Within My Frame

Wall Art in Sanford Florida

2012-02-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

Pizza cook-off!!!

2012-02-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

So, this January I went to Sanford Florida to visit my step-son Craig, and his girlfriend, Iris.

We had a great time and lots of laughs. One night they decided to do a pizza cook off contest.

And they each had to make their own pizza and I was the judge...we had a lot of fun and i declared it a tie.

Here is Iris making the perfect sized pizza.

And this is Iris' pizza...doesn't it look yummy??

Here is Craig slicing his tomato very very carefully.....

And masterfully flipping his sausages.

And here is Craig's finished product.

Honestly...they were both very yummy pizzas.

2012-02-20T15:26:00.000-08:00

Had the day off today so went for a walk with a friend on West Beach in Beverly Farms

and Singing Beach in Manchester MA. Got a great walking work out, collected lots of

wonderful pieces of sea glass and took a few photos. All in all it was a great day!!

1957

2012-02-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

It pays to have your camera with you at all times.

As I was leaving my house to go to the beach to search for seaglass this afternoon,

I came upon this 1957 Ambulance, previously owned by Lyons Ambulance Service in Danvers, MA.

I stopped to take photos just as it was being picked up and delivered to is new owners In Maine.

Happy Valentines Day!!

2012-02-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Amylou got some pretty roses today!!

Sunny 16

2012-02-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

This Winter I have been taking a 10 week photo workshop class at NESOP ( New England School of Photography) in Kenmore Square Boston. The class is titled "Creative Lighting I" and I must say

I love the class, the teacher is awesome and I am learning lots. Last Tuesday's class was all about "Sunny 16".

So this past friday was a beautiful blue sky sunny day so i took a shot at this technique

I set my ISO to 200, Shutter speed at 200 and aperture at f/16.

Nanda's Family

2012-01-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Early morning Saturday and just looking through some of my photo archives.

I came across this small photo group of my friend Nanda and her family from May 2011.

Just wanted to share these will my blog followers.

Lucas and Nanda

Lucas

Jane, Marc and Nanda

NESOP

2012-01-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

This winter I am talking another course at NESOP (New England School of Photography) in Boston - Creative Lighting I with Stephen Ostrowski. This is the fourth class that I have taken at NESOP and have loved and benefited from each of them. All of the instructors I have had have been wonderful and so informative. They get my creative juices flowing.

Here is a photo of Steve during a "pull your camera out and try this" session.

Notice one of my class mates reflection in the laptop screen.

Mansfield Training School and Hospital

2012-01-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

Mansfield, Connecticut // "Mansfield Training School and Hospital was a facility for the mentally disabled located in Mansfield, Connecticut, and run by the state of Connecticut. It was active from 1860 to 1993. Its former campus in Mansfield is a 350-acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The hospital opened in Lakeville in 1860 as the Connecticut School for Imbeciles at Lakeville. Its name was changed to the Connecticut Training School for the Feebleminded at Lakeville in 1915. Two years later, it merged with the Connecticut Colony for Epileptics (founded at Mansfield in 1910) and acquired its present name."

My friend Ken invited me to join him in an exploration photo shoot of this abandoned facility. We spent a lot of time walking around each building (there were probably about 6 or so) and taking shots of interesting things and findings on the outside as well as photographing inside through broken windows. Near the end of our exploration of the campus, I spotted a door propped open by an old chair left by a previous visitor. This building seemed to be one of the dormitories. The True exploration had just begun.....Please enjoy some of these photos from the inside of this building.

Iris and Craig

2012-01-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

While in Florida, I was able to do a fun and fabulous photo shoot with my step-son Craig and his girlfriend Iris.

I could spend every day photographing these two......

My trip to Florida

2012-01-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

So some of you may know, that I have not always been a huge fan of flying in big jets
on long flights especially alone.
This past November i flew to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with my relatives on my dad's side.
And I flew alone for the first time.

It was only 1 1/2 hours of air time so that was not too bad.
But last week I flew alone to Orlando Florida to visit my Step-son Craig and
his girlfriend, Iris - a three hour flight. And honestly, once I landed,
I realized that I actually enjoyed flying!!

Please enjoy some of my photos that I took during this trip.

Beautiful layers of white puffy clouds seen during my flight from Boston to Orlando.

Seagulls on New Smyrna Beach Florida

Craig, Iris and I spent several evenings of laughs playing this trivia board game.

While at Canaveral National Seashore, New Smyrna Beach Florida, with Craig and Iris,
we came across this Armadillo on the side of the road.
Amazing...I have never seen one up close and personal.

I got out of the car and sneaked up on it so it would not run away.
But this animal was so interested in

digging into the ground to find dinner for himself.

So i continued to snap about a dozen photos of this interesting creature.

Craig, Iris, and myself enjoyed a delicious at this German restaurant in downtown Sanford.

This live German band was amazing.

Flying Home to Boston.

Countie Family

2012-01-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve, I had a wonderful and fun photo shoot with the Countie Family.

Every single member of the family was there, all 20, and it was such and honor

to be able to capture some wonderful memories for them. I feel that the best part of

being a photographer, is that I get the chance to reconnect with old friends and develop new friendships.

And I have done just that with the Countie Family!!!

Marblehead MA

2011-12-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I went on a photo walk in Marblehead

with friends Kelly and Ken. Here are some scenes from our day.

Portsmouth NH

2011-12-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite things to do on the weekend, not matter what the weather is,

is to go walk around different cities with friends and cameras in hand.

Last weekend, my friend Ken and I went to Portsmouth NH. It was a bit

windy and cold, but we had fun and got some great photos.

Here are just a few of what a captured that day.

Payson-Samperi Family

2011-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

This past July I had the privileged of photographing the wedding of my two

dear friends Susan and Chip. And recently i was able to spend a day photographing

their blended family at a location that means so much to their family - Lynch Park.

Occupy Boston

2011-12-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

These photos are from Occupy Boston in Dewey Square last Saturday.

Today at Midnight, there is a court order for them to leave Dewey Square.

Boston's Reflections

2011-12-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I went into Boston with my friend Ken to do some Street Photography.

It had been so long since I have been to the city. I truly enjoyed all the action and aliveness that the city brings.Took lots of photos but some of my favorites were my window reflection shots.

I love the complexity of these.....

2011-12-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening, Beverly Hospital held a celebration to recognize John and Janet Keohane and Henry's Market in North Beverly for their continued generosity and support to Beverly Hospital and Northeast Health System. A Plaque at the Beverly Hospital Laboratory has also been erected and dedicated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Swanson (Founders of Henry's Market).

I had the honor and pleasure of assisting in organizing this event and capturing lasting memories with my photography...did I tell you how much I love my full time Job and being a photographer??!! Please join me in celebrating the good work that John and Janet Keohane, and their family continue to do for our community.

Jason, John, Janet, and Chris Keohane in front of the Beverly Hospital Laboratory and Plaque dedicated to Henry and Ginger Swanson.

Janet and John Keohane with Representative Ted Speliotis has he presents them with a Citation.

John and Janet surrounded by friends and family

Keohane Family with the Beverly Hospital Lab staff.

John Keohane with a few members of the Henry's Staff.

2011-12-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester.

Money from Sponsorships and raffle sales goes 100% to the

Gorton's Specialty and Cancer Care Center at AGH

The Gloucester High School Chorus sings Christmas Carols.

Ken Knowles, (pictured 3rd from the right) a well know artist from the Cape Ann Area, Donated this wonderful painting that was raffled off at the tree lighting ceremony.

Santa picks raffle winners.

Thanksgiving in Ohio

2011-11-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

For the first time, in my 53 years, I was able to spend a holiday with my relatives in Ohio.

I flew out to Warren Ohio, via Akron/Canton Airport, on Monday, November 21 and returned on Friday, November 25. This is the first time that I have flown alone, and i must say, I did ok.

My cousins Brenda and John came to visit me at cousin Susie's house on Tuesday.

My cousin Nancy with Larry and Lilly.

My cousins Jack and Susie (on the far right) the their kids and grandkids.

Aunt Helen with baby Megan (Janet's baby)

My cousin Nancy's daughter Jennifer and grand daughter Gillian

A view of cousin Gary's new studio that he built over his garage (yes, those are his paintings)

My cousin Nancy's three children, Jennifer, Tim, and Kimberly.

Cousin Susie, Aunt Helen and cousin Gary playing trivial pursuit Thanksgiving evening at Gary's Home.

Cousin Billy, with Janet's baby Megan.

Me with my cousins Nancy and Susie, before i go through security at Akron/Canton Airport

Akron/Canton airport....coming on the plane, heading back to Boston.

Melissa and Brian

2011-11-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Today, I had a fun photo shoot with an amazing couple, Melissa and Brian.

Last December, my wedding partner, Joanne and I photographed Melissa and Brian's wedding.

Melissa has since became my hairdresser and my friend. We got together today, with their dog, Kota,

to take Holiday Card photos....we had so much fun, we got the holiday card shots and much much more.

So fun to work with Melissa and Brian...looking forward to doing it again.

Soccer Tournament in Danvers

2011-11-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today I went to see my friend's son, Andrew play in the All Stars Soccer tournament with the Beverly Team

in Danvers. It was a nice day in the high 50's and I was going to go for a walk anyway,

so I walked the 1.5 miles to the soccer field.

This is the Beverly Team, (Andrew is 3rd from the left with the red bag on his lap).

These kids played hard and won 2 our of three games this morning. Congratulations!!!!

This is Andrew Kicking the Ball.

Night Photography

2011-11-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

My Co-work, Mark B and I decided to do some night photography the other night at the

Cummings Center in Beverly where we work.

This is 500 Cummings Center in Beverly, the building in which we work at.

This is the same building that i took Fall photos of in my last posting. I have

wanted to take some night shots of this for while now. I was pleased with my results.

Indian Summer

2011-11-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful New England Indian Summer day.

At lunch time I took a walk around the pond where I work

at the Cummings Center in Beverly. Here are a few of the photos that shot.

Simulation Center at Beverly Hospital

2011-11-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

Did i tell you I love my Job...I often get to incorporate my love for event and portrait photography into my full time job. Last evening we had a dedication and opening celebration of the Nursing Education Simulation Center at Beverly Hospital.

The Sim Center was made possible by the generous donations from Peter Lappin and family, and the Evelyn Lilly Lutz Foundation

Here, Judy Michaud explains to Peter, Mimi and Robert Lappin how this "Sim man" is used for training and educational purposes.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T05:12:00.000-07:00

The gang at worked dressed up for Halloween yesterday.....

Nurse Amy...

I work for a hospital but in the Development Office...
so I put on my scrubs that my brother Tom got for me while he was in med school
back in the late 70's and played nurse today.

Can you guess what Rebecca dressed up as???

CANDY CORN.....love it

Susan has always wanted to be a nurse....
Doesn't she look perfect in her Beverly Hospital Blue Scrubs??!!

Mark B. as Johnny Cash....Sing it Johnny!!

Fall 2011

2011-10-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show you a few fall photos that I took during my photo shoot job this weekend.

Finally we have a bit of color.

Happy Birthday Amylou!!!

2011-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is MY birthday and I was treated to a wonderful yummy brunch at my

friend Susan and Chip's home with their combined five children, Luke, Andrew, Jack, Tad, and Ellie.

It was such a special day to be able to spend time with them all.

Luke playing on the ipad.

Tad....Look at the beautiful head of curls.

Little Ellie making some wonderful drawings for me to hang on my refrigerator.

Jack in the comfy bean bag chair just chillin'

Andrew all plugged in.

Thanks to the Payson and Samperi Family for a wonderful birthday and making me feel so special.

Davies Family

2011-10-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful photo shoot with the Davies Family this morning.

The boys gave their parents, Bonnie and Brian a gift certificate from Amylou Photography

for their wedding anniversary. Their vision was a nice fall photo shoot.

Although we are getting a pretty late peek foliage this year, we had a great time

finding new places in the woods and pastures/fields of Middleton MA

Here is just a sneak preview...(click on the photo to see the larger, clearer version)

Something Old, Something New...

2011-10-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying decorating my new home.

Using some of my existing things and purchasing some new pieces

to update my new space. Here, above my decorative mantel in my living room

I purchased this cool looking metal wall hanging...I love it!!

Below it from left to right are old photos: my paternal grandparents Theresa and John Astolfi,
my mom's Aunt Eve's wedding photo, my mom around the age of 14,
and my family in 1959...yes that is me sitting on my mom's lap.

Around Danvers

2011-10-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

There is a trend these days not just in Danvers, not just in Massachusetts but in all of New England,

that towns and cities are converting old abandoned and unused railroad trails into walking/biking trails.

Some are being paved and some are just laid with gravel. But either way they are becoming more and more

popular for cyclists, walkers, joggers,etc. I love them. There is a nice trail in West Peabody that i like to ride my

bike on. It is a very cool to be able to see the towns as the trains did many many years ago.

Once upon a time Danvers had two trains that came through the town. The Newburyport line in Danvers that

connects Wenham and Peabody is now a converted rail trail with gravel and I have had the chance to walk about 3 miles of it. The other Railroad line connects Middleton and Peabody/Salem. That line is not developed into a rail trail yet. Here is a photo of part of this abandoned trail that crosses Purchase Street, Danvers.

Trees

2011-10-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

As I was driving home from work this evening, an interesting thought popped into my head.

I grew up in Danvers MA, and once I moved out of my parents house, got married and had my son Scott,
I lived in four different places surrounding down town Danvers and all of the street names were
TREES: Cherry Street, Poplar Street, Maple Avenue and now Oak Street.

Silva

2011-10-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

An impromptu photo shoot with the beautiful Miss Silva in Newburyport on Monday.

Danvers Door

2011-10-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new photo project...I am rediscovering my home town of Danvers MA, which i just moved back to, through photographs. Trying to take photos off the beaten path.

i am hoping to possibly make a book after I am finished...I am going to allow myself a least a year if not more.
This project was inspired by a friend and photographer out of Cape Ann...Marion Frost.

The Course

2011-10-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today was the 3rd Annual Beverly Hospital Classic Golf Tournament, the 2nd of two golf tournaments that I organize for my job. I have organized about 15 golf tournaments since 2003 and have never been rained out. Today's original forecast was for 70% rain, but it ended up being a beautiful Indian Summer day with perfect blue skies. It was a wonderful day on the golf course.

Love in the Rain!

2011-09-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Chip!!

2011-09-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Susan, invited me to join her in celebrating her husband's 41st birthday with

her and his three kids.

Settling In....My new home in Danvers

2011-09-10T13:56:00.001-07:00

Daughters

2011-08-29T17:04:00.001-07:00

Bricks and Mortar in Boston

2011-08-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

A boy and his Legos!

2011-08-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is my friend's grandson, Gavin, who turned 7 in July

but had his official Birthday party today.

The Twins

2011-08-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see my friend Stacey's two adorable twin babies, Norah and Logan..
I can't believe that they are 4 months old already...They are cute as buttons.
And very happy babies...I think Logan has a crush on me *(^_^)*

Hot Air Balloons

2011-08-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

This morning, i got up bright and early to meet some fellow photographer friends in Hudson MA

(1 hour drive away) by 5:30 a.m. to see the Hot Air Balloon launch.

This is the first time I had seen this and it was totally amazing.

2011 Witches Cup - Salem MA

2011-08-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

This is the 3rd year that I have gone to this Cycling Event in Salem MA and I always try to get the
same type of shot..This year, I relaxed and had fun, and tried to think outside of the box a little.

"Sometimes I try so hard to get that "perfect" shot, not realizing that some

of my best shots are those that I am experimenting with".

Congratulations Jim and Denise

2011-08-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

I had the privileged of photographing the wedding of Denise and Jim in York Maine this evening.

They are the sweetest, funnest couple...along with their blended family of

Joey, Alex, Justin, John and Sam.

Destination Wedding

2011-08-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am off to York Maine tomorrow afternoon to shoot the wedding of

Denise and Jim....can't wait.!!!

Wedding Venue

2011-07-31T04:01:00.000-07:00

I have been hired to photograph the wedding of Denise and Jim on Wednesday, August 3 which will be taking place at Stage Neck Inn, York Maine. I took a drive to scope out the location and took some "sneak peak" photos of the area.

Barrington Rhode Island

2011-07-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful and fun family photo shoot in Barrington Rhode Island this morning.

It consisted of Pauline and Gene, with their blended family of 8 adult children and 14 grandchildren.

A total of 30 people all together. Everyone was so wonderful and welcoming.
I think I am now part of this huge family. Here are a few fun photos that I took along their waterfront property before the official shoot began, And one of the entire clan!!

2011 Reid's Ride

2011-07-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is the third year that I have volunteered my photography services to the Reid Sacco Foundation by being the photographer at the finish line at the 7th Annual Reid's Ride.

Reid's Ride 28-mile Bike-a-thon is a fun and rewarding way to support clinical and scientific research into finding more and better treatments -- and someday a cure -- for the cancers that predominantly strike Adolescents and Young Adults. Cyclists of all ages and abilities pedal their way from Lynnfield to Cape Ann in what is the primary fund-raising event for the Reid Sacco Memorial Foundation.

Reid Sacco passed away in April 2005, at the age of 20, after a two-year battle with sarcoma. In his short life, he inspired and touched an incredible number of people with his courage, perseverance, ambition, hope, humor, intelligence, humility, generosity, and kindness.

Driven by his inspiration, Reid's family is carrying this dream forward to give to others, in the form a non-profit charitable foundation that will support scholarship and research. The foundation has been set up in Reid's honor, to make sure that other young adults like Reid will never need to abandon their dreams of college and a long, healthy life ahead. The Foundation supports research programs that aspire to conquer cancers like the one that took Reid's life.

Congratulations Susan and Chip

2011-07-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

I was honored today to be the photographer for my wonderful friends Susan and Chip

as they pledged their love for each other in front of their children, family and closest friends. Congratulations...I am so happy for the two of you.

Saturday at the Beach

2011-07-10T08:07:00.001-07:00

Saturday, I went to Long Beach in Gloucester MA with my friend Joanne, her husband Jimmy and their daughter Jolie. What a beautiful relaxing afternoon we had at the beach.

Jimmy and Jolie riding the waves on their boogie boards.

Jimmy, Jolie and Joanne

Joanne sporting her fabulous beach hat

After a day on the beach, Jolie served her delicious home made desert of french vanilla yogurt, strawberries, watermellon and her special ingredient of granola bar. It was so yummy and refreshing!!

Thanks Jolie!!

Fallen Fire Fighter

2011-07-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, the town of Danvers, MA lost a 30 year veteran fire fighter, an EMT, a loyal employee and family member of Lyons Ambulance Service, a loving husband and father, and a faithful friend to many....R.I. P. Eddie McLaughlin.

Meet Gavin

2011-06-30T03:56:00.000-07:00

My Front Yard

2011-06-17T05:03:00.001-07:00

My Front Yard, a photo by AmyLouPics on Flickr.

So I came home today, to find a big huge turkey spreading its wings in my yard and a small dear on the edge of the lawn near the woods.
I was lucky that i had my camera with me...so I quietly took it out but at the same time the deer slowly walked into the woods..But eventually the deer stood and posed for me, looking nicely at me

Little League

2011-06-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

nMy friend's 9 year old son, Andrew, is show here up at bat and then behind the plate (in red)
in this Beverly Little League game

Medway High School Class of 2011

2011-06-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today I visited a college friend of mine and was honored to be able to photograph her son's

graduation from Medway High School. Congratulations Chris!! (more photos to come)

Red Sox beat the A's 9-8 in the 14th Inning

2011-06-05T04:39:00.000-07:00

My friend Susan invited me to go to the Red Sox game yesterday with her and her two boys.

Our seats were right next to the dugout 2nd row in. Fantastic seats..and great for photography. We were sitting right in back of the media dugout...see photos below of the photogs with the big boy lenses.

Racing Cyclists

2011-06-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

I just love Redfield's Fractalius plug-in for photoshop.

I know that it is not for everyone, but i love creating interesting artful images.

Thanks for looking.

Scenes from the Danvers Memorial Day Parade

2011-05-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Participants of the New England Photo Workshops' Freedom Trail Workshop

2011-05-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

My awesome, fun and amazing friends, Nanda and Joanne!!

Jean G.

Our workshop model and attendee, Nanda.

Don Toothaker of New England Photo Workshops
(taken with Dave's amazing 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens- time to save my pennies)

The Teacher!

Dave, Jim and Mike taking a rest in Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge in Concord MA

Sharon

Don photographing a red-winged black bird at Great Meadow National Wildlife Refuge in Concord MA

Jean

Bob Ring of New England Photo Workshops

Jim

We do anything just to get the photo.

Scenes from the Great Meadow National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, MA

2011-05-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

In and around Boston

2011-05-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Scenes of the Old North Church, Boston MA

2011-05-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Scenes of Boston Harbor

2011-05-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Scenes from the USS Constitution, Charlestown MA

2011-05-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is where the sailors slept

Fun with Fractalius

2011-05-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

A digitalized watercolor of my cousin Nancy's home in Warren Ohio.

A digitalized watercolor of my cousin Gary's home in Warren Ohio

The 2011 Graduate

2011-05-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

My son Scott and his girlfriend Mary, both graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst this weekend. Scott got his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Comparative Literature and Mary got her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art. I am so so proud of both of them. Congratulations Scott and Mary.
Please enjoy some photos of the graduates and the ceremonies.

In the Artist's Studio

2011-05-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Gary Taneri, is a very talented artist, a painter. I had the wonderful opportunity, while visiting in Ohio this weekend, to get the grand tour of his studio, and see first hand, his amazing portraits. I was very impressed. He is also very generous.....I came home with two of his landscaping paintings to accompany the first painting he gave me about three years ago. I am very proud to hang Gary's work on my walls.
Check out his blog. http://www.garytaneri.blogspot.com/

Trine to Jump

2011-05-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

My niece Heather, finished up her freshman year at Trine University in Angola Indiana last week. I drove out to Indiana with my sister to pick her up for the summer vacation. This is a photo of Heather and her friend Michael, jumping on the railroad tracks that run through the center of the campus.

St. John's Prep, Danvers MA

2011-05-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Fractalius Church - Boston MA

2011-04-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

playing around with the "fractalius" plug in for photoshop

Introducing my new web site.....

2011-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

www.amylouphotography.com

Spring is Springing

2011-04-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

Crocuses in East Boston

Waiting to Launch

2011-04-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All...yes i have been missing in action lately for all those of you that are following my blog. The winter has been very snow, very long, and very crazy. Things are starting to settle down and the weather is warming up, and my Dad celebrated is 87th birthday in Spaulding Rehab yesterday, April 2nd. He is recovering very well from his stroke that he had on January 26th. I am very very proud of all the hard work he is doing to get stronger so he can come home. I love seeing him smile. So anyway, yesterday I spent the day with photo friends in East Boston taking photos. This a photo of two sailboats on land at Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston.

Smiling Faces in Caring Places

2011-02-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Day 8 and Dad is still in the MICU at Lahey in Burlington MA.

He made some amazing progress yesterday and was totally awake for 1 hour.

Although he could not talk because he had the breathing tube in, he nodded yes and no to our simple questions,
and opened his eyes wide and blinked. He was truly communicating with me and my brother Tom tonight.

I want to share with you all, some of the caring compassionate individuals

that have been taking care of Dad.

Austin has been the Nurse Assistant in the MICU quite often during the past 8 days.

Casey was Dad's 7am - 7pm nurse on Sunday, Feb 6, 2011

Rachel was Dad's 7pm - 7am Nurse on Sunday evening, Feb 6-7, 2011

Rachel had such a sweet way about her and I was thrilled that she got to see dad in his 1 hour wakeful period. She was so gentle with him

Meet Bob....he has been Dad's nurse quite often during the the 7am - 7pm shifts.

I love the way he talks to dad in a very casual every day manner. And he tells dad everything

that he is doing...Bob has a very easy way about him.

Say Hello to Mary, dad 's nurse on February 14th....such a sweet lady.
I have to say...that ever since dad has been at Lahey in Burlington (starting January 30, 2011), all of his caregivers have been wonderful. I can;t say enough good things about them. And they have all been so friendly to us all and keep us informed of all his success and improvements.

Thankful

2011-02-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

Today I spent about 3 1/2 hours with Dad at Lahey. I watched while he peacefully slept, listen to his rhythmic breathing, and watched as he moved his legs and his arms with purpose. I did some knitting, watched TV and talked to Dad a bit. I am hopeful that he heard me, as he seemed to blink while i spoke and moved his mouth open a bit as to try and talk.

I am very very Thankful for the Nurses who are in the MICU taking care of Dad 24/7. Today, Gilberto was dad's RN until 7:00pm. We chatted a bit....what a nice guy and so full of compassion. Gilberto was so gentle with dad has he took care of him.

Goodnight Dad, I will be back tomorrow.

Family

2011-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 26, my dad was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of possible heart problems. After two days stay at Beverly Hospital and getting the clearing that his heart was fine, a CAT scan on Friday discovered that he had a stroke. I went to see him after work on Friday, chatted and left when his dinner came. Then next time I saw him on Sunday morning, he had slipped into a state of unconsciousness. Another CAT Scan discovered that there was a bleed in the area of the stroke, the brain stem, which was causing swelling and a build up of fluid. My Family, even mom, gathered at Beverly Hospital to be with dad, until they transported him to Lahey in Burlington. Once at Burlington in the MICU, the Neurosurgeon put a tube in his brain to release the fluid. Dad was put on a ventilator to help with his breathing and the Doctors, Nurses, and Aids have been monitor is vitals and progress hour by hour.

All five children have been visiting Dad regularly,,, talking to Dad, and hoping he is hearing us and is aware of our presence and encouragement to get well and wake up. We have been having some snowy weather but my 4x4 Jeep and I have made it to Lahey every day to spend time with Daddy and talk to him...I see him move his legs..a lot, move his arms, take commands from the Drs...(wiggle toes, raise two fingers), I am starting to see his eyes open slightly and he is blinking..hopefully to my questions to him. I know that Dad is in there and trying really hard to get well and get strong.

The Astolfi children and grandchildren are all here for Dad....and we love him. Through this difficult time I have been taking some photos of our environment as we make our visits to the MICU at Lahey in Burlington MA.

Granddaughter Allie making a knitted bracelet on the Knitting Knobbie in the MICU waiting room

on Sunday evening, January 30, 2011

Sunday Evening at the MICU...Bill sleeps and Allie knits while waiting as the neurosurgeon
performs a procedure on Dad.

The parking garage at Lahey Burlington that I am becoming very familiar with.

Allie working on a puzzle in the MICU waiting room, while the nurses are doing the shift change

Friday, February 4th - 7pm - 8pm

My brother Dave, working on the puzzle with Allie, as Cathy (Dave's wife looks on)

2011 Myopia Sled Dog Race

2011-01-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 15, 2011, New England Sled Dog Club Inc., presented the Myopia Sled Dog Races at Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, Massachusetts. This was my first time seeing such an event and it was a very interesting and exciting event to watch. So glad that we got lots of snow last week for this event. Honestly, I felt like I was in Alaska...Not something you would usual see here in Massachusetts...very very cool!(and it was also an extremely frigid day)

Northeast System Health Care Reform Panel Discussion

2011-01-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Northeast Health System presented a Health Care Reform Panel Discussion on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Cruiseport in Gloucester Ma. Despite the cold and snowy weather, close to 70 people showed up for this very informative discussion led by Ken Hanover, President & CEO of Northeast Health System, Lynn Nicholas, President of the Massachusetts Hospital Association and Bob Hastings, President of the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce.

Northeast Health System Annual Meeting

2011-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

January 11, 2011 Northeast Health System, the parent organization of Beverly Hospital, Addison Gilbert Hospital, Northeast Senior Health, Northeast Foundation, CAB Health & Recovery, and Health and Education Services, had their Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Danvers MA. For the 2nd year in a row I had secured the job of being the event photographer.

Ken Hanover, President & CEO of Northeast Health System

Philip Herrick, M.D., Tina Waugh, M.D. (2010 recipient of the Philip D. Herrick, M.D. Award), Nancy Palmer, Northeast Hospital Corporation Chair

A Day in Salem

2011-01-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday I spent the afternoon in Salem MA with my friend Julia and her daughter Jen.

First we went to a little pub named "In a Pig's Eye" along Pickering Wharf.

After a yummy lunch we walked along Pickering Wharf...

Then walked our way to Hawthorne Hotel's Tavern on the Green for a drink.

We sat at the bar and chatted with Dave, the bartender...

And also met Patrick who was kind enough to take a photo of the three of us.

Craig and Iris

2011-01-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

My step-son Craig came up from Florida to spend Christmas with his dad and me this year.

It was great to have him here. And then on Dec 28th, his girlfriend, Iris, flew down to Boston from Stoney Creek Ontario. It was the first time that we have met her and we loved her instantly. Craig and Iris had a wonderful 6 days together and we loved having them both at the house. They both are flying out today, sunday January 2nd from Logan airport...Craig to Florida and Iris to Canada. We will miss them both and I know that they will miss each other....

I had the chance today to take some fun photos of them.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T06:29:00.000-08:00

We had our Annual Christmas Eve Open House and we have a condo full of friends and family. It is always so nice to have mom and dad and the family all together. Fun catching up with my nieces and nephews and their growing famlies. The only sibling missing was my oldest brother Mark....who is spending xmas at home in NY this year...

During this past year, My nephew Tony and his wife Shannon had the first Great Grandchild for mom and dad. Meet AJ ! AJ is the official first baby to ever attend our Annual Christmas Eve Open House. It was a little over whelming for him..but his mom was there to comfort him.

We had a wedding this year.. my niece Mary married Shawn.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Allen...and their first appearance at our home as a married couple.

My niece Karen completed her culinary program this fall at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

Congratulations Karen. (Karen is here with her boyfriend, Richard) Karen made some yummy chocolate mint cookies for the open house...Karen can bake for me any day!!

My niece Heather just completed her first semester at Trine University in Indiana. This is her first visit back home since she left in August. Welcome home Heather...

(Heather and her mom-my sister Suzie) (PS- Heather is wearing the scarf that i just made for her)

Mom and Dad celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in September.

Love you Mom and Dad...thanks for providing a Happy Home!

So glad to have my brother Tom, sister-in-law Judy and kids Allie and Mike.

Allie is in her senior year at college in VT and Mike is home from NY for the Holidays.

And of course it is so nice to have my son, Scott and his girlfriend Mary, home for a month for their winter semester break. (Scott and Mary celebrated their 7th year of dating this September...now that is something to be really proud of..since they started dating at age 15)

Good Food, Family and Friends...a fun time was had by all.
This year I made 2 salmon pies...since they always seem to be a hit

Fractalius Style

2010-12-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

I just recently rediscover a plug-in for my photoshop program called Fractalius Filter.

Fractalius plugin creates unusual, eccentric artworks in a single step. The effects are based on extraction of so-called hidden fractal texture of an image. You can also simulate various types of exotic lightings and high realistic pencil sketches.

Below are a few examples of what I have done with this new plugin on several of my photos.

Jenga Concentration

2010-12-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

Kelly, Dan and Andrew play Jenga, which is a game of physical and mental skill created by Leslie Scott, and currently marketed by Parker Brothers, a division of Hasbro. During the game, players take turns to remove a block from a tower and balance it on top, creating a taller and increasingly unstable structure as the game progresses.

Amylou Goes Aerial

2010-12-09T03:43:00.000-08:00

Amylou Photography is now offering Aerial Photography.

Let me photograph your home, neighborhood, business, or an area that is special to you.

Go to www.amylouphoto.com for contact information.

St. Johns Prep

Danvers MA

Maple and Locust Streets, Downtown Danvers MA

Showing Lyons Ambulance Service in the Center

2010 Jolly Jaunt

2010-12-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Over 800 runners participated in today's Jolly Jaunt,
a 5k run/walk to benefit Special Olympics of Massachusetts, at Beverly Hospital at Danvers.

Rad Runners

Danvers Holiday Walk

2010-12-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

Went on the Danvers Holiday Walk in Danvers Square yesterday with three Generations of wonderful friends.
Left: Sally, Julia and Jennifer

Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony

2010-12-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

"Lights of Love" was launched in 2008 by Gloucester residents Sue Kyle and Shawn Wilson to raise awareness of Addison Gilbert Hospital's world-class cancer care ( and fund life-saving treatment for Cape Ann patients. "Lights of Love" raised more than $6,000 in its first year and $17,000 in 2009. This year, our goal is to raise $25,000 to help cover life-saving treatments and keep hope alive for all patients and families affected by cancer. A volunteer-driven effort, 100% of all dollars raised benefit cancer care services at Addison Gilbert Hospital's Gorton's Specialty and Cancer Care Center.

Left: Rebecca Imperiali, Sue Kyle, Santa, Shawn Wilson, Dr. Angus McIntyre

Gloucester High School Choir sings Christmas carols for the crowd.

Cape Ann artist, Ken Knowles picks the raffle winner of his original painting of Plum Cove in Gloucester Ma

A Saturday with Friends

2010-11-20T12:59:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday, I spent the day with my friend Joanne and her daughter Jolie. First we went to Hunt Photo in Melrose so Joanne could buy a new camera, the Nikon D7000. See Joanne is a fabulous photographer and I have been privileged to partner with her on some photo shoots. She has been using her trusty ol' Nikon D40 for quite a few years now and it has started to act up a bit...so it is now time for her to upgrade her camera...I am so happy for her. Joanne is loving her new camera.

After we left Hunt Photo we went to "Fat Cactus" for a yummy Mexican Lunch. While we were waiting for our food, Joanne let Jolie use her trusty ol' D40. And Jolie was thrilled, taking photos of all kinds of things.
Like mother like daughter.

After lunch I had to get a mother daughter photo in front of this cool wall.

Joanne had a photo shoot in the afternoon at Annisquam Light in Gloucester,

And I tagged along, taking photos of Jolie and the light house.

Me and Jolie had fun making "Shadow People"...

And Enjoyed the Sunset...What a fabulous fun-filled day!!

Cape Ann Brewing Company

2010-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Cape Ann Brewing Co. is an award-winning, family-owned, microbrewery in the heart of downtown Gloucester on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The brewery and brew pub are moving to a new location in Gloucester shortly and I was asked by my friends Jeremy Goldberg - Owner and Head Brewer of Cape Ann Brewing Co. and his wife Mary, to take photos of them in the brew house before they move. http://www.capeannbrewing.com

Marblehead by the Sea

2010-11-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

It was a grey cool Saturday here in Essex County, but I had a great day with a few photog friends as we did a photowalk in Ol' Town Marblehead. Good friends, Good conversation and Good times. Here are a few of my favorite photos of the day.

Welcome to the World Baby Emily

2010-11-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Jennifer delivered a healthy baby girl, Emily Jean, on November 4, 10:16 AM, 21in. 8lbs 7 oz.
I got the chance to visit Jen at the Hospital and hold sweet Emily. Congratulations Jen and Shawn!!

Reflections of Umass-Amherst

2010-11-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

When I first started to get really interested in photography about 4 years ago (can you believe it has been 4 years already??), I took photos of anything and everything...just immersed myself in photographing "things". I loved flowers, colors, macros, angles ... just things. Then I started a "100 Strangers" project...which i never finished, but found that I really enjoyed taking photos of people. I love the eyes, the expressions, the smiles, and people in action...I found that my passion was photographing people...candids of people...everyday life. And that is may main interest now. BUT...If I had to pick a second interest in photography, it would be reflections...I love making Layers with reflections...making the viewer wonder what they are really looking at...wondering what is the real thing and what is the reflection.

Below is one of my very first reflection photos that I took on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston along Huntington Ave. It was taken in March 2008. What was interesting about this photo, was that i was inside an eatery with my back towards the Huntington Street side...I took a photo of the window in front of me, which has objects infront of me, and reflections of the things behind me, and also reflections of the window and street behind me..very very complex but interesting;

The red trash can is in front of me on the other side of the class that i am looking through.

The People walking are behind me on Huntington ave.

Fall is my favorite Season

2010-11-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

I love the fall in New England.

I love the cooler crisp air, and the warm feeling that you get when you put your jeans on again

after having shorts on all summer.

I love the colors of fall....makes the word so pretty.

Serenity

2010-11-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

I spent some time visiting an old friend today....

The Kids of Umass Amherst

2010-10-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Went to visit my son Scott and his girlfriend Mary at Umass in Amherst today.

They are both Seniors and will be graduating in May 2011 so I wanted to

take some photos of the two of them hanging around the campus. I got lots of fun photos and it is

so difficult to just pick a few here to show....

St. Cyr Family

2010-10-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I had an awesome and fun photo shoot with the St. Cyr Family at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport MA. We picked the perfect weekend. The foliage was peak and it was overcast which made for perfect photos...too much sun makes too much shadows.

Mary and Shawn

2010-10-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 17, 2010, My niece Mary married her best friend, Shawn. It was a beautiful sunny autumn day at Ragged Mountain Ski Resort. It was a perfect day for a perfect union of two wonderful people.

Golf Sunday

2010-10-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Yup, Yesterday was Golf Sunday...but I did not feel like playing so I drove the cart and

took photos while hubby played...got some fun shots.