Around Town With Amy Modesti: "I'm Sorry"
Why did I take a break from writing, you may ask?
CROPSEYVILLE, NY - “I’m sorry”.
To all of my Around Town With Amy Modesti subscribers, Mirth Films readers, Unsigned518, and the readers who follow “Around Town” on social media and SubStack, I’m sorry for not keeping you all up to date with what’s happening since my last post. I apologize for not sharing the “Looking for Something Fun to Do?” weekly posts in a timely manner, as I should return to share those updates.
Thank you to my clients who’ve checked in with me to see if I’ve emailed photographs of their recent music gigs to them and checked in to see if I’ve received responses to interview questions. Thank you to those of you who continue to keep me in the loop of your happenings and for asking me to share your story.
Most importantly, thank you Frankie Cavone for your patience, friendship, and understanding. Thank you for letting me know at the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival that it is okay for me not to post the weekly blog submissions on a weekly basis and allowing me to submit it when I can. I don’t want to disappoint anyone, including myself, and those who I truly care for with all of my heart.
Why did I decide to take a break?!
Simply Put, having a busy summer and taking the time for some creative inspiration to flow through my veins again.
Even through my continuous job searching, this summer for me was surprisingly busy. I checked out two music-themed art exhibitions: Musicians on Musicians Curated by Wilco at MASS MoCA (on August 15) and Bob Dylan Remastered Drawings from the Road at the Fenimore Museum (September 10). I photographed The Bedrock Foundation’s show on the opening day of the Washington County Fair and covered both Media Day and Flo Rida’s performance at the Schaghticoke Fair. I did a photo session with Mermaid Jazzy at Moreau Lake State Park and Bolton Landing.
The Bedrock Foundation performed on opening day of the Washington County Fairgrounds, Monday, August 19, 2024. Photo taken by Amy L. Modesti
Recently, I covered my first Sabrina Trueheart and Shannon Teahy show at MoJo’s Cafe and Gallery and photographed a friend’s wedding in Troy. Even through the busyness, I also fit in some availability to spend quality time with several close friends who now live out of town, who were in town visiting family and friends in the Capital Region.
My close friend, Amanda Vicente (Dubacher), Amy Modesti holding her dog Tucker, and Brendan McLaughlin hanging out together at the Modesti family home, Cropseyville, NY, Thursday, September 5, 2024. Photo Credit: My dad, Dave Modesti.
As for my creative work? I’m still painting wooden holiday ornaments and wooden keychains when I am giving my eyes a break from the laptop and portable devices.
Personal milestones
My boyfriend and I celebrated seven official months of dating Sept 14 and in August, celebrated our half-year dating anniversary. It was a wonderful evening spent with dinner at Plum Blossom and live music from Sirsy at Freedom Park in Scotia.
Brendan McLaughlin and Amy Modesti together for their six-month dating anniversary dinner at Plum Blossom, Troy, NY Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Photo Credit: Unknown
When I’m not out and about, I’m still continuing to develop my arts business, ALM Fine Art & Photography, by establishing a price guide and updating several pages on the business Wordpress website. More information about ALM Fine Art & Photography and Around Town With Amy Modesti can be found on www.almfineartandphotography.wordpress.com.
The revival of inspiration
I was in a creative slump for a bit since my job loss. Although I kept up with my mixed-media work, it took some time for me to return to the reporting roots. I realized that I deserved better and that my work needs to be valued and appreciated by those who are willing to provide me a chance to show my worth and believe in what I do. It is difficult to find a job where one is respected by their peers, appreciated for the talents and knowledge, treated like a member of the family, and are willing to accept you for who you are, regardless of flaws.
This summer I’ve seen two of my photographs featured in two stories for my past employer. One story had provided me with the proper photo credit (“Troy Says Curb the Noise”), the other did not (“John Brierley passes at 67”). Although I had used these photos for past event features that I’ve covered within a year and a half, it was both a surprise but slightly bittersweet to see them used in the features. And yes, the publication does have the right to use those images.
“John Brierley Passes at 67” - Story written by Spotlight Newspapers staff, Photo of John Brierley taken by Amy Modesti (Photo credit not given in printed article).
I’ve finally moved on from the past with the past employer and now, am focusing on both the present and future. Onward and upward towards positivity and bettering myself for what’s best to come.
Final Words
Once again, I’m sorry for the delay. I hope that all is well with everyone. If you have a story idea and wish to collaborate, feel free to get a hold of me. Thank you for your time. In the meantime, stay tuned.
Amy Modesti (Friday, September 27, 2024)