"M is for Mother, Migration, Movement, Monster" Monster78's Profile

Please allow me to share...

The monument, Eleven Iron Men, was dedicated to those who built the Empire State Building. Diligent and brave, these construction workers were unaware that their labour would one day symbolize fortitude.

I took this photograph while strolling though Soho, NYC. The monument was strapped onto a four-by-four truck and was parked to showcase. Late afternoon, the sun had settled behind tall buildings and the moment to expose the man's detailed faces seemed perfect.

I'm not a photographer. I pale in comparison to those who choose this art as a form of self-expression and world observations.

However, the object was inspiring and I do enjoy the possibility to emulate an artist's work.

what I imagine is art...

Toronto, Canada: Signs in my head

It's a withered telephone pole covered in ads, carvings of who loves who, and who will show you a good time if you call the number shown.

It's above the signs and far above my head. Someone in the Bohemian district of Toronto also thought like me: in which way shall I go that I might see something new?

It can be dizzying at times, but I don't mind vertigo.

and what I've seen during my short travels...

Tonle Sap, Cambodia: Khmer man's journey

Above the engine powered slow boat, I peer below at the man's belongings. He is en route, like me, but to where I am uncertain.

"Excuse me, sir, please don't move. I'd like to capture this moment because you and your wares make the contrasting turquoise paint come to life." I ask politely in the privacy of my head.

I'm drawn to color. I appreciate the fading but once bright color of the boat's deck to his peach short sleeve shirt. The unripe green bananas next to crumpled white bags and a background of dark rippling waters creates a dimensional effect.

and to what I faithfully believe....

Bohol, Philippines: My heart, His cross

On each side of the wooden pew is a simple cross carving. They are unassuming in size and location and could easily be overlooked for the Baclayon church's more intricate figures.

I hear Him whisper to me, "child, rest your weary head here."
"I cannot, Lord, for I don't deserve your love."

"The cross was mine to bear and I ask no more from you."
"I cannot come near to you, Jesus, for I have sinned deeply."

"But what sin have I not cleansed with my own blood?" Said He.
"Oh child," the Lord grieved. "I will love you still without your love"

And when I left through the cathedral doors, He walked beside me and whispered once more, "child, rest your weary head here."

How I've blurred the lines of reality and fantasy-

Stockholm, Sweden: Kungstradgarden at night

Kungstradgarden is lit with bright bulbs. Hasse suggested we enjoy the cold, brisk, night and skate through the crisp air. I agreed delightfully.

A quintessential Swedish evening with the blaring sounds of Roxette in the background. I skated around in circles and he followed me, preparing to catch me if I would fall.

I'll remember Stockholm in this precise moment...

in order to appreciate life's natural splendor...

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Butterfly

The family of two men, six women, one girl, and one boy stood beneath the ceiling fan that whipped hot air in circles around them.

Puerto Vallarta was humid and often times, stifling during this time of year, but they insisted a trip to the tequila factory would provide a healthy, adventurous, distraction.

One of the women first noticed the butterfly near the entrance of the garden. It did not move, effortlessly paused upon the leaf.

She zoomed in for an intimate photograph and before interrupting its' peace and quiet, she framed and clicked.

The tequila, she thought, was equally wonderful.

and watch natures slow integration into human art.

Angkor, Cambodia: Nature vs. Man

Nature runneth over human endeavor.

Gradually, languidly, over the hand carved stones the Bayon tree clings firmly to the temple.

It is a magnificent site. Tree kings posing majestically, hovering above the humans who stand transfixed. Such royalty does not bow to us, but to God.

Amidst the calamity that consistently mars human history, these tree kings symbolically reclaim their inheritance: earth.

I humbly invite the opportunity to travel....

Above St. Bart's, French West Indies

St. Bart's is paradise for the global elite and one of their upcoming members is my dear friend. I am here by invitation.

It is breathtaking. The serene waters, jutting green cliffs, and soft tan sands are gifts to those privileged. The sailboats are as aloof as their inhabitants and in the clean luxurious town, one can see every form of material wealth in movement or stillness.

Oh, if only all that yearn for a moment of peace could, too, have this opportunity.

Intro Updated Jan 26, 2007
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raykey Mar 8, 2010 at 2:20 PM

Hi 'M', Happy birthday and best wishes from the U.K. Nice time on your special day.
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tremendopunto Jul 8, 2009 at 6:43 AM

I wish I could, I dont travel that much, was my first trip this year. Hey, great what you do in the Philipines, great job!
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Martin_S. Mar 8, 2009 at 12:15 AM

Did they ever remove the Iron Men statue from that truck?? and where did they finally place it?? I have a friend here who does similar work, but they use safety lines, helmets and nets today. Martin
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jumpingnorman Nov 6, 2008 at 6:50 PM

That is a cool pic of the Iron Men -- looks like it's high up in the air. Will definitely look for it in Soho...also, the Living Water Project is inspiring...thanks for helping Filipinos!
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brewjohnson Nov 6, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Very cool photo of the Iron Men. Do you know where its permanent residence is?
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roamer61 Jul 1, 2008 at 7:31 AM

Hi M. Your in NY and you didn't sign up for my VT meeting last month? Tsk tsk.
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devrimelmas Mar 8, 2008 at 4:28 AM

happy birthday on womens day
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Bokhari76 Mar 8, 2008 at 12:58 AM

Hi M. Happy Birthday to you. Wish you many happy returns of the day.
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nicolaitan Mar 7, 2008 at 7:58 PM

best wishes for a happy birthday and a healthy upcoming year from across the East River. N.
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kokoryko Jan 1, 2008 at 11:41 PM

Bonne Année 2008, M. Have a beautiful year.