Interior with Vase

Inside my vacation studio on the kitchen counter I've filled a vase with cuttings from a couple of shrubs that stand just outside. It creates an interesting statement of the outside crossing over to the inside especially as it sits in front of a half door that remains permanently open. Away from an urban environment where there is always a concern to keep yourself private and secure the concept of relaxed barriers to the outside- unlocked doors, windows that are kept perpetually open is in itself incredibly therapeutic although it takes a few days for this New Yorker to get used to.

Beach Artists

I'm on vacation in Provincetown, Cape Cod so the images will be from there for a little bit. This one is a great establishing shot - a capture of a group of painters capturing the Cape Cod scenery on the beach early this morning.

Green Corner

I found this rather stylish display of greenery outside a typical corner deli in the East Village. All kinds of indoor plants in an interesting assortment of containers.

Prickly Purple

I love the color palette I see here- those jade, blue cast greens combined with purples and browns. The photo was taken at the New York Botanical Gardens in the American desert plants section.

Tunnel Vision

Not an unfamiliar sight if you wander through Central Park - some wonderful vistas framed by the many tunnels in the park. Can't help but feel a slight sense of unease walking through one- I'm sure due to the many Hollywood movies that have made these tunnels the venue of all kinds of atrocities but it is an undeserved reputation as Central Park has in fact the lowest crime rate in all of Manhattan.

Shadow Screen

This really was a screen - sheets of plywood surrounding a construction site somewhere on the far west side of midtown. In this case the boards were painted white and formed a backdrop for the shadows from a tree branch which combined look like a Japanese Sumi-e.

Discovering Jefferson Market Garden

I made a new discovery today- the Jefferson Market Garden. I used to live in the West Village but never noticed this little triangular oasis between Greenwich Avenue and Sixth Avenue. The temperatures were higher today so that might be why I was most drawn to this stand of tall grass in the shade and also the carp pond. I'll definitely be back to see what else comes into bloom.

Quiet Sea

Also in Willamsburg is the Thai restaurant Sea. Lunch on a weekday guarantees you a poolside seat to better view that standing Buddha and the river boat filled with Anthuriums and orchids. The Lotus flower backdrop is translucent and you can see through to the rear part of the restaurant accentuating the sheer size of this space. Not a destination for the most authentic Thai food in the city but definitiely one for a tranquil inexpensive weekday lunch.