Kate Beck Textiles

One of my favorite discoveries when I was in NY, was Kate Beck Textiles at the Craft Show in the Lincoln Center courtyard.

I was drawn to the sumptuous colors and textures within her booth.  Kate's website lists her upcoming shows and if you're in the vicinity of one, I highly recommend seeking her out.  She said she is also in the process of working on a bricks and mortar location in New Orleans which is her home.

Her work was one of the two that really stood out to my taste and I'll be showing you the other person's work in a future blog post. I figure if I like them, I bet some of you readers will too.

If you have newly discovered artist you'd like to share with the rest of us, please post a comment with the information.  It could be a blast.

Garden Urban Oasis - NYC

Funny, we visited NY recently and I come back with photos of plants and flowers.  Yes, I took some of the typical tourist ones and plenty of the not so tourist ones, which I'll spread out over the next few weeks, but it was flowers and plants that always catch my eye.

We found a little garden that was open to the public while walking in Greenwich Village.  We almost passed it by, but the little bright flowers were beckoning and as usual, I had my phone out to snap quick pictures.

It was a delight to walk along the shady paths and see all the little benches artfully placed, to achieve the most privacy.  Couples, families and friends were perched on all of them, having quiet conversations.

Cities really need that, don't they?  I think that was one of the factors that caused me to realize that I wouldn't want to live in NYC.  Too many hard materials and not enough softness and color.

So I'll leave you with these photos of the one little oasis that we chanced upon. And soon I'll post some photos of our adventures and other interesting things we found.  And in our usual fashion, we found some gooooooood stuff!!

Need Your Advice: Future Trip to NYC...Woot!

Well, it's confirmed.  Hubby and I are headed to New York City in a few months and I'd love your advice.

You see, it's been many years since I've spent time there and I know it's not the same as my youth.  When I was a kid, my Dad lived there, and we'd commute in from Connecticut and do the kid activities. I've seen the Rockettes, the Natural History Museum and lots of things like that.

But I'm a heckuva lot older now and I know there's a lot more than my old haunts.  So I'm asking you for your advice.  What do we need to see and do with just a two and a half day visit?  And where do we stay that is "reasonably priced".  (ha ha, I know)  My preference are boutique hotels- but modest ones are great too.

I'm counting on your wisdom and sage advice- think artsy, fun and bit off kilter and give me some ideas and any advice you've got.  I'm looking forward to your help.  Thanks so much!