Monday, February 28, 2011

Brazil a Day #2

Brazil Paseo 3

Brazil Paseo 2

Along Ipanema Beach, you can see the Calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese sidewalk that is all over the city). Ipanema and Copacabana have these wildly geometric patterns that you see repeated in fashion and design around the city quite often. It's an amazing accent to the city.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Brazil a Day #1

Brazil Paseo 1

In honor of the upcoming Carnival (and also a little because I'm about a month and half behind posting the last of my trip photos) I will be posting a photo, or two, a day to catch up. So each day I will post another photo from our trip until I run out, I hope you enjoy!

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Joy of Getting Lost in Manhattan

Church Window with Snowy Branches
We had some unexpected (to us) snow last night, left some pretty scenes around the city before melting and turning to slush. After spending some time at the Strand, where I picked up a couple of great books about New York City, we walked down broadway a bit and passed Grace Church (pictured above).

I know there's been an absence of blog posts, something I'm working on finding a remedy for. What can I say - when it's cold and yucky out, I spend more time inside and have less to inspire me!

Today was a great day though. Both Felipe and I had off work for the President's Day Holiday, and so that is a bonus right there! We slept in a bit, and then went down to the Union Square area. Today is the five year anniversary of the day we first met, our first date. So we had lunch at Virage, our restaurant in the East Village. It was a bit of surprise when we walked in the restaurant, as we haven't been there since my aunt's visit in October, they have completely redecorated the interior of Virage. Part of me is really sad to see it change, I have very fond memories of the dark brick wall, and the art prints they had - it had a very welcoming atmosphere for a nice dinner. The red brick walls have all been painted over with white, and the neat prints they had hanging were replaced by paintings of still life fruit (I can't say I agree with this choice), and the chandelier no longer hangs from the ceiling...it has also been replaced by round white globe lamps.

I suppose it's fitting that we see the change to "our restaurant" when we went there five years to the day after our relationship began. It would be unlike the New York City way if it didn't change, and serves as a happy reminder to reflect on how we have changed ourselves (positively) since that cold day waiting outside to meet.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

My New Angel

My New Angel....
By Mina Lee

I just purchased this work of art that was done by my cousin Mina, she's done many beautiful collages. But this simple one of hers really touched me. Mina passed away this evening after an amazingly courageous battle with breast cancer, lasting as far as I can remember, around 10 years. She leaves behind many sad family and friends, but she also leaves a legacy of creativity, love, and good memories.

Her three kids are around the same age as my sisters and I, and I remember Mina watching us when we were little, especially when my dad was in the hospital. She'll always hold a special place in my heart. And now, I have two new angels, one that was born of her creativity, and another that was born of her amazing spirit. All my love goes to her family now, knowing what they are going through, and hoping that they find as much peace as they deserve.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ice Ice Everywhere!

2011-02-02_09.55.53_5679.jpg
(Photo from Andrew Kunkel on Flickr)

This morning was definitely interesting for many people in the midwest and the east coast. My mom reported having a four foot snow drift in front of her door this morning, and my cousin posted a photo of a snow drift outside her living room window that went to the top corner of the window (about 6 feet I would estimate). Here in New York City we didn't get snow, but lots of freezing rain and ice.

On my way in this morning on the bus, we passed so many beautiful trees encased in a crystal clear ice. It was quite breathtaking. I didn't have my camera with me (I know, silly...but I need to replace the batteries!), and so I'm borrowing the photo for this post from Mr. Kunkel on Flickr...nicely taken!

p.s. - Happy Groundhog Day! (Time for some flapjacks!!!)

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Beautiful Street Art

Rio Graffiti 1
I wish I had time to walk all over the city and take a pictures of all the amazing "graffiti" which is better labeled as street art. Graffiti is a whole different strata in Rio - so many amazing murals and paintings, I just wish I could have captured more of them - although that gets difficult from a moving vehicle! Here are the only four I could capture while walking...

Rio Graffiti 2

Rio Graffiti 3
One of my favorites - St. George slaying a dragon! A sword in one hand, a can of spray paint in the other!

Rio Graffiti 4
Look at the amazing detail! Do you see the Damask print behind her? Pretty classy right :D

Just google "Graffiti Rio de Janeiro" and you will see some of the most amazing street art. New York City has nothing on Rio!