Welcome Strong Baby Isaac!

My nephew Isaac was born today!

I've only heard bits and pieces of his birth.... it was a long labor (48 plus hours!)... there were scary moments... my sister-in-law and brother exhausted (of course!).... I was worried.

But here I am elated that he's graced us with his presence and all I can think is how strong he must be.... Strong willed for sure (I mean, 48 hours, really?).... but strong, most importantly, from a health standpoint. He gets that from his mother, who definitely had her fill of pulling every bit of strength she had to bring him into this world!

So my picture today represents the strength and long life that elephants embody.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Isaac! May your life be full of strength, happiness and love!

Masai Mara, Kenya.

UPDATE: April 29th: Isaac One Day Old!

I think he has Coniglio eyes! :-)

A New Happy Family.

Mama.

Papa.

New York Botanical Beauty

I had the fortunate experience of visiting the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx this past Saturday with my sister-in-laws. We made it with one day to spare to take in the Orchid Show....

It's amazing the amount of life and beauty in the middle of a city... I was in awe all day and grateful to have my camera to capture these shots.

Have a beautiful day!

Documenting My Africa Journey: Mathare Slum - Part Two

Part Two represents many of the emotions of my journey through the Mathare slum and meeting the beautiful children of the Mathare Early Childhood Development Centre.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words and I say these following pictures definitely speak for themselves.

If you'd like to support these children consider visiting We the Change and making a donation.

Documenting My Africa Journey: Mathare Slum - Part One

I had the amazing opportunity to meet 31 children and their 3 teachers in the Mathare slums at the Mathare Early Childhood Development Centre a few weeks ago. I took many photos of the school, the environment and also took portraits of each child which I am printing up, so they have a hard copy of a picture of themselves.

It is so hard to describe the many emotions I had as I walked through and took hundreds of photos. I still can't believe that people live in such squalor yet can be as happy as these children and their teachers.

Below is Part One of sampling of my day. The work that We the Change Foundation is doing is so inspirational... I am truly humbled every time I think about it.

This is their "playground".... right outside of the classroom.

The incredible teachers... Such personality and LOVE for the children.

Perspiration from the games played...

The classroom... No bigger than 15X15 for 31 children.

Standing in line patiently waiting to get their portraits taken.

One of the portraits... Look how cute this little guy is?!

Having fun with the camera.

Buddies.

Reflections Challenge: March Water

Water was an interesting one for me being in Kenya this last month - where water doesn't seem to be abundant, but one day we ventured to the beautiful Lake Naivasha where there are known to be thousands of flamingos flock to this one area. The reflections picture below does not depict the sheer volume, so I put another picture below to give you a taste of that.

What I love about this reflection is the on the middle left of the spread wings of one of the flamingos. So beautiful!

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Documenting My Africa Journey - Beautiful Diani and The Indian Ocean.

Every day I feel more and more fortunate for this adventure I'm on in Africa and these last few days are no exception! Words can't describe the beauty of Diani Beach and the Indian Ocean, so I thought I'd share some images to help me illustrate!

Please visit my Images For Better Project here where you can purchase the first photo below and all proceeds will go to the Lake Tanganyika Floating Medical Clinic Project.

Documenting My Africa Journey - Kenya Flowers.

Everywhere you turn there are beautiful flowers here. I've been snapping away and here are just a few that I captured at a Tea Farm as well as at a nearby garden.

And a picture of my yummy tea! :-)

Documenting My Africa Journey - Kenya's Giraffes.

OK - I have to say, giraffes have always been a favorite animal of mine, but now I am even fonder. They are just so unique and have this disposition about them that is so serene. I just love when they stare at you as they chomp on a tree as if to say - not so much - "What are you looking at?", but more -"Let's eat together." They have this inviting way about them... makes you want to sit for several minutes and admire their beauty.

Here are a few giraffes that I captured (mostly in The Mara):

My sister, Christine and I getting our chance to feed the giraffe's at Giraffe Manor near Nairobi.