Keene continued....

Hey All,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I posted the pictures of Keene on my FlickR website:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jensweeklyshow/

Enjoy and PLEASE let me know what you think!!!  I'm really dying for some feedback!!

signing off...

jennylo

how "keene" it is....

Today I visited lovely Keene, NH.  It was a mere 45 degrees with cloudy skies and a slight wind.  I took rt. 119 to get there and drove through Townsend, Ashby, Ashburnham, and the like.  There were several good photo opps along the way and I found myself veering off the road (almost getting killed mind you) to capture a scene.  My only wish was that things would be a little less morose looking outside, and I LIKE morose.

Arriving in Keene was a bit hectic.  I had no idea where I was going, there was a ridiculously dangerous rotary with no signs toward Keene and once I arrived in Keene there were no signs for downtown.  So I just followed cars and my own inherent sense of direction (not to brag) and arrived there.  

Arriving in downtown Keene, you are immediately thrown back by beautiful churches and old industrial buildings which house shops down below.  There are several clothing boutiques, used record stores (really good ones at that), and places to eat.

After walking around and taking some pictures (and getting looks from the locals) I decided to settle on a meal.  I was hungry and it was cold.  I had looked around for something tempting and eventually decided on one of the Mexican establishments in main downtown, Pedranza's.

Pedranza's was not too much different than your typical Mexican chain restaurant from its appeal, but it was better than several other alternatives of similar cuisine on the main front.

I sat down and was given chips and salsa, both of which were delicious, and a glass of water.  The waitress was very timely and courteous and when I ordered my selection (chicken mole), it arrived within 5 minutes and was absolutely decadent.  I would recommend Pedranza's for the food, but the atmosphere is a bit generic....what can I say...?

After eating, I decided I wasn't quite finished capturing downtown Keene so I took another trip around the mid-size block of the main streets and continued to capture..but I was getting sleepy from the "food coma" of the mole, so I ducked into Brewbakers Cafe to get an expresso.  I had my camera in hand and was told by what seemed to be the owner, after I ordered my drink, that "no pictures were allowed".  Did he really think he or the place was that interesting?  I wasn't impressed so I left, without giving a tip, which I always do at coffee shops...(gotta show some love, right?)

My only regret, leaving Keene, was that I didn't duck into a local barber shop and ask if I could take some pictures.  It was great, straight from the 1950's.  I wasn't feeling especially "bold".

The expresso didn't help with my energy level or lack of audacity, so I was headed home, praying that I would be able to navigate through the generic part of town with all of the chain stores and restaurants and the "dreaded" rotary.   I made it through though and was on my way home....making the choice to play some Gangsta Rap on my iPod.  I thought it would wake me up...it did little but annoy me...yet I listened!

Now as I sit, browsing through the pictures, I am pleased with my hour and 15 minute car ride to Keene.  I got some pretty decent shots, that once cropped and fooled around with a bit, may make it onto FlickR.

Here's a shot that captures the day...enjoy!

jennylo

Jen's Weekly Show

Hello...!!
So, I got a new camera..(yeay)..and I've been taking a lot of pictures and posting them online via FlickR.  I've mostly been taking pictures of winter scenes..i.e. trees without leaves..not too exciting but if you really look, they can be quite beautiful images as they are an outline of themselves.  I've also been photographing cemeteries, landscapes with different outdoor lighting, and buildings.  I visited Newburyport, MA (my hands were freezing!!) and took a collection of pictures of buildings and their structure.  There are a lot of historical buildings there and it made for quite a pleasant day (other than the cold)!!  I will continue to take pictures of random oddities, but would love some ideas of images YOU would like to see.  So throw out some ideas and I will present you with your own finished project.  To enjoy the photos already posted visit:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/jensweeklyshow/

paintings

These are some samples of my paintings, some new, some old...enjoy.

photo of the day...When oh when will leaves be on this lovely tree?

Two great places to eat in Lowell, MA

I'm not sure how many of you get there, but Lowell, MA has its own unique flavor of history and culture that is not to be missed.

It also has some great places to eat.  

If you like mediterranean food, Olympia restaurant is not to be missed.  It's cheap, the atmosphere is cozy yet elegant and the food portions are generous.  Check out their menu and location information at http://www.newolympia.com.  

Another gem, if you are a yogi or if you simply prefer delicious, organic food, is Live Alive restaurant.  They have free wifi, a cafe atmosphere, friendly staff and a wide array of menu items, all of which are made from all natural, fresh daily ingredients.  The only thing about them is they are a bit pricey, but honestly worth every penny.  Try their Elvis Alive Smoothie...to die for..

For more information visit their website at http://www.lifealive.com.

I'll be checking out Keene, NH on Friday so look for that to come!

Take care and best to all!

Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone,

I want to wish you a Happy New Year 2009.  I hope you have become energized by the thought of a new year with all of it's possibilities and promises.  Make resolutions, but know that you have the power to create change in your life.  Pick up a new hobby, start saving for a vacation, start reading again, etc.  Whatever your pleasure.  DO SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING!

I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season.  It is always a stress, but when it's over the letdown makes me kind of sad.  All of the preparations, making the food, decorating, buying presents, then finally the day arrives when you give those presents and show off those decorations and share all of the food-and then it's over.  It's one day.  It always makes me sad.  But, every year, I enjoy preparing for that day.

So, I hope you all treat yourselves well this year.  There is a new president, new change, and I think we will be seeing a lot of history.  Celebrate your own history.  Have fun and be adventurous....!  You won't be sorry!!