By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
New York City is a beautiful city filled with wonder, adventure, entertainment, many cultures, and the real estate that goes straight up. Visiting New York is always a treat, and this 8 day trip exceeded my expectations.
My destination was ThrillerFest, a comprehensive learning and networking with writers working on all levels of their career. When I finished, my head spun with all I’d learned and the people I’d met. I needed a breather. But where? We’d already been to a Broadway musical and play, toured the impressive Stephen A. Schwarzman Building – New York Public Library, walked across the Brooklyn bridge, and ridden the subway to lots of NYC destinations.
Husband knows me pretty well, and he suggested Central Park, a place I’d only heard about. Friday morning after a brief ride on the subway from Grand Central, we entered the incredible green and rolling area. The centuries old trees and growing flowers and bushes stole my breath. By the time we walked two hours, I realized:
- Find your sanctuary. We all need a go-to place to relax and process what is going on in our lives. For me, I wanted to think through how to reach the next level of my writing.
- Take an umbrella. It rained on our walk, and I loved it! So refreshing. Water droplets on the leaves created a unique beauty while the air smelled fresh and clean. But if we’d left the umbrella in the hotel room, the walk would have been ruined. Be prepared for unexpected rain.
- Be aware of the fork in the road. Although my husband had a GPS for walking, the instructions didn’t always seem to match. When we came to a fork in the trail, I couldn’t resist snapping a pic. Making decisions is a part of growth and change.
- Embrace nature. I’d never seen so many robins and sparrows. In the midst of the green, a sprinkling of flowers stole the scenery. Add Oak Bridge, a lake with a view of the skyscrapers, and I could have snapped pics all day. In fact, I forgot about all the writing dilemmas and focused on God’s creation.
- Smile. New Yorkers are incredibly friendly! While the rain splattered around us, a small wedding party walked into the park. They were happy and exchanged greetings with us. Smile, friends, life is too short to spend it miserable.
I look forward to my next visit to New York City. So many things left to experience in Central Park alone.
What about you? What do you look for when you plan a trip to an area so unlike your home?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Librarian – Create a display of unusual places about your town or city. Encourage patrons to take photos and submit them for the display.
