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So, I layed low with Olive both yesterday and this morning so she could have some playtime. She's enjoying her new toys and treats I've found for her at some local places. She's now fully used to climbing stairs and she's enjoying the backyard and the freedom to smell around. This morning, she had some young neighbor boys barking at her, which then prompted a conversation between the barking boy and Olive since she had to respond.
In the early afternoon Saturday, I hopped on the N train, heading to Union Square - my favorite place in NYC. The plan was to meet up with Anne later at the Strand, my favorite bookstore. I sat down on the train, there was a blonde, eastern eurpoean girl sitting next to me. She turned to me, map in hand, and said, "can you help me?" She had an address of a place she was supposed to go to - - I saw it was a modeling agency. I looked at the map and showed her what stop she needed to take the train to. Once we got onto the bridge headed into lower Manhattan, I looked up the exact address and showed
Union Square
A view from Filene's Basement... her exactly where the building was. She was amazed, took lots of notes and thanked me several times.
I exited the subway in Union Square into a large farmers market. It was overwhelming with the smells of flowers, baked goods, seafood and fresh herbs. I bought myself a carrot cookie and marched on viewing the art and watching the people. Apparently, Mayor Bloomberg is doing something to force the artists out of Union Square because as their signs say, he wants to turn it into another Times Square. I can see getting rid of some of the street vendors that sell the same photos, sunglasses, scarves, etc., but as for the true artists - let them stay! I bought a print from an artist there a couple years ago and love it. I may go back this week and buy another to add to the collection.
I met Anne at the Strand and I walked around browsing all of the books I'd like to read. On the 2nd floor, I noticed a sign advertising an upcoming event - Chuck Close discussing a new book and a signing session. The sign said July 15 - and my first thought
was, "oh - I should check my calendar, I'm not sure if I have something to do that day or not." ....then I caught myself.... what was I thinking?? Of course I have NOTHING to do. One big reason I came to NYC was so I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to do it -- nothing planned, just have fun - see art, make art, be surrounded with all that is inspiring. What schedule did I have? I haven't even unpacked my daily planner yet - perhaps I should, so I can start writing down info. about gallery openings and such that I want to attend. Needless to say, I bought my ticket and am more than anxious about meeting Chuck Close.
After leaving the Strand, we walked around the Village searching for historical landmarks since Anne had more she wanted to photograph. I spent that time photographing graffiti I saw. I'll add it to my collection of graffiti photos I've taken from all of my previous trips to cities near and far. I'd still love to learn how to do it myself. I have my tag name chosen - but I need some guidance regarding
the lettering. I'd love to learn the "wild style." It was once described to me as drawing letters, then pretend those letters are made out of taffy - just pull, twist and manipulate them.
It got to be about 10pm, so we wanted to head back home - it was also time for Olive to wake up and go for a walk. We found the nearest subway station, and got onto the N train to head back into Brooklyn. Anne noticed immediately that there was a girl sitting across from us smiling at me. I looked up, saw her and just laughed. It was the same girl I gave directions to earlier that afternoon. Now, had we of both been on a specific work schedule, I could see the chance of us ending up on the same train - - but her time just as well as mine was completely random. I said to her, "Eight and a half million people in this city, and I run into you again - what are the chances?" I then asked her if she found the building she was looking for earlier -- she did.
I spent the 4th of July
on Long Island at a BBQ with friends. It was a good time - very relaxing, but hot. Thankfully, we spent time in the pool before the fireworks started.
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