just tryin' to be the rainbow in someone's cloud

January 5 was an unusual weather day but for the most part stayed sunny. Even when it rained. Today's shot is of the rainbow that spanned the West End of the city this morning.

As I was walking, it was sunny behind me, raining on me, and there was a rainbow ahead of me..

 

before the dawn before the calm before the storm

January 4 and I was up before 5 am-
before the dawn before the calm before the storm. 

I took this photo because it's one of my favorite parts of the morning, when everything is quiet and no one has to be anywhere yet..

I've chosen it as my shot of the day because there was a snow storm and I didn't leave the house to take any other shots. 

you're always so inviting

January 3rd was a beautiful though cold day and the evening was perfect for a stroll before the storm. 

There are so many sweet and quaint sights in my neighborhood and this is one I walk by nearly every day. Although I've shot it several times, in different seasons, I always find it quite inviting

library leisure or a confession of vouyerism

January 2 was a mild and lovely day. 
I stopped by the new Halifax Central Library. 
Through the bookshelves I saw this guy who seemed very at home in the new space. 


I find I enjoy taking pictures of people who aren't aware they are being photographed...

old dog, new year

Two years ago I gave myself a challenge to take a photo every day of the year.
It didn't matter how random, good or bad, but I had to commit to taking (and posting) one every day.
So for 365 days I looked for shots, and in doing so, I became a bit more disciplined and a lot more observant.
When the year ended I didn't continue, but loved to look back periodically to see what memory I had created and captured on corresponding dates.
This year I've decided to do it again.


January 1st and the belated White Christmas fell. I took a walk around the neighborhood as it was a beautiful still evening. Holy Cross Cemetery was still open so I managed to get this shot with the bright moon hanging over the chapel

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.