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Bryant Park
I’m just back from New York City, where Bill and I spent five days taking a break from the “same old, same old.” It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Bill, especially. His computer crashed with the play he’d been revising for an upcoming spring staged reading here in Charlottesville and another reading in New York City in May at the Dramatist Guild. There is, however, a new computer in the works and the techies who are transfering data to the new robotic brain believe that the script and other files of value came through without a hitch. We’ll know for sure tomorrow.
I’ve not been to the city this close to Christmas since I was a little kid, living on Long Island. On several occasions my dad took my brothers and me into the city to shop at Macy’s for Christmas gifts. I remember it as lots of fun. My brothers sat on Santa’s lap, while I checked out the latest lipstick shades, picking one I thought would look good on my mother. We ate lots of chocolate and candy canes, while we looked for those special trinkets we’d wrap and put under the tree, emptying the piggy banks that we’d stuffed all year long with allowances.
Shop Window at Rockefeller Center
After this trip I’ve promised myself I won’t return again this close to Christmas and Hanukkah. The Streets and sidewalks were jammed with shoppers and tourists from all over the world. New York is an international city where languages from around the world can be heard, especially at this time of year. I was overwhelmed by the walls of people heading in my direction. Listening carefully, I realized I was not alone with my panic. As we passed one vacant doorway, I overheard a man telling his wife that they would just stay put until there was a break in the crowd. A while later, a young woman rushed by, pulling her boyfriend along, who was pleading, “Please get me out of here. I can’t do this.”
We saw three broadway shows, two of which I thought were good, but still nothing that inspired me. We also took in three movies, the best of which was, St. Vincent, with Bill Murray, which was delightful and whose main character I could relate to. We also saw, Citizenfour and Whiplash. Though both are great movies and award material, their serious nature left me feeling a bit raw.
The Tree at Bryant Park
We also went to the Tenement Museum in lower Manhattan where we took a 90 minute tour of one of the buildings the museum has redone, where I got a glimpse into what living arrangements were probably like for my grandparents, who came to the States from Poland in the early 1900’s. I look forward to going back some day to do the museum’s food tasting tour which sounds quite yummy.
I was whisked away into the whirl wind of city life, but am so happy to be home again. When our train pulled into Charlottesville on our return, we both joyfully realized that going away is what one needs in order to understand that coming home to the “same old, same old,” is where we really want to be.
So true, Joan. There truly is “no place like home”. Thank you for sharing your NYC excursion in such gripping detail. I felt as if I was there with you fighting those crowds. But then I experience your sigh of relief as you returned home again. Enjoy your holidays!
Thanks, Kathy. I’m staying put for a while. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Thanks for posting. You put me right there. Happy Holidays!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sandy. I hope you have wonderful holidays, too!
New York is my heart home. Maine my soul. Deeply, inherently I feel drawn to both. I enjoyed hearing of your visit – reliving many of my own childhood and young adult memories, and sadly understanding the fear that has gripped so many of us. The accident I had four years ago was on the way home from my last visit to NY. The last decade has changed me – has changed many of us and the beauty, excitement and simplicity that once was ours to behold in a place like Manhattan has been forever tarnished. It saddens me and yet, it will always be true that regardless of where we are, home is what we make it in the here and now. Wonderful post, as always!
Thank you so much, Dorothy. Everything is in constant flux, and when we live in quiet places and make our lives about simplicity and peace, arriving in New York City at holiday time can be extremely overwhelming. Had the weather been warmer and less windy a trip to Central Park or the High Line would have been a great help. I’ll be going back in May for Bill’s reading and know it will be a much more pleasant trip. Have wonderful holidays!
Glad you are home safe and sound. Like others who commented, I could feel your relief.
NYC has become a kind of second home to us because of the ten months we spent in Brooklyn 2011-2012. I have mostly glowing memories of Manhattan, especially at Christmas, when we revisited places — the tree at Rockefeller Center, Central Park, especially — where we had come years before with friends.
I remember crowds, but we must have been luckier in our timing. They weren’t scary.
Another big difference was that we could go back “home” to Brooklyn with by-now familiar streets, subway stops we knew, and our own little apartment high above the Manhattan Bridge.
Will hope Bill’s manuscript has reappeared and that you can both draw close to the fire and enjoy less excitement and more serenity.
Happy holidays!
Shirley, I love New York in the fall and in the spring, when I can spend lots of time in Central Park and on the High Line. One of my favorite activities as a dog person is to sit in the shade and watch city pooches with their owners in the park and sometimes get a chance to chat. This time it was very cold and the wind was whistling down the city canyons, so there was none of that.
Still, I enjoyed a lot of it and loved being reminded that my heart resides here in Virginia.
Welcome home, Joan! It is a good feeling to return to that which is our norm and feels right. Like Dorothy believed “there is no place like home.” Hoping Bill’s play can be saved and that you are both settling in for good days and nights as we lead up to Christmas. Happy holidays!
Sherrey, Thanks for your visit. Still haven’t heard from the techies but this afternoon should find him back at work. If there is still difficulties he has an appointment tomorrow with a specialist at retrieving info from Macs. Our fingers are crossed!
I hope you are feeling well and that your holidays will be filled with blessings.
Joan, thank you for this post. After reading your post, I am quite content in my own home, enjoying the Christmas lights and the simplicity and quiet of living in a small town.
I didn’t realize until recently that you live in Charlottesville. My family and I lived there for a year. I love Virginia!
I hope your holidays are filled with serenity, laughter, light, and good cheer.
Saloma, So nice to hear from you. I love the peace and quiet of this small community and the simplicity I find here. I had no idea you lived here once. It’s a great place to be.
Best wishes for a holiday season filled with blessings and love.
Joan — Not even remotely a “crowd person,” your vivid description had my skin crawling. I’ve been doing a lot of back/forth flying between Boise and San Diego because my dad is ill. The “crush” of people jamming the aisle to depart gives me the willies every time.
Laurie, I feel reassurance and more normal when I hear from folks like you who are also overwhelmed by crowds. For a very long time I thought there was something terribly wrong with me. Then I found out that I am an introvert and highly sensitive, to boot.
I’m sorry to hear your dad is ill. I’m sending healing thoughts and prayers to both of you.
One of the nicest things about blogging is the connection to a cozy circle of friends. I read the comments from your readers, all of them people I “know.” Thanks for introducing me to your husband Bill, also an artistic, literary type like Cliff. He too will be getting a new robotic brain, as your dub your Mac. (By the way, I’ve heard computer data never completely disappears.Your techies will find it somewhere I have no doubt.)
Your travelogue was fascinating, but your earlier trip to the Big Apple in April would probably have milder weather and fewer crowds – maybe. I’ll have to click on that link. Do enjoy the home-again feeling this season inspires. Merry Christmas!
I agree with you Marian, about the “cozy circle of friends,” one meets as a blogger. It’s simply wonderful and I’m extremely grateful for all of you.
Bill just brought his new “brain” home and all is well with his script. He is not only a playwright but also an actor and a director. His winter project, besides working on his play is a role in the Fantastics at one of our local theatres. Our New York trips revolve around going to the theatre. We’re also movie buffs and we try to catch up on films we know wonn’t make it to Charlottesville.
Blessings to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas!
Isn’t so great to get away … in order to fully appreciate what is at home!
I love this Joan.
Those crowds would do me in 😉
Val x
Thanks, Val. I’ve learned another one of those life lessons about taking proper care of myself!
I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday.
Thank you for the very vivid description of the city that once held my heart. Now it just holds my adrenal glands. 🙂
It’s lovely to really want to be right where we are. You captured that sensation beautifully.
Janet, I LOVE your comment. It’s not a good place for some people’s adrenal glands, though I know others who absolutely love it. I hope you and Woody have wonderful holidays!