was in NYC today for a trip i had planned for two months, mono notwithstanding. with a happy heart and good spirits, we set out for our bus trip to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas and then off to lunch and shopping.the play was amazing. the actor who played the Grinch stole the show, which totally pleased me because Jim Carey's version, truth be told, still gives me the ::shudders::. we took the bus back to Rockefeller Center (thank you, Lord, for a cooperative daughter who made friends with someone from our bus she had met at the play) and even though i walked a lot, it was not nearly as much as it would have been had we walked from the theater to St. Patrick's Cathedral (where we all went in and lit candles. the closest i had ever been to the altar because any other time i visited, Mass was being celebrated. it was worth the wait...)
after leaving St. Patrick's, there was a protest of sorts going on for the killing of a man named Sean Bell. it was no ordinary protest: it was being held down Fifth Avenue, middle of the day, a sea of people as far as, well -- the eye could see. it was actually really incredible to be there at that very moment and the story about Mr. Bell and film footage of the protest is contained in my link.
we probably should have gone back in and lit more candles.
~*~*~
what an incredible city. i know i have written of this in the past, but i am hopelessly in love with this place! there are so many things going on at once, it would rattle you to try to pen even one or two of them and have them make sense: from protests, to passing by corner markets where Christmas trees stood wrapped and ready to be toted to the purchaser's apartment...mounted police and taxis by the 100's...so many people, you came to a complete standstill outside of Saks because people were so taken in by their displays.
but what i saw the most of that i was so drawn in by is my love for people. black, white, families, men with children, striking-looking people, homeless, harried, busy, laid-back, rastas, fashionistas, blue-toothed and beleagured. all rushing about and me, meandering.
i wish you had been there with me.
3 comments:
Penni:
Warmest Greetings to you & yours, during this wonderful & most Holy of Seasons. I haven't checked out your meanderings for over a week now....and just wanted you to know that I enjoyed reading all about your visit to NYC with your daughter!! It's been MANY long yrs since I was there, but I still remember it distinctly - for many of the same reasons that you described so carefully. I recall my visit to St. Patrick's, which was incredible...I can only imagine how lovely it would be this time of year! It made me smile, to notice the straight-forward compliment that you mentioned, concerning your daughter...this being said only a few short weeks after you had said you seriously wondered if she would survive one more day under your roof... perhaps you were given an opportunity to witness the magical process of her becoming who she is on her way to being...from what you said, perhaps she even has some reflections of her own mother's warmth and "connectedness"... sounds like it was a wonderful trip, which I am glad you were able to make, even in the midst of your own health struggles...you were probably pretty drained at the end of the day.
In the past several months since I first discovered your Blogsite, I have been so inspired and strengthened by your insights, questions and commentaries. You have been a blessing to me, and to many others. What greater gift can one human being give to another - whether they are across the street - or across the country - than to be a genuine blessing to them? Thank you for what you give of yourself, to so many others.
Please know that you have been in my thoughts & prayers, often. As you rest and recooperate, over the weeks and months ahead, remember to listen to your body, Penni. It is my belief that God has given our bodies an "inner voice" (innate wisdom), that we need to try to tune into, in order to find health & balance. If yours is telling you to REST, then give it what it asks for. Your loved ones will support you, and will experience their own blessing, as they participate - and give of themselves - helping you to heal.
May your Christmas be blessed and meaningful, filled with Grace, Hope, Joy, Healing and Love.
And thank you again, for the ways that your words have been a blessing in my life.
P.S.
Just wondered if you would be willing to share your recipe for your favorite holiday dish of Roasted Butternut Squash?
I was last in NYC on a bitterly cold day.. the last two rows of St. Pat's were filled with bag-people. Their eyes screamed.
There were silent beggars in the doorways of fast food places.
The crowds were so thick, I think I made my husband hang onto the hem of my jacket along with the kids (even the teens!), and some guy nodded right into my father-in-law on the subway stairs.. A chestnut vendor stiffed him by a buck less change due, so my husband from Long Island shouted, "Hey, don't buy from this guy -- he'll rip you off!" (The vendor simply moved rather than cough up the buck..) And as I dropped my drawers in the WTC ladies' room, all my change went rolling all over the enormous floor. I came out 5 seconds later, and not a coin could be seen. Only a lady in fur hat and coat avoiding my eye.
It took us 4 hrs. to get from the foot of the Statue of Liberty to the base where her feet are.
My eyes locked with those of a 30-something guy on a steam grate, surrounded by his belongings in big green bags. Whew..
We stepped over a wino of some sort as we went to peek in the door of Hard Rock Cafe, and I think it only cost $43 to park for the day, lol..
You're in LOVE with this town??
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