Good Day Sunshine.

What's with this weather?! Oh man. Love. It. My go-to place on these spring-like days lately has been Riverside Park. Walking right along the water with the sun on my face, eyes closed, I can almost believe I'm on vacation. (ooooh vacation, how i miss you). 

Miles likes it when I bust him out of the stroller and hold him up into the breeze (he pretends he's on vacation, too, I think).

(hello, sweet face)

*

Hot. So hot.

walking to Harvard Square

I know it was hot everywhere today, but man alive! With the built-in heater I'm carrying around 24-7 PLUS 100 degree temps PLUS the crazy humidity....I didn't think I was going to make it! (even strangers were concerned as they spotted my big belly making it's way down sun-scorched sidewalks, urging me to "stay cool!" and "get inside!"). Luckily my time outside today was limited, and for every twenty steps I took I drank about 20 ounces of icy water (which helps), but still....it was bad. Very bad. Tomorrow is supposed to be even worse. Oh Lord, how am I going to make it through this summer?! 

Boston blooms.

Near Fenway Park, Boston

No time to write tonight, drowning in artwork for the show on Friday. But look! The trees are really blooming in Boston (hooray!). AND it was about 70 degrees here today. We're hitting the Big Time here, kids! Whew, finally...

Spring hopes.

on the boston t 

The weather improved *just enough* today to make me remember what Spring feels like. Barely. Not that it was Spring-like, really, but the slight warmth of the sun when it peaked out from behind the clouds...wind that felt more like a breeze, rather than bone-chilling, tear-inducing gusts...it did help a smidge. 

Ah, Spring...I am so ready for you (though I'm no fool -- March in Boston? It's going to be awhile, I know).

Cold. Very cold.

the only thing warm around these parts....

I've been home from running errands for over an hour now and still. can't. get. warm. Despite the scarf and the blanket and the fire going. Sigh. I know I keep talking about the weather (sorry) but I really do feel like this winter is like one giant hurdle that I can't quite clear. Dan and I agreed tonight, as we drove home past 20 foot snow drifts and swerved our way down Massachusetts Avenue in order to keep from getting hit by reckless Boston drivers (no offense, Boston, but your driving needs work), that this place is tough. Or maybe it's just us? Don't know what's going on, but it's just....well, it's all just been a bit rougher than I/we imagined. Adjusting to this place and feeling connected and the weather, etc. There are certainly very high high-points (ie: getting to audit classes, rehearsals, etc.) but the day to day in all this gray/cold can be tough. 

Just have to remind myself that it would be that way in the vast majority of the country right now -- seems like we're all in a deep freeze. Even magical New York isn't immune to this mess, I know. 

Anyway, just venting a bit, from beneath my many layers of clothing and piles of blankets and...yeah -- just venting :)

Groundhog Day.

another blustery day

Word on the street is that Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow today (and neither did the Staten Island groundhog, Chuck, who I had never heard of until today). Thank. You. Lord. This winter is swallowing me whole. Dreaming about moving to Florida (or California or Hawaii) on this drippy, cold day. And wearing dresses like this. Or this. Or anything non-fleeced-lined. Sigh. 

Have a lovely (cozy) weekend.

looking south on Broadway

Last New York picture of the week, my friends. Hope you have a fantastic weekend (and stay warm...it's frigid and winter-like here in Cambridge tonight. 33 degrees, no joke)!  

p.s.: we saw social network tonight, which i found fascinating. and not just b/c of all the harvard footage and the fact that sean parker (heavily featured in the movie) allegedly went to school with me. just a good story, good flick. recommended. 

Rain & Blur.

green light in the rain ~ hipstamatic!
This photo is little like how my day was today: blurry and wet. I woke up with my head in a fog, completely congested, not from illness but from the chill in the air -- our apartment was FREEZING (time to crank up the heat, I guess). And the rain. Oh the rain. All day long, all day strong. Rain, rain, rain.

The audition went well, but there was a huge turnout so I sat for a looooong time in my damp shoes and jeans (again, the darn rain). I'm not sure I'm quite right for this show (I'm more of a pop/rock musical kinda gal), but we'll see. I'm just glad I went for it, didn't let the blurry wetness of the day get me down.

Summer to Fall (& the things in between, like: Friends & Weddings!)

chilly, wet walk to Harvard Square
Confusing temperatures happening around these (east coast) parts. It was hot, hot, hot & summer-like this weekend (which we spent in the rolling hills of Virginia for a dear friend's wedding ~ it was beautiful & fun & I got to sing them a song), but today was overcast and crisp and totally, wonderfully Fall-like. As much as I love sunshiney, summery wedding-weather, sometimes a gray, wet day is just what I need.

(And look! The leaves are even beginning to change!)

Fresh air.

Cambridge, Mass.
I am happy to report that today was a much better day than yesterday (and the ones before that). Partly because I really tried to find more balance with my work today, and partly because the weather was so lovely and cool. I could *almost* smell Fall in the fresh, crisp air, which made me SO HAPPY! Fall = new beginnings, fresh starts, cooler weather. All things I really need right now.

AND it's my first Fall in New England, which I am so looking forward to. Even though it is looking like it will be an incredibly busy season, I think I am ready to leave the sweltering summer behind and move into something new & fresh -- ideas, inspiration, life. Fresh air.

Beautiful Day.

central park
I love how New Yorkers come out in droves when the weather warms up, filling every nook & cranny of green space, making even a regular old Thursday feel like a lazy Saturday afternoon. There was definitely a feeling of triumph and celebration in the air as I strolled through the park on my way to the dentist. (even a trip to the dentist can be enjoyable when you have nice weather + beautiful setting + happy people. not bad).

Sun in my eyes...

looking down on e. 40th
The sun was shining today, hallelujah! But I am officially sick (stupid, dang cold). I blame the plummeting wintry temperatures of earlier this week. Hopefully things (my head, throat, etc.) will be back to normal by Saturday though, b/c I am scheduled to take the stage at everyone's (my) favorite Village venue, Caffe Vivaldi. If you're in the area, stop on by! (9:30-11)

Subway Fun.

subway fun with katie & dan
it was a cold, cold day (think WINTER) and i didn't have my camera, so this lil' collection of subway pics taken a few months ago or so will have to do for tonight. it was very late on this particular night and we were coming back from brooklyn, i believe. there was lots of silliness and laughter, i do remember that much. we have fun together, the husband & i. it's true.

Another (cold) rainy Monday...

a look at the day from underneath my umbrella. again.
Ugh. And it's supposed to continue through WEDNESDAY. And it was a bad day on top of that. UGH. Contemplating a move to sunny Florida right now. Or a Caribbean Island (I hear Antigua is lovely).

Staying in and eating take-out helps erase some of the bad feelings about the day a little. So does Dancing with the Stars and red wine. However, I am supposed to be in the Village right now watching a cabaret show with friends. Feeling a little bit guilty for not going, but heading back out there into that terrible, awful stink-town weather, getting on a train, schlepping through the Village in boots and raingear and, ugh...it was really the last thing I wanted to do after such a long, hard day. And sometimes you gotta prioritize YOU, you know what I'm saying?? (ok, so i still feel bad. but at least i am dry. and relaxed :)

Also: remember this post and this post? Now you can purchase those two photos in my Etsy shop right now. Yes, that's correct, I've branched out from the bowls. Feels good. And more stuff to come....!

Broken Records & Other News.

midtown reflections on a hot spring day
In the headlines today: City Breaks 81-Year-Old Record With 90-Degree Temps. Am I happy to have sun instead of rain? Warmth instead of cold? Of course! But 90? Already?? Sheesh.

And in other news: a new Etsy listing! Large black & white decoupage bowl. Check it out :)

Night Strolling.

I love this city at night. Everything is so twinkly and soft. Store windows glow, restaurants glow, street lamps glow. It's all just quite magical. And the last two nights have been a dream, weather-wise, making it impossible to resist the lure of the outdoors & the idea of a nice, long stroll. And so that's how we've spent the last two evenings. Here are is a collection of photos from those two night strolls (as you'll see, I am a little obsessed with the way the street lamps light up the blossoms on the trees. magic).

Just Another Tuesday.

lone umbrella at the Lincoln Center fountain
It was another rainy, cold, gross, windy, messy mess of a day. Blah. No need to repeat myself, just go here or here and you'll get the picture.

There were two surprise gifts, however, that made the day a little brighter. 1) I got to leave work early, thanks to the bosses and 2) I got two free tickets to the Opera! (again, thanks to one of my bosses who wasn't able to use his row 3 orchestra seats to Hamlet. amazing).

It was totally worth trudging through the rain to see and experience the beauty of the Metropolitan Opera House. And Hamlet? Definitely the best opera I've ever seen.

So what started out as a very gray & wet New York day turned into a very lovely and magical evening. Thanks, bosses.

Le Carrousel

Le Carrousel in Bryant Park
Today the sun was shining (there I go with my weather talk again) and I felt a smidge better (not 100% -- but better). But I still didn't take any pictures (sorry!). My head's been in a fog. But here is a happy little picture from last week to keep us going til the next one.

Did you know about this carousel in Bryant Park? It makes me happy. And also curious as to where else in the city one can find a good carousel ride. Apparently Central Park has one (really? never seen it) and so does Coney Island. Here is a full list of all the carousels in the area just in case you find yourself in the city and in need of a good Merry-Go-Round.

Saturday photos.

I am sick today (home from work kind of sick) (boo) and don't really have the energy for anything but napping, tv watching and a little photo-editing. So since I wasn't out today except for a quick trip to the doctor's (and it's gray & icky out there anyway) I will post the sunny, happy pictures from our day last Saturday when the sun was shining bright and I was healthy enough to walk at least ten blocks without needing to stop for a nap. (Those were the days).

Here we go...first we started out on a long walk up Broadway, and took in all the Upper West Side goodness.


Then we headed over to Riverside Park, where we sat on a bench and sufficiently soaked up the sun, while also occasionally taking silly photos.


Next we hit up the boat basin (we love boats) and took some pics of the sparkling water and (what else?) boats.





Finally we headed downtown to South Street Seaport for some food and a little Brooklyn Bridge gazing.




It was a good, good day. And now it's time for sleep.

Disappearing Empire.

Empire in the Clouds
Another rainy day in New York. I guess it's okay considering the amazing* weather we were spoiled with all weekend. But still, not my favorite way to start out the week (plus I am feeling a bit under the weather today, which is also not my favorite way to start out the week). On the bright side? Dancing with the Stars tonight and a new listing on Etsy.

Cheers.

*And by amazing I mean a-m-a-z-i-n-g. A perfect 10. I took lots of pictures as proof, which I do plan to post at some point this week when I have more time and my head doesn't feel like it's on the verge of imploding).