Happy Birthday, MaQ!

It's my boy's birthday today! In honor of turning '3', I made him 3 doggy burger sliders with a few unseasoned french fries! I know, I know. Say all you want, but my boy is only turning 3 once, so you betcha he got spoiled! :)

I made the burgers as healthy as possible for my pooch. No seasoning on the ground beef, and because he does eat raw meat in his diet, I just grilled them in a cast iron on each side for a couple of minutes, then layering those bad boys with sharp cheddar cheese. The buns are potato rolls and the only addition to his dinner is lettuce (which was of course his least favorite.) LOL! And he loves french fries so I threw in a couple as a side. Oh my goodness, am I something else or what? Whatever, I love my dog!

Don't worry. My boy did not have any Stella Artois. Even though he is technically 21 years old in human years now, I still did not allow my fur baby to consume any beer. It was just a fun prop to go with his birthday meal! Doesn't he look so happy? The camera loves him!

He's never had a burger before! As you can see, he really seemed to dig his dinner! Heck, if it was my birthday and someone presented me with this, I'd be happy myself! Ha ha ha! I love to give MaQ all different experiences in life, and both being foodies at heart, chowing down on some good ole' American burgers is one of them!

So many whiskers! I just love that big black nose!  ♥ ❤ ❥

Happiest Birthday to my guardian angel and my best friend. I am forever grateful for you, faithful pal. Thank you for being my everything. Your unconditional love can move mountains and your loyalty is profound. You enrich my life and make it so meaningful. I love you with every fiber of my being and I am so glad we are together, doing all of it and more, side-by-side. To you, McQueen. I hope you had a wonderful day!
Thanks for stopping by and joining in on our celebration of life and love!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

First Street Graffiti

This week's graffiti is at the First Street Green Art Park, filled with lots of new and colorful street murals. I wanted to first start with a photo of all the many faces of MaQ, in reference to the Global Freedom Exchange Mural behind him. This mural was created last week by 24 female activists from around the world. It was led by artist and activist Panmela Castro. The women had been on a two week mentoring program advocating the stop and prevention to all human trafficking where they met with government officials to "discuss best practices with NGO leaders, provide donors with knowledge about funding needs and the best mechanisms for support, and learn about collaborative approaches to working with local law enforcement." (firststreetgreenartpark.org) During this graffiti workshop, the group discussed the issue of trafficking and then picked up spray cans to express their conversation through the mural. Just like my pooch, there are 4 different faces and I only took a photo with one of the faces to demonstrate this symbolism, as the message is clear: Hope. Change. Love. Justice. And that one voice mantra. We all have it, and we all should be allowed to use it when we feel necessary. And with that one voice, this is where we can get the change, the hope, the love, and the justice we all humanly deserve.

Look at my fur baby! I love this shot of him because not only does he look handsome (of course, he always does), but because his head stands for the letter, 'L', in 'LOVE', becoming a part of the mural. What a lover boy. I never get sick of photographing him. I mean, can you blame me? ;)

A little farther down into this area, we stumbled upon this amazing peacock! This art piece is by D. Gale. partnered with the Centre Fuge Public Art Project. I don't think I have ever seen a graffiti peacock since I've been in New York. This one is so spectacular, you have to see it for yourself! Don't they both look so fly?

The last piece is an Hiss Art mural that's just weird and authentic. Kitty cat, kitty cat, where are you? Clearly, MaQ loves 'em. Ha ha! This was on the end of a gray trailer, where the peacock is also displayed around the side, and this trailer is used as a temporary office for workers on the Houston Restoration Project and the 2nd Avenue subway line. The trailer always exhibits new murals, but since we've haven't been around here as of late, and that we've never blogged this section before, what better day than today? :)

Hope you had fun stopping by! Guess who's got a birthday coming up?! My boy is going to be 3 years old on Thursday and I can't believe it! Where does the time go? When you're having too much fun, I guess. Stay tuned for more adventures coming up soon!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

My Favorite Model

I love how my pup, maQ, helps me practice my photography skills and creativity. He sits, he stands, he turns, he lays down, etc. He is so patient and is always happy to make me happy. He aims to please.

Since I normally post all my photos of maQ on his Instagram account, I thought it'd be nice to share some more recent portraits of my boy on the blog! Autumn in New York brings the most sensational light and I've been using maQ as an inspirational muse! I love these (Canon) portraits of him, they just scream happiness. Don't get me wrong, I adore the graffiti posts and all his goofy cuddly candid shots; I even love the ones I take from my iPhone, but it's nice for a change to pick up a real camera and get some honest photographs of my beloved pet.

Look at him on the go! He even helps me hone in on those action shots!

BAM! Look at the muscle tone on him! Macho man... isn't he in great shape?!

My favorite time of day to shoot is during the golden hour. This takes place right after sunrise or before sunset, the first and last hour of sunlight in the day. This daylight gives photos a redder and softer touch, making any photo extra beautiful and extra spectacular. Isn't my fella so incredibly gorgeous? What soulful eyes! It's undeniable! I have such a majestic creature. :)

I cannot wait to spend my favorite season with you! Thanks boy, for being you and for letting me be me with you! We are such a pair. Everyday I am so grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful, sweet-loving dog. Just thank you. Thank you, love.

Here's my goofball starting off his Friday right! Time to dirty up the mouth and get down on some serious action! Play! Play! Play! And then, more play! Ha ha!

Until next time, have a nice weekend!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz