Derailed once again

Determination should count for something.  My mind seems to wander with ways to get to New York.  A little herniated disc should not stop someone from their divine quest for metro satisfaction.  My heart belongs to New York, but my body has different plans.  Oh sure, after a trip to the doctors an MRI and a steroid pack, I feel a bit better, but time is now the robber of my escape from the daily routine.  I must prepare for an adventure that is bittersweet.  I will be exploring a place I have never been to before, Aspen, Colorado with my family and a few friends.  Sounds wonderful,  exciting.  Aspen in the winter!  A skiers (or snowboarders) dream.  I, however will not be participating in any of these sports, I have been advised to "take it very easy".  My two sons however, will be snowboarding, watching sports, photographing and videotaping all the action, and hopefully having an experience of a lifetime.  I am thankful that  our relationship has reached the level of both parent/child and friends, it makes life so much more pleasant.  I will enjoy their company,  investigate the area and search out the quaint shops and wonderful restaurants,  armed with my camera in a feeble attempt to capture the beauty of the land and festivities around me.  I am regretful that I have once again missed my weekly New York pilgrimage.  I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has presented itself to me and vow to make it the best trip I can.  After all, New York will always be there with all its sparkle; but Aspen, with my family, that may be once in a lifetime and I am not about to pass on an opportunity to create new memories that will carry us into the future and keep us warm on a  cold winter night.  Aspen has its work cut out for it, but no matter the outcome, the challenge will be fun.

Braving the cold with Wishful Drinking

Running to catch the train I can't help but wonder, where in the world my debit card could be.  If I had know the answer to this question, I would be reading the paper and sipping coffee while waiting for the 11:18 train to New York City.  Instead, it was a mad dash to the station, running through the halls arriving with barely enough time to purchase my ticket and walk onto the train. I could look at this one of two ways.  Either, it was a sign to stay home, or I was meant to go.  I chose the latter.

As I settled into my seat, I reconsidered my last minute decision of leaving the warmth of my home for the harsh winter air of the city.  It was freezing out, I was exhausted, and not in a very good mood; a recipe for disaster.  A few minutes into the ride I began to relax. I turned on my ipod, listened to some Jack Johnson to calm my nerves and knew my debit card was bound to show up somewhere, a pocket, my desk, it always does.  I was prepared for the harsh weather, thought of a backup plan  if the play was sold out and wondered where I might find to eat lunch since during my morning frenzy I skipped breakfast and was now starving. 

Upon arriving in Grand Central I noticed an increase in the security, rather than worrying about it, I felt calmed by their presence, these brave men and woman were stationed to protect me, something I have been searching for lately in my life.  I decided to head right to the box office and secure my ticket for the play Wishful Drinking starring Carrie Fisher.  Why Princess Leia you may ask?  Playbill.com provided cheap tickets.  Simple as that.  Nothing profound, I read reviews that said it was funny and I was in a desperate need for some laughter.  I began once again to question my decision as I walked the cold, windy streets towards Studio 54.  My mood was not lending its self to coping, I wanted to be sheltered. Along the way I encountered a rather strange sight.  Airline seats on 50th Street.  Just lined up along side a building.  It made me chuckle, really, where else would you see something like that?  Only in New York!  I was beginning to get a good feeling about my escapade.

I continued on to Studio 54, happy to be able to experience this iconic theater.  The lobby was inviting and the poster for the play deepened my security that I had made the right choice. After purchasing my last row ticket, I wandered the area in search of nourishment.  I walked past the Stage Deli, avoiding it because I mistakenly thought of it as a tourist trap.  The second time around, self preservation kicked in the and I hesitantly wandered in seating myself at the bar, I was pleasantly surprised when it not only provided warmth and a great omelet, but three unexpected friends.

Carlos the bartender and Jerry the waiter were very surprised to learn that the woman sitting next to me was not only also from CT, but going to see Wishful Drinking when she was done eating her omelet.  The coincidence of this was hysterical to our bartender/waiter. Nancy was from Greenwhich and she came into the city quite often alone to shop and see plays. We discussed theatre, the weather and New Yorkers.  Carlos had seen Wishful Drinking and promised not only would I love it, but I would laugh throughout most of it.  This was what my trips to New York were about.  Finding the hidden gems, the unexpected, the local flavor of a city that seems overwhelming.  Mission accomplished within a hour of being here.


With a newly energized body and mind, I paid my bill and headed off to see Wishful Drinking.  Carlos informed me of his favorite line in the play and invited me to stop in after wards for some cheesecake and my review of the play.  The weather was brisk to say the least and my one block walk to the theater seemed like an eternity.  I found my seat and was surprised that $29.00 actually provided a decent seat.  I was presented with yet another unexpected surprise.  As the play began, some of us were invited down to fill in the empty seats.  I now had a great, front row balcony seat to what turned out to be one of the best plays I have seen in a long time.


Ms. Fisher makes her entrance barefoot, covered in sparkles, wearing black silk pajamas.  She sings Happy Days are here again as she makes her way down to the front row tossing confetti onto unsuspecting play goers.  She then begins to explain why she choose a narcissist move like a self indulging play at this point in her life.  "If my life wasn't funny, it would just be true, and that would be tragic". I think many of us can relate to that quote. With the ice broken she then begins the journey of her life as she remembers it.  Holding nothing back and delving into areas that would be tragic if not for Ms Fishers outlook, she makes the audience laugh for the next 3 hours.  She explains her Star Wars days, gives the audience a lesson complete with chalk board on Hollywood inbreeding 101, and talks about her addictions and the consequences of them.  I did not learn alot about Carrie Fishers life, it has all been covered by the news media throughout the years, but what I did learn was about the person behind the news, the emotions and truth that led her to stand before me talking about subjects that most would be uncomfortable with,  yet making me feel relaxed and even laugh with her about these events.  This was not only talent, but a person who I believe was sincere in her therapeutic need to talk about her life and give an accurate portrayal of her life as she knew it.

Rejuvenated from the energy of the play and laughing so much, I bundle up and decide I must go and share my experience with Carlos and Jerry.  As I sit down at the bar Carlos informs me that immediately after I walked out John McEnroe sat right next to where I was sitting at lunch.  Regardless of your like or dislike of tennis, sitting next to someone as controversial and famous as John McEnroe would have been exciting.  Maybe next time, after all a few months ago I did bump into Ted Danson.  I ordered coffee and cheesecake and we discussed the play.  I shared one of my favorite lines from the play with them.  George Lucas informed Carrie Fisher that she could not wear a bra under her costume because "There is no underwear in space!"  Evidently, he said it with such conviction that she wondered how he could know this.  We ended up talking about  photography, travel, and family.  It amazes me that people think of New Yorker as cold people.  I have always found New Yorkers to be warm, friendly, and helpful and believe that it is the tourist who have these preconceived notions about New Yorkers and do not give them the chance to show their true personalities.

After saying goodbye to Carlos and Jerry and promising to stop in again I bundle up and prepare to face the bitter cold.  The wind had died down and it was not as threatening as I had thought it would be.  I decided to walk back to the train station rather than take the subway.  As I walked down 5th Avenue, I noticed the street lined with school buses and custom buses.  What I had never realized was that when the jewelry row closes, the owners and workers have these buses waiting for them to take them home.  Just a bit of trivia I thought I would share.  Most of the city's Christmas lights were still lit up which gave off a warm glow and as I approached Radio City I hung a left on the chance that Rockefeller Center might still be decorated.  What a pleasant surprise to turn the corner and see the tree still decked in all its grandeur but without the crowds.  I walked around enjoying the beauty and offering my photography skills to families and couples,okay, I just push the button on their cameras.   As I started to walk away, I heard cheering, I turned and saw a couple, alone,  out on the ice rink, with the man down on one knee.  It was a touching, perfect, romantic New York moment that I was glad to have witnessed and a great way to end my day.  Oh, and my debit card was found, things really do work them selves out, you just have to let life happen and some of your best experiences will follow.

B&H, Carmines and the tree, Perfect!

The tragedy of sanity

All weekend, I looked forward to getting back into the city.  I debated the sanity of trekking the streets in a boot with an injured foot.  It does not hurt nearly as much as it has, the swelling is gone and although my pace may be slow the biggest obstacle is the uncomfortable weight of the boot and a bit of back and hip pain from walking uneven.  My decision, go, explore but keep the walking experience limited.  I came up with  the perfect plan-Grand Central Terminal!  As many times as I have traveled through the halls,  grab a snack for the ride home, passed by the holiday boutiques and looked up at the beautiful ceiling display as I ran to catch the train home-I have never explored all the rich history or unique shopping and dining events that happen on a daily basis.  The weather planned to be blustery so I was very proud of my idea.  Bring my camera, get some Christmas shopping done, minimal walking, eat somewhere new and discover the uniqueness of Grand Central.  Perfect plan.
As I write this, I should be on the train heading off for my picture perfect day at Grand Central Terminal.  Somewhere during the night, I was robbed.  Sleep did not come to me until six in the morning and only lasted 2 hours.  During the night a sleep deprived brain talked some sanity into this mind.  Christmas is right around the corner, my four year old grandson is coming to stay with us this weekend, I have graduation party, candle lighting and Christmas party to plan.  I am going to need my foot to be strong, walkable and reliable.  So, once again, my New York adventure will wait.  I still love the idea of spending a day inside Grand Central and will certainly do that this winter, more than likely on a very cold, wintry day when the thought of being outside seems excruciating.  I will take it easy this week, decorate, and prepare for the up coming festivities and the non stop activity of my grandsons visit.  Next week I will travel into the city, the tree will be lit and it will be full of Christmas spirit and life.  I am not sure what I will do, but you can be certain I will be sharing my experience.

Hurt foot limits travesl into the city

So, do to an injury, I am suppose to stay off my foot for a few weeks.  That being said, my trips have been put on hold.  I tried to reason with myself and my husband that I could still visit, just limit the walking around that I do.  With the holidays approaching, I decided to head the advice and rest my foot as much as possible so that I can enjoy the adventures I have ahead of me.

I have missed the peaceful feeling I bring home with me from my trip into the city.  I instead have resorted to research.  Places I have not been to yet that need to be discovered by me and my camera.  The Belvedere Castle is one of them.  I hate to admit it, but I did not even know it was there.  It looks like an incredible place, a stroll through the park with that as a destination has been moved to the top of my list as soon as my foot can handle it.  Until then, my trips will be limited to short walks with specific destinations in mind.  I need to rethink how to go about my weekly trips and get back to the busiest place in the world where I am the most comfortable.

Strolling through Bryant Park

Yesterday was a beautiful day in the city.  I had apprehensions about not exploring as much, but between the confines of time and a hurt foot, I limited myself to a more self contained area.  The plan was to check out the holiday shops at Bryant Park and then head off to a never tried wine and chocolate bar.

The ride into the city was a pleasant departure from my normal trip.  I met a girlfriend at the train station and instead of my customary quiet, lost in my memories ride, it was filled with great conversation about life and its complications, joys and heartache, along with a bit of gossip!  We laughed and discovered things about each other.  I could not understand how someone who lives so close to the city had only explored it a few times in her entire life.  A vibrant, unique world within an hour of our homes awaited discovery
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Emerging from the train station, we walked at what my husband calls my "New York mode" out to the streets. First stop, the beautiful Bryant Park.  It was a bit early, not all the holiday shoppes were open yet.  It gave more time to walk slowly, to take in the emotions of the city.  It was refreshing to bop in and out of  local craftsmen kiosks, to talk with them about their crafts, their lives.  I think I learned more about some of these people than acquaintances I have known for years.  Like the woman who had a very quirky little store and is meeting her boyfriend from Australia on January 8th.  He had been her first husband and has not seen him in 35 years,  They found each other a few months ago on the internet and hit it off.  They call and talk all the time and the excitement and apprehension she had was like a young child in love for the first time.

  Then there was "Dave" who was by far my favorite vendor.  He sells aromatherapy neck warmers, eye pillows, body wraps, slippers, all which heat up in the microwave or cool down in the freezer.  As I write this I have my soft blue lavender scented shoulder wrap soothing and warming me.  He has a beautiful English accent and a great sense of humor.  Time spent in his store"Country Herbs" which is located near the Christmas tree is an uplifting experience.  His wife sells the most beautiful scented candles which illuminate from the inside out next to him at a great little shop called "Seasonal Illuminations".  A holiday shopping trip to Bryant Park would not be complete without stopping in both of these vendors.  They are kind, talented, unique individuals.

Onethe second stroll around (the first being to scope out what is available before spending any money), there were even more great finds.  The gentleman on the corner near ping pong.  What a sweetheart.  He is a fashion designer by trade and started to draw greeting cards for his friends and family incorporating his runway fashions.  A very talented man who produces beautiful designs of both greeting cards and Christmas ornaments.  His name is Aaron Potts, he is kind, humble and you can check out his art at his website.  I bought a beautiful ornament at a very affordable price which he was kind enough to sign for me.

A little more shopping, scarf appreciation, trying on hats, and admiring handcrafted jewelry. The most beautiful I had seen were hand dried orchids turned into broaches, necklaces, earrings and hair clips displayed at Hanami Real Flower Jewelry.  I will be going back to visit these charming people and purchase some of their crafts as gifts for my friends and family.  Hunger starts to set in and the choices of eating surrounded the pond.  Table and chairs were scattered throughout the park so you could soak up the ambiance, sights and sounds of this beautiful park.  A small stand with food from Istanbul caught our eye and we grab a spinach and cheese phyllo dough lunch.  Sat down by the rink at the pond, ate and watched ice skaters enjoying themselves with abandon.  How refreshing it was to see children learning, business women getting exercise, couples enjoying each other, all skating to beautiful music in the odd warm November air.

The next stop, hot chocolate.  This shop was on a corner and at first glance it looked a bit much for my taste.  Truffles, over priced, pretentious, but the name was great! Max Brenner- Chocolate by the Bald Guy!  This is not a name of a store that can be ignored.  I needed to at least stop and see what was offered.  Bridget, the cashier was as sweet as the goods she was selling.  The price for a cup of hot chocolate was pricey but Bridget insisted it was the best hot chocolate I would ever have.  I bit.  While she was preparing I looked up and saw a bald gentleman in the background.  I blurted out, "Oh, is he the bald guy?", which upon her laughter the poor young man looked up in surprise and left the store. He seemed to be a bit insulted but after all, he was a bald guy.  Bridget was right, it was the creamiest hot chocolate I have ever experienced.  As my friend put it "Oh my God, this is to die for!"  Sitting in the park, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of lunch hour, lost in conversation and observation, it is amazing that just steps from where we were sitting are sidewalks and streets full of stress and anxiety.

Although the sun wasn't shinning the temperatures were warm and pleasant.   Around every corner was a new discovery.  A quaint seating area that looked as if you should be lounging with a good book poolside, men is suits playing ping pong,  boccie ball was being enjoyed by another group of gentlemen, ice skating on the pond by children and adults, the laughter of children riding the carousel, strolling couples grabbing a bite to eat, moms taking children for a walk, tourist and locals getting some early shopping done.

New York City is an amazing place.  Within 2 blocks of Grand Central Station was this small corner that held a world so different from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  The day was spent experiencing the park in more detail than I had ever before.  Many times I had taken a short cut through it and I never noticed the unique activities and relaxing opportunities all tucked under the trees of this vibrant city.   I continue to be amazed by this wonderful city and the generosity of people.  I never make it to the chocolate wine and bar, my foot hurt to much to walk the distance.  I will get there.  Maybe it was someone telling me that I will need a lot longer than I had planned on for some wine, cheese and chocolate!  You will need to keep reading for that adventure, it sounds like it would be a good plan for a cold or rainy day!

The best part of the day turned out to be meeting this young man outside of Grand Central who was heading home to CT from Colorado.  He was 24 and had gone out to find a job at a ski resort so he could spend time snowboarding.  His name was Daniel.  He had a beard and although his eyes were not blue they had the same sparkle of my youngest sons.  He was looking for just a few dollars more to get him there.  I asked him why he was heading back to Connecticut and he said to go home to his mom.  Needless to say it tugged at my motherly heartstrings and I invited him to walk with me so I could buy him his ticket home.  He seemed so full of life, like the world was his for the taking.

My friend and I were early for the train and I found that she had never been in Grand Central.  We took a short tour, explained the beauty of it, especially during the holidays, the shops and eateries.  She was in awe.  On the way to our train, I saw Daniel standing in the car door, he turned and smiled a great smile as he waved to us on our way.  It was another  great day in the city!

Ted Danson, Skateboarders, Santas & Food!

Well, Monday I set out for my "lost in the city" day.  Little did I know it would turn out to be very literal.  After a pleasant train ride into the city I found myself standing on the subway downtown near a NYU film student and his "accomplice" for the day, a skateboarder.  This sent a warm smile across my face while tugging at my heart.  I emerged from the subway to have my next pleasant surprise....Ted Danson.  As I looked up to find my bearings, there he was, more handsome than on TV.  We exchanged hellos as I avoided walking into him, his smile was genuine and his voice kind.  Thank you Mr. Danson for a warm welcome to my adventure.  I knew my day was going to go well! 

The drizzle came, as did the cold.  I walked in what I thought was the direction I wanted to proceed, only to discover I really did not know this area of the city well at all.  I debated finding somewhere to purchase an umbrella and quickly dismissed the thought unless I encountered steady rain or a downpour.  As I wandered, I would bump into familiar sounding street names which provided me with a false sense of familiarity and security.  I was lucky to walk by a very small but inviting bakery on East 4th Street called Pinisi.  I had a very tasty cranberry muffin and a great cup of coffee.  I watched regulars come and go, witnessed a fight between the delivery driver and a meter maid who had just written him a ticket.

Recharged, I set off determined to find the chocolatier that brought me here in the first place.  Well, around lunch time, I was still lost but came across a landmark, Washington Square Park!  I knew I was close.  Chocolate was within my reach.  As I stopped to take in the sights and sounds of the park, the sun emerged washing my face with a welcoming warmth.  It was then I heard the familiar sounds of a skateboard.  I turned to watch and it was the two young men that were on the subway with me.  I watched one do tricks as the other encouraged and filmed it.  My boys, all three of the filled my heart and mind with a joy that only a mother knows.  I sat on a bench to soak up the sun and music began playing. A group of challenged young adults were playing music.  It was refreshing.  They were having so much fun, so uninhibited by the world around them.  I took joy in their performance.

My stomach began to compete with the sounds of the band so off I headed in  a confident direction of Jacque Torres Choclatier and my lunch destination of  Caffe Reggio.   I knew the addresses, but when you are unfamiliar with the streets distances are very deceiving.  I knew I was close, as I had been before, but this time I swallowed my pride and asked for directions.  The city streets had won this time.
I found myself on beautiful MacDougall Street and immediately found Caffe Reggio.  The inside was very old and inviting.  Couples of all kinds surrounded me as I settled into a chair next to the window.  I ordered Brushetta, a salad and a cup of espresso with hazelnut cream.  The coffee was delicious.  The salad was average at best and the brushetta a huge disappointment.  I may go back someday and try a pasta dish out of curiosity, but based on the brushetta (which seemed like my salad tossed onto dry, thin, rye bread) my expectations are not high.

Next stop, desert, how can anyone go wrong with chocolate.  when I saw the building I was immediately impressed with the size.  Upon entering I was disappointed not to be overwhelmed by the smell of chocolate.  Everything was neat, orderly and looked exquisite.  However, I was a bit disappointed.  Maybe my expectations were to low, some would call me crazy not to have fallen in love with Jacque.  I did purchase a cookie and a tiny cupcake, which were tasty.  I left with the  discovery that I am more of a modest chocolate lover that the extravagant.

Time to get my weary feet heading back into the direction of the train station.  I started to get a visual of the area so my confidence grew.  I knew the subway to take but had no idea where the nearest station was so I made the decision to walk to 40+ blocks back.  As I turned the corner, and glanced towards Union Square Park, an arts and crafts fair caught my eye.  As I approached, I noticed a sea of red.  Ignoring the art for a moment I wanted to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me.  No, there must have been 50 Santa's all dressed in shorts laughing, jumping, running and creating a scene in the efforts to promote a book.  It was wonderful.  Then came that familiar sound again.  It was the same film student and skateboarder.  I knew it was time to head home.  What a great way to end the day.  

The city is a big, beautiful, surprising place to explore.  This was my "Greenwich Village" trip, which barely got brushed up against.  Most of the museums and quaint stores that caught my eye were closed.  I spent most of the day trying to find certain destinations only to discover my best moments were the unplanned ones.