But humans also deserve credit for creating some spectacular places to spend a carefree day. One of those places is New York City, especially around the holidays. Living only 150 miles from Manhattan Island, my sister and I took Mom down on the train for her 80th birthday. She has always wanted to see the Radio City Music Christmas Spectacular, so we thought it would be a great gift. Here are some moments that are worth sharing:
There's the dancing:
Flags at Rockefeller Center dance in synchrony
with some help from the wind.
Salvation Army volunteers in NYC don't just stand still ringing a bell to collect money.
They put a dancing show!
Who needs the Olympics with these street performers around!
And those amazing Rockettes! Better watch out Santa!
The window shopping is like nowhere else I've ever been:
Just ask your significant other for this 12-carat diamond ring showcased in the
window of Cartier. When he flinches, say, "Or those cowboy boots would be nice."
He'll be so relieved, they are sure to be yours.
He'll be so relieved, they are sure to be yours.
Macy's Christmas window display never disappoints.
Entire stores are devoted to chocolate:
Lights everywhere...
Chandelier at Radio City Music Hall
Part of the Rockefeller Center Display
The Famous Rockefeller Center Tree
A Live Nativity
And there's so much more. Nature is still my favorite place to kick back, but the vibe of a lively city is astounding. Here's to the brilliant minds who created these unbelievable sights and the talent that brought them to life.
KICK BACK SONG OF THE WEEK:
This one really made me smile. The Legendary Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin perform New York, New York from the 1944 musical and the 1949 MGM musical film On the Town. The music was written by Leonard Bernstein and the lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
KICK BACK BOOK OF THE WEEK:
I am very sad to tell you that Kick Back Moments lost one of it's most loyal readers this past week. Sandra Humphrey, author of several moving books about character development and following dreams, died in a house fire along with her loving husband. Although I never met Sandra, she was such an inspiration. After retiring from her career as a clinical psychologist at the age of 55, she began writing and publishing books. Sandra was a strong positive force in my online writing support group, encouraging others to persevere with their writing and publishing aspirations. She supported all, and to be honest, I don't know where she found the time and energy to accomplish all that she did at the age of 76-years old. In honor of Sandra, this week's kick back book of the week is:
They Stood Alone: 25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference—I know Sandra Humphrey certainly did. Please go to her website to learn more about this wonderful woman.
http://www.kidscandoit.com/blog/2012/11/27/dare-to-dream-big-the-power-of-two/#comments
A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA:
They Stood Alone: 25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference—I know Sandra Humphrey certainly did. Please go to her website to learn more about this wonderful woman.
http://www.kidscandoit.com/blog/2012/11/27/dare-to-dream-big-the-power-of-two/#comments
A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA:
A candle lit for Sandra Humphrey at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, NYC
Peggy, what an awesome post! The last part, of course, brought tears to my eyes... One of my dream vacations is to have a Christmas in NYC. One day. . .
ReplyDeleteBYW catnipoflife has an award for you...
WELCOME TO THE SISTERHOOD OF WORLD BLOGGERS! GO TO CATNIP – http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/- read the ‘rules’, grab the badge and be sure to leave comments accepting the invitation. Once you have your own posting in place go back to catnip and leave the link to your post in the comments box. At that time, I will grab the link and post it to my site. Hugs to you, Sister!
One year my husband was scheduled for a trip to New York City during early December -- and our wedding anniversary occurred during that week. So, he took me with him! We took a few extra days after his meetings and went sightseeing, attended a couple of Broadway shows, and absorbed the energy of the city. It was an experience I'll never forget, and the best anniversary gift ever. Thank you for reminding me of that special vacation.
ReplyDeleteThank you, too, for your lovely post about Sandra Humphrey. We were online friends, and I benefited from her unfailing support. She will definitely be missed.
Peggy, this was such a fun kickback moment! I grew up outside of Manhattan in NJ. I never went to the Christmas show at RC, it seems you don't do things in the city you live near. It was after I had been gone for 17 years that I went to the Statue of Liberty because my brother wanted to show my daughter. We have been at all the places in the video. It is a beautiful city.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your tribute to Sandy. That was lovely. And lighting a candle at St Pat's is awesome. My father's funeral was there in 1987. I miss Sandy too, and I am so glad that I was able to know her. Great post!!
Thank you so much for sharing these. I haven't celebrated Christmas in New York for quite some time and I love the pictures you took!!
ReplyDeleteAnd how wonderful you thought about the candles!! :-) You're great!
I've never been to New York City but I'd love to go someday. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It seems you and Sandra have the "energy" thing in common. I love what you wrote about her and that you lit a candle for her. I still expect to see a comment from her on my blog.
ReplyDeletePeggy,
ReplyDeleteWhat fun this post was to see NYC at Christmas through your eyes (and ears) with the video. One of my Facebook pals just posted a similar journey in NYC this past weekend and I was so jealous. Your photos made me think again about making the effort to go and visit another great city during the holidays.
Your candles at the end of this post were so sweet. That's one of the few Catholic church rituals I hold dear. My condolences on losing your virtual friend and fellow author.
Chris