Shadows

It is a lovely day outside today - the sun finally decided to peak out from beneath the clouds.

One of the things that I like most about sunny days is the reflections and shadows it brings. I enjoy being able to capture a tourist moment of shadows rather than smiles sometimes. This photo just happens to be one that I really love - waiting for the train and playing with our shadows.

I think the combination between being overexposed (we used expired film) coupled with the reflecting light from the rails gives this photo some added character. I will admit: I have been happier with past results we have gotten from the Vivitar using expired film. I guess what I most like about this picture is remembering how close we all had to stand together to be in this photo. (If you look at the very top of the image, you'll notice how you almost don't see four pairs of legs.)

Sometimes the story behind a photo is better than the photo itself. Just like sometimes the reaction to a piece of artwork is better than the actual artwork. I had a long conversation last night about the perceived "value" and "beauty" of visual artwork. Turns out the conclusion we reached is ... It is all in the eye of the beholder. Just like one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Anyway, I can't wait to start seeing blooms and blossoms. Happy sunny day!

Home away from home

Tonight it's a tribute to the homelands. Paella, serrano ham, olives, and red wine. These are only a small sampling of the many things we *love about Spain. The only thing that could be better than eating them here would be to be enjoying them with friends and family as they celebrate (well now celebrated) the day of Andalucía.

Southern Spain, much like many other places in the south, beats to a different beat and has its own flavor. People enjoy life to the fullest - the streets are always bustling with residents and tourists. Its rich heritage (and cuisine) keep people there (not to mention its balmy temperatures in the summer and temperate temps in the winter) and keep tourists coming back from more.

La tierra de amor. At least that's where the story of am. & pm. all began. Somewhere on a winding cobble stone road in the heart of Sevilla.

So tonight we raise our glasses to you, Sevilla. Salud!

(* Here a secret steal on some excellent Spanish wine: Estola Reserva. It's the tempranillo we always keep stocked in our wine rack. You can find it at Trader Joe's for under $7. A bargain well worth it. Click here for a review from albinnyc who is drinking her way through wines at Trader Joe's one glass at a time. We'll be bookmarking this site! :))

Maxwell Street Market

Is there an unwritten code that Sundays should be overcast and dreary? A day when all you want to do is sip on coffee and watch countless hours of the Olympics.

We decided to break that rhythm this Sunday (minus the coffee drinking, of course!). We wandered down to the Maxwell Street Market. Having both had plenty of experiences with the mercadillos of Spain, we thought we'd have this one pegged. One big difference: The Spanish spoken at this market does not resemble the Spanish of Spain, even if the bargains and merchandise do.

We had hoped there would be more fruits and foods, but instead it seemed like it was the week of socks, used tools, perfumes and knock-offs. (Sad to say, it appeared that a handful of items on sale - including car tires, camera lenses, and other gadgets - were either found during dumpster dives or involuntary giving.) It was an experience - a nice step out into something different. We did, however, enjoy the food. The gorditas, chicharrones and churros were delicious. (From strictly the AM perspective, I prefer Mexican churros - sweeter and easier to eat! Yum!).

All in all, it was a nice diversion to what could have been a very lazy and mundane winter Sunday.

What fun diversions to you enjoy on the weekend?

double delight

This one goes out to the incredibly crafty & sweet Papersheep. I've added the chocolate chips in with you in mind!

Lately banana muffins* have been my fall back plan. We never seem to be able to eat them all before they start getting overripe. This doesn't bother me in the slightest - it's an excuse to bake! I really like using a banana bread recipe and making muffins. I've found they last longer, stay fresher, and are a much better serving size.

Here's to one of my (many) comfort foods: baked good. Hoorah!

+On an unrelated note, I have to add that I *love* how this photo came out. Our metallic cheese grater was to the right and I love how it's reflection dances across the image. A very pleasant surprise when I took a closer look at the image on the computer. I heart photo surprises!

*This is not the exact recipe I used. I like to add cinnamon & all spice. If you'd like mine, I'd be happy to share. :)

Big city, small world

Note: This is not a tilt-shift (boy, it would be nice to have one of those lenses!). It's a photo of a miniature.

I guess this particular photo makes me think about how small we are in relation to everything, yet how interconnected everything is at that same time. Our existence in the universe is a mere dust spec, but our impact can be so much greater.

I am often reminded about a family trip to Italy. As we meandered through many long and narrow streets in quest for the city's "best gelato," I happened to run into an old friend from college. What are the odds that on a small street in Rome I'd run into a friend from across the big pond? Well, slim to none. Not to mention that my family and I were completed lost, my friend was not. It certainly was very pleasant surprise. Even if the gelato place had already closed for the day, it was a sweet reunion with a friend. :)

It's an experience like that which reminds me of just how small the world really is. You can live in a big city surrounded by strangers, but then venture out some given day and run into a familiar face. It's truly fascinating!

Where is the most random place you have run into someone you know?

i < 3 hearts

I love how sometimes the most mudane things can make such nice photos. This stained glass heart has probably been attached to this window for years, and it wasn't until a recent visit that we were inspired by its charm.

And, yes, having it being a bright, sunny day and watching the red reflection bounce off the walls certainly did help catch our eye.



With Valentine's Day now under our belts, we'd like to reflect on some of the things we love:
<3 Morning espresso, freshly ground
<3 Walks, both urban and rural
<3 Sweets! (Especially those made from home, like our citris cookies... mmm!)
<3 Lazy Sunday afternoons
<3 Red wine (from the homelands...Spain)
<3 Snail mail & homemade cards

Oh, and how the list continues.

What are some of your loves?

We are back on Etsy...

... and hopefully won't make it to regretsy ;)

We just relisted some older magnetic goodies and are proud (and very excited!) to announce our newest listing to our shop: Metallic Holga 5x5 Prints. Not to toot our own horns, but we've got to say these prints turned out absolutely amazing, and the photos of the photos do not do it justice.

We also had some larger prints made. (Sorry ya'll - they are for us, not for sale. :)). We'll be sure to post some pictures of these too, once we have them up on our walls.

If you are interested in any of these prints, please leave a comment. This way we can apply the necessary discount for our fans. :o)