Weekend Two, Saturday, Winter in Mahattan Odyssey

"Each morning when I open my eyes, I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today."  Groucho Marx

Had all good intentions to go to Central park Saturday morning to do their weekly health walk.  You know where good intentions lead..it was cold..I did some yoga in my room instead..  At noon headed out to see a Teen theatre group do scenes and music from “West Side Story” with Roomie, and friends.  It was an incredible show filled with tremendously talented teens of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities.

                From its website:

Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer/Rosetta LeNoire, Founder) New York City's award-winning pioneer in multiculturalism in the performing arts, now in its 43rd year. Founded by ground-breaking actress and producer Rosetta LeNoire, Amas ("you love" in Latin) is devoted to the creation, development and professional production of new American musicals through the celebration of diversity and minority perspectives, the emergence of new artistic talent, and the training and encouragement of inner-city young people.

After the show we went to a neighborhood (between Union Square and the East Village) pizza joint, and had a very nice lunch together.  Our group was Roomie and Partner, Daughter, and Roomie’s extremely interesting cousin. Cousin had lived in Cambridge and worked at WBGH (public television in Boston) in the early sixties.  Now she lives within site of the Guggenheim!, and does a lot of work with BAC.  She’s been an award winning producer (Emmy and Oscar voter!!), and writer.  Fascinating.  Also, at the show Roomie introduced us to her friend who was President of AMAS.  This Lady is an MD, survived two bouts of cancer, raised a daughter who now has children, and is exploring her love of theatre having had a one woman show.  She has been included in a book, “100 Women Who Love Their Jobs.” written by Joanne Gordon . How lucky was I to be meeting all these wonderful and fascinating people?

Inoteca from its website

          We parted ways then as I headed to the LES (Lower East Side) as I had read in Time Out New York’s website about a book reading at what sounded like, and proved to be, a funky book store in the early evening.  I poked around some shops then headed to a wine bar I’ve enjoyed in the past, Inoteca on Rivington at Ludlow.  Very excited to have one of my favorite Italian reds, Sangrantino from Umbria (usually very tough to have outside that area), along with some lovely cheeses.  Perfect.

                Contentedly I walked around the corner to the funky independent bookstore, Bluestockings, on Allen Street at Stanton.  Have you ever read the wrong book by the right author?  I feel like my bookclub of over 20 years has done so a few times.  That’s how I felt about the reading.  I’m delighted to have found this bookstore.  Their selection of books was quite interesting.   (I’ve read quite a few of their selection, so felt cool and with it!)  Don't you miss bookstores? So sad the demise of them, especially the small ones.  But, the book being discussed, was not my cup of tea.  To me, it was young radicals, against our government, blah, blah…don’t want to get into it.  Thought it was going to be a foodie book and history tied together.  Wrong.

                Then I decided to go up to the Ginger Man, again, to say a quick Hi to K.  Had piece of the chocolate cake she told me about, and another Frambois beer.  It really is like an after dinner drink!  Then headed “home” for the night.

Weekend two, Friday, Winter in Manhattan Odyssey

   "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."  Jorge Luis Borges

Another six a.m. bus from South Station, fortunately I was able to sleep most of the bus ride again. Bus arrived right on time, jumped in a cab, and arrived to my NYC home by 11:30am.   Out for the day, I headed down Lexington, poking in a couple of boutiques on my way to the New York Public Library on 5^th Avenue and 42^nd Street.  Decided to get a small something as the granola bar, and coffee I had wasn’t going to last me so I popped in to a Café Metro.  It was freezing out, and soup was just what the doctor ordered for a day like this. Café Metro is clean, with great fresh food and there are many locations around the city. 

Another chain that I’ve frequented in the past is Pret a Manger.  I saw a sign in one of their windows that said their food was fresh daily, and each evening leftover food was distributed to homeless shelters.  Also they advertised the wages (quite a bit above the national minimum wage), and their humane treatment of employees.  Now truth be told, when I come to Manhattan, I like to “dine” a bit, but these two chains are great for a nice quick bit on the run.  (I just read they are coming to Boston.)

Lobby Entrance @ the New York Public Library

from Tina L

            The New York Public Library is a gorgeous building and walking through the front doors was amazing.  Understood why Carrie (ala “Sex and the City”) wanted her, albeit ill-fated, wedding there.  I joined a free tour of the Library led by a volunteer Docent who loved her job.   It was a well-spent interesting hour or so.  At the end of her tour she passed out 10% off coupons for the gift shop.  I have found over the years that museum gift shops are some of my favorite places to shop for gifts, and odds n ends, never been to one in a library before.  Actually had lots of great items and saw a couple of things in particular that I liked. 

Original Winnie the Pooh

Winnie and Friends

The Library has an incredible amount of interesting “stuff” and there’s always special exhibits going on.  I went down to the children’s room to search out the original Winnie the Poo!, Tigger, and friends who reside there. 

                Leaving the building, I went behind the library to the lovely Bryant Park where each winter a skating rink is erected.  A few of the shops from the Christmas Markets were still there, so of course I had to poke around, and found a few treasures for the Girls.  (Funny, just that week on Facebook, a Milton Mom asked the question as to when we stop buying presents for our kids..I didn’t respond because I don’t think she was looking for my response…never.  I still enjoy buying the Girls things..)

                Off to The Ginger Man again, to check in say Hi to K (had a great audition today!).  Felt like a star as many of the young Ladies working came to give me hugs and hellos.  Had a spicy buffalo shrimp plate, and two beers! Time to head “home” and meet up with Roomie for dinner.

Dylan's Candy Bar from its website

              Roomie’s Daughter requested that we go to to California Pizza Kitchen.  Shared lots of small plates, great!  And, then to a place next door that I’ve read a lot about, Dylan’s Candy Bar.  (It’s on 61^st and 3rd Ave).  Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan, came up with this idea.  Simple.  And Brilliant (although not cheap)!  I even bought my Mom a SkyBar, remember them?!

                Home again.  We walk everywhere! 

Winter in Manhattan Odyssey: Weekend One/Sunday

Caramelized pancake @ Flea Market photo courtesy of Matylda

"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence"  Mark Twain

Sunday, I slept in a bit, texted K to call when she woke, as we were going to meet for brunch, only to forget to turn my ringer to my phone on!  After a couple of hours of coffee and chat with my Roomie (The Teen Ladies had headed up to Harlem to have their hair blown out.  Again, how cool is that?), I looked at my phone to wonder when K was going to wake up, I saw she had left 3 messages!  The not so funny joke in my family is my lack of having a clue with cell phone, although to my credit, I’m actually getting pretty good with my new I Phone (yes, I Phone!), when I have things turned up correctly, anyway.  Quickly called her to be told that she was on her way to Flea Market on Avenue A in the East Village to meet her friend who was already there!  I made a mad dash to get dressed, threw on a bit of makeup on (my NYC face..I rarely wear makeup, except when I’m going out somewhere special, or traveling..), ran out of the building, jumped in a cab, and got to Flea Market as they finished their first mimosa and bloody Mary.  We enjoyed a lovely brunch, great chat, including the manager who always makes us feel at home. 

Galleria J Antonio from its website

Then the three of us meandered around the East Village, I made a payment on my first piece of art. (The owner, gave me a big hug and kiss as I’m now an insider, a collector!  Later that spring K brought some friends into the shop and the owner, said, "Hello, you're Kathy's Daughter!"  Her friends were quite impressed.  I love when that happens!)  We poked and shopped in some of the great consignment shops.  Then I headed home to get ready to catch my bus to Boston. 

                Bus ride home was uneventful and restful. (I tend to take Megabus the most.  Easy, cheap, and they sometimes have free seats!)  Great first weekend of my Odyssey.  The thought of another winter blizzard did not even fazing me, as I was loving winter so far!  (Actually, as I finished writing this summary of my first weekend, I enjoyed my second snow day of the season thanks to the storm..I feel like an eight year old again!  I have always been the person to go to work through any weather, so last year, I thoroughly enjoyed, and took advantage of having the permission to stay home!)

Winter in Manhattan Odyssey: Weekend One/Saturday

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

from its website

Saturday noon was the planned time for my welcome brunch.  I woke up around nine and decided to take a short walk around “my” neighborhood.  A block and a half away is a small park overlooking the East River.  Beautiful.  Back down on the corner of my street is a great little coffee shop, Orchard House Cafe on First Ave @ 58th Street, where I read The Village Voice while enjoying my coffee and muffin.  Off to check out the TJ Maxx on the next block, could prove to be dangerous living so close to a TJ’s!

                Home again, jump in my shower, put on my new bathrobe.  I’m so relaxed, and still as excited as a kid, loving it.  K arrived, and Roomie had me answer the door and invite her into “my” new home.  We had a lovely Brunch, me & my Baby, my new Roomie and her Partner, and the Teens.  A few hours later, I put my NYC face on and headed out.

  It was snowing lightly so I headed toward Central Park for my walk in the Park while snowing.  (When I decided to make this dream come true, that was the vision I kept imagining, to accomplish it on my first weekend I think is prophetic?)  I walked by way of Bloomies (2 blocks), and in six blocks I was entering Central park at 60^th.  It was dusk, a gorgeous light, with snow falling lightly.  I meandered along a path and found myself at the Zoo. Then followed another walkway and found myself on one of the Park’s lovely stone bridges overlooking the Wolman Rink on one side, and a duck pond on the other. Gorgeous.  I then headed south towards one of my favorite places, The Plaza. (Another long story for another time, but I did once have an awesome weekend at the Plaza with my Daughters.) 

                I entered the main entrance of the Plaza to be greeted by a massive Christmas tree.  I then decided to check out the Food Hall bearing Todd English’s name (not a real fan).  It is a great concept, which the Batali, Bastianich, Pasternak crew has reenacted in Madison Square, Eataly.  I then headed to the renowned Oak Room for a glass of wine.  Nightmare.  As I approached it, there was music blaring, and a bouncer outside allowing in the “beautiful people”.  I promptly turned around and instead went to the Champagne Bar where Carlos poured me a lovely of glass of wine.  I relaxed, watched the snow fall, read a bit, and eavesdropped a bit on the group sharing the bar with me.  Another group of beautiful New York women, one with her older (my age) Doctor Husband.  They were gracious and friendly when I gave up my chair as I left, and we chatted briefly.

From its website

                Off to the theatre district where I decided to see Laura Linney, and Christina Ricci, in the play “Time Stands Still”.  I bought the tickets 45 minutes before show time at the box office using a www.BroadwayBox.com  code, getting a $200 seat for $85.  The show was excellent, funny, sad, bittersweet, and tragic.  After the show, I decided to walk home.  It was blustery and cold, but walking the streets of Manhattan, with many Christmas lights still glowing was magnifcent.

Winter in Manhattan Odyssey: Weekend One/Friday

            “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.”
                                                                          Charles Dudley Warner

My Odyssey begins!  After an easy uneventful bus ride (which I managed to sleep through), even though it snowed much of the way, I arrived in New York City for my adventure to begin.   I took a cab to "my" apartment in Sutton Place as my suitcase was quite heavy with my new sheets and towels, some shoes, boots, clothes, and new Origins toiletries that my older daughter, K, had given me for Christmas.  I felt like a young co-ed heading off to college!  My new Roomie greeted me at the door with a big "Welcome" sign and showed me the ins and outs of my new home away from home.  I unpacked, and moved into my room, and bathroom

Penelopes photo courtesy of Amanda H

                I then walked the sixteen blocks to K’s apartment observing my new neighborhood.  It was snowing, and lovely.  The walk took me along 1^st Avenue, past the United Nations.  Arriving at K’s building, I was greeted by the Doorman who remembered me, "Mom".  ( I love going were they know my name!!).  Off we went to lunch at Penelopes, on Lexington @ 34th.  I had been there before, and it was wonderful.  Good home-cooked comfort food with a new twist.

We then walked to Ks new place of employment, The Gingerman on 36^th between 5^th and Madison, where I met many of her co-workers, and friends.  This job was a very good one for K, much less stress from ego chefs, and demanding clientele who expect the world. (She had been at a 3 star restaurant for a year).  This gives her the time and peace of mind to work on her music and acting.

The bar @ the Gingerman, from its website

After my lovely beer I left and started walking up 5th Avenue.  Came upon Lord and Taylor and decided to poke around.  An hour or so later, with bag in hand, containing a few tops to leave in my Manhattan home for the winter, continued walking.  Decided to head home, and stopped at a neighborhood wine store to pick up a bottle of Proscecco for Brunch in the morning, and a bottle of wine to sip while I started my notes for the weekend.

                When I got home my Roomie’s Daughter had arrived home from school for the weekend, and she had an important question for me.  Would it be okay if Daughter's best friend came to spend the night?  They didn’t want to impinge on my first night.  I thought that incredibly considerate, and said that of course that was absolutely okay, and that they never had to worry about me in that regard.  I have always loved other people’s kids!  So, Daughter left to meet up w her Friend who lives down in Union Square, to come home later.  How cool is that?  Sixteen year olds “hanging around” New York, navigating the MTA with no qualms.  Roomie left shortly after for rehearsal for her upcoming musical review of Tony award winning songs to play at a Church in the UES in February.  One of my Roomie’s many lives was musical theatre, a love she never forgot, and is now going back to it.  So, I had “my” apartment to myself, very happily poured myself a glass of wine, and proceeded to write about the first day of my “Winter in Manhattan Odyssey!”         

               Roomie arrived home a few hours later, followed shortly by the Girls.  We chatted, at which point  Daughter’s friend, told Roomie that I was “mad cool”.  (New York’s adjective used in the way that we Bostonians use “wicked”).  The young Ladies set up their bed in the living room (thank God for the genius who invented aerobeds).  Off to bed I went for my first night’s sleep in my new home away from home in New York City.

Winter in Manhattan Odyssey: Introduction

             "Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age." 
                                Booth Livingston (American novelist and dramatist)

United Nations from Keiko S

from Keiko S

             My love affair with Manhattan began when I was thirteen years old.  It was the summer I graduated from my parochial grammar school of eight years.  A beloved Uncle invited me to accompany my Grandmother to a visit with his family in southern Connecticut.  On the Sunday afternoon, he and my Aunt piled all five of their children, along with me and my Grandmother, into their station wagon, and off we went into the big city of New York.  We went to the UN and walked around (this was still in the times of innocence, no terrorist threats in the early seventies, at least not on American soil.).  Then he found the Hospital where my Great Aunt, a Franciscan Nun, on my Mom’s side lived and worked.  Sister Philomena brought us to the hospital roof, the sky-line spread around me like a comforting blanket and I was hooked.

OBC Photo

Sardi's from Gourmet G

from Wikipedia

The next time I was in New York was the winter after I graduated from Hygiene School.  “The South Shore Carpool” (the moniker we were given in school) did a weekend bus trip to the Big Apple.  The focus of that trip was to see Andrea McArdle in “Annie”.  I was sick as a dog with a brutal cold, shouldn’t have done anything of the sort, but being twenty, of course I went!  I remember the bus, the show, dinner at a New York institution, Sardi’s (on W 44th between 8th and 9th) after the show.  This was the seventies, most of the Group tried to get into Studio 54 after Sardi’s.  I couldn’t, I had had enough, and needed my bed.   I remember walking home with one of the Other Girls, and not being one bit afraid (thinking I was supposed to be, as Everybody had warned me about the Big Bad City). I remember getting up Sunday morning before leaving and going to Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Loved it.

 During my month long honeymoon with my Officer and not so Gentleman, after Hawaii for almost two weeks, we came back East to my Family. We also spent a few days in New York City with one of my new Sisters in Law who was living in Manhattan.  The dinner we had at one of the big famous Italian restaurants of the seventies, Mama Leone's, was the biggest meal I had ever eaten, and truly filled me for two days.  We were there on a Monday night, so most Broadway shows were dark, but Liza Minelli’s ex, Peter Allen (the Boy from Oz), had a one man show, "Up in One" running. We went, I loved it and Him, and It was many years later before I realized his impact on the theatre-art world, for so many reasons.  On the train back to Boston, I explained to my new Husband that I had to live in New York City someday. He looked at me and said I was crazy.

Fast forward a few years, I was now single raising my Daughters and working full-time.  When the Girls were about 5 and 7, I decided to take them to New York City in December to experience the magic of the Christmas Season there.  My Mom joined us.  I remember my Babies eyes huge and in awe as we paraded around with them in their matching Rothschild coats.  They were falling in love with Manhattan as well.  That weekend we saw the Rockettes at Radio City Hall.  To this day, that show remains one of my favorite Christmas traditions. We had burgers at the Hard Rock, and the Girls were delirious with the Michael Jackson paraphernalia. We splurged on a horse drawn carriage ride and my Mom was thrilled when we found out our driver was from the same little town in Ireland as my Grandparents!

From that day forward, my Girls had their sites, and hearts, set on college in New York City.  We did the college tours there.  My younger Daughter’s senior year started during the fall of 2001, the year that all of our lives changed forever.  It was heart-breaking and thrilling at the same to be exploring New York City then.  We all learned very difficult life lessons then.  The true Middle class seems to have been left on its own when it comes to educating our Children.  Neither of the Girls attended college in New York City.  They chose colleges (McGill University and University of Massachusetts at Amherst) that I could afford (by working six days a week) as neither wanted to graduate with any debt.  There are no regrets now. 

My reason for "Winter in Manhattan Odyssey"

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the things you did do.  So, throw off the bowlines; sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover."  Mark Twain

Ever feel like it's time to fulfill some items from your  “bucket list ?”  Life events and circumstances in the fall of 2010 as well as reading the book, "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne at the same time helped to give me the courage to do that.

Twilight @ Webber Pond, Maine

              I decided it was time for ME! to pursue some of my long stored dreams.  Due to my life’s realities, I don’t know if I will ever live in New York.  So, I decided to be creative about it.  Much like I have arranged my life to spend three days a week, at least, in Maine, at our Lakeside cabin, my mental health retreat, during the good weather months, I had now decided it was time to “winter in Manhattan”.  I decided to go to New York City most every weekend last winter.  Walk explore, observe, write, read, BE in a city I fell in love with many years ago.  This will either get “it” out of my system, or….we’ll see!

Snowfall @ twilight in Central Park