Inspiration Photo Friday: True Love

15 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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animals, autumn, evolution, fall, farm, farm animals, farming, gardens, nature, new york, october, plants, queens, queens farm museum, seasons, trees, vegetables, vintage farm, vintage farm wedding, wedding

Since I have been researching places for Dan and I to visit for our wedding anniversary, our wedding day has been on my mind. And since spring is right around the corner, I can’t help but think of the farm where we shared our vows.

The Queens County Farm will always have a place in our hearts. I fell in love when I saw photos, so you can imagine how much I adored this little piece of heaven when we visited it for the first time. I may have gotten distracted with other venues but in the end, both Dan and I followed our hearts and chose the farm for our special day. We visited the venue 3 times before the wedding, each different seasons, and still felt connected to the grounds and the animals. This is how you should feel about where you get married.

So, for Inspiration Photo Friday I wanted to share a photo I took upon one of our visits during the fall. It was so lush and beautiful, autumn colors everywhere. The animals were lively and the birds were singing. It was such a lovely day at the farm. I love that we can always go back, whenever we want, and have new experiences there. As the years go by, we can watch the farm get older and evolve.

It is such an amazing feeling to be connected to a place like this one. We have a lot of love for the Queens Farm and the animals that call it home. I am so happy we went with our hearts and chose this beautiful place to be a part of us forever. The Earth and its animals will always have my love…the truest love of all.

Inspiration Photo Friday: True Love - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: The Road Home

01 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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clouds, drive, home, home sweet home, life, Maine, nature, path, patience, road, sky, strength, travel, trees

Everyone has bad days and goes through troubled times. That’s just life. But it helps to have someplace to call home, a place where you can relax and just be. And some even have special places within that home to go to for some peace and quiet. Whether you’re a homebody or not, there is no place like home.

This photo was taken on our family trip back from Maine over 2 years ago. A week filled with peace, quiet and lots of relaxation. The beautiful views and breathtaking atmosphere was quite an inspiration for me. Especially since I adore nature. This photo reminds me of how much I love home and the pure essence of new beginnings. Even though our trip was over and we were sad to say good bye, we were excited to get back to our special space.

When I look at this image, it speaks to me in a language that is clear and simple. No matter what life brings your way, there will always be a road to lead you in the right direction. A safe pathway that will not only bring you home, but teach you lessons along the way. To think of this road as an ending is missing the beauty of starting fresh. Returning to your special place only enables new paths to appear. With a clear head and the will to move forward, life is waiting outside your door.

And no worries about the things we cannot control. Life will continue to test our abilities and patience. Just remember to keep your eyes open and find that path that awaits your travels. For it will take your hand and bring you to where you belong, home sweet home.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Suburbia

18 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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american dream, brooklyn, earth, family, long island, nature, new jersey, new york, parks, peace, queens, quiet, suburbia, trees

Growing up in New Jersey, I was surrounded by trees, grass, parks and not much industrial exposure. What we all call Suburbia. Coming from Brooklyn, there was a very big difference in the environment. I really did love it though. I am a nature girl at heart so to be surrounded by the suburban backdrop made me happy. I also stayed with Aunt in Long Island almost every summer so that only enhanced my love for this type of atmosphere.

Now, this is not to say I didn’t like the city. Having family in Queens and Brooklyn and hanging out in NYC as a teen kept it alive for sure. But as I got older, my love grew more for the open spaces and cleaner air. The city like areas just felt congested, stuffy and loud. There is a special peace suburbia has to offer and its something I fell in love with more and more. What people call the American Dream, was very much on my mind. The house, the yard, having a family of my own, I would certainly make it happen one day. I am glad to say I did.

This photo was taken in a park on the island a few years ago while working for Patch. I think the parks here are gorgeous and most have so much to offer. As I looked up from where I was standing, it seemed so picturesque. Suburbia at its best. I captured the moment and to this day, I love this shot. In a way it feels like a painting to me, surreal and beautiful. The path so inviting, the trees so lush.

I am happy I placed my family and I in a space where I feel at home. I would never feel comfortable in a city like environment and am grateful I can live where my heart truly lies. I now have my peace and quiet. It’s funny to think about how I dreamed of living in Brooklyn or Queens when I was younger when I wouldn’t even consider it today. I guess that’s what happens when people grow up and change. Even though the one thing that has never changed is my love for the Earth. And now I can experience it everyday in my own backyard.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Winter Wonderland

28 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

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caumsett park, cold, long island, nature, new year, new york, path, pathway, photography, seasons, snow, trees, winter, winter wonderland

The holidays may be over but winter is officially here. The cold is making its way into our backyards and snowy days are surely due. It’s time to focus on what the year has taught us and get ourselves ready for what 2013 has to offer.

I took this photo a few winters back while visiting Caumsett Park here on the island. It was a perfect day to go because the snow added a magnificent bonus to the scenery. As I walked down the main path, I was inspired by the beautiful symmetry and natural line work of the trees. Bare as they were, they brought a nice architectural element to the shot. The path made me feel I was on my way to something great, something spectacular. Having always loved the look of pathways, it was no surprise I was drawn to Caumsett’s.

Everyday should feel like this. Looking forward, surrounded by beauty. In this case, a winter wonderland of nature’s frozen tears. Just because its cold and dreary, doesn’t mean this season has to be a sad and boring one. It’s a time to reflect. As the Earth renews itself for another year, we all should do the same. Take the time to reflect upon your accomplishments, your mistakes and the significant moments 2012 has given you.

I hope you all have a happy new year and create a winter wonderland in your heart this season. Remember, everyday can be as beautiful and inspiring as this photo. Just keep in mind that you are amazing and take the path toward positivity and happiness.