoid beers, I mean bears, but I'm fully living my New York City lifestyle with 3-day mini breaks. The 'rents have finished their latest dream home and we spent much of our time together talking about design ideas and furniture placement. Most importantly, which dead animal belongs where.

And did I mention the bears?

Peter turns into a completely different, sort of wild man in Wisconsin.

I ate more meat that I can possibly say. (not bear).

Creepy and nostalgic times ensued when looking through the dozen or so boxes of CRAP that was left behind when I went to college. Was I ever that skinny, cheerful and odd? My favorite find was an entire box full of high school notes. No, I don't mean for chem class. I mean, "You're such a bitch!" and "So and so told me you farted in gym class." Good stuff. Sadly, it got packed into plastic tubs and shuttled to the attic of the garage for later delivery to NYC. I'm assuming

Peter and I will have a classic six with 400 square feet of storage some day, right?

I also managed to piss off a person or two by not announcing my arrival to the midwest, and for that I'm sorry. I kinda forgot how popular I am. I'll be back, I swear!!

My muse, niecey-poo Rose, took center stage most of the weekend.

Mystic

2008-05-19T21:14:00.000-04:00

The in-laws met us in Connecticut (happy birthday to Steph, by the way).

I had a gorgeous solo walk on Saturday morning.

Mystic Seaport was cute.

Stonington Village was spectacular.

Chinatown/Williamsburg Bridge

2008-05-04T22:08:00.001-04:00

Ditmas Park

2008-05-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn Bridge/BQE

2008-04-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Ireland II

2008-04-07T22:42:00.000-04:00

Ireland I

2008-04-07T20:05:00.000-04:00

Montauk in February

2008-02-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

SNOW!

2008-02-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

Tribeca - Walking Off My Existential Crisis

2008-01-05T20:44:00.000-05:00