Rainy Day in New York

I love this photo because it is typical of New York City.  In mid-town everything is "in your face" whether it is a t-shirt shop, a place going out of business, a restaurant, or a so-called "gentleman's club" which is a euphemism for a place to view porn.  It is easy to go into sensory overload.  We didn't do that quite as much on this second visit to the city.  We rode buses a lot. Each time we approached this part of town, there was a recorded warning as to pickpockets and pan-handlers, so as to promote an enjoyable time instead of an unpleasant incident.  We had no pickpocket events but certainly were reminded of the reason why we had been advised to look straight ahead and keep on walking.  Folks are pretty brazen in their approaches, trying to sell something or engage you in their agenda.  This intersection reminds me of how common yellow cabs are and how you not only watch traffic lights but, more to the point, the traffic itself, so as to keep up with the pedestrian flow.  Folks rarely stop walking if no cars are nearby. To cross the street becomes an adventure in itself!   New York is a fascinating place, even in the rain.

Ground Zero

One of the places we wanted to visit on our trip to New York in January was the Statue of Liberty. We didn't get to do that--it was too cold while we were there. But another symbol of our liberty and reminder of how easy it could be to lose it, is Ground Zero. Heather took these photos from the window of a building across the street from the site. As you can tell, it is a construction zone now. We were touched by our tour given by a guide who was a former fireman, a man dug out from under the rubble. The visitors center had kleenex boxes strategically placed throughout. It was an emotional experience but one I am glad to have had. The hanging stone was part of a display honoring eleven American Express employees who happened to be in a meeting on that horrendous day--in the wrong place at the wrong time. The display was poignant. For days afterward everytime I talked about it I got choked up. The stone is a huge quartz. There were drops of water falling into the pool, alternating, spreading out ripples, overlapping each other. It represented the people and the tears shed on that day and since. Our experience here brought back a lot of memories of Sept. 11, 2001.

Elephant and Political Correctness

"The elephant in the room (also elephant in the living room, elephant in the parlor, elephant in the corner, elephant on the dinner table, elephant in the kitchen, elephant on the coffee table, and horse in the corner) is an English idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored or goes unaddressed. It is based on the idea that an elephant in a room would be impossible to overlook; thus, people in the room who pretend the elephant is not there might be concerning themselves with relatively small and even irrelevant matters, compared to the looming big one." From Wickipedia

Everyone knows about a problem or circumstance but not one person wants to bring it up! How many times have I fallen into this trap in order to avoid conflict? More than I care to admit. I've also been thinking about this phrase lately as I hear various political factions spout their "talking points" with much glibness and little thought. Some things which seem obvious are denied, commonsense is uncommon and I am left feeling there is nothing I can do to change anything. But that thought is a denial of the power I do have. I suspect that one reason I like to listen to flamboyant commentators like Glenn Beck is because being tactful and not rocking the boat was a high priority for me growing up. In fact, it was a survival technique. I enjoy hearing others who are outspoken and in whom I sense truth and conviction. And what is this business of having to watch what you say in a way which is "politically correct"? Is it possible to be tactful and honest as well? I hope so. Maybe someday I will have the courage to express my opinions as openly as do some commentators and some of my friends. And maybe it will feel like freedom to me. Tactful, yes. Framing my words so as not to deliberately offend, yes. And speaking my mind. YES! (And thanks to Nae for using this quote on her blog. You inspire me!)

Egypt Exhibit: Met Museum, NYC

I had Heather take this photo while we were at the museum because I particularly liked the affection expressed.  Perhaps it was an honest representation of the relationship of this couple.  Sorry I can't remember who they are supposed to be.  On this day we did a lot of walking which tested out my new hip quite thoroughly.  All was well, although I did ache a bit.  I could probably spend the rest of my life in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and still not see everything. There is only so much one person can take in without going into overload.  It was a thrill to see objects made so long ago.  Gave me a feeling of awe as well as of the transient nature of mortality.  It would be wonderful to go to places like this easily and quickly.  Gives me a new appreciation of the idea of time travel!  

Times Square Billboard: Wicked: the Musical

Wicked, the Musical Play

Because I hadn't recharged my camera and didn't bring my recharger when we went to NY, I am dependent on the internet for photos.  This musical was one of the best I have ever seen.  We saw it at the Gershwin theater which our friend Royce calls a "barn".   It is huge.  We also had seats in the "nose-bleed" section but I actually loved the whole experience.  Because we were so high up we were able to see the stage hands who maneuvered the scenery.  And the scenery was amazing!  The whole show was so well done we were entranced and could hardly believe when it was over.  Then we just sat in our seats with tears running down our cheeks.  It was moving to me, the idea that we all have good and bad, that friendship and love are what matters most.  And there was something else which I can't describe in words but was akin to something true and spiritual.  I guess it is obvious that seeing Wicked was one of the highlights of our trip to New York.

New York in Late January

I just got back from Manhattan last Wednesday.  This photo is a picture of the exterior of Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  It is such an interesting contrast to the high rise apartments nearby.  Heather, Alyssa and I went on a girl's trip to visit our friends Royce and Noel.  They live in a wonderful apartment right in midtown.  I love NYC.  (That sounds like a slogan on a t-shirt!)  We bused to the museum because Heather wanted to find a shirt for her husband.  They only had XXL or S.  Wrong sizes!  I found a mobile with clips so you can change the look of it anytime you like.  I thought of using postcards--I have a collection of them--or family photos.  It is hanging in our living room now with pictures of the beautiful Southwest.  I cut up a small calendar purchased at the Strand Bookstore (18 miles of books), on sale for $1.  It looks especially nice when sunlight is coming through the window in the afternoon.  All the rich reddish-orange tones just glow!  More later on the trip.