Inspiration Photo Friday: Reflection

26 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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art, building, city, creativity, dark, design, explore, inspiration photo friday, light, manhatten, mind, modern art, MOMA, museum, new york, new york city, perspective, photography, Reflection

This will always be one of my favorite photos I’ve taken. It was captured about 5 years ago while I was visiting the MOMA in the city. I turned around to look out the window and was fascinated by my reflection and how the light perfectly lit up a scene outside where people were gathered. The street seemed bare and quiet except for that one entrance area. And I just happened to be standing right above it.

The dichotomy of this photo will always amaze me. On one side, the dark city. On the other, a moment captured through my lens showing the lighter side. Here my reflection acts as a shadow allowing the darkness to come through while the light that surrounds me, brings attention to the subjects outside. Two worlds coming together. What do you think the main subject is here? Outside the window or in?

Sometimes if you step outside yourself for a moment, you can see a much different perspective than before. Reflections don’t always show you what everyone else sees. They can offer a glimpse into a new realm where the mind can wander and explore.

Inspiration Photo Friday: It’s a Small World

07 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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animals, bedroom, characters, connecticut, country, dog, dollhouse, dolls, girl, imagination, lighthouse, museum, orange, rustic, small world, stories, yellow

I have always thought dollhouses were interesting. From the construction and realistic layout to all the tiny pieces of furniture. Then you have the small people who live in these houses. Oh, what stories you could create in this imaginary little world.

This particular doll house was shot in Connecticut at a lighthouse museum. All the little rooms were so quaint and cozy. The one you see below is a bedroom showing exquisite detail and country style. It introduces a girl and her dog possibly starting the day. The lighting hints an early morning feel as if the sun was coming up right through the window. It could also be evening, where the warm tones of yellow and orange light up a room.

Either way, your story is their story. All that happens in the dollhouse is a piece of your imagination. It may be a small world but it gets larger the more stories it holds.

Historic Series: Seaford Historical Museum

06 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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community, historic, history, jackson ave, long island, museum, new york, schoolhouse, seaford, seaford fire department, seaford historical society, seaford new york, waverly ave

Located on Waverly Avenue, the Seaford Historical Museum is the community’s treasured time capsule. It is the home of Seaford memorabilia from its early days as a farming community and a true celebration of the antiquity of the area.

Back in 1893, Seaford had about 500 residents. At this time there were already two schoolhouses for the children in the union free district. The need for more space pushed the community to vote for a budget of $3500 to build a new school, which was originally constructed at the corner of Jackson and Waverly Avenue.

In 1917, due to the increase of students, the school board decided the district needed a bigger schoolhouse. The present one was moved a block away and renamed the Seaford Fire Department headquarters in 1921 and the new Jackson Avenue school opened. On July 4, 1976 it was chosen to be the Seaford Historical Museum in honor of the nations bicentennial.

Today the schoolhouse serves the community as a center of knowledge where one can learn about the history of Seaford. It is is a great place to attain information about the town and the schoolhouse itself. The Seaford Historical Society continues to take donations for the restoration of the building as well as encouraging residents to become members.

Support Seaford history and help the museum last for years to come. Not only is it a reflection of the future but a treasure chest of historical gifts. The building is a beautiful example of 19th century design and continues to carry the memories of lessons learned and future dreams.

HIstoric Series: Takapausha Preserve

12 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places, The Great Outdoors

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algonkian, animals, birds, earth, forest, greenery, hiking, leaves, long island, museum, nassau county, nature, nature trail, new york, parks, plantlife, preserve, seaford, takapausha, trees

Being a nature lover you can count on me feeling at home at a place like Tackapausha Preserve. Located behind the Tackapausha Museum on Washington Avenue, it brings beauty in its purest form to Seaford, NY. If you need a place to escape from the rest of the world and you are local, this is it.

The preserve is free to enter and closes at sunset. It’s a great place for nature walks and exploring. Make sure you take note of the rules before you continue into the preserve, which are stated clearly at the gate entrances. You can also pick up a trail map at the museum to help guide you.

Taking good care of the preserve is important and even more crucial to the wildlife that live there. With 84 acres this sanctuary is the home of many small creatures including hundreds of bird species, like the ruby-throated hummingbird as well as Egyptian fruit bats. These species live amongst the plentiful oak and maple forests, ponds and streams.

There are three sections of the preserve, which are divided by major roads. However, you can follow the five mile nature trail that continues through the whole park. It fills the space between Merrick Road and Jerusalem Avenue.

You will find a small wetland between Clark and Jerusalem Avenue, a secluded pond (Duck Pond) in the section between Sunrise Highway and Clark Avenue and the Atlantic white cedar stand between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway.

I really enjoyed my visit to the preserve back in December 2012. I felt as if I was traveling through tunnels of trees that welcomed me with every step. I have to say fall is a perfect time to go to see all the beautiful colors of the leaves and feel the crispness of the atmosphere. Although the warmer seasons would be nice with all the shade from the trees.

The preserve and museum are both operated by the Nassau County Department of Recreation. The county acquired the land in 1938 and since has been one of the most popular preserves on the South Shore. It was named after Chief Tackapausha of the Massapequa Band of Algonkian-speaking peoples.

The Tackapausha Museum is an impressive 3,000 square foot space with animals exhibits as well as activities for children. If you are interested in learning about the ecology of Long Island, you will find it all here. Why not take advantage of this natural resource and explore the gifts of Mother Earth. You can exercise and explore at the same time and its free!

Museum hours are 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday and 1 pm – 4 pm on Sunday. Admission for children ages 5-12 is $2 (under 5 is free) and $3 for adults and teens. You can reach them at 516-571-7443 for updates and information.