I can't even begin to count the number of gallons of paint that I have used in the past three and a half years. Purchasing a 40 year old home in much need of a cosmetic facelift has kept the bristles of my paintbrushes busy. I've painted everything from walls, floors, and furniture to light fixtures, heating and air vents and yes, even a toilet paper holder! So, it's no wonder that when I view colors, I often think of them in terms of the name they might be if they were one of the many paint chips I've perused!
I'll start my New York City tour with Sea Gull Grey.
In the 1630s, a 3.5 acre "island," of sorts, was dubbed Gull Island by native Americans because that's all that really inhabited the muddy place - sea gulls. By 1776, the island was owned by Samuel Ellis, the owner of a small tavern occupying space on the tiny three and half acres. Even though it was eventually sold to the state of New York, the name stuck; and it's been called Ellis Island ever since.
Next stop, Ellis Island Rooftop Red.
Even though this little island lives closer to the New Jersey side of the channel, which you can see behind the red rooftops, it was declared part of the state of New York in 1834. For several years, it's sole purpose, much to the chagrin of New Jersey and New York city dwellers alike, was an arsenal - housing explosives that many feared would send more than fireworks into the sky. But in 1890, this little island doubled in size due in part to dirt expelled to create all those stinky NYC subway tunnels! The states turned over immigration to the Federal Government, the U.S. Congress appropriated $75,000 to build the first immigration station on this "Gull Island," and the rest, we can say, is history. The Ellis Island Immigration Station opened on January 1, 1892 with 15 year old Irish immigrant, Annie Moore.
These red rooftops are not, however, the original structures on the island - the original wooden structures were destroyed by fire. The new main building, standing just to the left of the flag, opened on December 17, 1900. The peak year for Ellis Island was 1907 with 1,004, 756 immigrants received into our great country. April 17, 1907 boasts the all time daily high with 11,747 processed immigrants. I can only imagine their thoughts, their dreams, their ideals - coming to a land of freedom where dreams might possibly come true.
Next door neighbor to Ellis Island, is my next stop and my next paint color - Lady Liberty Cuivre Patine Verte or Lady Liberty Copper Patina Green.
A gift of friendship to the United States from the people of France, this beautiful statue was one of the first sightings of many of those Ellis Island immigrants. Officially dedicated in 1886, she has been greeting numerous visitors since. Her fabulous green-blue color is a result of many years of weathering on her copper exterior. Some quick fun facts on our grand lady are as follows: 1) She is probably the only lady that isn't mortified that her weight is common knowledge - 450,000 pounds to be exact. Honestly though, she doesn't look a pound over 400,000! 2) From heel to the top of her head, she measures 111 feet 6 inches with her face alone being 8 feet high. 3) The tablet she carries is inscribed with the date JULY IV MDCCLXXVI - July 4, 1776.
4) Her crown has seven rays - one for each of the seven continents. Each ray measures nine feet long.
5) Finally, at the very top is her golden torch - literally. This torch replaced the original during a 1986 restoration. It is covered in sheets of 24K gold! It's this golden torch that takes me to my next paint chip on the tour - New York Public Library Illuminated Golden Brown.
I couldn't call myself a librarian and not visit this AMAZING building! Containing 88 miles, yes, I said miles, of shelf space, this structure took 16 years to design and complete. I stood among these illuminated golden brown shelves and just took in every glowing part. I felt smarter just by visiting! Maybe some of the knowledge lodged in the ledgers of these 88 miles transferred by osmosis into my brain - okay, maybe not. Regardless, I was enthralled - the hubster, graciously tolerated! The NYPL opened it's doors on May 24, 1911. The original architects designed everything - building, tables, lamps, chandeliers, even the wastebaskets. The ceilings were phenomenal - carvings and paintings...
As I walked the halls and rooms, I chuckled at the sight of patrons and their 21st century technology paired with the 1911 furnishings. The exterior of the building was just as fabulous. Constructed of Vermont marble, it looks like a building one might see in Europe. With my love of all things old, my heart was warmed by the fact that this incredible building was still being lovingly used instead of being replaced by new.
I ended my NYPL tour with a photo op by one of the famous library lions. We actually share a homeland - these two guardian lions of the library are made of pink Tennessee marble. Now wouldn't that be a great paint chip color?
Rockefeller Red White and Blue is the vibrant chip that greeted me next.
These flapping flags are housed at Rockefeller Plaza. We entered 30 Rockefeller and made our way up 70 floors, 850 feet above street level to what is called Top of the Rock. From this vantage point, we could see (even through the humid haze) the entire borough of Manhattan. John D. Rockefeller created this building and this view. The observation deck opened in 1933 and it certainly does deliver an amazing view.
First up is the tall, slender, sleek Empire State Building. Even though 30 Rockefeller Plaza isn't quite as tall as her neighboring Empire, she does boast better views of the city.
After I took some time to gaze at all the large buildings and landmarks, I started to really look as some of the smaller sites - rooftops. Many were gardens, lunch areas, city dwellers' outdoor spaces. I found it fascinating that among the 8 million plus city inhabitants, I could see spaces and even individuals enjoying those spaces on these remote rooftops. One person, among the hustle and bustle of many, enjoying lunch or coffee and the paper in their own little escape from citydom.
Looking north from the Top of the Rock was a sight that seemed so out of place in this city of brick, mortar, marble, and cement. It's also my next paint chip color - Central Park Pastoral Green.
843 acres of green smack dab in the middle of the country's largest and busiest city. It's a six mile walk to make it all the way around the park. The park is open 365 days of the year and hosts 38 million visitors each year. The park houses 52 fountains, monuments, and/or sculptures. It is home to 24,000 trees which accommodate more than 275 species of birds. If feeling tired during park explorations, visitors can sit on one of the 9000 benches which would stretch over 7 miles if connected end to end. There are quiet zones, leashed and unleashed zones, and the entire park is one giant fire-free zone - no grilling allowed! Kids? No problem. Central park holds 21 playgrounds throughout the expansive pastoral green.
Last on the photo tour, but not the least of its amenities, Central Park contains 36 beautiful bridges and archways.
Ahhhh...Central Park Pastoral Green -
A great big thank you to my Tall, Dark and Handsome - isn't the color great on him?! This trip wouldn't have been possible without him and most definitely wouldn't have been so incredibly fun!
Resources:
nypl.org
gonyc.about.com
statueofliberty.org
centralparknyc.org
ellisisland.org
Photos are expected to be ultra sharp, have appealing composition, premium lighting, and of course, a subject and topic that is saleable. While the expectations were annoying at first and rejection was frequent, the same expectations have made me a stronger and more reflective photographer. Instead of an annoyance, it's now a challenge. I have been forced to think outside of my photo box. I've been challenged to take images to a new level in editing. I have learned so many lessons and I must say, have grown as a photographer during this new venture. I see images in the oddest of places sometimes - a hole I spotted while walking along out split rail fence or on the sun roof of the hubster's car after a rainstorm. I even had someone say to me a few days ago, "You see photos in everything around you!" Which is interesting and probably very true, because I do often find myself thinking, "That would be a really cool shot."
This summer I've learned of unfavorable changes in the workplace. I've experienced a first ever train ride. I've visited a city I've never before seen. I've had dinner on my patio with my husband while all three kiddos were away at other activities. I've sunbathed by the pool while hearing three siblings laugh and giggle. I've received news of a good doctor's report. I've consoled friends at a funeral home who tragically lost a son and a brother. I've received hugs and had arguments. I've seen an abundance of raindrops and a little sunshine. I've been a passenger instead of driver with only my children in the car. I've been greeted by a wiggly tailless dog with what looks like a smile on her face every time I've returned home from even the shortest absence.
