Being a Tourist in My Own City

Today was a gorgeous day, so I took the opportunity to visit the High Line in the city.  The High Line opened in 1934 to carry goods into the meat packing district.  It closed in 1980 and was saved from demolition by Peter Obletz, a Chelsea resident.  In 1999 the Friends of the High Line was formed and through private funding and some fabulous dedicated individuals, the first section of this public space opened in 2009.  
You can learn more about it here https://www.thehighline.org/about

Climb the stairs and enter the Highline.

It's located in Chelsea, in the meatpacking district on the west side.

The first thing I noticed were the gorgeous plantings.  Lots of native grasses and flowering perennials grace the landscape.

The original rail ties peek through.


Art is scattered here and there.

A cage of heads.

and even where you don't expect it...

People watching is always interesting.

The views are amazing!

and also educational

I love how the kids are looking out over the street in this photo. 

No need to worry if you forget your camera or cell phone, 

the friends of the Highline have you covered.

So, walk,

ride a  bike,

or grab your chopper.

Get on over to the Highline where you can relax, enjoy treats,

build with legos,

or just plain hang out.  

Look I found Winston's name!!!  

Every turn leads to a new discovery.  

On our way back to Grand Central, we see this!  Seriously...what no spell check?

The Chrysler Building, my favorite!

It was a beautiful, fun day and I can't wait to visit again.  Next time, I'm stopping in to the newly renovated Whitney Museum!!

12-13-14 or Annual ARTsistahs Holiday Day in the City

Every year the ARTsistahs gather to celebrate the holidays in New York City.  This year we decided to have lunch and take a class with Donna Downey at the Ink Pad.  Just like last year, it was Santacon, but instead of showing you a bunch of Santa clad celebrants, I'm showing you a lovely bunch of carolers who greeted us in Grand Central.

We were off, first stop lunch at Commerce in the West Village.  On the way we found the cutest little bakery called milk and cookies.  It was too soon for snacks, but I picked up a magic cookie bar for later.  Anyone who knows me, knows I like a cookie!

3 sistahs posing in front of milk and cookies

Look at this adorable painting hanging inside: artist unknown.

Lunch was at Commerce.  It was the perfect meal.

We started with cocktails

and exchanged little 'gifties'

Then we headed over to the Ink Pad for our class. 

It was held at the Westbeth Gallery. 

Donna Downey was a wonderful, fun teacher. 

 Here she is demonstrating a technique.

We worked diligently on our mixed media books.

 I was so busy, I don't have many photos.  I'll post my finished book soon (probably after the holidays).

We posed for pics with Donna before we left. 

(missing from photo Elizabeth and Kathi who ran to catch their train)

I love my days in the city with my ARTsistahs.  I have found my tribe!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Big Egg Hunt

Faberge sponsored a Big Egg Hunt in NYC beginning on April 1st.  There were 206 eggs hidden throughout the city.  Using social media (facebook, twitter, instagram), clues were given and the hunt was on.  People have been posting their finds on instagram and twitter and after seeing some of the pics, I knew I had to go see them in person.  The eggs were created by designers and artists and are for sale here.  Yesterday, April 18, 2014 they were all gathered and nested at Rockefeller Plaza.  Since my birdies were home in our nest, we took a trip in to see them.  Here are some of our favorites.

caitie spotted the first egg

Then we went around the corner and saw lots!  Nicki thought this looked like a dragon egg.

this one was one of my favoites

When i took the photo i didn't notice the guy standing behind this fabulous egg.  makes it look like it has feet!

pennies!

another of my favorites.  the egg is encapsulated inside a wire nest.

This one was my favorite!!

When looking close up, you see it is not painted but decorated with cut paper!  the work here amazes me!

Being able to view such fun art is one of the many reasons I love living so close to this city.  20 minute train ride and we are there, experiencing such beauty!  If you get a chance check them out...there are 206 eggs.  What a fun way to spend a couple of hours. For more info check out thebigegghunt.org