Three Things New York....

The Cloisters.  I am sure that there's an ode to this place somewhere in the history of this blog, but it really is one of my favorite places in NYC.  A long subway ride from Brooklyn, but a world away from anything that feels like NYC, getting off the subway and walking into Fort Tyron park is more like stepping into Tuscany.  On weekdays especially, this is one of the quietest, most peaceful places in Manhattan.   

Lately the weather here in New York City has been reminding me of the cool breezy summers I spent growing up in Western Michigan.   Normally it is hot and muggy and utterly disgusting by now, but this year has been something of a gift, with cool breezes at night, and sweet smelling air in the park.  I've been trying to get up and go for a walk in the morning in Prospect Park, and everytime I do it gives me a new lease on life in this crazy city.  Finding quiet, and nature, and  short little escapes is key to my sanity.  

A few weekends ago, Katy and I went hiking at Gertrude's Nose with these guys.  It was so much fun! Hiking with experts that offer advice, delicious lunch made right on the trail, and transportation? Amazing.  Not having to look at a map or plan anything at all? Priceless.  Can't wait to take another hike with them.    

Finally, sewing meets sidewalk!  On Sunday, my friend Nancy came over for a beer, and shortly after she left she called to tell me that she had found this gem on the sidewalk down the street.  Stiff and dusty and in major need of an overhaul, this machine was, nonetheless, really beautiful.  If I didn't already have three machines (two of which are also in need of MAJOR work), I would have hauled this one home.  I hope someone found it who will give it a good life.    

What about you? Are you sewing with an old beautiful relic like this one, or do you prefer a new model?  I was a diehard fan of old machines until I got my new BERNINA.    

Three Things New York...

This month I'm taking some time to refuel and gather inspiration from the city of New York.  I'm making some new artwork on my new BERNINA, and to do so, I've been out gathering ideas and images around town. 

Yesterday, I took a tram ride out to Roosevelt Island.  What a treat! It was approximately 15 degrees cooler there, and practically desolate, but not in the creepy way exepcted, since it is home to an abandoned smallpox hospital.  It's beautiful!  I sat and ate my trail mix and looked out at barges and tug boats going by and really enjoyed myself.  And the trams that take you there? They feel like a fun amusement park ride, and you can use your metro card!  Loved it.

I can't believe it could possibly be true that I haven't mentioned Zabar's by now.  This place!  I love it so much.  Katy and I go to Zabar's quite often to get picnic food for an afternoon in Central Park, and every New Year's Eve we make a trek up to Zabar's to get our holiday spread of smoked fish and babka.  I wandered in last week when I was up in that neighborhood to see the Bill Cunningham Exhibit at the New York Historical Society.  It was my first time visiting that museum, and while I thought the Bill Cunningham exhibit was ok, their permanent collections are amazing, and I can't wait to go back!  Anyway, the upper west side never seems to disappoint, and as soon as I make it big in New York, I really look forward to buying a brownstone up that way and becoming a regular shopper at Zabar's.   

Finally, Roses! They are in bloom in every shape and color in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  Big bright showy bursts of color on every block.  This bright collection was next to the tram station on Roosevelt Island yesterday.  Delightful!

Three Things New York

Well, it's been awhile since I've uploaded three things.  In that time, New York has blossomed into summer.  It's that time of year that I wish I could bottle and clone.  It's not too hot, and it's not very cold.  It's warm, with a cool breeze.  It's not yet muggy and oppressive.  We're sleeping with the windows open!  The lilacs have come and gone, but, miracle of miracles, there were some at the farmer's market this weekend, having been driven in from the north.  There were Lily of the Valley too, and even though they were ten dollars and lasted only a few days, they were worth it.  I stopped and smelled them every single time I walked past them, sitting in a little mason jar in my bedroom.  They reminded me of Michigan.....

One of the most challenging things about living in New York is of course the lack of space.  It has made me think differently about what I purchase, knowing that anything that comes in is going to take up space and likely mean that something else has to go out.  Getting rid of things is a real pain in the ass sometimes, because you can only take out the trash and recycling on certain days.  Of course, this leads to some beautiful collections, as I've mentioned before.   I passed these sticks last week on my way home from work, all tied up with red strings and they made my heart skip a beat.  How beautiful!  I've seen lots of these stick bundles here, and brooms too, can you imagine?  Bundles of brooms, worn out to the point that there's no bristles left, tied up in collections on the street.

 Finally, on a totally unrelated note; pastries.  One night a few weeks ago I was out on a little solo adventure in the east village.  I got fries and mayonnaise for dinner at  Pommes Frites, and sat on the steps of the Ukrainian Church and ate them.  I went to the movies and saw something so bad it was good, and finally, late at night before I took the train back, I stopped and bought a tiny box full of pastries for Katy at Veniero's.  Have you been there?  I don't even eat most of the stuff in there, but it makes me so happy to look at it, and to take photographs, and to buy a few, which they tie up with bakers twine & white boxes.   Twenty varieties of miniature cream filled pastries to choose from on a Thursday night? That's pretty cool. All right, New York, I get it.