Photo Blogging Challenge – Black and White

The theme for the August photo blogging challenge was “Black and White”.

I just let myself take photos for the month to see what would happen (my usual approach) and unintentionally, all the photos for this month are also art.

The first photo is in color, but I think it still fits the theme.

Live dancers in the Peabody Essex Museum Rodin exhibit

I was literally in awe of the dancers! Such a great idea to ask them to preform as part of the Rodin sculpture exhibit. A pleasant surprise to stumble upon!

Jef Aerosol spray paint art at Northeastern University

I had a temp work assignment at Northeastern University for the last 2 months of August. I didn’t realize how much art is on the campus.

Cy Young

Before Fenway Park was built, the original ballpark was where Northeastern University is today. This statue of Cy Young marks the site of the pitchers mound.

I don’t know much about this woman and child sculpture, but it’s in the lobby of a building at Northeastern University that I walked through on my way to an event.

Fox by Meena Chompunut Ditchaiwong

Finally, art from the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy, MA makes an appearance. It’s been a few months since the library has been the location for one of my challenge photos, but it’s a frequent muse.

This is the first challenge I’ve edited photos to fit the theme. I used the Moon filter on Instagram on the 2 NU statues.

This monthly photo blogging challenge is facilitated by PJ of the Northeast Bloggers Network.

Thanks for inspiring me to take more photos!

Visiting Salem

On the week of my birthday, I decided to head north to Salem, MA and visit the Peabody Essex Museum before the city gets over run with fall tourists.

Entrance of the Peabody Essex Museum

The Rodin exhibit had these awesome dancers demonstrating sculpture poses

Frequent readers know I love historic building photos

Hope you enjoyed visiting Salem & PEM through my photos.

Boston Sports Clubs Salutes First Responders in Boston

I am constantly in awe of first responders in the Boston area.

I watch the show Boston EMS on ABC (in it’s second season – I recommend it).

I have an Uncle that’s a firefighter in MA & his wife, my Aunt & God Mother, is a 911 operator in the same city.

So, with love of first responders in my heart, I wanted to spread the word that Boston Sports Clubs is honoring first responders with free memberships in August.

Boston Sports Clubs is honoring the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to save the lives of others by deeming August, “First Responder Appreciation Month.” Throughout August, the company is offering complimentary gym memberships to all police, fire, EMS and military personnel, inviting them to work out for free at any Greater Boston location, including Back Bay, Newbury Street, Prudential Center, Downtown Crossing, Beacon Hill, South End, South Station, Fenway, and Government Center.

To any first responders who are already members, they may bring a guest for free workouts throughout August.

Parent company Town Sports International has a long history supporting first responders, dating back to 2003 when the company partnered with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to provide memberships for over 10,000 candidates so they had free access to train for the FDNY physical exam – the department’s first exam following the events of  September 11, 2001. The offer complements the recently launched Bravest & Finest workout, a workout inspired by the physical challenges required to become a first responder.

“We recognize the tremendous physical and mental commitment that it takes to be a first responder,” said Michelle Ryan, CMO of Town Sports International. “We are truly grateful to all the men and women who respond without hesitation to protect and serve our neighborhoods and appreciate their daily commitment to keeping us safe.”

The first responders’ complimentary membership at Boston Sports Clubs runs through August 31, 2016. For more information on membership details and club locations, please visit www.mysportsclubs.com.

Getting Back to Fitness – Seaport Sweat Boot Camp

The Seaport area of Boston has gotten into the free fitness game, starting last night.

You may have noticed that there hasn’t been much writing about workouts on this blog lately.

With health issues and searching for a job after a January lay off, I haven’t made the time for fitness that I should have. And then, it never gets easier to start again when you feel like you’re back to square one fitness level wise.

That changed for me last night when I attended a boot camp workout lead by Athena.

It was as I feared, my stamina for working out is practically non-existent.

My work out tops are too small for me due to weight gain, and I should probably buy new ones, but I was done using that as my excuse.

But, I showed up, did what I could, and got a great workout in – that my legs are still sore from today. I feel accomplished.

I’ll work up to taking back to back classes with Athena’s boot camp and Monique’s Kickboxing.

Athena’s in the middle with her back to the camera, demoing burpees

I am on the right side, in the pink, looking exhausted.

Want to get in on the free fitness fun?

Check out the full list of free Seaport Sweat Fitness classes

Seaport Sweat runs until October 31.

Star Trek / Boston Comic Con Red Sox Night

Boston Comic Con coming up in August (my birthday weekend) the Boston Red Sox will host a Star Trek / Boston Comic Con themed game night on August 12th at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox game will include a limited edition Captain Kirk Red Sox figurine and the ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk.

More details and tickets are available at http://m.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/info/star-trek

Edit: I got tickets to the game, so I’ll be there for all the geeky fun.