The task of defining my ideal neighborhood proved to be difficult. Where I could see myself feeling at home was very different from my aspirations for the future. The conflict presented by these two ideas was something I needed to decide on before I took my picture. Growing up in Manhattan, I was sensitive to distinct neighborhood differences. The lower east side had a younger more bohemian vibe. The Upper East Side was snobby, but quaint. The Upper West Side was predominately Jewish and family oriented. On the other hand, the lower west side had beautiful homes, but was more elusive. Chelsea was slightly homosexual, Harlem was too far uptown and you needed a key for Gramercy Park. There were no delis in Tribeca, but amazing lofts and the meatpacking district was just for meat. Furthermore, Hell’s Kitchen seemed like a blurb between Times Square and the Upper West Side, where as any other borough besides Manhattan did not exist. As I have gotten older, these ideas have changed but only slightly. I always dreamed of spending my twenties on the Lower East side, my thirties on the lower west and then my descent to old age on the Upper East Side. What is most interesting to me is not that I particularly love the Upper East Side. I live there now and I find it rather boring. There are, however, certain connotations associated with the Upper East Side that fit my aspirations for the future. I want that beautiful classic townhouse on a tree-lined street with children playing in the backyard. I want the safety and elegance of the neighborhood. I desire it all. My desire, however, is firmly rooted in a materialistic representation of what I define as success and this may not be beneficial in any way. All I can support this with is that I when I was younger and I used to drive by these homes there was something in me that always felt inspired. I tried to capture this in my Snap Shot Photo, but I will save it till the 21^st.