I wa
nt to go to New York. I want to circle the air above the Statue of Liberty and see what my ancestors first experienced on their voyage across the Atlantic. I want to have my picture taken in Times Square and ride the elevators in Macy's. I want to see "Phantom" on Broadway and sit on the veranda of a Jazz club, listening to the brass while surrounded by a thousand twinkling lights. I want to ride in a limo, a carriage, a taxi.....and talk to the people who are driving each one. I want to climb to the greatest heights and look out at the nightime skyline and across the harbor where the lady gracefully sheds her light on our weary spirits. I want to eat at a sidewalk cafe, browse through the stores and buy flowers from a corner vendor. I want to watch the people in suits and designer sunglasses as they rush madly about, wondering if they realize what is really important; studying their faces and looking for the soul behind the eyes that look past me. I want to visit museums and ride a subway and dance among the flowers on a garden rooftop. For just a moment I want to become one of the crowd, blending into the masses, tapping into another part of who I am.
And then I'll come home to my wheatfields and meadows where wildflowers bloom with reckless abandon. I'll ride in a pick-up truck with worn-out shocks and drive down dusty roads. I'll sit in the audience as my children perform in a little school play and pick flowers for the table from my own backyard. I'll eat at the small cafe up on the hill and generously tip the waitress who gives me a tired smile and keeps my coffee cup filled. I'll have my picture taken as I play with the dog or shoot baskets with my son, climb to the top of the bluffs and watch as the sun sets low on the prairie. I'll talk to those who have descended from the pioneers; people who bravely came out west to build what we now call home. I'll look into eyes that meet mine and find light, love, contentment.
Someday I'm going to New York....and it's going to be fabulous!
Though I'll be completely out of my element, I'll relish the chance to step outside of my box, experience new things and make lasting memories.
And then I'll step back into the box,
explore different things, have treasured moments.
I'll come back home again....and it's going to be wonderful!
11 comments:
I've been thinking about this because the NHS students from our high school are visiting New York this week. In a couple of years, I MAY get the opportunity to travel there also, as a sponsor with another NHS group. I'm going to start saving my pennies now!
May you do all of those things, and maybe throw in MOMA and the NY Public Library as well...(two from my list, lol)!
If you make it in time, Les Paul still plays at the Iridium on Monday nights...
alan
To me, that ride in the dusty old pick up is better than a NY Taxi ride any day. Especially with a cold beer on a back road.
Its like the old musty statement....'Its always great to go somewhere new....but its ALWAYS nice to come home".....or something like that! NYC would be very fun!
I think you'll have a great time in NYC but it will also give you a new appreciation for your own piece of heaven. I'd have to disagree that you'd be out of your element...I bet you take that piece of heaven with you where ever you go.
Funny you'd post this... just yesterday I was thinking about city vs. country life, and how we really all should go LIVE (not just visit) the opposite way for a year. We'd all understand each other better. But really? I've lived both ways and I think country folks are much more in touch with our past--the things that make our country great. Just my opinion.
Oooooh! I love the sunset pic! Nice!
I wouldn't want to live in NYC by any means. I'd love to see the sights, hear the music, experience the rush...but I'd choose my own way of life here on the prairies, where life is slower, yet for me, more real. I think it's what you're used to and where your heart finds rest. For me I think that place will always be where I can hear the birds singing...and myself think. And watch the sun set completely upon the horizon.
In July, Nyssa and I are going to apartment sit (and cat sit) in Brooklyn. Friends of my brother will be going to see him in Germany and as I always did in Mississippi, feel better having someone stay in their home.
They wouldn't live anywhere else. Don't even own a car. The subway hub is a block from their apartment and takes them anywhere they need to go.
I wouldn't want to live there and probably wouldn't do well for a long period of time out in the country at my dad's homestead either. In between is the best place for me with adventures into both extremes.
While I've seen Phantom ten times (because my brother was in the traveling company for 8 years), I've never seen it on Broadway. I look forward to the botanical gardens and the art museums on this next trip.
Lori, thanks for sharing your thoughts and perspective. May you have the opportunity as desired to experience 'the other side of the coin', having been already charmed with the enjoyment and contentment of country living.
Having lived in the city all my life, I'm blessed to be able to access your blog to experience glimpes of your prairie life. In the mid 70s till early 80s, the TV series of 'Little House on the Prairie' by Laura Ingalls Wilder were my favourite!!
I was in New York last week!
What a wonderful marvellous place to be...
And now I am preparing to move there to experience for a year or two...
(I'm from Australia...)
Post a Comment