Macy’s Flower Show

The Macy’s Flower Show is a New York tradition

and a sure sign that spring is on the way. 

(Although technically I guess it’s already here.) 

It’s a lush affair and the entire ground floor is transformed with flowers. 

 While I always enjoy viewing the extravaganza,

the photos I have taken of it are consistently disappointing. 

The lighting is too flat and the store furnishings tend to get in the way. 

 But one year when I was checking out the windows on Herald Square,

I noticed that the juxtaposition of the window displays and the reflections from the surrounding buildings and traffic were extremely interesting. 

 Don’t you agree?

Ciao

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

Pink Magnolias

Magnolias are my favorite flower. 

Their petals are large and floppy and they make all sorts of interesting shapes. 

It also doesn’t hurt that they are early bloomers signifying the start of spring,

which can never come too soon for me. 

There are trees scattered throughout the neighborhood and since the ones in the sunnier locations bloom first,

I change my route when I do my errands to enjoy their progress. 

When I was looking through my archives to select these photos I noticed that while some were taken as early as April 3^rd,

others were taken as late as April 24^th. 

I have a feeling that despite Puxatony Phil’s prediction they will bloom late this year as it’s still pretty cold out. 

But it can’t be long now!

Ciao

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

NYC Icons

New York City is an architecture lover’s dream. 

People come from all over the world to see places like the art deco Chrysler Building. 

 Mostly because they have seen them in movies I think. 

But it must be pretty amazing to see the Empire State Building for the first time.  

And visiting the Guggenheim is so much fun that I even enjoyed it as a child. 

Touring the UN is another interesting experience. 

While the Citicorp Building has become a recognizable part of the midtown skyline.

The Flatiron building is another crowd pleaser.

Some places go by other names now. 

Others will only be remembered in our hearts.

Ciao

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

Philadelphia

If you haven’t already done it,

you should visit Philly to check out Independence Hall

and the Liberty Bell. 

For those of us who put on the play 1776 in high school

 it’s a hoot to see the actual rooms where the drama took place in person. 

 But they’ve also expanded the area

to include a variety of other historical sites like Franklin Court. 

 And the Visitor’s Center has some interesting exhibits too.  

Not to mention the fact that the surrounding historic area is a visual treat. 

All in all, definitely worth a visit!

Ciao

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

Embroidery: Shells

This piece from the Caribbean Fish series features several different types of shells, including scallop shells, hence its name.

Here is the original embroidery.

And here is the pen and ink drawing of the orchids.

Enjoy!

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer