Yesterday, I had a meeting scheduled in Manhattan. I’ve got a short gig in July where I’ll be working with the cast of an upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing – two days of tablework with the actors, director and me. I’ve been talking on the phone with the director and yesterday we finally got to meet.
Don had an audition in the city, so we were able to travel together.
Isn’t he adorable? Kind eyes, sweet smile. He has a birthday coming up on Monday.
Getting ready to head into the Lincoln Tunnel; that’s the Empire State Building.
Upon arrival, we split up and went our separate ways. Don’s audition took no time at all and he headed back home on the bus long before I did. I was headed for the Upper West Side, my favorite part of Manhattan. Actually, I was headed for Central Park West, where the director lives. For those of you who are not that familiar with Manhattan, an address on Central Park West is most definitely coveted. Who wouldn’t want a view of that glorious park from their windows? As I walked toward my destination, I snapped some photos (on my iPhone) of the beautiful examples of architecture that abound in NYC.
Brownstones abound, each one different, each one with wonderful details that we no longer see in modern architecture.
One of the entrances into Central Park.
These buildings face the park. Check out the wonderful detail, the bay windows, the rooftop garden.
Be still my heart. I love this Art Deco-era building. The corners are curved and the windows follow that curve. Could I live there, please?
Oh my. Stunning.
I took this shot while standing in the park. I’ll take the penthouse apartment, please.
In my dreams, my wildest dreams, we would have a pied à terre in Manhattan, as well as our little cottage. I really love the city and I have a push/pull kind of feeling about it. I love living in the country but there is so much beauty and stimulation in Manhattan. There’s so much to do, so much to see and much of what Don and I do is centered there. But the three of us squeezed into a teeny-tiny expensive apartment? Not too crazy about that idea.
This director, who runs a respected theater in the Berkshires, lives in a huge apartment overlooking Central Park. She and her husband bought it many years ago, when the Upper West Side was still sort of dicey and prices were fairly reasonable. They converted two apartments into one. It’s gorgeous. Could I live in an apartment like that? Oh yeah.
The view from her living room window. That’s Central Park. That road you see is within the park and the expanse of water is called the Reservoir. That’s the Upper East Side in the background. At one point during our work session, a summer rainstorm occurred. Afterward, the light over the Park was glorious – a late afternoon golden glow.
Oh yes, I could live here.
After about 3 hours of text work, I headed back home. All in all, a lovely day in Manhattan.
Today, more work on the script, some lawn mowing, some cleaning. Do you find it hard to keep up with cleaning when the garden beckons? I sure do.
I’m debating adding the Pin It button to the end of my posts. I added the Pin It option to my browser long ago – it allows me to pin photos from various websites and blogs, though I don’t do a whole lot of that. If I add it to my posts, it will be at the end of the post, not the kind that appears when you hover over a photo. I find that so irritating. When I’m visiting a blog and my cursor somehow lands in the direction of a photo that I’m focusing on and that photo suddenly gets a sort of white film over it with a big old Pin It button on display and I have to move the cursor off the photo; well, I get irritated. It’s annoying. I find myself yelling, “Stop it!” I figure that if I find it annoying, you might, too. I like Pinterest but I certainly don’t want my blog to be about Pinterest. If you know what I mean.
Okay. Got to get moving. We have a wee ant problem that needs some attention. And a dog corral that needs mowing.
Happy Tuesday.
Ann says
So enjoyed you taking me to Manhattan today. I have been around the world but not to NY? weird but true.
Your walk reminds me so much of our Forest Park in St Louis, the apartments are so similar to the ones that line it here.
Best of both worlds. you spent time in the city and home to mow!
Claudia says
Yes, indeed. Have to mow before the afternoon thunderstorms come!
Cranberry Morning says
Love the brownstones and the cobblestones! Looks like a beautiful [almost] summer day!
Claudia says
It was!
Linda @ A La Carte says
I’ve only been to New York one time back in the 70’s! I would love to visit there some time and really enjoy it! Thanks for the gorgeous photos.
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
You are most welcome, Linda.
Laura says
I love the upper west side. Thanks for sharing. That view from your client’s living room is spectacular. I agree about the pin it button. Mine appears at the end of my posts. xo Laura
Claudia says
I wouldn’t mind waking up to that view. I think I’d be camped out at the window all the time.
Regena Fickes says
My alternate ego living in my alternate world jet between San Francisco and Manhattan. I would love to live part time in either. I have never been to Manhattan, but did get to spend some time in San Francisco in the 60’s (showing my age) and loved it. Thanks for the trip.
Claudia says
You’re so welcome.
Donnamae says
Thanks for the quick tour…more please! I haven’t been to NYC since I was 13…and I still love the architecture! You BOTH make a cute couple! ;)
Claudia says
Whenever I get in the city again, I’ll take more pics, Donna.
Nancy Blue Moon says
The last time I was in NYC was when I was in college..A trip with the Arts Dept..Wonderful day at the art museums..I too love the architecture..and I love to see buildings with Gargoyles on them..Don’t know why but I find those creepy creatures quite fascinating..I have one in my garden..Thanks for sharing your day..Tell Don I said “Break A Leg”..And yes..he is just adorable..lol
Claudia says
I love gargoyles, too, Nancy.
Judy Clark says
Have never been to NYC but plan on getting there in the not too distant future. The buildings are lovely. If we come to NYC, hopefully, we can meet you and Don since you’re not too awful far away. Wouldn’t that be fun?
Beautiful photos.
Judy
Claudia says
It sure would!
Francine says
Hi Claudia!! Thanks for the great tour of NYC especially the West side, which I don’t get to often. I have not been in a long while and you reminded me of what I was missing!! Your photos were great!! The you and Don photo was adorable!! What a nice day you had to visit the city!! Have a good Tues. Francine
Claudia says
You too, Francine!
Tana says
Your pictures are breathtaking! I have always wanted to see NYC, but haven’t had the chance yet. The perfect world would be an apartment in NYC and a place in the country, just like you said!
Claudia says
Yes, it would, Tana!
Melanie says
I’ve never been to NY…thanks for the little tour of Manhattan! I love visiting downtown Chicago and yes, some of the condo buildings are gorgeous and have stunning views of Lake Michigan, but I wouldn’t want to live there. Too noisy and crowded…I’m a quiet person and love and crave peace and quiet and being surrounded by nature!
Denise says
What a nice view of New York. I agree with your feelings on Art Deco buildings such a great look.
Denise
Jacqueline says
Exciting shots! I could feel my heart rate going up. I fantasize about a NYC loft. And then I wonder how in HECK so many people can afford to live there??? I think about all the food I haven’t tried yet at Grand Central Station and the chocolate cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery. I blame Nora Ephron for a lot of it. Haha. You two still look like kids.
Daisy says
I love NYC….one of my favorite places to visit! Are these building by that Tea room- something Alice’s adventure or something to do with Alice in Wonderland…I can’t think of the exact name at the moment….
Daisy~