The Movies - it is Just Like the Movies

On sunday night all I could think about was movies depicting attacks on New York City; waves that come crashing down, engulfing the city and leaving it in ruins. This week my life felt like one of those movies. Sandy was approaching; the thunder, rain and lightning created a perfect symphony in the sky. I was sitting in my living room looking out of the window listening to the winds howl. I'm glad the Hurricane struck at night as it would have been much scarier to see her wrath in broad daylight.

Over the past few days I've seen many pictures of streets, subways and entire boroughs submerged in water. Friends & colleagues who live in Jersey and Lower Manhattan have no water and electricity. Surprisingly though, I still can't fathom it. I feel like an outsider looking on. I worked at home through the Sandy after-math on Monday and Tuesday. I was back in the office on Wednesday as I don't drive or use public transportation, the submerged subways and roads did not come in my way. My fridge was stacked up with supplies, I was one of those who bought water and canned food just in case; I even filled up my bathtub with water. I see the devastation around me and am thankful for not being affected by it directly. I am sure New York will feel and remember Sandy for months to come. It still feels a little surreal to me. Below are some pictures that I took this week.  



I pass this crane everyday as I walk to work and there it was standing to greet me post sandy  



We snuck into Grand Central just before the storm started; the policemen thought we were journalists thanks to the big professional camera my husband was carrying. I have never seen anything so amazing as Grand Central without a person in it. Of course we were discovered and promptly escorted out (oopps)



On Tuesday evening we took a walk to Central Park. We could not go inside but this shot gives you an idea of how beautiful, clam and serene the park looked. I wish I could have gone inside. It looked like being in a fairytale land.

The famous crane that we saw so many images of all through the week and all over the world. It is now a tourist attraction on 5th Avenue.

 

Fall-ing In Love .... All Over Again

Manhattan in the Fall is when it is at its best. Every year when the leaves begin to change I marvel at the beauty of the city. The falling leaves give you a warm feeling inside, there is a skip in your step and a smile on your face as you take in the cool crisp air. I was in Central Park yesterday and I could not get over how beautiful it looked. There were people everywhere trying to capture beautiful moments with their loved ones; making the best of the gorgeous colors. I fell in love again with Manhattan as I do very year in the Fall. Below are a few pictures I took along the way with the camera on my phone. 

Beautiful Winter

We have had two intense snow storms this month. During the first one I refused to leave the warmth of my cozy home; but then regretted that I did not get any pictures. When the second storm was to arrive I was determined to go out. R and I were up by 7 am most enthusiastic to go click some shots of the beautiful white powder like snow. We trekked to Central park – slipping , sliding and avoiding the puddles along the way. The park was magical – I have never seen it so serene, white and just beautiful. I felt like I was in a fairytale of some sort. There were quite a few people out and about. Some fanatics were even jogging in the park, but the ones that were having the most fun were the kids who were scurrying around finding the perfect hill to slide down. Below are some shots I took. Click here to see more, and if you want a peek into R's pictures - Click here.
 

Tug Of War

I wrote the beginning of a short story and then related it to some pictures I have taken. Below is the initial paragraph - if it pulls you in you can click on the link to read more.

I walked out of my old, crumbling Manhattan apartment, just as I had done for the last three years.

"Good morning Jones, have a nice day".

I find it funny that my doorman will never call me by my first name; he uses my last name as though it were my first, I am just used to it now. I smile and nod as I have everyday.
There are so many people in Manhattan, where do they all come from? I have always enjoyed my morning walk to work. I like to notice the various people I come across; some are suit-clad bankers while others are the creative type (I also refer to them as people wearing weird clothes). The ones that get a chuckle out of me are the men wearing oddly matched trousers and shirts or women who are wearing clothes that are way too tight for them; don't they look in the mirror before they leave home? You would never see me wear anything that would make me stand out. I like fading into the background. Observing is what I do best and what I am far more comfortable doing. I can never be like Tina (my half sister), she is always the center of attention, loud and boisterous. Click Here to read more

In and around central park

Last weekend was beautiful .. I took my camera and walked around Central Park. So nice to see everyone out and about. The best part was that all the trees were green and lush - one would expect that after 5 days of rain. I captured a few moments. My favorite of the set below is the one of the horse - I love the composition of the shot - three modes of transport - horse, bus and taxi - all viable options in New York !

   

GREEN GREEN GREEN....

Green evokes images of abundance, life and prosperity. It also stands for jealousy, envy and evil. I subscribe to the school of the former therefore the pictures below that capture moments of summer. You can see it in the eyes of a child frolicking in the grass, in the droplets of water and in a lazy snooze in the park. I love the summer - I wish it would last all year.