What a Long Strange Week It’s Been–New York, NY

Photo Credit: Charles Sykes, AP

I’m taking a break from Fine Art Friday today to share a few thoughts on the last week, which was bizarre to say the least.

I feel lucky.  Lucky that my family is alive, healthy, and safe.  Prior to the storm, a family in our neighborhood experienced a horrific tragedy in which they lost two of their three children.  I cannot begin to imagine their loss.  I can’t stop thinking about it–I think about it when I put my daughter to bed, when I walk her around the neighborhood, and when I give her a bath, and I vow not to take my time with her for granted.

With our community still reeling from this murder, Superstorm Sandy roared into the area and left parts of our city in shambles.  Aside from losing many trees and subway service, our neighborhood fared very well because we are on high ground.  Luckily, we still have power, water, and heat.  Most stores have reopened, though the parks remain closed.  But the devastation elsewhere is unbelievable.  I give credit to the photojournalists who braved the elements to record the storm and its aftermath–their images are unreal.  My heart goes out to the 75 people who lost their lives, to the many who lost their homes, and to those who are still in the dark.  I’m not sure how I got so lucky, but I’m grateful.

Here are a few before/during/after iPhone snaps.  Here’s to hoping next week is a little closer to normal.

Left: My friend’s house in Westport, Ct, first high tide on Oct. 29th.  Right: My friend’s street in Brooklyn, second high tide on Oct. 29th.