The Conservatory Garden

I finally made it to Central Park's Conservatory Garden, which was stunning. At times I felt I like was in Montreal. At times I felt I was in a movie, especially when I looked at the wisteria pergolas that greeted me when I walked through the conservatory's gate. Mostly, though, I embraced the calm I felt walking among the cherry blossoms, admiring the colorful tulips, grape hyacinths, and daffodils, and smelling the lilacs.

Not everything was flowering, though. When I saw how the magnolia trees had lost many of their petals, I was reminded about bloom seasons, and how good it is to notice what's good in the moment. When I remember the cherry blossoms and tulips I loved seeing, I'm also happy to think that once their season is over, we won't lose them forever: they'll be back next year.  

Madison Square Park

I'm not sure how I've never posted photos of Madison Square Park, which is such a pretty part of the City in the Spring. It also features art installations from time to time, and when I was lucky to stumble on the park yesterday, I was also treated to "Fata Morgana," which I'd read about just a day or two before. I soaked in the cherry blossom trees and tulips fully, marveling again at how parks in the City during spring look like a painting.

Long Weekend

From a weekend at home. That featured a breakfast out with coffee and a poptart from Stumptown (fancy). Tulips and other signs of spring in the City. A scenic train ride back home. Time to play violin. A brunch date in the North End with one friend. A walk in a dog park with another, and a walk home by my old high school. Precious time spent with family, even if it wasn't at "Seymour." Inspiration from the Boston Marathon (and a run when I got home). I'm so grateful for my family and friends, and a second place to call home.

Spring Weekend

From the first weekend I was able to put on my spring jacket and read outdoors before it got too cold. I passed the time in Prospect Park. Made a a fig butter, cheese, and arugula sandwich at home (inspired by our cellist's past trip to France). Planned on going to Cafe Integral, which ended up being closed. Wound up circling SoHo only to end up at McNally Jackson, where I finished "Kafka" with a latte (caffeine-light, but a great spot to read). Indulged with cake, macarons, and edible cookie dough, because it was a rough week. Spent the late afternoon back in Brooklyn Heights, walking the park and the fruit streets. Ended up home with two more books to read. Imagined how soon spring would be back in the City.

South of Houston Steet

From last weekend's trip to SoHo, because it deserves more photos than I've shared here.

NY Corners:
Even when I first photographed SoHo, I associated it with great architecture and art. That's still true today, though I'd now also add fashion, shopping, and "trendiness" to that list. SoHo is where I've gone for Fashion Week. It's where I've gone shopping. It's where I walked down Broadway and really felt the size of this City. It's where I noticed hearts all over.

Last weekend, I also remembered how many water-towers and yellow taxes there are in SoHo. SoHo is like the Upper West Side's little sister—smaller, but more energetic and spunky too.

I also remembered how many little surprises SoHo regularly seems to throw my way, like unique art and tulips outside a subway entrance, even when it's 35 degrees outside.

Spring Weekend

From just the right kind of weekend. Where Saturday morning teased us with a quick snow. Where I bumped into a friend at the grocery store. Where I got excited about the recipes I'm making for this week. Where Spotify's quiet playlists were perfect for relaxing. Where I bought the first flowers of the season.

Where Sunday finally brought over spring-like weather and I tried a latte at Joe's in the Village (smooth, light). Where I accidentally reached Hudson River Park, walked along the river, and made a mental note to go running there in a few weeks. Where slower trains made for reading time. Where I remembered how often I used to go Tribeca for groceries. Where the Freedom Tower stood out for me as it hadn't in the past. Where I listened to a pianist in Washington Square and saw an unusually high number of string players in the Village.

Weekend

From a weekend that felt like spring. That took me from Lincoln Center down to East Village. That saw me watch the rain from behind the window at Cafe Grumpy, with a Times article about perfume (the place itself was cozy and the coffee itself was good.) That witnessed me buy a little gift and a teeny tiny plant for my room. Where I read interviews in two books I had long waited for and listened to the Goldberg Variations. Where I bought a face wash with sea minerals (really liking it so far.) Where I decided that I would add seeing Carnegie Hall to my bucket list. It was refreshing. I'm grateful for weekends like this.

Spring Eternal

Spring in full bloom.