One of the things I like best about cities in this country is the amount of public art like this mural in New York City. It’s by Japanese street artist Dragon76. Located near the Oculus at the World Trade Center, it is a show stopper.
The colors are vibrant and it looks like the horse could leap right off the wall. I found it inspiring and I marveled at the idea someone could create such a magnificent larger-than-life thing.
Go look for art, friends. It will brighten your day!
I have a mild obsession with doors and especially enjoy art deco design. I noticed this door in the New York City neighborhood of Chelsea. Interesting design is becoming a thing of the past as modern architecture becomes increasingly bland.
A few details here and there really do make a difference in the appearance of a space and make it seem much more inviting.
Wouldn’t you like to know what’s on the other side?
These snaps come from a browsing expedition at the Kate Spade Store at the Oculus – the high end shopping center located at the World Trade Center in New York. This particular display is one of the oddest I have seen in person.
However, it certainly got the job done given that I’m still thinking about it all these months later. It’s whimsical with lots of varying heights, textures, colors and shapes.
I don’t necessarily like everything they sell but appreciate the classic pieces like leather gloves and this vintage inspired floral adorned bag.
I won’t pretend to understand the zebra masks. Maybe they’re just a fun way to play up the zebra prints found throughout the store. However, I prefer to think there’s a deeper meaning as the zebra represents determination and empowerment.
Nonetheless, all the colors and shapes make this boutique feel like a candy store for the grownup eye.
Reading blogger M.B Henry’s recent post about the history of M&M’s candies jarred loose a memory from my whirlwind New York City Christmas trip.
In Times Square, there is a place called M&M’s World. Consequently, the M&M’s characters could be seen in advertising throughout Times Square and I grabbed a few snapshots of the cultural icons.
Here’s the store sign. I still wish for a better picture but we were being jostled down the street in a mass of humanity at this point so this is about as good as it could get.
And here’s just one of the giant digital ads I noticed. This one was on their building.
What I wouldn’t give for just a fraction of their marketing budget. Marketers everywhere would probably fall over if they knew how much this brand spends in a day. The advertising geek in me would love having colorful little mascots to play with in ads.
Anyway, this store is a popular stop and likely a sight to behold on the inside. There was a long line just to get in so we kept moving. Imagine all the presentation opportunities for these colorful little candies. You can even print your own specialty M&Ms.
If you get a chance, read M.B. Henry’s story “M&M’s: A Crunchy Colorful Story.” I didn’t realize the candy was inspired by a British product and had totally forgotten the 1995 shake-up of replacing the tan M&M with a blue one! It’s a fun and educational walk down memory lane.
Somewhere in Chelsea, a window asked a question.
What Are You Made Of?
It’s a bold question and one I didn’t expect to be thinking about as I traipsed through the Big Apple on a whirlwind Christmas adventure. We all probably ought to be ready with the answer but I’m not sure I know anymore.
And maybe that’s ok. We don’t always need all the answers.
It has been a long and challenging few years for the world in general and for me specifically. Adventure season will be here soon. Maybe I’ll start to remember then who I am and what I’m made of.
So, you know I have to ask What are you made of? I can’t wait to hear.
I turned just in time to see this fellow zipping down the street on his bike. This picture summons happy memories and I appreciate how the church, the colors, the motion and the rainy street work together.
That’s St Bernard’s Parish, finished in 1876 to accommodate a growing Irish American congregation. Now it’s called Our Lady of Guadalupe at St Bernard’s Church. Whatever you call it, this is even more stunning in person. That enormous rose window is larger than life and I am thrilled that we got to see it while strolling down West 14th Street in New York.