My Brother's Baptism

 Every Easter Sunday, except for one particularly cold, bitter morning, my church holds a sunrise service. Despite having to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and leave the comfort of my bed, I find the beach to hold a different kind of comfort. This morning was particularly special. My youngest brother was getting baptized in the frigid cold of the Sound (the Atlantic). This monumental moment brought tears to my eyes as I watched my brother dedicate his life to the most glorious purpose. I am a very proud and sentimental sister. We begin by gathering and singing as the sun paints our faces orange and pink and we paint with our praises.

 

This next set of photos I've called "The Redeemer's March," it is a set of black and whites that portray the linear events that occurred in my brother's baptism.

 

Dying Eggs on a Saturday

I had wanted to do something outside the box for Easter Egg dying, so I decided to try something I saw on a blog a few year past. Collect a few trimmings from plants around the house and backyard. Bind them to the egg using old pairs of tights or pantyhose.  Let them soak in the dye for five minutes each, then carefully remove wrapping after they are dry.
 

 (A mixture of my father's and my eggs, I am glad to have a dad who will dye eggs with his daughter)

Care Package

 

 In addition to some funky bandanas and a much needed pair of sunglasses, I received several sets of earrings, some verging a bit toward the 90's. I love doing package exchanges, where two people send each other letters, or a book, or a bracelet, or some trinket from their place in exchanges for something of yours. It is a fun and mysterious way of getting to know someone and building a connection with people all over.

The Dawn of Spring in NYC

 

This past week I had been feeling suffocated under a mountain of day to day life; doctors, classes, midterms, work, feelings, relationship, family...and I just needed a getaway. Luckily, I love a a train ride away from New York City, where I walked from Grand Central to Chinatown and back. I let each step (about 10 miles worth of them) carry away my stress and allowed my mind to wander freely because the miracle of NYC is that you are such a small little piece of this grand puzzle. 

My first stop was a farmers market where I downed a few free sample of champagne and admired the collection of fresh eggs and fruits. I sampled homemade jams and jellies and stopped to admire the flowers, most of which I wish I could have brought home with me to liven up my room. 

 (The raspberry was by far the best.)

As I went I admired the architecture, it really is some of the most beautiful in the world.

This little park I stumbled across was strewn with a mess of people and street performers. I took from free advice from an older man who told me to be a warrior because he saw a fighting spirit in me.
 The younger man next to him, name Anderson, asked me to be in his documentary about his life in New York City. Next to them was an amazing Piano Player. The Advice Givers and Piano Player had a bit of a back and forth lighthearted spat going on which was entertaining to become a part of.

 

 (Stopped for a waffle with dinges before making my way into Chinatown)

(There is a place that sells Five dumplings for $1)

There is something wonderful about the streets of New York, it might have something to do with the abundance of art. I couldn't even capture the best of it on with my camera. 

 

To end my day I went to a chill Indian restaurant/ hookah bar and enjoyed the atmosphere and a cold seltzer. By chance my good friend, Mary, called me and asked to go see a movie. I told her I was in the city. Funny enough, so we she. We met up at Grand Central and took the train home. It was a busy and free day and I fell asleep soundly when I got home.