Friday, November 27, 2015

City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

I've been meaning to give you all an update on my night at the Metropolitan Opera, but instead seem to have been devoting most of my free time to painting my Christmas tea cup cards.

As of now, I think I will be able to complete this year's supply in time to get them in the mail for delivery prior to December 25.  I've already bought my first batch of Christmas stamps.

Later on today, I will be having my first experience working until 10 p.m., the seasonal closing hour for the shop.  I'll show you a few more photographs of the mall's light fixtures with the changing lights.  Every 30 minutes, these lights put on an extra show with rapidly changing colors and glittery effects, accompanied by really loud version of holiday tunes.  


One gets used to this drama reather quickly.  I am happy to report that I did not feel so jaded about the opera Lulu.  The staging was so imaginative, and the cast sang beautifully, in German.  Subtitles were available on a tiny screen affixed to the back of the seat directly in front of mine.  It was a thrill to hear the full orchestra's performance and to be caught up in the evening's drama.


If Lulu, designed and directed by William Kentridge, is ever due to be performed in your area, I would recommend acquiring tickets.


Fortunately, our shop was closed for Thanksgiving yesterday, although some of the mall's shops were open.


It was a mild day...no hat or gloves were required, and I decided to walk over to 72nd Street to view a bit of the annual Macy's sponsored Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I was curious to see if the crowd numbers would be affected by any safety concerns, in light of recent global events.


Crossing Columbus Avenue, I noticed that some souvenir vendors had set up their endeavors a block away from the Central Park West parade route.



It was also apparent that lots of police security was in place.



All the same, Columbus Avenue looked quiet.


As I neared 72nd Street, I saw more vendors' stands, and more police  officers and vehicles.  Huge Sanitation Department trucks were also being used to block other vehicles from entry to 72nd Street.


The parade had already been in motion for about a half hour by the time I got my first view of one of the large balloons.  I think that this one was a little engine that could.  I also realized that the bright day and back lit clouds meant that my parade photographs would be poor.


I decided to take a few pictures of the viewing crowd, and of some available souvenirs.  I also thought the clouds were lovely.  There was a pretty strong breeze keeping the clouds moving uptown, as the parade progressed downtown.


Many adults had been unable to resist purchasing one of the turkey hats.  


I do not know which character's profile is shown in the next photograph.


It seemed to me that there were fewer folks viewing the parade yesterday than in past years.  However, it was still fun to see the family groups taking photographs of each other, and young children being able to climb onto ladders or parents' shoulders for better views of the balloons. 


I think that I stayed about an hour at the parade, and then just after seeing this delightful young dinosaur pass by, I headed on home.


It was very pleasant to get home, fix myself a mug of hot chocolate, and sit down to paint some more tea cup cards.  I am very thankful for all my blessings, and I thank you all for your visits and comments.

43 comments:

  1. I think that living in a large city must be quite worrying right now.
    I still have one of your lovely tea cup paintings!

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    1. It's an odd thing Elizabeth. After the shock of 9/11 it's certainly been different here in New York, but we mostly just manage to get on with living and enjoying the city's various possibilities. xo

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  2. What a lovely day you had especially not having to work, as it should be. I don't think any stores should be open on Thanksgiving for dumb "sales".
    Thank you for taking us on your walk. The balloons are so huge.
    I think it doesn't matter where you live, large city or small city or the porous border with Mexico where I live, violence is everywhere now.
    I too am trying to finish my cards so I can print them this weekend.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. I do agree with you about preferring that stores would be closed on holidays like Thanksgiving.

      I also agree that violence can pop up anywhere, and think this has been true for many centuries.

      This is another reason to paint tea cups and celebrate good. xo

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  3. Frances, your Thanksgiving Day sounds perfect. It made me laugh when you said you wanted to go to the parade to see if the threat was affecting it. That sounds like me. If they spot a tornado coming, I'm the one out there looking for it. The lights were beautiful. The holidays in NYC must be wonderful.

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    1. I'm glad that we share that sense of adventure.

      Yes, NYC really does "dress up" at this time of the year. I will try to find time to take some more walks around town with my camera between now and Christmas. xo

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  4. You are giving me a day in the city! Love it! I´m here on the countryside, it´s stillness and so silent...
    Your blog is a travel for me!
    Warm hug,
    Titti

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    1. Isn't it fun to trade images of country and city back and forth across the Atlantic?

      I do love this kind of traveling! xo

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  5. When a child, my dad took us to the parade every year while my mom stayed home to cook a feast for us all. I have wonderful memories not tarnished by fear. How sad that the world has become such a very dangerous place or maybe it was, but we did not have 24/7 news amped up to screeching roar.

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    1. From what I saw in those children's faces at Thursday's parade, I think they are being able to build their own sweet memories. Hope so!

      xo

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  6. Great pictures! I had no idea you worked at that mall. When we were there a few years ago it was the first time the mall was there (not there on previous visits) and we stood and watched thru those windows for quilte a while, loved that view!

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    1. Thanks for your comment Phyllis. I helped to open the shop where I'm now working when the building containing that mall was first completed, before moving around through other locations.

      It still seems sort of strange to me to have a mall in NYC. But...I agree that the view from that giant window is rather dramatic.

      xo

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  7. Love the parade, we don't really have things like that round here although as a child we used to go to my Granddad's for feast Sunday in October and there was a parade with the Salvation Army band and various floats which I always loved.
    pretty lights too :-)

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    1. Su, I'm wondering if feast Sunday might be the same October Sunday that i remember from my first London visit back in the mid-1970s. I attended a harvest festival service at St Martin in the Fields, with all the Pearly royalty in attendance.

      xo

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    2. Dear Frances:

      I read your blog all the time, but this is my first comment. I left NY long ago to marry my husband (a submarine sailor) but have that longing in my heart after all these years in Hawaii then San Diego and then here in Norfolk VA I am always exited to see a new post from you in your elegant yet restrained writing style which is such a unique voice among the blogs.

      You live in my old neighborhood. When we come to visit, I think of you when I see Gray's Papaya and wish blessings on you.every time. I will be home for a few days at Christmas and will be thinking of you fondly then.

      Warm regards,

      Annie

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    3. Dear Frances:

      I read your blog all the time, but this is my first comment. I left NY long ago to marry my husband (a submarine sailor) but have that longing in my heart after all these years in Hawaii then San Diego and then here in Norfolk VA I am always exited to see a new post from you in your elegant yet restrained writing style which is such a unique voice among the blogs.

      You live in my old neighborhood. When we come to visit, I think of you when I see Gray's Papaya and wish blessings on you.every time. I will be home for a few days at Christmas and will be thinking of you fondly then.

      Warm regards,

      Annie

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  8. I loved seeing what you saw . . . can only imagine what a thrill this must be for the little ones. Returning home to hot chocolate and some peaceful painting sounds nice too. Variety . . .

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    1. It's so funny to watch the children identify each balloon by its first nose or paw or whatever part appears first. Sorry I didn't get to see Snoopy this year...but I have bought some of those Peanuts stamps.
      Yes, hot choc and painting at leisure make a good combo.
      xo

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  9. Another peep into life in New York city - thank you for sharing Frances.
    What a vibrant city it is - I love the parades!
    I hope you show us your cups - they sound lovely.
    Shane x

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    1. Thanks so much, Shane. I do promise to eventually show you all the tea cups...perhaps a bit closer to Christmas! xo

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  10. Loved the Pepa Pig toys - also the turkey hat!
    The profile is Paddington Bear I think.
    Have never been to the big mall at Columbus center - maybe time to pay a visit?
    Time to get together I think!

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    1. I think you are right about that profile, Elizabeth. I knew it looked familiar!

      It would be interesting to get your impressions of the mall. It is sort of a world unto itself.

      Hoping we might get together this week...I'll let you know my days off. xo

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  11. Thanks for showing us pictures of the parade Frances. I would love to see it for myself one day as it has always fascinated me.
    Hugs from The UK-x-

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    1. Sheila, I always try to post a few photographs from the parade...and manage it just about every year. Hoping you will be able to see it for yourself one year.

      xo

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  12. Hello, Frances! I love your posts about the parades and carnivals in New York City! You are such a good storyteller and photograph reporter.:)
    It must be really exciting to watch those changing lights in the mall -creating the festive mood...
    Oh, drawing Christmas cards? How nice! This reminded me to send ours to friends and relatives on time!
    Have a lovely December!xx

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    1. Rossichka, I am beginning to get into the Christmas mood...little by little. I do love painting my cards, and doing a bit of cookie baking. It can be a very festive time in New York City, so it's also a good idea to try to get enough rest!

      xo

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  13. Such fun to see NYC during the Thanksgiving holidays!
    Paris is chilly, in the mid-30s and into Winter already...
    Get out the scarves and puffy coats.
    I do miss New York hot dogs...

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    1. Carol, the festive season has definitely begun here, even if the Parisian version is more beautiful.
      Hey, I may need to go over to Gray's Papaya and order a hot dog in your honor! xo

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  14. Thank you Frances for these photos from the Padade. Sadly, I find it far too commercialized these days to even watch it on TV. Where are all those ladders coming from, I have to wonder.
    Did you buy a turkey hat? :-)
    Cheers from chilly but
    at least sunny today, Denver
    (Diane)

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    1. Diane, I don't think that I'd want to watch the parade on tv either...much more fun to just go over to Central Park West to take a look at the other folks who're watching alongside.
      Those ladders are hauled over to the parade from folks' homes. Even my little apartment has a step stool in one closet...but I don't take it over to 72nd Street.
      No turkey hat for me! xo

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  15. I don't want a turkey hat either! Kind of gross, actually, to have one's head inside a turkey's bottom. I agree with someone above who identified the balloon as Paddington. We spent Thanksgiving on the California coast this year. Something different for us. The only parade I saw was one of elephant seals vying for a spot on the beach. It was quite a sight. And I think I would enjoy those lights in your mall.

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    1. Yes, those turkey hats are silly and tacky, but for folks who wanted to join in the fun of attending the parade, I guess this was a good option...be silly for an hour or two.

      Gosh, seeing those elephant seals on the beach must have been amazing. !

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  16. I love the ever changing lights in your shopping mall. What a stunning place to work! Glad you enjoyed the opera, too. The parade looks like a lot of fun - such an interesting and vibrant city and a pleasure to share it with you, Frances.

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    1. Marianne, it's grand to be able to trade my city views with what you show me over at your place. It really does open up the world in a very friendly way.

      xo

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  17. France's tea cup cards are now as much a NY tradition as Thanksgiving parades. I hope you post some images, will we see some Keeble Martin inspired flowers I wonder? You are very organised this year it seems, well done you! I wonder how you took to the late night opening? I think by 10pm I would be exhausted. The German Opera sounds exciting, I would have needed those subtitles for sure. x

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    1. Oh Val, you are sweet to call my tea cups a tradition. I'll definitely be doing a show and tell here as we get closer to Christmas. And yes, my cups' motifs did get a hint from Keeble Martin.

      Wishing I were more organized, but my key is to have some lists, and to include some restful quiet times in amongst the Activities.
      Working until 10 is still odd. not surprising that not all that many folks really do want to shop between 9 and 10 pm, even if they are visiting NYC from abroad and staying in a nearby hotel.
      Yes again...the opera was great. I've vowed to return to see more operas at the Met before long. xo

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  18. Okay, so where can I order that Turkey hat to give to our EX-mechanic...who is a real turkey.! I understand you wanting to get inside and paint teacups... a peaceful endeavor, far from the madding crowd. I've never been to an Opera in my life, the closest I get is watching re-runs of "Inspector Morse" on You tube>

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    1. Jeri...I think that those velour turkey hats are now undercover until next November. Your ex-mech will just have to wait for his crown.
      It is odd that it's taken me so long to see an opera that the Met, although I've seen quite a few ballet performances in that Opera House. I think that I will be returning to see more opera before long. I also liked the notion of Morse being an opera fan.

      xo

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  19. As always, a bit of everything of our dear Frances’ day and life. Work, entertainment, a walk and some pleasant observations about your fellow NYers.

    I am glad you didn’t let yourself be frightened into staying away from the fun. What will be, will be.

    All the same, getting home to some creative and cosy endeavours is not to be sneezed at either.

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    1. Friko, I may be a rather small person, but I do have a streak of bravery or foolhardiness in my soul. As a fellow West Sider Ms Lauper has written and sung, Girl's Just Want to Have Fun.

      Still trying to keep up a seasonal mix of what's required to pay the bills, and keep the laundry and apartment clean, and ...what's fun, like seeing friends, beautiful art, hearing beautiful music, and ...eating delicious bits.

      And of course, each day's news headlines seem to challenge any notion of peace, love and happiness.

      All this brings me to thank you again for your very kind words. xo

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  20. That's Paddington Bear Frances! Has the film reached you? Very mild here too. I have just come back from town.I thought it was a little quieter than usual but I tend to stick to the back streets and quaint alleys of St James's and Piccadilly although I did venture up to Liberty's.

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    1. Are you sure it's Paddington, Lucille? Where are his wellington boots ?

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  21. Lucille, you are absolutely correct about it being Paddington Bear's profile. I think I might be losing just a bit of my grip on visual memory...something i've always treasured.

    The Paddington film did arrive over here long ago, and somehow left town without my ever getting a chance to see it. I imagine that eventually it will be on some tv channel around Christmastime, and I will be able to have the pleasure of viewing it.

    I am sorry not to be seeing London at this time of the year, but do plan to get across the pond in early 2016. Did you see the India textile show at V&A? One of my NYC friend was over there recently and did get to the exhibit...we have yet to schedule a proper debriefing.

    xo

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