Today’s Flower: Happy Anniversary!
August 9, 2009 | Filed Under Flowers, Harlem, Lacecap Hydrangea, Nature in NYC, Photo Blogging Theme Day, Sakura Park, Today's Flowers | 23 Comments
Happy Anniversary to TODAY’S FLOWERS!
I haven’t been able to participate in TODAY’S FLOWERS for a long time, but I wanted to wish the creators of this blog theme day all the best on its one-year anniversary.
To see a wonderful collection of flower photos, take a look here.
Oh! Does anyone know the name of this flower? I took its photo way back in June. It’s no longer in bloom. I no longer see it in the park.
Paz
Ed. Note: Thanks, all, for letting me know that this is a Lacecap Hydrangea. I love to learn something new everyday. 
The flowers in Sakura Park.
Forgotten Balloon
August 9, 2009 | Filed Under Harlem, Parks, Sakura Park | 12 Comments
The only sign that a birthday party had been held in the park, the day before, is this forgotten balloon.
Paz
Ed. Note: Help make history on Abe Lincoln’s blog by leaving comments there.
The Fancy Diner
August 7, 2009 | Filed Under Artists, Restaurants, Rhonda Hartis Smith | 11 Comments
The last time I went to this diner (many years ago), it was a spacious and comfortable place. However, when I went with Rhonda, I found it had turned into a very cramped place. The owners have tried to fit as many diners in there, as possible. Not very comfortable. We both ordered a Greek salad, which was presented in a very fancy manner. Despite the presentation, it tasted good. Rhonda what did you think of the salad? Do you remember?
Paz
The Art Students League of New York
August 6, 2009 | Filed Under Art Schools, Artists, Rhonda Hartis Smith | 15 Comments
A couple of months ago, blogging friend and artist Rhonda Hartis Smith came to New York to participate in a special workshop held at The Art Students League of New York. This art school, located on the West Side of Manhattan, has provided classes to artists and amateurs for over 130 years. It’s rich in history in the art world. Several well-known artists and teachers have walked through its doors.
For many years, I had passed the building several times but never went inside. Meeting Rhonda there gave me the opportunity to do so. I liked the active, yet relaxed atmosphere inside. I saw lots of students, ranging from kids to adults.
I had a chance to stop by Rhonda’s classroom during her break. Lots of easels carrying works-in-progress were crammed into the small studio space. In the front of the class, a model sat patiently, waiting for the students to return to continue painting her.
Inspired by all the artists listed in my blogroll section (go check out their links!), for the longest time, I’ve been wanting to take a drawing/sketching class. I may take a class here.
Paz
The owl on the window sill looks so life-like. He’s intently watching the activity on the sidewalk and street below.
A detailed portion over one of the windows of The Art Students League of New York building.
Mosaic Tile Benches
August 6, 2009 | Filed Under Chronicles of a NYC Bench, Grant's Tomb, Harlem, Mausoleums | 16 Comments
Seventeen colorful and curvy mosaic, tile benches surround Grant’s Tomb. Artist Pedro Silva and architect Phillip Danzig designed the benches that were erected in the 1970s. Adults and children in the community helped to make the benches.
Each bench has different images that range from Medieval mythology to modern.
The image on the above bench shows a police officer giving a ticket to a cab driver .
One of the most popular benches is known as the Lover’s Bench. I forgot to take a photo of it. Next time. The Lover’s Bench is designed with hearts and flowers and its curves resemble the curves of a nude couple. It’s a favorite bench for couples to sit on and watch the sunset over the Hudson River.
There’s been some controversy that the benches and its type of folk art are inappropriate and should not surround the mausoleum of the Civil War General and 18th U. S. President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. However, the benches are still there.
Paz
