Bruce Barone

Free Bird

2012-01-27T15:40:00.004-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

When I Stand Before God

2012-01-26T13:10:00.002-05:00

"When I stand before God at the end of my life,

I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say,

“I used everything You gave me.”

~Erma Bombeck

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Winter Gardening

2012-01-25T10:09:00.001-05:00

I know it is still January

but I book a new book yesterday

The Complete Kitchen Garden

which I am loving

and consequently

planning my new garden.

Here is a photo from last September:

More garden photos here:

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Self Portrait On A Sad Sunday Morning With The Painting "Carnevale" by Maggie Nowinski Minutes Before Going To Attend A Friend's Wake

2012-01-23T14:56:00.000-05:00

January 22, 2012

Portrait of a Chef

2012-01-20T12:17:00.002-05:00

Her name is Chef Jen.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Flowers for My Garden

2012-01-19T15:42:00.003-05:00

Today's New York Times had an article about

"Packets Full of Surprise."

"Expert gardeners help choose the winners from seed catalogs."

I got a few beautiful ideas.

Meanwhile, inside our home:

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

On The Steps Of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

2012-01-18T11:06:00.001-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Portrait of Miss Teen America

2012-01-16T10:55:00.004-05:00

Her name is Katie Himes.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Self Portrait

2012-01-15T16:10:00.001-05:00

March 2006

New York City

Bergdorf Goodman window

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Portrait Of A Woman Sitting On A Bench In Central Park

2012-01-13T15:21:00.003-05:00

Here name is Perri.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Portrait of a Woman Bartender Pouring Wine

2012-01-12T16:29:00.002-05:00

Her name is Jodie.


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Portrait of a Pensive and Nervous Bride

2012-01-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

Her name in Linea.

Bruce Barone Photography.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Portrait of a Woman with Tattoos

2012-01-09T19:03:00.001-05:00

Her name is Tara.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Beautiful Portrait of Beautiful Young Woman

2012-01-08T11:30:00.003-05:00

Her name is Kat.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

An Amazing Story

2012-01-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

I am sharing with you

an email I received yesterday

as it is quite moving:

"Greetings. First of all, I want to tell you how much I enjoy your work. I was first introduced to it when you had a showing at Awentree for one of the Artwalks. A little while ago, I had remembered the beautiful photos that you had taken of St. Brigid's Cemetery on Everett Street in Easthampton, so my Hubby and I decided to go and check it out..( We both love the peaceful Serenity of Graveyards.)
While there I noticed that my Husband had been drawn to the back of the graveyard..to these small crudely made stones. He was standing there with this blank look on his face....I knelt down and read the stones..which were handwritten in French..and I recognized the names on the stones. They were my Maiden name...Riel..and they were of children that had been either stillborn, or died of the influenza epidemic. I mentioned it to my Dad. He never even knew that the graves were there, even though he had been to this graveyard many times. Well, my dad did research on these graves, and these children belonged to my Great Great..Grandmother..I feel that these children wanted ,in their own way, to be remembered. So thank you for your work..and for helping these children to be remembered..."

I am blessed.

Here, an image from the exhibition,

taken at St. Brigid's Cemetery:

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

"Dennis Barone......one of the more interesting--and adventuresome--of American fiction writers"

2012-01-03T12:15:00.001-05:00

This from a review of my brother's new book,

On The Bus: Selected Stories,

which arrived in today's mail

and which I immediately started to read.


Self Portrait. January 3, 2011

I should add

the cover photograph is by me

Let's read what Gray Jacobik writes about my brother's book:

"I love this book! Dennis Barone is a genius.

The verbal, rhetorical, gestural, imaginative resources he orchestrates--

or is it choreographs?--or is it paints--in

On The Bus: Selected Stories,

exhilarate at every turn

(riffs, digressions, conflations, elaborations, subtractions, puns, and so on),

tumble forth pell-mell, helter-skelter, topsy-turvy......

it's a celebration of language quo language married to the texture of existence."

My brother, Dennis Barone,

is the author or editor of twenty-two books,

professor of English and director of the American Studies program at Saint Joseph College

and the former poet laureate of West Hartford, CT.

You may purchase the book here.

New Year, New Day

2012-01-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

A new day, a new year, a new beginning! Today everyone is thinking in terms of newness. We may feel as if we have emerged out of an old world into a new one, as if we are taking hold of a new life, as if the very Spirit of newness is alive in us.

I dedicate this day to new ideas, new viewpoints and renewed living. I leave behind outgrown thoughts of past limitations and lack. I let go of old grudges and outdated viewpoints. Fresh ideas refresh my mind. I make room for new, vital, healthy and prosperous ideas.

My world is new as I respond to life in a new way. I see people and situations in a new light. I begin today by acknowledging the Spirit of newness within me, and I am renewed in mind, body and spirit.

January 1, 2012

Sing to him a new song.--Psalm 33:3

Words from The Daily Word

Reflection

2011-12-31T16:20:00.004-05:00

I reflect on my past and what I have created.

As I move forward, I bring with me the best of what was,

and I create the best from what is.

Thoughtfully, prayerfully and purposefully,

I am ready for a new beginning.

See, the former things have come to pass,

and new things I now declare.

~Isaiah 42:9

On The Fourth Day of Christmas

2011-12-29T14:30:00.001-05:00

My true love gave to me

Four calling birds

My Great Niece

2011-12-27T12:28:00.002-05:00

Lauren;

Christmas Eve.

Love Is Born Anew Today

2011-12-25T11:08:00.001-05:00

Good Tidings!

"The angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of joy,

which shall be to all people."

~Luke 2:10 (KJV)

The Gift

2011-12-23T15:05:00.003-05:00

The gift of possibility

is given every morning

Me and Our Christmas Tree

2011-12-22T15:01:00.004-05:00

Another Day in Paradise

2011-12-21T12:23:00.002-05:00

Especially during the Christmas season,

I am recognizing all the blessings all around--

my friends and family, home-cooked food, gifts under the tree and gifts of Nature.

And the gifts of Spirit, of love, wisdom and peace

are awaiting my embrace of them every moment of every day.

Centered in this awareness,

I am complete and I am open to prosperity that materializes as abundant blessings of every kind.

Always. May Peace and Love be with you.

When I Left The House This Morning

2011-12-20T16:47:00.003-05:00

This is what I saw

at the end of the driveway:

Joy to the World

2011-12-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

Many years ago

counting down the days

to Christmas

in Times Square

I am blessed.

I bless others through my art

and my art blesses me.

Miracles are taking place

in my life everyday;

I look at my life and acknowledge

the blessing that are there

for me right now.

And you?

Where's The Line To See Jesus

2011-12-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

I heard this song on the radio

a few days ago;

with Christmas one week away

from today

I am sharing it with you:

You can read more about the singer Becky Kelley

at her website.

Vintage Christmas Decorations

2011-12-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

Susan found them online.

We bought, well, she bought

a boxful, 30 or so

from

VINTAGE HOME DECOR HANDMADE PRIMITIVES by KeepsakeDesigns on Etsy

I like this one alot.

All, I might add, made in the USA.

A Box of Vintage Christmas Decorations

2011-12-15T11:11:00.001-05:00

A box arrived in yesterday's mail.

A box filled with Vintage Christmas Decorations.

Here is one:

The Quintessential #JingleTweet

2011-12-12T14:33:00.000-05:00

Twas twelve days before Christmas

When all through the office of the AUDIOCOMGROUP

The movie "It's a Wonderful Life"

Played on a continuous loop.

The #JingleTweet gifts were all wrapped with care

In hopes that the guests would soon be there.

Stacey Bewkes was certainly not nestled in bed

While visions of so many friends danced in her head.

And Susan McCarthy in her Unique Vintage Red Satin Dress,

And I in my dark Ralph Lauren suit, green Izod shirt, and colorful Contess Mara Tie;

When at the bar there arose such a clatter,

Susan and I walked over together to see what was the matter;

Away to the bar we flew like a flash--

Two Cabs I said and the bartender answered "Please, no cash."

The movie on the surface of the newly painted wall

Gave the lustre of lovely light to all,

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

What looked like an angel; my she was dear

With curly blond hair and a beautiful smile, an author

I knew in a moment she must be Dec-a-Porter.

More rapid than lovers' heart beats they came

And we smiled and hugged and called them by name:

Now, Jonas Everets!

Now, Mally Skok!

Katie Coleman

And Conor Coleman!

On, Marcy Michaud!

On, Larry Ruhl!

On, Tamara Stephenson!

And Laura Newman!

To the beautiful bar to drink, to the buffet table to eat;

Now Tweet! Now Tweet! Tweet! Tweet! Tweet!

As artists these all before this #JingleTweet

There was no design challenge they could not meet.

And again to the food and wine they flew

With a roomful of gifts and St. Stacey, too.

And then, in a twinkle, I closed my eyes to rest

And clearly I heard the voices of the wondrous guests.

As I opened my eyes and turned around

Stacey Bewkes and Ridgely Brode appeared without making a sound.

They were the quintessence of style and beauty, from head to toe,

They, too, were like angels, all glorious aglow.

A pile of gifts these two angels had to give out

When they pulled a card from an urn and came out a shout;

"A gift from Bruce Barone, this December

For one lucky person, a gift to remember."

Their eyes, how twinkled, their dimples how merry

Their cheeks were like roses, their noses like cherries.

They intensely focused on each gift they gave this night

With her glasses pulled down on her nose

Stacey conferred with her party partner, Ridgely, and from #Jingletweet arose

Cheers and laughter so sweet

Making new friends here was such a treat;

But I knew I would awake in the morning light

Sorry I did not meet

All at this #JingleTweet

A quintessential #JingleTweet

We left by ten

If you want to know more more, read this poem again.

~~~

Many Thanks to Quintessenceblog and RidgelysRadar!

~~~

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me

An Angel Watches Over Me

2011-12-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

Angels are like good friends;

you do not have to see them

to know that they are there.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me

The Sardinian Donkey

2011-12-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

At Van Saun Park

Paramus, New Jersey

"The Sardinian Donkey, as a species, is the forefather of the popular American Miniature Mediterranean donkey. It is from its early imports into North America that these much loved pets mostly descend from.

"However, the Sardinian Donkey faces a dim future as it is a species recognised as in “Critically Endangered” by the Monitoring Institute for Rare Breeds and Seeds in Europe, the SAVE foundation and FAO’s WORLD WATCH LIST for domestic animal diversity. Despite the urgency of its status the specimen numbers of this rare breed are still dwindling.

"The Sardinian Donkey makes a truly marvellous companion for children and adults alike. It just requires love and adequate care. In return you will get a truly loyal friend, much joy, happiness and wonderfully comic moments.

"The Jesuit Priest Francesto Cetti in 1774 wrote the most passionate and accurate description of the Sardinian Donkey and we owe him much of what we know about the species today, he wrote:

“...Its smallness takes nothing away from its merit and does not impede its service to its master. On the contrary, its merit grows because of its small stature that has been ignored in its homeland, but it has been sought after as a great marvel and taken to other seas (overseas) to be shown in courts in bridle and saddle...”

from here:

~~~

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

When I Worked at Hearst Magazines

2011-12-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

Her name

Candie

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Vintage Christmas Santa Wrapping Paper

2011-12-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Susan found a few sheets of Vintage Christmas Santa Wrapping Paper at her Mom's house.

We put one sheet on an end table, under glass in our sitting room:

I cut four Santas out from the wrapping paper and put into small frames.

One Santa sits in our living room:

Another Santa sits in our office:

A third Santa keeps us company in our bedroom:

And the last Santa brightens our bathroom:

Do you have any Vintage Christmas Decorations or Family Heirlooms?

I would love to hear from you!

~~~

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Last Day of November

2011-11-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A November Photograph

2011-11-29T18:52:00.000-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

William Blake

2011-11-28T20:57:00.000-05:00

Today is William Blake's birthday.

I am thinking about Blake today and I have in front of me the catalog from my college senior thesis/art exhibition, "William Blake, The Apocalyptic Vision."

And I am reading:

From the introduction:

"For Blake, the apocalyptic moment was personal and could happen at any time evil is recognized. Revelation and Judgment are internal affairs of the spirit, arising from a clearing of the senses which the artist, by virtue of his imaginative genius, can promote. The true artist then has a social role bordering on the religious. Blake took this very seriously. He sought prophecies of a particular visionary nature, and found them in the Books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Job, and Solomon......Apocalypse was not the only myth with which Blake was concerned. It was part of a general sequence, a cycle beginning with Creation and Fall and culminating with Apocalypse and Redemption. Apocalypse becomes the correction of the Fall, and Redemption, a reversal of the process by which the spirit was contracted into human form......This constrictd state Blake called Experience; its opposite was Innocence. Blake's cycle from Creation to Judgment or Redemption is paralleled on a personal level as a progress from Innocence to Experience. The tension between the two states is essential: "Without Contraries there is no progression. Attraction and Repulsion, Reason and Energy, Love and Hate, are necessary to Human existence." This progress of opposites is man's learning to develop his spiritual aspects, to reject selfhood and learn true foregivness. Final Revelation will be "seen by the Imaginative Eye of Every one according to the Situation he holds" and the Last Judgment will happen "whenever any Individual Rejects Error & Embraces Truth."

Often considered one of Blake's most striking visual images, the frontispiece to "Europe, a Prophecy" (1794) and usually called "The Ancient of Day's."

Again, from the catalog:

(It) represents the Creator striking the limits of the fallen world with his brazen compass. From the midst of a brilliant heavenly sphere, the old man leans forward and down, his flowing hair and beard blown to the side, his left hand firmly holding the compass down over the black depths he studies from above. The pictorial tradition connecting the compass to the Creation goes back to the Middle Ages and derives from Proverbs 8:27: "When he prepared the heavens, I was there; when he set a compass upon the face of the depth." It first occurs in Blake's work in connection with Milton's "He took the golden Compasses...to circumscribe this universe, and all created things" (Paradise Lost VII: 225-227). Blake's source for the striking pose of Urizen was ultimately Christ in Michelangelo's Conversion of Saint Paul. The powerful deity, who orders the unformed world, is Urizen, who by this terrible act limits the universe and inflicts woe upon the world by reducing the infinite to the finite. As his name suggests, he is "your reason," the faculty which defines and delimits. In Urizen 12:4, he opens the awful Book of Brass, the code of rational laws copied by kings and priests for the purpose of organizing and suppressing society. Once revealed, the code spreads through the ages: it is this terrible propagation that Blake follows in the cycle from Adam to Resurrection.

And:

Blake's friends often made much of his seeing visions and receiving divine guidance. But Blake himself knew well the nature of his visions. In "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" Blake describes a dinnertable conversation with Isaiah and Ezekiel:

"I asked them how they dared so roundly to assert that God spoke to them; and whether they did not think at the time that they would be misunderstood, & so be the cause of imposition. Isaiah answer'd: "I saw no God, nor heard any, in a finite organical perception; but my senses discovr'd the infinite in everything, and as I was then persuaded, & remain confirm'd, that the voice of honest indignation is the voice of God, I cared not for consequences, but wrote."

And, here, me and my mentor and teacher and friend Harvey Stahl :

Let me end with this quote

reminded of Thel's Motto from William Blake's "The Book of Thel."

Does the Eagle know what is in the pit?
Or wilt thou go ask the Mole?
Can Wisdom be put in a silver rod?
Or Love in a golden bowl?

And you dear reader and friend?

First Sunday of Advent Meditation

2011-11-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
~Jeremiah

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-11-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

at our home

Photo by Bruce Barone.

What I Did on Black Friday

2011-11-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

May your Thanksgiving be blessed with love and gratitude.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

The Mists of Avalon

2011-11-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Sunday in the Park

2011-11-21T11:57:00.000-05:00

Sunday

in the park

down the street

from where

we live

Mittineague Park. West Springfield, Massachusetts. Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Sunday Bible Study

2011-11-20T10:26:00.002-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

God's Whisper

2011-11-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A Cool Cat

2011-11-18T17:11:00.000-05:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Color is Red and Autumn Ends Soon

2011-11-16T23:16:00.000-05:00


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Nadine. The Cat.

2011-11-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

Not as innocent

as she looks

but loved

always.


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Cold November Rain

2011-11-14T21:52:00.000-05:00


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Glorious Gifts

2011-11-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

"The glorious gifts of the gods are not to be cast aside."

~ Homer, The Iliad


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Hold On To Your Dreams

2011-11-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Katie Himes, Miss Teen America

2011-11-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

Just found out I will be photographing

Katie Himes,

Miss Teen America,

again--this time

in Boston,

portrait session.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Cat Nadine

2011-11-07T19:56:00.000-05:00


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Prayer

2011-11-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

If the only prayer you say in your life
is thank you, that would suffice.

~Meister Eckhart


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Self Portrait After Cezanne

2011-11-04T19:53:00.000-04:00

I saw a Cezanne painting in today's New York Times.

Self Portrait. Friday, November 4, 2011.

The Good People at High Point

2011-11-03T10:37:00.004-04:00

After fours days our heat is back on here at home. Others, however, still suffer in the cold; some take refuge in a local shelter.

Today, now that electricity is restored at our home, I will begin editing the photos I took for Pandora de Balthazar European Luxury Bedding in High Point: pillows, bedding, linens, textiles.

For example:


Photo by Bruce Barone.

The contest I created to encourage traffic to her Facebook page was a great success and it was fun to photograph people in bed:


Danielle Hatfield, Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm. Photo by Bruce Barone.


Olivia Millwood, GotoGirls. Photo by Bruce Barone.

Donna Hazzard, Greenpieced. Photo by Bruce Barone.

There are dozens more photographs of people in bed; men, too. But let's move on to "The Good People at High Point."

It was thrilling and rewarding to meet so many kind, friendly, generous, inspiring people.

Each name, each person, a poem, a song. Let's listen. Let's read aloud:

Julia Bova

Arthur Bailey

Maria Bailey Benson

Jennifer Brouwer
Bunny Williams

William W Stubbs
Tobi Fairley

Elaine Williamson

Ansley Nguyen
John Strauss

Susan Rapp

Stacy Naquin

Jennifer Reynolds
Wanda Horton

Ivan Saul Cutler

Susan Jasiak

Mary Knackstedt
Martha Daley
Kate Van Byssum
Jennifer Eakins
Patsy P Anderson
Jennifer Duchene
Barry Darr Dixon
Mary McDonald
Brandon Pierce
Margaret Russell
Kathryn Greeley
Lauren Saul
Amanda Lane
Lisa Kahn
Maybelline Te
Julie Hoover
Tamara Leicester
Leslie Carothers
Charmaine Wynter

I hear a song. I sing a song. To these good people.

I may have forgotten to list a few people and to them I apologize. Here is one last photograph:

A beautiful antique textile from Pandora.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Snow Storm

2011-11-02T11:22:00.000-04:00

Power came back on last night.

We are blessed. We only suffered through three nights of no electricity; no heat. It was so cold in our house even Sock Monkey got dressed for it:

And we had no damage to our home. A tree fell across our driveway and the yard is littered with dozens of fallen tree limbs. But we do feel blessed.

Just heard from my brother and sister-in-law in West Hartford, CT and they will not have power till Sunday. And their street, as many I have seen in our neighborhood, are difficult to pass through what with downed trees and downed power lines.

I have some more tree limb cutting to do today (I have a helper; see photo.)

And then I have to work on editing a weeks worth of photos from High Point.

And I can't wait to cook dinner tonight for Susan and her Mom (Our first home-cooked meal in awhile; I am making Turkey-Jasmine Rice Meatballs with Baby Bok Choy.)

Susan and I send blessings to all the folks who are working to restore power, cleaning up the mess, and caring for the seniors who needed extra help to cope with the crisis.

Le Chic Cocoon

2011-10-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

I returned home yesterday after spending one week at High Point Market where I photographed the antique linens and textiles, the pillows and headboards, the people in bed (a post on this with photos will be forthcoming) for Pandora de Balthazar and where I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Jennifer Duchene, author of Le Chic Cocoon.

Meeting Jennifer for the first time in Pandora's showroom, where she was scheduled to sign copies of her book, while people to her left and right got into bed to experience Pandora's "Sleep System" and have their photograph taken by me and placed on Pandor's Facebook page with the hope of winning a set of pillows--meeting her was a joyful and moving experience, so much so, tears welled up in my eyes upon seeing her and hugging her.

I returned home to today's snowstorm and it feels fitting to write about Jennifer and her enlightening book, Le Chic Cocoon.

The book discusses the power of design and decorating and how a woman, in order to be her best self, needs a space of her own to flourish, dream, and be selfish, in the most positive sense of the word. By being selfish, we learn, a woman can unleash her creativity and reach her life's potential--and this can all begin with designing and decorating a room of her own.

Fittingly, each of the seven chapters begins with a Virginia Woolf quote. Those of you who have seen the curbside finds posted here and on Facebook which Susan and I have mixed with our art and antiques, will understand why this quotes speaks to me: "Arrange whatever pieces come your way."

In this thoroughly enjoyable book, peppered with quotes from Louise Hay to Lucille Ball, you will discover simple-to-follow action steps which will help you:

Create your Chic Cocoon
Increase your happiness
Cherish yourself daily so you are more present for your loved ones
Set boundaries that will empower you in evryday life
Get into the habit of saying YES.......to you
Decorate your Chic Cocoon

Jennifer is a graduate of UCLA Interior and Environmental program and has over 15 years experience in Design Color and Rearranging Furniture. She has been featured in Home Builders Magazine and named in the top 20 Interior Designs Firm by the San Jose Business Journal.

Le Chic Cocoon is available on Amazon and includes a Foreword by Ann Evanston.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

xxxx

See Under:

2011-10-25T00:13:00.002-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

On The Road

2011-10-21T09:10:00.000-04:00

I am

this morning

in Harrisonburg, Virginia

on my way

to High Point, North Caronlina

to photograph

Pandora de Balthazar's product line

and this event.


Somewhere in Virgina. Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Cat Nadine as Model

2011-10-19T08:46:00.000-04:00

In anticipation

of my trip to

High Point

to photograph

for

Pandora de Balthazar

I made sure my lighting

equipment worked

last night

by photographing

The Cat Nadine

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Love Is The Key To The Storehouse Of Abundance

2011-10-18T10:24:00.000-04:00

Love opens up generosity in me.

Love opens up generosity in others,

when I begin to love and bless them.

As I love and bless God

I find many blessing coming my way.


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Stream at the Park

2011-10-16T09:26:00.000-04:00

Mittineague Park

West Springfield, Massachusetts

October 14, 2011

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A Path At The Park

2011-10-15T08:38:00.000-04:00

Mittineague Park

West Springfield, Massachusetts

October 14, 2011


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Another Rainy Morning in New England

2011-10-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Mittineague Park

West Springfield, Massachusetts

October 14, 2011

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Rainy Morning in New England

2011-10-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

Mittineague Park

West Springfield, Massachusetts

October 13, 2011

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Autumn in New England

2011-10-12T13:23:00.000-04:00

At Mittineague Park

West Springfield, Massachusetts

October 11, 2011

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Sunday at Mittineague Park

2011-10-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

at the park

down the street

from where we live

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

October in New England

2011-10-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

The Lower Mill Pond

Easthampton, MA

Photo by Bruce Barone,

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Self Portrait Eating Chicken Soup

2011-10-07T12:14:00.000-04:00

One year ago, today:

Eating leftover chicken soup which I made the night before for dinner.

Reading The Gardener's Bed-Book by Richardson Wright, renowned editor of House & Garden magazine during the 1920s and '30s.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

The Garden

2011-10-06T16:59:00.000-04:00

Looking outside

my office window

this afternoon

Photo by Bruce Barone.

And then

on closer inspection

Photo by Bruce Barone.

And then

I found myself

at the park

down the street

from where we live

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Miss Teen America

2011-10-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

Portrait of Kaitlyn Tarpey

former Miss Teen America

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

When Fall Comes to New England

2011-10-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Today's Nest

2011-10-04T12:38:00.000-04:00

When Susan and I were at

The Brimfield Antique Show

we had the great pleasure of meeting

a most wonderful man;

interesting, friendly, creative, loving--his name is

Sam Henderson

and he is the creative director of Today's Nest.

Sam is also the creative director for Savour Bakery

and olive nine DESIGN (sister companies)

The objective of Today’s Nest is to bring it all together in one place;

Modern Life, Home, Food, Art & Design.

Sam says here are things you should know:

"I have a wonderful wife and two sons."
"I try to learn something new everyday."
"I am guilty of a sometimes-unhealthy relationship with chocolate."
"I wish I had more time to spend on photography."
"I love what I do. Love it! …and that is all that matters."
"I know that with knowledge and willpower one can accomplish incredible things."

Sam Henderson. Photo by Bruce Barone.

Susan and I are very fond of Sam.

As we are sure you will be, too.

Go say "Hello" to Sam

over at Today's Nest.

Sam is on Facebook, too.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Pandora de Balthazar

2011-10-03T10:36:00.000-04:00

When I was at the Brimfield Antique Show

I photographed (on location)

linens and pillows

from

Pandora de Balthazar

a wonderful new client

whose products bring beauty into our lives

and nourish our spirits.

Susan and I know;

we are very satisfied customers.

I encourage you to introduce yourself

to Pandora.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

More photos here:

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Mother and Child

2011-10-02T14:34:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

At Mittineague Park Monday Through Friday

2011-10-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

Mittineague Park.

September 26-30, 2011.

West Springfield, Massachusetts.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Look What Appeared In The Garden

2011-09-30T11:23:00.000-04:00

Curbside find

down the street;

Susan said

I looked very funny

carrying her.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

What would you name her?

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A Portrait of Gabby

2011-09-29T09:29:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

In The Garden

2011-09-28T09:35:00.000-04:00

September 27, 2011

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A Portrait of Nina

2011-09-27T16:16:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Nina and Nadine

2011-09-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A Portrait of Sisters

2011-09-25T13:08:00.003-04:00

At a family party yesterday:

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Portrait of Nina on the Couch

2011-09-23T12:21:00.002-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

A Portrait of Hannah

2011-09-22T10:39:00.002-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Still Life with Dahlias

2011-09-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

On the kitchen table:

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2011-09-19T10:22:00.000-04:00


Ray's Family Farm. Southwick, MA. 9/18/11. Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Still Life with Dahlias

2011-09-18T11:57:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Saturday Morning in the Garden

2011-09-17T10:21:00.000-04:00

September 17, 2011


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Friday Night Cocktails

2011-09-16T16:54:00.001-04:00

Susan is having a Malbec.

I am having a Martini.

Sock Monkey is having a Rosé.


Sock Monkey relaxing in the Living Room. Photo by Bruce Barone.

What can I get you?

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Still Life with Hydrangeas

2011-09-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Brimfield Antique Show Photos

2011-09-13T11:09:00.000-04:00

Photos of an antique nature:

Photo by Bruce Barone.

Photo by BruceBarone.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Brimfield Antique Show

2011-09-12T11:42:00.000-04:00

Susan suggested

the sculpture

would look good

in our garden


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Brimfield Antique Show

2011-09-10T16:53:00.000-04:00

I had an inspiring time

at the Brimfield Antique Show.

Brimfield is considered the largest outdoor antique show in the country. There are approximately 5000 dealers in 21 different show venues (often referred to as fields). The show geographically covers one mile on each side of Route 20 in Brimfield, MAssachusetts. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday 3 times a year in May, July, and September.

Lots of photos to follow over the next few days.

Here is one:


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Rain Or Shine

2011-09-08T12:55:00.000-04:00

Susan and I are on our way

to Brimfield Antique Show.

Please note water in wheelbarrow

from last night's rain.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

The Brimfield Twitter feed

says the sun is coming out!

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

In The Garden

2011-09-07T16:42:00.000-04:00

This afternoon

In the garden

In the rain

Picking peppers

For tonight's

Leftover Spoon Roast Italian Stew

Self Portrait

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

It's a Rainy Day In Massachusetts

2011-09-07T13:27:00.000-04:00


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.

Today in The Garden

2011-09-06T14:27:00.000-04:00


Photo by Bruce Barone.

Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me

The End of Summer

2011-09-05T10:43:00.000-04:00

In Southampton, Massachusetts

Returning home

After a pinic

I stopped the car

By the side of the road:


Cornfield, Granville Road. Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me

A Gardening Lifestyle

2011-09-03T19:15:00.003-04:00

Photo by Bruce Barone.

I am in God's Garden.
I am on my knees.
I am weeding. I know
From reading the Bible
Jesus said "By their fruits ye shall know them."
To do in garden:
Close my eyes and meditate
Practice repetition of the mantra
Focus by slowing down
Photograph and Pray
With one-pointed attention
Cook by training my senses
Always put the welfare of others first
Give thanks for spiritual companionship
Read from the scriptures and mystics
Of all religions
Sit down and read again
Teach self to paint
Put seed out for the birds.
See.
Love.
Is it
Possible
For anyone
Not to be?


Photo by Bruce Barone.

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography--photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me