Boston: Spring 2013

“There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

Stay Strong Boston.

Boston: Boston Marathon 2013

Yesterday tragedy struck close to home.

It's unsettling to think that bad things can happen anytime, anywhere.

Lives were lost, so many brutally injured and the rest are in shock, that a city, just trying to host a marathon, can't do so in peace.

I was supposed to meet Danielle yesterday at the finish line at 3pm, and was talking to Ana on Twitter about doing the same.

I was hesitant to leave the house, taking longer than usual to get dressed, dilly-dallying in the weirdest way, which is strange, because I'm always up for photographing events in the city and normally would have been out much earlier.

I was half an hour late, I got there at 3:30pm, wondering why so many people looked distraught, some crying. I wondered why everyone was on their phones. I wondered why there were so many ambulances and cop cars racing by, more than average for a marthon, I thought. Then I overheard someone say there were two explosions at the finish line.

I'm so thankful that both Danielle and Ana are safe, and that those we knew who were either running or volunteering in the area are also okay.

I'm so touched by all the family and friends who reached out via phone, text, email and tweets, even Instagram friends who reached out, and I thank you for your thoughts and concern.

We continue to mourn those who were killed and pray for those who are injured. Boston is one of the strongest cities that I have come to know since living here, and I know that we will be able to persevere.

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Was so happy to see this family reunite!

Boston: Pillow Fight 2013

International Pillow Fight Day took place on April 6 at North Point Park in Cambridge, this year.

At precisely 3pm, it was game on!

I got pummeled in the head a few times (because I was carrying a pillow and trying to get some shots) in the center of all the action! I managed to swing a few myself, too.

Will you join in next year?

Boston: L.J. Peretti Co. Tobacconists & Cigar Merchants

Location:

2 1/2 Park Sq, Boston, MA 02116

http://www.ljperetti.com

Sounding like something out of Harry Potter, with the 2 1/2 Park Sq address, L.J Peretti's is a new discovery, for me, but an institution in Boston, having been in the city for over 140 years and has seen the likes of Bing Crosby, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.

Alan and Ginnie, who I introduced to you before in Amsterdam, were visiting with us in Boston last week, and Ginnie stumbled upon L.J Peretti's on one of her walks and wanted to take Alan (a pipe smoker and tobacco connoisseur) there.

Naturally, I wouldn't miss seeing a new (to me) place in Boston. I felt like I was in a Diagon Alley world!

Where the tabacco gives an earthy-ness to the air and the lingering puffs of smoke hover lazily above. Where a smartly dressed man smokes a cigar in the afternoon, sitting on a leather chair that is both sturdy and familiar. Where tins of tobacco and hand-made briar pipes line the walls and cigar boxes blanket every last inch of the counter.

The star of the show, though, are the brass scales. As classic as you can get! 

I'm not a smoker, but after stepping into this historic society, I wanted to be a part of its world...and of course, anything with a "Co." in its name is a friend of mine!

Valentines Day Photo shoot Offer!

$199 for a 1 hour shoot in Downtown Boston 5 spots available! Book before Feb 21 2013 and the special can be used anytime between now and June 30 2013 Makes a great GIFT! You can be engaged or a mom and daughter (for Mother's Day), BFFs, siblings, or simply treat yourself to a photo shoot! 50% deposit is required upon booking to secure your spot! Call 617-803-6348 or email hoggerandco@yahoo.com Offer ends Feb 21 2013