how well do you love?

This week has been a rough one, not only for me but for my dear, dear Hartford. The saddest part for me isn't so much what I know that I lost, it's all of the people that don't know- who didn't realize what a champion of Hartford we lost this week... Mayor Mike was much more than a former firefighter; he was much more than a father, a husband, a son, a friend. And he was WAY much more than just any old mayor. Do you all know who is Mayor of your town? How about who was Mayor ten years ago?

See, Mayor Mike... he left a mark on all that knew him, however briefly.

During his eulogy, the Reverend Gary Miller read something that really hit home with me. It went along the lines of how it all came down to one basic question in your life:

How well did you love?

Many of you that know me, and even those of you that only read this blog probably know that I love HARD- I love FIERCE- and if you wrong someone I love, you better RUN! :) But really, just when I think my heart is full, and that I have no more room for anyone else, I find new people who move me and make their mark on me, and basically just push their way into my big old heart... not that they need to push too hard because I am standing there with arms open, and some air traffic controller mo fo's waving people in...funny, but true.

So reflect on that one question, and see how you fare.

Here are some shots from my day on Thursday..

Outside of the church a fire truck waved the flag high, and there were many, many police officers and firefighters there to show their respect for Mayor Mike. It was an incredible sight to see

The procession passed by Mayor Mike's former firehouse, Engine Company 15 by Trinity College.

This woman had everyone in tears with her sign that says 'we love you mayor mike' as she stood there and waved to everyone that passed, in the cold. What a powerful show of love and respect

The mounted police stood at attention at the entrance to Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Mayor Mike is right near my Mom, so I got to wave to her as we drove by.

A firefighter smiles to himself, probably remembering laughs and better times he had with Mayor Mike. I stood there paying my respects with this man- we both have such different memories, but I know they were full of laughs

Seeing my image on the marquee of the XL center was bittersweet- Here is a happier time, when Mike was the JP for his daughter's wedding a few summers back.

Here are two of my oldest, dearest friends who are going to be so mad I put this on here. But TOO BAD! :) We have known each other since 5th grade- and seen each other through good times and hard times and still managed to laugh the whole time...I love you guys!

A friend who went to college with Chris, Mayor Mike's son, shares a typical Mayor Mike story, complete with hilarious punch line

Here Mayor Mike's wife Jeannette prepares to take a bow after dancing to Mike's favorite song, Rockin' Robin, at the end of his memorial luncheon...it was so incredible to see, and so sad to see. She is such a wonderful woman, and she was the love of his life

I loved Bob Englehart's editorial cartoon honoring Mayor Mike

One of the best little touches they had at the luncheon were these buttons that we wore when he ran for Mayor. Kristin Ferris ran the event, she was incredible and so was her staff

This napkin was posted by the bar in Mike's restaurant- it reads: 'Live a good life- it's not the years in the life, it's the life in the years. A-Lincoln Well done Mike, and thanks'

Amy and Jocelyn, two of Bethany's close friends from PC came to town to pay their respects from Providence. I've known these two hooligans for a long, long time and I am a better person for it!

After the luncheon everyone headed over to Mayor Mike's to celebrate his life and share more stories. When the newscast came on showing clips from the funeral and interviews from the day you could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet...but I wouldn't have chosen to be anywhere else than surrounded by so many friends and family that loved and shared in such an amazing man's journey through all of our lives...


Thank you Mayor Mike for always making me feel special, for laughing at my jokes, and letting me into your family. Thank you for being one of my strongest supporters in my work and life... and thank you mostly for showing people what it is to love Hartford.

xxoo

rest in peace, mayor mike

It is with such a heavy heart that I sit here and think of everything that the Peters family is going to miss about Mayor Mike. Though he fought valiantly, he lost his battle tonight.

He was one of the funniest people I have ever met- he had the quickest wit, and the most booming, contagious laugh.

He did so many positive things for Hartford, and quickly became its biggest cheerleader and advocate.

Whenever I'd see him he'd say 'Who loves ya' baby?!'

I know I am not alone in saying that we all do, Mayor.

You will be sorely missed.

mayor mike's update!

Last night was such a blast, I want to thank everyone who came out to support not only me but all of the new nine that are currently hanging on the wall! It was a great crowd of people and I had so much fun with my family and friends... so thanks everyone!

So I brought my camera because I SWORE I was going to document it this year but Miss Amanda Harris Herzberger stripped me of my D3 and did the honors! Which was kind of nice for me to just focus on the people's reactions as they saw themselves being unveiled... ends up I couldn't really see but Amanda did a great job of catching them for me, so thanks honey!!!

There were people asking where they can buy more copies of their prints- follow this link and sign up, they should all be up by Friday from the past four years!

http://www.pictage.com/514474


Here are some highlights from the night!

My right hand gal Robin Dini and the illustrious Robert Norman, MD... pre-unveiling

Miss Krystyle double fisting it with not one but TWO Canons!

Mike has stepped over to the Canon dark side, momentarily.... it's OK he had some cocktails, he made a mistake. He is forgiven! ;)

I am clearly laughing at something Robert Norman just said!

My big guy Jack Bibbs

Jack just loves to make fart noises and was demonstrating his skill

During the unveiling Jack couldn't tell me enough that 'this is SO BORING Mom!' Like a thousand times! Thanks big guy! It was his and Georgie's first year coming... and maybe their last! ;)

Hartford Housing Authority head Alan Green with his wife just moments after they saw his portrait

Sandra Stern, another one of the nine is wiping away what I hope is a tear of joy!

Hyacinth Yenne, who is one of FIFTEEN kids...! Checks out her portrait

Little Miss Georgie Picklepuss tries to get my attention during the unveiling - I was on the other end of the restaurant

Donna Berman, who is head of the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford, gets some back patting after her portrait is unveiled

Here Donna is taking it all in...

I just can't stop smiling and laughing all night, it was so much fun to see everyone's reactions

The man, the myth, the legend...MAYOR MIKE himself!

Krystyle doing her weird one eyed willy thing while she shoots


Miss Harris talking to who?? Probably Mr. Herzberger!

Miss Freckles herself, Kim Romano!

Our good buddies Nicole & Jennifer of recent wedded bliss fame came by and spent the evening with us all... I can only imagine what Mike was telling Jen


The Marantz's in full effect!

ahh yes, Miz Dini! ooot OOOOOT!

T Minus 4 hours

See you at Mayor Mike's tonight! The unveiling is set for 7:00 but GET THERE EARLY (doors open at 5:00) it can get pretty packed and then there is a line, and then you're like, WAITING and then you might like MISS IT and stuff...! So come on down, have a nice cold drink with me and chat!

If you can only get there late, still come support something good in Hartford!

ha ha ha! Check ME out!

So every year I do Mayor Mike's they do a little write up in the Courant about the show, and pretty much every year they neglect to even mention my NAME, let alone give me any kind of props for shooting!

This year someone must have made a phone call.... which I am thankful for! I guess I am in today's Hartord Courant blabbing on and on about stuff... kind of like now!!!

It is also online as well, but no picture of me, that is only in the hard copy.

You can check it out HERE

Mayor Mike's New Nine THIS Tuesday the 22nd!

I ALMOST let this one slip by without mentioning it- what am I busy or something?? ;)

But I would be remiss if didn't let people know that this will be the fifth year I have shot Mayor Mike's New Nine for Mayor Mike's Restaurant in downtown Hartford. I have had the honor of being asked to document nine awesome people hand-picked by the former Mayor of Hartford as people who have in some way contributed to the success of Hartford as a community.

I love it not only because I love shooting it, but because I love all of the incredible people that I get to meet from all walks of life in Hartford. Musicians, artists, boxing commissioners, former NBA basketball players, educators, you name it!

Each July we have an opening / unveiling where the new nine see their pictures for the first time in front of a crowd of people- and it is BIG- 20x30 black and white prints, beautifully framed and hung. No pressure to get it right, huh??!

I am a ball of nerves because I want them to be thrilled with their images so bad- it's the ultimate in putting yourself out there to be asked to be on the wall - that's one thing- but to actually be on it, so BIG, and for an entire YEAR...? Well, that is another thing entirely!

So here are the particulars: please come and celebrate with me!

When: This TUESDAY July 22nd at 5:00

Where: Mayor Mike's restaurant, 283 Asylum Street Hartford CT

What: Unveiling / Fundraiser - (there is a small donation at the door benefitting the Greater Hartford Arts Council & Channel 3's Camp for Kids)

Here are some of my favorites from the past four years!

Luis Sanchez

Manny Liebert

Donny Marshall

Paul Brown

jennifer + geoff e-shoot

Last Thursday began what was a whirl wind of four straight intense days of shooting for me, all of which I LOVED!! It all started with an engagement shoot with Jen & Geoff who are getting married next year at one of the coolest new places in Hartford, The Gershon Fox room in the old G. Fox building right on Main street. This place is SO cool and art deco and I love it! If you are still shopping around for a venue you must check it out! So when we were planning our shoot they decided on doing a mini tour / pub crawl of downtown Hartford! Since I have been working so much lately I have been completely out of the downtown loop and was so excited to just walk around and check out all of the new places (and there are TONS) that are popping up all over Hartford! We started off, or tried to, at The Half Door, right around the corner from my studio, but it was closed for renovations- should be open now, don't worry!! We then moved on to Vaughn's on Pratt street for a pint (as Shrek says 'Can't we just settle this over a pint?') and some shots at one of their tables by the window. After that we popped in to Joe Black's, another really cool reception venue in Hartford- they let us look around and take a few shots in their space. Then we checked out the Gershon Fox room, and stumbled upon a new restaurant called Rosco's Big Dog right behind City Steam. It also turned out to be their first day open! Geoff was pumped as he is a big hot dog fan. Though he likes them plain, which is just totally weird!! So the owner made them a Big Dog on the house and they ate it Lady & the Tramp style! How cute are they? Had to do a ring shot with the mustard. Right?
Then it got crazy- we went to Tapas on Ann, the tiniest cutest place that makes the BEST pumpkin martini's; over to Agave for their killer Margaritas and guacamole and empanadas! Discovered a few new places, Dishes and The Tavern on Something right next door to Agave- it looked really swanky but in an approachable way swanky. Then we had to check out The Arch Street Tavern, my old haunt- this is where I met my husband Dave! Here we ran into some people from the Real World cast, Jen has an eagle eye for reality tv stars, what can we say? Don't ask me which season, I don't know- but one of them was Paula? And lastly, yes we hit one more place, we had to cap the night off at Mayor Mike's!! We had so much fun- I can't wait for the slide show as I have some special Carla Ten Eyck stop motion tricks up my sleeve from our shoot!! Thanks Jen & G Man for a super fun night!