I love being a Work-At-Home-Mom (WHAM) and previously blogged upon that subject. What I didn't know, and could not have possibly imagined, was the fact that my WAHM blog would capture so many people's attention. Turns out it had a very nice following on my outside blogs, which directly resulted in my receiving an informal invitation to venture on-site to record the installation of the new Citi Field sign. It was installed early this morning on the stadium under construction adjacent to Shea. Both sites are in a state of transition, just like some of my close friends.

The construction crews, NYPD and NYC Parks Department workers were exceptionally kind to this writer and very  generous with their time while granting me temporary access to the site. I was given the same courtesy they give other members of the press and began to feel like a New York Times reporter covering an historical event. After all, the City of New York is about to dismantle Shea Stadium. Once it is gone, it will be gone forever. In Queens County, this is a very serious and somewhat sad event. There are a lot of Mets and Yankee fans  who are struggling with that idea. I myself have a lot of wonderful memories here. It will be bitter sweet to continue to document the transition. It needs to be documented for the new stadium will look like a modern Colosseum and has very swanky computerized renderings for what is going on.

The ground rules for access were simple: (1) stay at least 15 feet from all moving vehicles, (2) do not cross the yellow tape lines, (3) do not venture close to the privacy or security fences and (4) do not circumvent police barricades or try to enter the work zone. (It would create an insurance nightmare at minimum and possibly endanger one's health on the other end of the spectrum.) I was happy and honored to be their guest, so "Fair enough," was my mindset. BTW, some Citi Field ballpark renderings may be found here.

As I worked on my laptop and captured digital photographs a few people became very curious about my jogger-blogger-photo-journalism branding. Seems the crews talk amongst themselves and were happy to wander over to suggest different angles, see what I was doing or explain what would be happening next. They let me know what I had missed or would be seeing at some point down the road. I really liked the fact that they expected me to return for another visit with my Nikon. I have every intention of taking them up on that offer. Construction sites are notoriously hard to get a tour of unless you have official business there. I have been toying with the idea of applying for a press permit so I can ask permission to shoot the interior.

It would require that I increase my content and give several presentations or examples for consideration. The beautiful thing about wireless laptops is you can instantly give a presentation regarding your work no matter where you are (note: always save a few full web pages to your drive as samples in case you can't pick up a signal). My personal website coupled with ActiveRain and Localism gave me instant credibility with these people. Having 1,430 entries pop up when I Googled my name was considered to be "quite impressive." However, if they only knew most of it was from me bantering and engaging in serial commenting across the blogosphere they might think twice about that initial assessment (LOL). Obviously I shall have to get busy and write more articles.

I hung out for over an hour chatting, strolling and taking photographs. After I handed out several business cards it was also a pleasant surprise to discover that my picture was instantly recognized by three fathers. Apparently, I'm the Realtor "who doesn't smile in front of that colorful doohickey," that their kids like.

Who knew some of these people read us on AR and have discovered us on Localism from doing homework with their children? Did you know children may be bookmarking your blogs? I learned something new today...

According to my hard-hat-followers, my reputation for taking "lovely photographs" is "a hit with the kids doing book reports." I've been "cut and pasted" by several children and can now be recognized by their parents for roaming the streets with my Nikon on my "turtle runs." The children are intrigued with the popular phrase (e.g. campgrounds, golf courses, board games, me) and actually check back to see what I've been up to with my camera. It appears these particular kids have decided that I am now their talking points for their book reports. I can't remember the last time I've felt so flattered to be a part of this Real Estate Network. Google has unleashed us on the children and they like us... how interesting and cool is that?

I may not understand Localism, but I am trying to and after meeting some really neat, hard working parents who were kind enough to help me make this presentation possible I can honestly say that I'm starting to understand the concept of what it means to have them, the public, just find us and talk... I really enjoyed connecting today and learning about the new ballpark.

This Localism success story is dedicated to my friend Melody Botting who, like the people devoted to Shea, is about to make some major adjustments in her life. Letting go of the old to embrace the new is never easy when the old has been so good to you. Localism is sort of like that for me. ActiveRain has been, and still is, very good to and for me, so I hesitate to change mindsets, although I participate in providing Localism content and have met some amazing people because of it and my outside blog.

In Mel's latest blog, Melody asks the question, "What's In A Name?" I have to say, I've been thinking about the answer all day... but I've yet to master this question because so many points of order come to mind. How can four simple words create such angst in a person? Mel, before I go I want to wish you well with all of your endeavors, and that God bless you and your family.

This turtle walk is for you for you haven't been to Shea Stadium. Enjoy your eye candy. Love, C.

I do have more shots, but this post is getting very long. ;-)