Tuesday, July 27, 2010

New York New York... it's a wonderful town!


I've been wanting to visit New York City for a while now. I've had the opportunity but never felt like dragging the kids along for the ride. It seemed like more of an adventure for grown ups. The past few days after paying my dues (I watched my brother's kids in Philly then he watched mine) I got the chance to take a quick overnight trip into the city.

The lovely and talented Melanie Testa and I spent two days walking and playing and having, in general, a fantastic New York experience! Here she is getting ready to unwrap a tasty lunch packet we got at the Japanese store. Oh, my - a whole floor of books. A floor of stuff including office and art supplies and a cafe on the top floor. Check out this lovely pen that Melanie had me try out - refillable ink cartridges and an actual brush tip - bristles and everything. Naturally I had to come home with one. The lunch packets were rice with spicy cod roe, wrapped in seaweed. Of course it took an engineer to open the thing. There was plastic between the rice and the seaweed as well as the on the outside and if you opened it just right then it all lands together in a lovely packet. (No - neither one of us got it quite right but they were delicious anyway!

Our first stop was Central Park and the Zoo. It's the tiniest zoo I've ever seen but it was lovely. We truly enjoyed the tropical house with lemurs and birds and a few reptiles here and there. 

Check out these legs. Coming from a woman who loves, loves, loves crazy socks, this was my favorite shot of the morning.

We traipsed up through the park to the Met, but had forgotten that it was closed on Mondays so we simply walked west a while then hopped onto the subway and would our way to Melanie's lovely (tiny) apartment and studio. I must say she has made the best  of her situation. She's very organized and everything had a space. I'll not complain about my studio any more. Hers is the size of my closet. Literally.


Day two and we went to Spring Studio in SOHO. It's just a basement room but they have life drawing sessions two to three times every day!!! We spent a full three hours drawing two, five, ten, and twenty minute poses. (I think this is a five minute pose.)


What a fun opportunity - not having had the opportunity to take life drawing courses in college. It was three hours of drawing - sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating - but a wonderful chance to learn.

Next it was more subways, more walking, more quick stops into churches, shops, (even a quilt shop), and elegant train stations with beautiful constellations on the ceiling.


We ate our lunch outside of Melanie's Alma Matter, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the popped in to their gallery to view their current exhibit, Eco-Fashion: Going Green. I found it quite interesting to see how they fit some of their historical collections into the theme, as well as spotlighting some very forward thinking current designers.






One of the big impressions I'll take from the city is the interaction of so many people sharing the same space. Standing together on the subway. Making way on the sidewalk. Enjoying a pleasant sunny day.


People going places and doing things. So many all together in one place. And guess what. They weren't rude or all dressed in black. Just as many people smiled and were helpful as in any other place I've been. Guess what? I love New York! Two thumbs up. 


Just remember to bring very comfortable walking shoes, be prepared for adventure, and just soak in the humanity, the art, the environment and all the wonderfulness in its colorful and myriad forms when you visit. NYC will definitely be seeing me again.

11 comments:

Deborah Younglao, Silk Painter said...

Nice skyline photo! Glad you had such a good time Lyric. I lived in NYC for a while, really enjoyed the variety of things to do especially in summer... so much action in C. Park! And great to be able to go everywhere on foot, bus or subway... no need for a car.

Lisa Chin said...

Touring the city with a "native" is the best way! Looks like you and Mells had a great time. I'm taking my first trip there over labor day weekend - a gift to my husband for his 50th. Don't know how I ended up married to such an old man. ;) Looking forward to seeing the city!

Judy Warner said...

Thanks for sharing. I grew up in NYC and always love returning to walk and walk and walk. There is so much to enjoy there. In November I will be running the NYC Marathon which I suspect will give me a new perspective on touring the five boroughs!

Robin said...

Lyric,
So glad you had an opportunity to experience NYC...everyone should at least once.
I have been multiple times and still haven't done everything I want to do-plus the lists change as I grow older.
Great pictures and I can feel that NYC energy in your writing:)
Thanks for giving me a smile today.

Jane LaFazio said...

ah, sounds like a great two days!! so glad you and Melly had an artist date together in NYC. xo

Jeannie said...

Thank you so much for sharing your artist dates with Melly. Love the "socks" on that bird. NYC is amazing. Have a fun filled weekend. Cheers.

Gloria said...

Sounds like it was a good time. I'm sorry I missed it.

Melly Testa said...

You are welcome to stay here any time you'd like. I know it is small, but it is free! Loved having you.

colorific said...

Glad you got to get away and have such a wonderful time!! I want to go do the Lyric & Melly Tour. You two need to package that and write a book ... Eat, Play, Laugh ... or something. I can see sketchbooks, pen sets, tea, make your own rice and seaweed lunch kit, ... no? Just me?

Love the bird legs!

Kellininaperkins said...

Oh wow wow wow...what a great time! Melanie showed you the city. That is awesome. Yay! Spectacular photos Lyric, especially love the one of Melly and the crazy sock bird, lol.

Leslie Tucker Jenison said...

It looks like you had a grand time. What could be better than an artist-date with Melly? And life-drawing, too? I'm really happy you had so much fun.
The bird legs are the best!