Tag Archives: Central Park

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

At the top of New York’s “Museum Mile”, between 104th and 105th Street on Fifth Avenue sits Central Park’s gorgeous Conservatory Garden.    Six acres of beauty, divided into 3 smaller gardens, representing Italian, French and English traditional gardens are a sight to behold.

“How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking of gardens and gardening.”                  Alexander Smith

The Vanderbilt family built these gardens and the majestic gates leading into them is well known as “The Vanderbilt Gate”.  Made in Paris in 1894, the gates originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th St.  A magnificent, welcoming entrance for all.

The Vanderbilt Gate leading to the magnificent Conservatory Garden in Central Park

The Vanderbilt Gate to The Conservatory Garden, Central Park

This particular gathering place in Central Park is a “Quiet Zone”.  Meant to invite meditation, calm and inspiration, the various gardens evoke a special sort of spiritual energy.  When traveling on my own, I always love to explore the parks and gardens that populate so many cities. They provide a respite from the noise and hustle that make up city life.

Spring arrives NYC

Stunning pink and greens, in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

Sundays are the most perfect day of the week for these kinds of explorations.  On the classic “day of rest”, I always feel free to wander and pick up on a spontaneous whim and go wherever it leads me.  Like the Sunday Drive, a good long walk on a Sunday is a luxurious indulgence.

Conservatory Garden

City Gardens, islands of beauty and rest in the city

The memory of that day inspired my recent Sunday outing to the Conservatory Garden, here in New York.  A late afternoon stroll was a balm to the soul.  I think that we frequently overlook the things that are right in front of us.  Sometimes, I try to apply my travel habits to my own home turf and set out on a Sunday afternoon as a “tourist”.

It’s the perfect way to revel in a Sunday afternoon adventure.  “A Table For One”.

Copyright 2016 Marion M. O’Grady

All rights reserved

 

 

 

 

Day of the Month

This year has been so beautiful in the Northeast.  Very unusual, long stretches of balmy weather, blue skies, sunlit days.  The Northeast is normally filled with unpredictable weather, ranging from cold snaps, to fog, rainy days and occasional blue skies.

“Climate is what we expect.  Weather is what we get.”  Mark Twain

In my mind, the best days are sometimes “good weather” days.  Especially if the  weather in a given month is unusual.  I’ve decided to chose a “Day of the Month” every month.  It’s another way to make yourself aware of the delight that each day brings.  Something to look forward to, make note of and celebrate.

Day of the Month November

Look for the magical beauty of nature and light.

This month, November, I thought that “The Day” had already arrived on November 3rd. On a long walk through Central Park,  I couldn’t help noticing how the autumn sunlight burst through the trees, amping up the contrasting colors of the landscape.

Such an unusual November!

Such an unusual November!

On this particular day, I thought that the magical transition of seasons was so clearly evident.  The floor of the gardens were covered with fallen leaves, while newly blossomed autumn plants and flowers were peeking through.  The combination was startling and beautiful.

Summer passes the baton to Autumn as the seasons change

Summer passes the baton to Autumn as the seasons change

I find that the complexity of nature reflects the complexity of our lives and can be very reflective of our emotions too.  It’s easy to lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, if you simply surrender to it.  On this day, I fully enjoyed the wide range of thoughts and feelings, reflective of the landscapes.

The day mixed together a summer temperature of 72, the blazing reds and yellows of tumbling autumn leaves and the bittersweet reminder that winter will soon arrive.  Yet, the promise of spring was also present in the newly blooming plants poking through.  A truly perfect day.  Perhaps the best “Day of the Month” for November.  Well noted and captured in thought and memory for “A Table For One.”

Copyright 2015 Marion M. O’Grady

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stralimitata

The Pope’s visit to the United States was amazing.  In New York, the effect was electric.  On his return to Roma, he was asked by reporters to describe the cities he had visited in the U.S.   Washington, he described as “formal”, Philadelphia, “friendly”.  But for New York, he found it necessary to create a new word for his experience!

“Loving your language means a command of its vocabulary beyond the level of the everyday.”  John McWorter

Pope Francis In Central Park

Pope Francis In Central Park

The Pope called his experience in New York “Stralimitata.  Roughly translated, it means “beyond all limits.”  I think a lot of us who live here and lots of folks from all over the world, who visit New York would agree!  And it’s a great way for us to describe his visit to New York as well!

Blessings from Pope Francis

Blessings from Pope Francis

At the last minute, I received a ticket to his quick drive through Central Park, on his way to the Madison Square Garden Mass.   It was startling and moving.  So many people of so many faiths joined in celebration.  This particular part of his journey included all the people of New York, all faiths.  The tickets were not only available to New York Catholics, the city was in control of most tickets, for anyone who wanted to attend.

A Day To Remember!  Pope Francis in Central Park

A Day To Remember! Pope Francis in Central Park

I felt torn between receiving his blessing in the open and photographing him as he passed by.  So I did both.  I put my phone down as he passed in front of me and then picked it back up as he proceeded forward.  So the photos are a bit blurred, but the experience of Pope Francis in New York remain forever clear and bright!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Search For Sweet Sounds

I love music.  All kinds of music.  Listening to music is one of the best pastimes you can embrace when you’re on your own.  Music elevates your mood, transforms your day, sets you on a path of wondrous self discovery.

“Without music, life would be a mistake”  Friedrich Nietzsche

Throughout my travels, I’ve found that music is everywhere.  On subway and transit platforms from New York to Paris.  On street corners, in parks and even in the tunnels under bridges in places like New York’s Central Park.

Trio Uses Acoustical Advantage of a Tunnel

Trio Uses Acoustical Advantage of a Tunnel

In open areas I’ve heard music played, across a full range from classical music to jazz and hip hop.  Sometimes, I’ve even discovered a bag piper practicing his skills in an open field or by The East River in New York.  Musicians will gather to play their tunes in the most unusual places.  On occasion, I set aside an afternoon to go and look for music.  It can be anywhere, but on a sultry summer afternoon on a weekend in New York, music fills every corner of the vast expanse and quiet niches of Central Park.

 

Jazz Quartet Cool Vibes on a Hot Day

Jazz Quartet Cool Vibes on a Hot Day

Not only is it easy to find, it’s delightful to come upon these talented groups and so easy to linger with a gathering crowd, to enjoy their gifted offerings.  With so much to enjoy, try treating yourself to an afternoon of fine music wherever you are.  Set out to find it and you’ll have yet another great experience of “A Table For One”.

Music is Everywhere!

Music is Everywhere!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

All rights reserved