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As someone who lives and walks this city daily…my blog is all about delving a little deeper, seeing what it has to offer, and capturing the true essence of New York City. Whether you live in Gotham, or just visiting…feel free to look around my blog. Bet you might find something new to do!
P.S. As of the end of April 2013 my more personal postings will now be at The Next Few Years.
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Monthly Archives: January 2010
Wollman Skating Rink
Brhhhh…..it’s cold outside! My hat is off to these folks ice skating in Central Park at Wollman Rink.
Posted in Central Park, Weather
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New look
One thing about the Gotham Girl is she gets bored easily. I love to rearrange furniture and living in the Gotham Den makes that a very easy thing to do. Perhaps that’s why I’m really enjoying the four seasons. More change. My hair style is a constant change. Not that I plan it, but when you have curly hair IT rules. You don’t.
So after being bored to death with my existing blog format, I decided to play around with some of the other options available with this blog service. Well I’m not excited about any of them really, but I’ve decided on the one that you are viewing now.
On another note, since I’ve been here in the city, I have a renewed interest in photography. It’s interesting how it has snaked in and out of my life. I really enjoyed photography right after I graduated, let it go, picked it up again about 15 years later and let it go again. Here I am another 10 years (or so) later and that interest is back. Plus, every minute of every day is a photo in this city. Long story short, I’m going to continue to share my city experiences through the blog, but will only pick one of my best photos to share on a larger scale that this format allows. So there you have it. That’s why you are seeing a change. What have you changed lately?
Posted in Misc.
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David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
I love free. The Rubenstein Atrium is a new addition to my hood. A transformation of an underutilized, indoor space into a welcoming and vibrant community gathering place to linger and enjoy with plenty of places to sit to use their free wi-fi service. Two 21 feet high vertical gardens with a variety of living plants to create a garden type setting…ahhhh…oxygen at its finest. Last night I attended the Target Free Thursdays, a series of free weekly performances, sponsored by Target, drawn from local arts organizations as well as from Lincoln Center’s acclaimed resident organizations. Great performance by Jaliya Kafo showcasing a stringed musical instrument of West African origin, a kora. Interesting, built from a large goard, cut in half and covered with cow skin. Fun! Love love love free stuff.
Posted in Events, Local sights
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Woke up to snow!
I woke up to a stillness and I knew something was up. It was snowing! Perfect for a morning walk in Riverside Park and along the Hudson. Pure and simple solitude as I walked through the park towards the river.
Then I ran into Eleanor Roosevelt who was obviously deep in thought, not realizing she had an inch of snow on her head which was definitely going to result in a bad hair day.
Self portrait with New Jersey in the background as I walked along the Hudson without a soul in sight.
I wrapped up my morning by stopping in at Edgar’s Cafe that sits nestled on West 84th Street and is probably one of the best kept secrets on the Upper West Side. Yep, located right in the space where Edgar Allan Poe once lived.
I entered and sat at a charming marble cafe table right underneath an oversized portrait of Edgar. I immediately noticed the ceiling which I later learned was designed to appear as if it were on fire. Hmm…Fabulous breakfast of scrambled eggs on a toasted bagel with a side of potatoes. Who says you can’t get a great breakfast in NYC for six bucks! I’ll be back.
Posted in Eating, Drinking, Local sights, Weather
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Eyesore in the city
Yes, as much as I love this city there are a few things I don’t like. Not many mind you, but a few. I’ll share one in this update.
Here are a couple of examples of “sidewalk sheds” and to me they are just plain ugly. I’ve learned they are required whenever renovation or new construction takes place on a building, or an inspector suspects an unsafe condition exists. Now keep in mind there aren’t just a few of these here, how about 6,000 of them in NYC.
So imagine my delight when I read that a couple of organizations teamed up to organize an international design competition to come up with something more eye friendly. A student at the University of PA won with his design below. He feels this design will improve quality of life, reduce construction impacts on businesses, increase pedestrian safety, and increase available space for pedestrians on sidewalks, while also complimenting the city’s architectural beauty. Way to go!
Now mind you this new design won’t be mandated, but it will be in the interest of contractors to use the new design due to the reduced maintenance costs and the interest of building owners and affected businesses, as the design will obstruct less of a building’s facade and be more inviting to pedestrians. Cool, huh? Mucho better.
Posted in Local sights
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Adventure with a playwright
Last night was another New York adventure. I went with my new friend, Ruthie, to a meeting (NYC Playwrights) devoted to helping writers develop their plays. So here’s the process. A writer (such as Ruthie) brings her new play to this meeting, asks the actors in the audience to perform what they call a “script-n-hand” reading of her work. She describes the characters needed, people volunteer and after a scene or two the remaining audience members (other writers and actors) critique the writing of the play. Great way to get feedback as you work on your play development. About six plays were showcased with Ruthie’s being one of them. Lots of laughs and she received some great ideas. So here she is asking for actors (or really anyone in the mood to read and play the part) to help fill those chairs!
By the way, Ruthie is a great new friend that I met through another friend I met cycling. We are the same age and she is such a doll. I love my time that I spend with her. She’s blind and shows ME how to maneuver the city bus system!
A peek "outside" of NYC's most elite private social clubs
I say “outside” since that’s all we got to see. No inside views for us common folk on this walking tour. We viewed a number of the private social clubs in the midtown area. The buildings are some of Manhattan’s most impressive and least-known landmarks. I think my favorite building was The Century Association. Can you believe this club was founded in 1847? Today, it has over 2,000 members of authors and artists. That’s what I love about this city. This stuff didn’t just happen yesterday!
Thanks to Matt who gave us lots of insights into this very private world.
Posted in Local sights
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On the Hudson
Took a walk today and saw a flip flop floating down the Hudson river. I’m wondering if this belongs to a body? I know it belongs to somebody, but do you think a body? You know what I mean!!!
Posted in Local sights
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