Photographs are windows to our memory. Reflections of our life. Reminders of our blessings. Each Wednesday we feature 5 personal favorite photos from a Creative Team member or a friend. These 5 photos will remind of us why photography is so beautiful and why documenting the everyday is so important. The goal is to leave us all a little more inspired to cultivate a good life and record it.

Our inspiration this week comes from Creative Team member Kelly Purkey. In her own words…

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I truly believe that being happy where you live is key to overall happiness. It can be as small as having good water pressure in your shower or stretch to include the government that runs your state. Location, location, location. I am beyond lucky to live on the island of Manhattan in New York City. After the events of Hurricane Sandy this past week, I feel even more love for this amazing city and the life I get to experience by being part of it.

I’ve included five everyday photos taken that I feel represent my home in the city to me. The majority of photos I take are with my iPhone, so I’ve included a couple of Instagrams here as well. I’m an Instagram addict and some of my favorite shots are snapped and Instagrammed on the go as I wander about. Take some time to document your surroundings and the places that mean the most to you.

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This photo was snapped on girls night out down in the East Village. I ran ahead of my friends as we walked down the street. One look at it and I can remember exactly how that moment felt – warm summer air, crowded streets on 1st Ave, full from a delicious dinner, and excited for where the night was going to take us. My friends are my life and the city always feels like it’s ours to explore.

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This is an Instagram from a walk across theBrooklynBridge, one of my favorite spots inNew York City. Never forget to look up… when I walk I’m usually in a hurry with my head down, but some of the most spectacular views of cities are way up above our heads.

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One of my favorite shots even though it’s out of focus. It was taken on the High Line Park looking down 14th street, which is a view that has been shot a million times, I’m sure. I love that it’s blurry – sometimes that’s how life feels, just moving all around us and we can’t seem to focus but know that it looks beautiful.

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This was a quick photo taken when I was out to lunch with a friend at a restaurant called Peels. Food is a passion to me and New York just does it so well. It also does it with style and I love places like this where the presentation looks as good as what you’re about to eat. Little snapshots like this remind me of good and cozy times in places that make me happy the moment I step inside.

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Here’s another Instagram that I took while I was out running along the Hudson River, which is one of my favorite places to run while the sun is setting. It makes my heart melt. I love the idea of growing old with someone in the city and just walking over to the park to see the sun set. It seems magical.

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You can learn more about Kelly here + see more of her Project Life inspiration on her blog.

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