This time of the year is quite possibly the most magical in NYC. Nature is just starting to reappear after a long Winter slumber and it's not a slow awakening. One day you walk outside and a tree is bare and then the next day it's covered with buds or fully opened flowers. Magnolias are usually the first and eager to make an appearance. I found a couple of trees putting on quite a show. White magnolias are quick to emerge as they only need to feel a little bit of warmth to know it's their time to shine. The pink heavier and regal magnolias tend to open more slowly as you can see below. When the trees are in full bloom it's a truly magnificent spectacle as I saw last year when all the trees bloomed at the same time at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and their fragrance was a heavenly assault on the senses. This year, Spring has been shy to arrive, but it's just as encouraging and hopeful to see scattered blooms here and there. It's a firm promise of warmer times ahead!

I often walk around NYC and find myself in neighborhoods like Chelsea, Flatiron & Herald Square. By far, my favorite sight is the Empire State Building. In a way, it's like the Mona Lisa's eyes. Everywhere you go it follows you and it is beautiful, imposing and statuesque from every angle. My favorite time of the day to shoot it is in the morning when the sun shines right on it and the windows sparkle. Above are some of the shots I've taken of this omnipresent landmark. I confess, I've only been upstairs once, and I"ve not yet been to the observation deck made famous by so many films, including the beloved classics Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember. The tourist lines are usually wrapped around the block! I cannot wait to photograph it at night some day very soon. Of course, everyone takes photos of it, but I feel privileged to have the chance to do it on regular basis.

Macy's & the Empire, and Empire & The Garden prints available!

The Empire State Building as seen in Sleepless in Seattle. I wonder if they'll ever do an actual heart shaped lighting display for Valentine's Day?

Congratulations Deanna W., winner of the Monochromatic Nostalgia Photo Art Calendar!

Thank you all so much for entering. I hope you'll keep in touch with OneDay and check out the latest images, photo stories, new items & upcoming giveaways. Next one will be in the Spring. What would you like win: Home decor: a large print or poster, a set of coasters or an accessory/wearable item like a tee or phone case?

On other news, I've now added a profile on ZenFriends. A fabulous phone and tablet app that gives you access to photos and art by hundreds of photographers while on the go. I spent a good deal of time today immersed in beautiful and unique fine art, landscapes and portraits by fellow photographers. If you're just looking for a moment of zen during the day, this is definitely an app worth checking out! More importantly the app takes you directly to the photogs official websites to browse further or purchase if you so desire. 

What do you think of the new rich brown look of the website? I thought the lovely sepia, weathered tone matched well with the textured landmark photography of NYC that is a large part of my portfolio. I've also shared a little more about OneDay here. Thank you! :)