Sometime last year I read an article about how the last place people think to explore is their very own backyard. Well, not their actual backyard… their neighborhood, which is lucky for me because sadly, I don’t have a backyard.
It’s somehow been scientifically proven that people take their hometown for granted. Until forced with weekend guests or a big move, we figure the planetarium or the local lake with a great spot for canoeing or that brunch place tourists wait an hour to enjoy will always just… be there.
Living in New York City, there are a whole host of ‘backyard’ sites that I’m blessed to take for granted on a daily basis. I see the Empire State Building all lit up in its color du jour whenever I push past tourists on our street. Taking the subway out to my nearest Target, I ride, sardined between two people who invariably don’t believe in deodorant, right alongside the Brooklyn Bridge. I get to step brusquely around random people trying to sell me on carriage rides in Central Park when I stop by Mr. M’s office.
But the other day had me thinking. (Does the onset of fall weather do that to anyone else? Make you contemplative & musing? Like you need to wear tweed jackets with elbow patches and just… ponder things… over a mug of tea?) Autumn or no, I really want to appreciate the astounding scenery that I’m lucky enough to take in Every Single Day.
Because Manhattan-as-Backyard is a bit overwhelming, I decided to start with my own little neighborhood. The streets that Charlie Mae & I walk each day… past Mr. M & my favorite restaurants and our little corner market (which, sadly, is far too expensive for me to shop at regularly, as quaint and lovely as it sounds).
So Mr. M & Charlie & I went out one Sunday afternoon with the sole purpose of Appreciating & Documenting Our Neighborhood. It was serious business. With a planned coffee break.
- Graffiti always photographs so well.
Midway through, we stopped for iced coffee (the finest of the food groups) at Bowery Coffee, which is one of my absolute favorite places because everyone with whom I come into contact is unbelievably friendly- and unrelatedly, covered in tattoos.
Plus, they have almond milk. It reminds me of home in California. :) But slap my wrist! This is not the point of Neighborhood Appreciation Walks.
We had such a fantastic time meandering with camera through our adopted homeland that Mr. M & I resolved to take Neighborhood Appreciation walks much more frequently. I shall wanderlust for my own city… especially on those days when I’m staring out the window, wishing I were sailing away to some exotic & exciting foreign destination. I shall remember that I now have Neighborhood Pride… especially when I get momentarily ruffled by bus-loads of tourists blocking the sidewalk and (rightly) gawking at the wonders around us.
There’s something to be said for searching out the wonders hiding in your own backyard.
- Miss Charlie Mae agrees.
Many years ago, I was an actual tourist in your area. It was so different from what I was used to, and it seemed like the real New York to me. At the moment there are a lot of tourists in my city, and I can see them looking at things I pass without noticing everyday. You are so right about taking things for granted.
Isn't it crazy how as tourists we sometimes appreciate other people's cities more than we celebrate our own? I'm working on that one... :)
Your dog is ADORABLE. ADORABLE! I've been to NYC twice in my life. One time it was for work stuff, so I didn't get to explore a lot. The second time I did a few tourist things. I'd love to come back! I want to say 'you're so lucky to live that close to such amazing places,' but I'd probably take it for granted, too ;) I've taken photo walks around my town, but there's nothing too interesting here. It's pretty sad, though, that I lived in the area for 5 years before I ventured to Old City Philadelphia. I don't get into the city proper as often as I'd like.
Thank you! Charlie's not too shabby for a pound mutt! ;) You're so right, though... I'm lucky to live here, even though it can get a tad overwhelming at times. I'm trying to remember to take it all in! As for your town not being too interesting, I've SEEN your pictures (at least those you post) and would heartily disagree! You do a great job 'venturing.' :)
Well, thanks! Most photos are from surrounding towns (up to a half hour away). So, I do some awesome day trip adventures ;) My town is tiny, though :D
I love the scenery and sights of city life! I have never lived in a huge city like yours, so whenever I go to huge cities I am always the tourist. You dog is super cute! I am remembering one of the first posts of yours I ever came across had her cute little face in it. :-)
Ha, thank you! It must've been the weekend we city-folk explored the Catskills and the little pup saw her first real 'lawn.' :) Your love of city life is what I need to channel when I'm walking around feeling homesick for trees & space!
Great post and such amazing pictures. What do you use to take the pictures with? Love the blog.
Why thank you- you have such kind comments! I use a Canon EOS Rebel T2i, which I got on super-sale for fairly cheap (at least as far as SLRs are concerned). It lets me just aim & shoot, somehow turns my slapdash shots into good photographs, and lets me take all the credit. I love it... a splurge well worth it!
Haha no problem :) . Cool. I need to take some more pictures for my blog :)
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[…] do have a point to this entry, though. I read this post the other day on one of my favorite blogs (seriously, go follow her. She had the best […]
FYI: if graffiti catch your well-trained eye, have you explored the works of the late, great Prince of Urban Graffiti Art, Jean-Michel Basquiat? Found a link to a Brooklyn Museum show a few years back: www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/basquiat/street-to-studio/english/home.php Also a couple of films about him: Basquiat, a biographical narrative by Julian Schnabel and a documentary by Tamra Davis called The Radiant Child. He, like you, celebrated his immediate surroundings in a unique and unforgettable way. Thanks for yet another amazing post.
Fascinating! I really do love street art. Thank you so much for the info! I hadn't heard of Basquiat but would love to learn more. In-depth 'backyard' exploration!
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