moments of magic

January 9 was a pretty ordinary day.
As I sat writing at my desk in the early morning, I happened to glance up to see the outside reflected; a snowglobe inside a snowglobe. It looked so pretty I had to stop to take a picture.

I love how the tiniest moments can insert little pieces of wonder into an ordinary day.

Fairytale of New York

 Everything New York does is spectacular. That's what makes it one of my favorite cities to visit.
But the Holiday season is particularly brilliant with jawdropping decorations and displays. My camera doesn't do it justice, but here are some shots of the city at Christmas

Macy's- making believers since the mid 1800's

 For me, the most spectacular window displays were at Saks 5th Ave. People lined the sidewalks to walk past the Fairytale windows...

why Grannie, what big teeth you have!

Sleeping Beauty- there was a film moon, much like the 1902 movie "A Trip to the Moon"and it would look at you and wink or smile..

this one is Repunzel walking on her hair like a tight-rope

 

snow white

    

 The other side of windows had a very glamourous turn of the 19th century fashion look..

 

As if crowd-drawing windows weren't enough, Saks also projected a light show onto the building, complete with dancing snowflakes and Rockette sounding music..

this is how it looks from across the street, in between light shows

Everybody knows that Rockefeller Center does a huge display for the Holidays. They are famous for their Nutcracker soldiers, Angels and their ginormous Christmas tree overlooking the skating rink. It is the scene of every Christmas movie that takes place in Manhattan. But to see it in person is quite another experience. One of the things I love about travel is how it allows me that sensory memory- when I see places I've been in photos or film, I know exactlty what it is like to stand there. 

everybody knows this guy

I know how the air felt, smelled and what was behind me as I took in the view. I remember how I came around the corner and my breath stopped because it was so dazzling.

   

stunning by day

 

or by night

yes, it's a New York Christmas cliche, but it made me all warm and fuzzy, dammit

 Our Brooklyn neighborhood was decorated as well- not in such a grand way, but it a beautiful community kind of way.

a Catholic Church in Park Slope

 

 

 

 

 

 

i heart new york

And then it was Christmas.

September to December flew by like leaves on a blustery day.
Halloween was a blur.
Work was crazy busy, the holiday was approaching...
and in the middle of it all, I took a trip to New York City.

As the Tshirt says, I heart NY.

"I've been to the city on many occasions, in every season, but never at Christmas..."
Barely had I said those words out loud when opportunity knocked, and I answered,  flinging the door open wide.
On the 10th of December, along with Terry, my friend of many years, I flew to Laguardia and then cabbed it to the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, where we were to stay with Barb, Terry's friend of many years.
Barb had decided to spend a month in New York, staying in three different locations during that time. We would be staying in the first of her living spaces, which was a wonderful apartment with mid-century modern decor. It was lovely and cozy and comfy, with enough space that we didn't feel like we were crowded on top of each other.

I was familiar with Brooklyn, as I used to stay in Bed-Stuy. But Park Slope offered a whole other experience, with different shops, restuarants, and the beautiful Prospect Park. I do love the Brooklyn vibe.

The main purpose of my visit was to photograph the city at Christmas time, and luckily, that was also a mandate of my companions so we traveled easily together.

On the cab ride from the airport I remarked how I hoped it would snow while we were there. By the time we drove into Brooklyn, giant flakes were hitting the windshield. The entire trip was an ask and you shall receive journey.

Brooklyn Bound

We arrived at our home in time for hugs, hello's and hightailed it back outside to walk in the winter wonderland. After a hearty meal at Enzo's we continued to explore our new hood.

Enzo's got some pretty big balls

Turning a corner, we were dazzled by lights and music. We had happily happened upon a tree lighting ceremony, complete with performance by a marching band. Then it was a beautiful walk by Prospect Park before heading home to sleep.

The next day was a full one...

With routes to plan...

And subways to catch...

clown car

And bridges to cross...

The Brooklyn Bridge heading into Manhattan

And pictures to take....

barb & terry

And food to eat...

Front Street Pizza in DUMBO, Brooklyn

And places to see...

Grand Central Station is grand

And more food to eat....

And places to be...

30 Rock

There was no real agenda for this trip, with one exception.
I wanted to go to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) just before sunset and photograph the city as the sky changed and the lights came on.  We bought tickets for four o'clock and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

iphone panoramic

taken on my iphone

And this was just the first day.
The rest of the evening was spent wandering the bright streets of Manhattan, looking at the most amazing and mesmerizing window displays. But those shots will get a post all of their own.