BRIAN MURPHY IMAGES

Mother and Son

2011-06-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Pieta
Holy Rosary Church
Jersey City, New Jersey

A section of a restored statue of the Pieta. A beautiful restoration by the artist Nancy Forte.

Wood and Green

2011-01-08T03:13:00.000-08:00

Wood and Green
Brookdale Park
Montclair, New Jersey

Interesting tree with small evergreen in the background. Reminds me of a Andrew Wyeth painting.

Snow Twister

2010-12-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Snow Twister
Brookdale Park
Montclair, New Jersey

After the snowstorm that lasted last evening into this morning, the wind really whipped up - creating these beautiful twisters on the snow. God's magic!

Vermont Cow

2010-11-28T08:27:00.001-08:00

Vermont Cow
Manchester Vermont
November 2010

On the way to my daughter's wedding.

The Beetle

2010-09-03T07:03:00.001-07:00

The Beetle

Brookdale Park
New Jersey

Roses

It’s time you learned something.
Halfway outdoors
he pauses, the flat dark fury of
his jaw, one eye, a shoulder in torn
blue cloth, the pruning shears
a mammoth claw resting
between meals.

I scramble
up, terrified and down
the drive, the gravel’s
brittle froth
and stand completely
helpless as he parts
a thousand pinkish eyelids
to find the beetles nested
at the root, teeming
disease.

They came from Japan, 1961.
They were nothing like the locusts
we hadn’t noticed until they
were gone, the husks
sheer tuxedos
snagged on bark, the rafters,
the dying bayberry.

It’s easy—
pop them between your nails.
In the tool shed’s populous
shadows, I hold the Mason jar instead
with both hands as he shakes
the flowers above
the kerosene which is shivering now
like the ocean I have never seen…

and I bear on a tray indoors
the inculpable, blushing prize.

Poem by Rita Dove 2006

Dead Tree at Mills

2010-08-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Mills Reservation
Cedar Grove
New Jersey

Awful hot and sticky day today at the Mills Reservation. The forest was quiet and peaceful.

Almonds

2010-06-25T04:08:00.001-07:00

Almond Stand
Arts Fair
Brookdale Park

Last Sunday, my wife and I spent the afternoon in Brookdale Park enjoying the Arts Fair. If it was only for the almonds, the 90*F heat was all worth it!

Rose - Present and Future

2010-06-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Present and Future
Brookdale Park
Montclair

A lovely rose, don't you think?

A Day at Presby Iris Garden

2010-05-23T13:51:00.001-07:00

A few shots from the Presby Iris Garden in Montclair, New Jersey

A Happy Iris

Standing on my own

All dressed up and pretty

Clouds

2010-05-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Clouds
View from my deck
Bloomfield

This cloud reminds me of a puff of smoke. But from Who's pipe?

A Happy Shelby!

2010-04-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Shelby!
On the Deck
Bloomfield

Shelby loves to pose for the camera. She is a happy dog - and she makes us happy too!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T04:37:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday
Montclair

Spring has arrived in New Jersey! We have had enough of winter. Have a blessed Easter Season!

Easter Crow

2010-03-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

Easter Crow
Montclair

Soon it will be Easter - and this scarecrow is all dressed up and ready for the festivities!

Chapel in the Dark

2010-03-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Chapel in the Dark
St. Joseph's Abbey
Spencer, Massachusetts

This is an image of the retreat house chapel at St. Joseph's Abbey. The chapel is very quiet - a beautiful place where one, with some practice, can experience contemplative prayer. Beyond the altar, you can see the lovely landscape - acres and acres of field, forest and stream. Hanging above the altar, though hard to see, is the Eucharistic Dove.

Abandoned

2010-03-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Abandoned
Yonkers, New York

An abandoned Laboratory/Building in Yonkers, New York.

An Irish Scarecrow

2010-03-07T19:36:00.001-08:00

An Irish Scarecrow
Montclair

Getting ready for St. Paddy's Day, this homeowner displayed quite an interesting scarecrow. It looks suspiciously familiar - like the

"Christmas Crow" - a few posts back...

Do Not Feed The Geese

2010-02-21T15:41:00.000-08:00

Do Not Feed The Geese
Yantacaw Park
Montclair

Nothing much to say about this photo. You all know why we should not feed the geese. Dont you?

If God Had A Refrigerator

2010-02-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

If God Had A Refrigerator

Bloomfield

2010

Here is another great post from the Watchung Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield. I wonder, does God have a refrigerator? He must - He feeds so many people.....

One Way

2010-02-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

One Way
Brookdale Park
Montclair, New Jersey

In the midst of today's snowstorm, I was saved by the "One Way" sign.

Sledding in Brookdale Park

2010-01-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

Sledding in Brookdale Park
Montclair
2010

Many years ago I brought my own children to the top of this small hill. I had an old Flexible-Flyer - my son and daughter would sit on the sled - hold each other tight - and with a little push from dad - down the hill they would go. There is something about snow that washes time away - and you remain a child.

The Hudson River Line

2010-01-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Hudson River Line
Dobbs Ferry, New York

Some folks like to get away, take a holiday from the neighborhood, hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood, I’m taking a greyhound (or a train!) on the Hudson River Line - I’m in a New York State of Mind.

"New York State of Mind" Billy Joel

River Ice

2010-01-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

River Ice

Hudson River

Dobbs Ferry, New York

2009

You can see in the distance the Tappan Zee Bridge. The Tappan Zee receives bad press for two reasons. The first reason, the structure is in desperate need of repair. Second reason, it is a favorite place for the desperate, who feel all is lost. Many have taken their own lives here. Along the bridge there are signs that say "Life is worth living." Yes - life is worth living. Pray for those who are suffering, reach out to them - they need our embrace.

* Let us remember today the suffering people of Haiti. May God help them get through this terrible tragedy.

Ice on the Rocks

2010-01-12T17:08:00.001-08:00

Ice on the Rocks

Hudson River

Dobbs Ferry, New York

2009

Fifteen miles north of Manhattan, the Hudson River is flowing with ice. The sound the ice makes as it scrapes the shore is like a steam engine. As I was hovering close to the shore, standing on a slippery rock, I realized how easy it would be to slip off and fall under the ice, never to be seen again. A scary thought!

2010-01-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Winter Afternoon Sky

Montclair

A winter afternoon sky - it was 14 degrees F. when I took this shot. I like the trees in sharp black against the white cloud/blue sky background. It is a bleak midwinter scene. When it gets this cold, and the wind is blowing, you can hear the creaking of the trees. The sound spooks my dog, and it spooks me too!

Warning - Do Not Cross Tracks

2010-01-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Warning - Do Not Cross Tracks
Montclair
2009

While I was snapping this photo, a young boy approached me on a skateboard. He asked, "Mister, do you know when the bus is coming"? I told him I didn't know. I asked him "Why do you need a bus, where do you need to go"? He said "Watchung Ave." I told him "Watchung Ave is less than a mile from here. Why don't you just use your skateboard"? He said "OK, I will", and went on his way.

Now - why was I taking this picture?

New Years Day at Mills

2010-01-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

New Years Day at Mills

Mills Reservation

Cedar Grove

2010

Mills Reservation is a 157.15-acre reservation located in Cedar Grove and Montclair New Jersey. This land is preserved in its natural state. My retriever Shelby and I enjoy taking walks here. It is very quiet. There are rock outcrops here where you can enjoy spectacular views of New York City. It is hard to believe that you are so close to Manhattan.

New Jersey has been the source for many jokes, but it is really a nice place to live - as long as you can afford the taxes!

Happy New Year!

Shelby Waiting At The Back Door

2009-12-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

Shelby Waiting At The Back Door
Bloomfield
2009

Shelby is a very sneaky dog. She sits by the back door and gives you a very sad look. So, I let her out. She goes down the deck stairs on to the driveway, then she comes right back up the stairs - and stands by the back door, looking through the glass into the house. When I let her in the house, she goes directly to the kitchen closet, expecting a treat. For what? I don't know. So, I give her a treat. Then she goes by the back door again, waiting to be let out.

I wonder if I am the cause of this behavior?

A Christmas Crow

2009-12-28T03:58:00.001-08:00

A Christmas Crow
Montclair
2009

This is one strange character. Is it meant to scare off crows? or me...

A Christmas Card

2009-12-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Card
Montclair
New Jersey
2009

When the white stars talk together like sisters And when the winter hills raise their grand semblance in the freezing night, somewhere one window bleeds like the brown eye of an open force.

Hills, stars,

White stars that stand above the eastern stable.

Look down and offer Him.

The dim adoring light of your belief.

Whose small heart bleeds with infinite fire.

Shall not this Child (When we shall hear the bells of His amazing voice) conquer the winter of our hateful century?

And when His Lady Mother leans upon the crib, Lo, with what rapiers those two loves fence and flame their brilliancy!

Here in this straw lie planned the fires that will melt all our sufferings:

He is our Lamb, our holocaust!

And one by one the shepherds, with their snowy feet,

Stamp and shake out their hats upon the stable dirt,

And one by one kneel down to look upon their Life.

Poem "A Christmas Card" by Thomas Merton 1947

The Morning Commute

2009-12-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

The Morning Commute

George Washington Bridge

New Jersey

2009

I shot the image this morning, before reaching the tolls. As you can see, the shot is through the windshield. If I attempted to take the shot outside the car, I would not be writing these words right now. I would be in the poky. Do you see the yellow truck on the right? He cut right in front of me - no blinkers, no wave. Do you see the car crossing the white line? People who commute to New York every day do not see white lines. It is a disease called white line sensory dysfunction - I have it too.

Shelby in the Snow

2009-12-20T05:12:00.000-08:00

Shelby in the Snow

4th Sunday of Advent

New Jersey

We had our first snowstorm last night in New Jersey. Where I live, maybe a little less than a foot. Down the Jersey shore - over two feet! As you can see, my golden retriever, Shelby, loves the snow. She enjoys digging holes, burying her head, looking for sticks. Shelby has no worries - always happy. We can learn a lot from dogs.

My Backyard Leaves

2009-11-21T11:59:00.001-08:00

My Backyard Leaves

New Jersey

November 21st

2009

This time of the year may be the noisiest. All over the neighborhood you hear the sound of leaf blowers. Do you remember the good old days when people used "rakes"? The whole family would be out in the yard raking the leaves into nice piles. When my daughter was a toddler she loved to run and jump into my nice pile of leaves, with the dog following right behind. Now I see the neighbors wearing ear covers so they don't have to listen to the noise they are making. I think we should ban these machines. Maybe if we bring some quiet back into our lives we will figure out who we really are.

Robert Frost Cabin

2009-11-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

Robert Frost Cabin

Ripton, Vermont

2007

This is Robert Frost's cabin in Ripton Vermont, behind the Homer Noble Farm. I am a frequent visitor. So much so that my family thinks I am a bit crazy. There is something that draws me here, to be in this place - where some of the most beautiful and important poetry was written. I love Frost. He is a true American poet.

It's Electric

2009-11-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

It's Electric
New Jersey
2009

You have to admit, there is something very creepy about high tension lines. I heard say that you can catch a deadly disease if you live too close. Well, I do live close - and I don't like it one bit. Do you know that on warm humid nights they make a hissing sound? I think they should take down these ugly monstrosities and bury the wires underground. Then plant some nice trees in the open space - preferably white birch. (makes me think of New England)

Caribbean Night

2009-10-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

Caribbean Night

Brookdale Reformed Church

Bloomfield, New Jersey

2009

I shot this image outside the Brookdale Reformed Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey. This church has a long history in Bloomfield. At the back of the church is a very old cemetery, some graves nearly 200 years old. If you are ever in New Jersey, it will be a neat place to visit.

Autumn at Abbey Lake

2009-10-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Autumn at Abbey Lake

St. Joseph's Abbey

Spencer Massachusetts

2009

I shot this photo while on retreat at the Abbey. The fall is so very special - a time of change, a time of meditation.

Boats in Ireland

2009-10-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

Boats in Ireland
Ireland
2004

Winter in Brookdale

2009-10-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Winter

Brookdale Park

Montclair New Jersey

2004

Mother and Child

2009-09-24T19:13:00.001-07:00

Mother and Child

St. Joseph's Abbey

Spencer, Massachusetts

2009

Sister Clementina

2009-09-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sister Clementina
Daughter of St. Paul
Rome
2003

In October 2003, my son and I attended Mother Teresa's Beatification Mass in Rome. During our stay, we visited Sister Clementina, a Daughter of St. Paul. The convent where sister resided was across town from St. Peters, near the St. Paul Basilica. We were blessed to enjoy the Rome subway system. Sister was the aunt of my co-worker Teresa. Sister died two months after this photo. She entered the convent at 16 years of age.

Sheep on Connor Pass

2009-09-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sheep on Connor Pass

Ireland

2004

I shot this image crossing the Connor Pass on our way to Dingle. It was one scary drive. First of all, the steering wheel was on the wrong side. Four feet to the left was a 300 foot drop. And there was so much fog, you could maybe see 20 feet in front of you. But it was all worth it - as Dingle is a lovely place to visit. Find a nice warm pub, a bowl of mushroom soup, some brown bread - and a nice glass of Irish whiskey - preferably Middleton (if you have deep pockets!)

Slainte

First Day of Advent

2009-09-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

First Day of Advent

Brookdale Park

Montclair New Jersey

2004

Window and Flowers #27

2009-09-10T16:42:00.001-07:00

Window and Flowers #27
Ireland
2004

St. Michael's College

2009-09-06T20:00:00.003-07:00

St. Michael's College
Toronto
2006

The Golden Woman

2009-09-04T20:18:00.001-07:00

The Golden Woman

Grafton Street

Dublin

2004

Volunteers

2009-09-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Volunteers
Missionary of Charity Soup Kitchen
Newark New Jersey

2005

Hanging Lamp

2009-09-02T19:26:00.001-07:00

Hanging Lamp
Lake Placid New York
2009

Yosemite

2009-09-02T16:05:00.001-07:00

Yosemite
California
2005

Cliff and Sea

2009-08-31T16:44:00.001-07:00

Cliff and Sea
Martha's Vineyard
2007

Carpet of Leaves

2009-08-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Carpet of Leaves

Brookdale Park

Montclair New Jersey

2009

Yellow Rose with Beetle

2009-08-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Yellow Rose with Beetle
Brookdale Park
Montclair New Jersey
2009

Garbage Can

2009-08-28T14:31:00.001-07:00

Garbage Can
Brookdale Park
Montclair New Jersey
2009

Jack

2009-08-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Jack
Lay Missionary of Charity
Rome
2003

California Lighthouse

2009-08-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Lighthouse
California Coast
2005

Flowers and Time

2009-08-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Flowers and Time

Westport Ireland

2004

Shelby the Golden Retriever

2009-08-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

My Golden Retriever Shelby

Brookdale Park Montclair New Jersey

2008

Bearded Iris

2009-08-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Bearded Iris

Presby Iris Gardens

Montclair New Jersey

2009

Lady Bug on Glass

2009-08-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Lady Bug on Glass

Lake Placid New York

2009

Outside the Chapel Window

2009-08-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Outside the Chapel Window
Chapel - Stella Maris Retreat Center
Long Beach Island New Jersey
2009

Sunrise

2009-08-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Sunrise
Long Beach Island New Jersey
2009

Sand and Foam

2009-08-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sand and Foam
Long Beach Island New Jersey
2009

Westport Canal

2009-08-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Westport Canal
Westport Ireland
2004

The Red Door

2009-08-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

The Red Door
Ireland
2004

Light and Shadow

2009-08-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Light and Shadow
Brookdale Park
Montclair, New Jersey

2005