I have not spotted any yellow finches in NYC, so I'm delighted to come home and find these beautiful creatures enjoying my backyard lavender plant. I was unable to photograph all the birds that were there, but I counted eight all together.

Hello, distant readers!

This blog has received hits from all of these locations since I started it in May. Way cool. 

Do not sit, walk, climb or perch.

New York Extremes!

Take a look at this picture of a woman who was walking in front of me one rainy day. Notice her stylish rain hat, weather-proof handbag, walking shoes with heels, and classy raincoat. It's a smart pulled together look -- even from the back!

Now, look at the woman who was in line in front of me today at the grocery. This woman had definitely dressed this way on purpose -- she wasn't just going to the gym or something. I mean, look at the purple ruffle on her pants! I'm so glad I have a camera phone.

Yarn graffiti

I saw this on the street Sunday while walking around in Soho.

It's my first experience with what's called yarn graffiti or yarn bombing. I'd read about it, so I was pretty excited to run into this piece. Apparently people (probably women, don't cha think?)  knit or crochet around the most obscure objects when no one is looking and create removable splatter of fun art. It makes you smile, right? No harm done, something hard and edgy made soft and pretty. I love it.

Click HERE if you want to read a Time magazine article on the subject.

Up on the roof

Today, after a couple of days of just sitting around the apartment, I decided to do my yoga on the roof. I live on floor 26 of 28, so I took the stairs the two flights to get there. I figure if I take two flights of stairs every day, that will be excellent exercise. The sun was really beating down, and there is some shade there, but I discovered that the water sprinklers were on in the flower beds! If I got too hot, I just let some of that cool water spray across my arms and legs. Nice.

There was one person up there smoking, a woman, and another person, a man who works in the building, cleaning the floor and picking up. I decided to do my yoga anyway. I can't let myself be intimidated by people -- they're everywhere here!

Great decision! It really elevated my mood and made me appreciate again how lucky I am to be living in NY. I stayed only 20 minutes, but it set the tone for my day. I couldn't wait to share these thoughts on my blog. I hope people reading this will take a few moments out of every day to "go to the roof" so to speak. Get a little sun, stop and look at the world around you, breath slowly and intentionally, and thank God for the life inside you.

If you get there early enough, and thus get a seat, you can get a free tasting of the food being presented at the Herald Square Macy's Look Who's Cooking demo on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. I happened to be there last week and saw the chairs being set up, so I stayed. Besides, I needed to take a load off my feet. Perfect! The demo was Ger-Nis, a place in Brooklyn that specializes in cooking classes using herbs and locally grown products. I learned how to make pesto and how to use it. It is one way to use up that bundle of herbs left over after using only 3 sprigs for one recipe. There are some amazing recipes on their website: Ger-Nis Culinary and Herb Center

Macy's Fireworks

Six barges let loose fireworks along a 2 mile stretch of the Hudson.

Mr. Terry Lundgren at the 2011 Macy's Fireworks.

Nick Lachey poses with fans at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks.

This was one amazing display of 4th of July fireworks, let me tell you.  Free food, drinks, ice cream thanks to Macy's. Our pass got us up close and personal with me being able to get this picture of Nick Lachey who hosted the NBC live event. Terry Lundgren himself made an appearance looking good in his business suit.

Memphis

We saw Memphis, the Musical, last week. Here's a link to a video clip of some of the action you'll see on stage if you go!

CLICK HERE:  http://youtu.be/HFM_b9OEe2s

Beastie wants a cookie.

 

Today we came across a huge black mastiff sitting in front of a store and staring as if it was his own home and he wanted in. His owner was clearly frustrated and unable to get the big guy to move away. I asked the dog's name and why he was so intent on that particular spot. "Beastie," I learned, remembered that place as one that distributed dog treats, and he really wanted one at the moment. My husband and I were happy to resolve this problem and informed the store clerk inside about the situation out front. The man behind the counter laughed and tossed me a dog treat which I promptly delivered to the waiting animal. Beastie droolingly gulped it up then allowed his master to lead him home.

A view from the inside of the Musuem of Modern Art (MOMA) of their sculpture garden. Do have lunch at one of their cafes. The food was fresh, beautifully presented and reasonably priced.

Service where you wouldn't expect it.

 

I stopped at a corner convenience shop to buy flowers. The man maintaining that area saw me looking and asked me about the colors in my place then offered some suggestions. After I chose three  different flowers, he took them apart and arranged them like so. Then he asked me what my vase was like so he could cut the stems just right. There are so many choices for the shopper here that the service you get is what separates one place from another. This is where I'll buy my flowers from now on.