“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.”
Do the words above feel authentic to you? I feel like Mr. Wolfe said it well. I'm a merely visitor in most places I travel to. But New York has been different. I feel at home, the city makes me tick. I feel inspired and alive. I want to put my headphones on and listen to Dreams by Cranberries as I head out to Central Park and explore new places. Just as Tom Hanks says in You've Got Mail by Nora Ephron: 'Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address ...' ت New York definitely boosts my creativity and inspiration, and my love for stationery products is very much reinforced here. LOL.
My last visit to New York was to attend Gabrielle Bernstein's seminar Crazy Sexy Miracles. Gabrielle is a motivational speaker whose work is largely inspired by a spiritual author Marianne Williamson and her book A Course in Miracles. I discovered Gabrielle's books in 2013 when browsing bookshelves at Barnes & Noble. I started reading and her books spoke to me at that time to the extend that I decided to jump on a plane and see her live.
New York Inspirations.
“Practically everybody in New York has half a mind to write a book — and does.”
I walked the streets of New York with my camera and journal. The only time I took a taxi was at night when it got dark. It was January and the air was crisp. I discovered several places that I instantly fell in love with. While walking the Upper West Side, I stopped by Olde Good Things - an architectural and altered antiques store. Although the flower paper weight I ended up bringing back home was not small and light-weighted, I did not mind taking it with me to the streets. Luckily, I had a large purse ت
Flower paper weight found at Olde Good Things, New York.
Another place I recommend to visit if you're looking to bring back home a souvenir with substance is Nest Interiors. I noticed they had crystal and ceramic from the Czech Republic. Of course I felt humbled and proud. Coffee lovers will appreciate Ace Hotel with Stumptown Coffee inside. This place feels like an old library and takes you back in time. Where? It depends on your fantasy. I enjoyed resting there in between my long walks and catching up on reading and journaling. And for tea lovers, there is of course Harney & Sons. I knew their teas but had never been inside an actual store devoted solely to Harney & Sons' products. My favorites are Blueberry Green Tea and Coconut Ginger Green Tea.
I can't wait for my next trip to New York to explore more places from The Stylist's Guide to NYC. I bought mine at Anthropologie. But until I go, I can bring myself back at least by music and Sara Bareilles' song Manhattan.
Interested in more quotes about Big Apple? Or more photo collages? There is never enough of New York inspiration, is there? ✿