Here's an interesting thing about hosting your own website: You can view all sorts of curious information about who's looking at it, where they are geographically, what other sites are linked to you and vice-versa, etc. Recently, I was awed - as well as humbled - so see that over 1,500 people stopped by this website to have a peek here in June.

But at this moment I'm thrilled - and even more humbled - to see that this month that number has more than doubled. It's only July 24, and over 3,000 people have poked around at ChristopherAppoldt.com since the 1st of the month . . .so to that I say an almost nervous, "Hello! Nice to see you! Come on in..."

Maybe I should get an espresso machine, or something...?

It's been less than a year since we overhauled the website into the interface you're experiencing now, and I've been thankful every time someone has offered feedback on its ease - or not-so-ease - of operation.

So far, I'm hearing that the interface is solid and comfortable, though from time to time the password-protected proof gallery can give one a stitch in the side. Please know we're taking in all of your feedback, on the website and regarding the business in general, and doing everything we can to keep you satisfied and coming back for more. But don't let that statement cause a pause in your comments, as they're not only welcome, but necessary to know what you're thinking. Keep it comin'!

That said, it's been another fun and busy week - a little too busy. I'm staring at a recently-recovered hard drive's contents, and hoping we'll recover even more that was lost in an ill-timed computer crash. I'm also staring at a few dozen gigabytes of photographs that need to be processed, from family portraits to puppies.

So, with 3,000 of you stopping by, I thought I'd post a few from my favorite shoots, as recent ones need some more time in the oven. Up top, you can see a few visitors to the NYC Transit Museum...and no, I have no idea what they're looking at, but I am glad they posed for this candid - it's one of the more interesting street shots I think I've made.

Second down is Ms. Laura Day, a briliant NYC-based interior designer and host to The Learning Channel's Trading Spaces program. Laura was energized and fun during the shoot, and I was excited to find that we could photograph her in a room on the 14th floor, with three walls of glass to help us with the lighting. I think the photos really flatter her, and the magazine used several from the shoot - so hopefully, she thinks so, too!

Lastly, just a quick landscape snap I made while in Sicily, atop the active vocano, Mt. Etna. The trip was very educational, and I loved learning all about "Mother" Etna on the ride up. The volcano is constantly putting out lava, which, while a meance to Visitor Stations and souvenir shops, can't daunt flowers from finding a way to grow, bloom, and flourish.