Last week our family took a mini adventure. Bill had meetings in New York City, and coincidentally Brook was on spring break, so we all headed over to the city for a few days. We stayed in midtown so that Bill could easily walk to his meetings while Brook and I explored the streets packed with buildings.
And we stopped by Rockefeller Center to watch people skating (it was so warm out that some skated in shorts).
On one semi-quiet evening all three of us walked through nearby Bryant Park. I couldn’t believe that there were empty chairs available.
And there were even some stretches of empty benches over at Central Park.
The beauty and romance of Central Park always takes my breath away.
While aimlessly roaming around the park it was also such a treat to catch a glimpse of this bride and groom.
There’s something about these scenes that is so picture-perfect…like a painting you might find in a story book.
I just adore the amazing large and small architectural details (bridges, arches, fountains, etc.) that punctuate the park.
And it looks like someone found his own private shaded spot to take it all in.
On one afternoon there was some rain so Brook and I walked over to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art – two blocks from our hotel).
While there we saw the iconic artwork of Andy Warhol.
And a dizzying masterpiece from Jackson Pollack. This painting is so intricate and magnificent that my camera had trouble capturing the details.
We also saw original works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, etc…the artwork in this museum blew our minds!
Once the rain cleared I took Brook over to the hustle and bustle of Times Square to meet up with her friend from our home town of Hopkinton (coincidentally her friend was there with her family on vacation). Brook and I did some shopping together at the American Eagle, and when you do this, you can have your photo taken and posted on their massive digital billboard. Of course we had to take advantage of this opportunity. It was fun and strange to see a beyond life-sized photo of ourselves in lights at Times Square. Does this count as our fifteen minutes of fame?
On our last evening in the city, our family went back to Times Square for one last time to see the musical, Wicked. This story is very thought-provoking as it has to do with the basic nature of people (good vs. evil), how much of us is inherent in us when we’re born vs. learned behavior (nature vs. nurture) and how perceptions of reality can be distorted. It’s about friendship, opening up to compassion and understanding, love and trust…all ensconced in comedy and musical magic. This show fully entertained us, and also got me thinking much deeper…something that I really appreciate about great art.
After these action-filled days in the city, we decided to finish off the week at our peaceful place in Maine. I was ready for the tranquil, calm of the sea.
Although it was cold and windy at the beach, it was good to sit on the surprisingly sun-warmed sand.
And to do nothing but watch the rolling waves…
…and to experience the sun setting beyond the still naked branches…
…before heading back to our home in Massachusetts where the blooming pink blossoms were ready to greet us.
I love the city and I love the sea. I love traveling and I love being at home. There is a time for everything…and I am grateful for it all. But most of all, I’m grateful for my little family…and for the time that we get to spend together.
Wishing you joyful family fun no matter where you are.
16 Comments, Comment or Ping
Ah the best of both worlds! YOUR heART must be full of wonder~
Great photos, how sweet is the bride n’ groom! So storybook in nature~
Thanks for sharing your trip, both places would make my heart sing~
Sharing it with those you love is the best gift of all! Glad you made the most of your get away! ATB 😀
April 24th, 2012
Wow, Becky! Sounds like a fun trip! The only time I’ve been to NYC was with my daughter class in high school, and it was indeed a whirlwind tour!! We didn’t do Central Park, or the museum. :o( It was still an awesome time, and I think everyone should experience NYC at least once in their lifetime. There truly is no other place like it. We got to see the play 42nd Street, and I could see it again and again!
Thanks for sharing! Just delightful!
Hugs,
Becky
April 24th, 2012
oh so lovely pictures. looks and sounds like you had a marvelous time darling. wonderful.
April 25th, 2012
Lovely pictures of a wonderful family time building connections and memories. I loved all your contributions to the current Somerset Life. I don’t have a subscription to that one, but when I saw you were contributing I had to go get it. I love your style and the feelings you put into your art. Thanks for sharing.
April 25th, 2012
Ahh, I feel peaceful just looking at your pictures … makes me want to go to the beach!
April 25th, 2012
Ahh, I feel peaceful just looking at your pictures … makes me want to go to the beach! Glad you had such a beautiful and refreshing time.
April 25th, 2012
my kind of vacation….from “city-to-sea.” delightful! NYC has so much to offer and well, the sea….no explanation needed! Made my day to your smiling face and your sweet daughter too! Happy day becky! 😉
April 25th, 2012
Oh so wonderful, two places I always love to visit. Thanks for taking me along.
Hugs!
April 25th, 2012
Thank you for sharing this story with us Becky! I enjoyed your photos and felt like I was there! That’s why I love blogs, they give me the opportunity to see places I couldn’t see otherwise. 🙂
April 25th, 2012
aaah, Becky, I´m a city girl, so I loved your pics of NY! looks like Spring has arrived there but not here yet .. but the weather forecast says we´ll catch up this weekend, so there´s HOPE!
April 25th, 2012
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip and beautiful photos with us!
April 25th, 2012
Lovely photos Becky. I was in NYC with friends a few months a go for the first time in many years and tho I’m not a big city girl it was exhilarating to be amongst the hustle and bustle! We were to the Dr Oz show and then saw “On a Clear Day” with Harry Connick Jr. I’m hoping to go again soon as I wanted to visit MOMA too but time was running out and we needed to catch the bus.
How nice that in contrast you finished your trip with a peaceful time at the beach…I don’t think there’s anything closer to heaven than sitting on the sand with a view of the ocean surrounded by those you love.
April 26th, 2012
What a wonderful vacation! New York is a place that really interests me – I`d love to travel there one day – your pictures are great….I especially love the one of all of the trees, it really does look like something out of a story book. And ending it all at the seaside……could it get any better!
April 26th, 2012
Through your pictures and stories I get to see places I may not otherwise see. I can almost smell the sea from here!
April 30th, 2012
i agree Becky, with what you said at the end. Every time I go away I am so excited for the open road, and when that same road leads me back home again I am more content than ever.
I’ve never been to New York and have enjoyed your pictures very much, and the museum sounds wonderful. I especially enjoyed the picture of the Jackson Pollack painting. I’ve never heard of him but am off to learn!
April 30th, 2012
Becky,
So good to see you having such fun with your little family! I am off to Mesa tomorrow to see my in laws and sil. It will be good to be in real summer!!! I am so glad you got to see Wicked…one of my goals!
Big hugs,
Suz
May 1st, 2012
Reply to “From City to Sea”