Urban | Virtually Gina

Cosmic New York

April 22, 2020 by Gina Marie

“Think of yourself in a cosmic context,” someone once suggested. It seemed like easier advice to take when I was out and about. In quarantine, sure, I go for daily walks and enjoy the fresh Brooklyn air. (An oxymoron, right? But it actually IS fresh, since carbon emissions have fallen since mid-March.) Meanwhile, I haven’t been across the river to Manhattan in about 5 weeks, although it feels like ages. I miss the window-shopping, the people-watching, the stunning skyscraper views. […]

Categories: Brooklyn, New York, New York City, NYC, Photo Journal, Photography, Surrealism, Urban • Tags: Brooklyn, Manhattan, New York City, Photography, Quarantine

Brooklyn Quiet

April 2, 2020 by Gina Marie

The streets of Brooklyn were mostly empty. The few brave souls outdoors wore masks, scarves, or bandanas around their faces to keep virus at bay. A sign posted on a lamppost encouraged neighbors to stay connected in spite of the shelter-in-place order, now in its second month. And yet, the flowering trees still bloomed. Their message: your worldly illusions have been shattered, but deep within the earth, it’s business as usual.

Categories: America, Brooklyn, Nature, New York, New York City, NYC, Photography, Spooky, Spring, Urban • Tags: Brooklyn, nature, New York City, Photography, Spring, Urban

Oaxaca, Day 16

June 2, 2019 by Gina Marie

The novelty of my trip wore off two days ago. Don’t get me wrong, this city is awesome and I’m happy to be here. Still, I miss certain comforts of home (but let me make it crystal clear that not ONCE has the NYC subway system been one of them). Too, there are things I have grown to appreciate about Oaxaca: the mountains, for example, or the guy who sells tamales from his bicycle and announces his presence by calling […]

Categories: Architecture, Gratitude, Mexico, Oaxaca, Photography, Travel, Urban • Tags: Architecture, iPhoneography, Mexico, Oaxaca, Travel

Day 8 in Oaxaca

May 25, 2019 by Gina Marie

I love it here in the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca. The capital, Oaxaca de Juárez, which I have dubbed “ODJ”, makes for the perfect balance between relaxed and urban, and between grounded and sublime. ODJ is an undeniably unique, colorful, and charming city. Inquiring about my travels, my sister recently asked, “So, is this the real Mexico, or are there lots of Americans there?” I answered, “Both.” And for the next four weeks, I am fortunate to be among them.

Categories: Architecture, Art, Color, Life, Light, Love, Mexico, Mural, Oaxaca, Photo Journal, Photography, Travel, Urban • Tags: Architecture, Gratitude, Journey, Journeys, Mexico, Mural, Murals, Oaxaca, Photo Journal, Photography, Travel, Urban

Oaxaca City, México

May 20, 2019 by Gina Marie

In my last post, I mentioned how much I adored México and that I would return. This wasn’t just a pipe dream! My desire manifested and thus, 4 months later, I find myself in the Southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, whose capital (where I am stationed for the next month) is called Oaxaca de Juarez, a.k.a. Oaxaca City. Below are a few images I have captured so far.

Categories: Art, Healing, Mexico, Moon, Oaxaca, Photo Essay, Photo Journal, Photography, Travel, Urban • Tags: Art, Mexico, Oaxaca, Photography, Travel

Mexico City, Mexico

January 22, 2019 by Gina Marie

One week in Mexico City and I learned one thing for sure: that is, I must go back. Fascinating architecture, colorful street art, kind people, and incredibly delicious food–what’s not to love? Here are a few of my favorite moments, captured via iPhone X. I do hope that you’ll enjoy them!

Categories: Architecture, Color, Mexico, Mexico City, Mural, Photo Journal, Photography, Travel, Urban • Tags: Architecture, Mexico, Mexico City, Photography, Travel, Urban

Lessons Learned from a Year in New York

April 21, 2018 by Gina Marie

I’ve always loved cities. I love the hustle and bustle, the cool architecture, the colorful street art. When my husband and I made the decision to move from suburban Monmouth County, New Jersey, to the crown jewel of all American cities last year, it seemed like a dream come true. From the very beginning, I knew that there would be sacrifices. Steep housing costs and cramped living quarters were just the beginning. In preparation, I got rid of as much […]

Categories: America, Humor, Memoir, New York, New York City, Personal, Recovery, Urban • Tags: Humor, Memoir, New York, New York City

Just Be Here With Me: People-Watching in NYC

November 23, 2017 by Gina Marie

I see you walking, talking, looking at your phone not wanting to be alone. You’re never alone: so many places, spaces, people to see. We’re in NYC. Let’s take a selfie.

Categories: America, Brooklyn, New York, New York City, Nikon, NYC, Photo Essay, Photo Journal, Photography, Travel, Urban • Tags: Brooklyn, Candid, Manhattan, Mickey Mouse, New York, New York City, Photography, Urban

Exploring Brooklyn

July 5, 2017 by Gina Marie

Not all who wander are lost. I’ve lived in Brooklyn a full two months, and I’ve finally started to explore the city. My first month in this area consisted of mainly unpacking, figuring out all the minute details of life in this new region (selling my car, getting familiar with the subway, finding my way around, job-hunting), and also recovering from a summer cold that hit me hard. I found a few yoga studios that I like, although I haven’t started teaching since I’ve been here. It may be […]

Categories: America, Art, Brooklyn, Mural, New York, New York City, Nikon, Photo Journal, Photography, Urban • Tags: Brooklyn, Bushwick, Green Point, Murals, New York, New York City, Photography, Urban