Live, Work, Create {18th Street Wall Art}

I don't know about you, but I think it's a pity that my creative endeavors are often the last priority in my life.  I realize that food, a clean home, being social, earning money to pay rent and expenses, and sleeping are important... but when I make time to for creative pursuits (whether that's photography, sewing, cooking, visiting a museum, going to a show, etc.), I am happier all around. 

Perhaps it's because I have to work so hard to make it to "create" after "live, work" that it's all the more rewarding?

Do you feel the same way?

Union Square + The Andy Monument {NYC}

Prior to visiting the Highline and Rainbow City, we started our day at Union Square.  The Greenmarket there is a favorite of mine, and there are so many fabulous things to see in the area, and so many great places to shop and eat. 

One of my favorite walks in NYC is to start at Union Square, walk uptown through the Greenmarket  towards Broadway (detour to 19th @ Bway to visit Fishs Eddy, if you so desire), then back to 18th street past the City Bakery, Books of Wonder, The Cupcake Cafe, Paper Presentation, and fire station 14 (built in 1894), turn downtown at 9th Ave to hit up Chelsea Market, and then eventually make it to the Highline at 10th Ave.  Long walk, but one of the best routes I know to get a taste of the NYC I know and love (The only route that takes me through Times Square is one that takes me to Junior's Cheesecake).

 

 

If we are in the city long-term, I am SO buying one of these- can you imagine biking around the city and having a little trailer with two seats for kids, groceries, etc... I would also need a townhouse or an apartment with a garage (ha!):

I love the Andy Monument (statue of Andy Warhol) in Union Square.  It's a must-see. It looks like it would stick out like a sore thumb, but in person it kind of blends into its surroundings because its so reflective.  Very cool and on exhibit now until October 2nd.

Fire House 14 @ 18th Street

Rainbow City + The Highline {Highline Park, NYC}

We visited the Highline to check out the opening of Phase Two. Two thumbs up!  Also, now through July 5th there is an interactive art installation by Friends with You called Rainbow City at The Lot @ 30th Street.  Both my kids loved it, and it had me grinning from ear-to-ear. I'd love to go back at night when it's all lit up!


If you go:  The Highline is less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning (weekends are crazy, and they won't even let you up if there are too many people).  We pretty much had Rainbow City to ourselves around 12 noon, and I regretted packing a lunch, cause the Lot on Tap featured some pretty fabulous food options.

 

Green Market + Street Sale {West Village, NYC}

This lamp caught my eye, and it matches the color scheme in my kids' room (there really isn't one...). I figured it would be fun for my kids to see when we read stories at bedtime.  The price was less than it would cost to buy a cheap lamp at Target, so I figured I'd give it a try. It looks magical when its lit up at night, but the jury is still out regarding whether or not it suits the room.

Want to guess how many times I heard the phrase "That's a great lamp!" on my way home? 

Seven. 

Must be a great lamp.

Audrey {Portrait of a Seven Month-Old}

The West Village, the Highline, an obliging window display at Christian Louboutin, then back home for some portraits of this tiny New Yorker in her baptism dress. I wish more portrait sessions combined sightseeing, window shopping, and little girls in classic white dresses and bonnets.  

I love my job. I love capturing vignettes of life and love for fabulous clients who adore their children  more than words can say.

Care-O-Van {My Amazing Brother Warren}

My one-and-only brother Warren is currently on an epic journey through South and Central America.  He and three friends started a non-profit called Care-O-Van, and they are making their way from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Guatemala City, Guatemala.  Warren is putting his Spanish skills to good use (he served a mission for two years in Cherry Hill, NJ, teaching in Spanish), and he and his friends are distributing dental kits at orphanages, day care centers, nutrition centers, and churches.  They are also teaching the children, caretakers, and parents about basic dental hygiene.  Before they left, the Deseret News wrote a story about them, and you can read it HERE

I'm amazed that they wanted to get out there and serve, and didn't leave it up to someone else.  They started their own non-profit, enlisted the help of several Eagle Scout candidates and local church groups to gather donated supplies and put together the kits.  They personally made sure the dental kits were delivered and that the children received basic training on how to use them.  This is an ongoing venture, and they plan to make this part of their lives, rather than just a one-off service project.

Sometimes I don't feel attached to service projects. I grew up doing service projects with my church youth group, and I'm blessed to still participate in service projects with the Relief Society (the women's organization that is a part of our church).  It is fun to tie a quilt, donate goods, help compile materials for a health or education kit, write a letter, etc., but I can only imagine how amazing it must be for these boys to deliver them in person.

They have been traveling for over a month and will return to the US shortly. Check out their website, blog, and facebook page to see what they have been up to. You can donate to their ongoing cause here. It's pretty amazing what they have been doing, and we are so proud of them.  Obviously, there has been some worry involved with an adventure of this scope, but I am so proud of my brother and his friends who have dealt with whatever setbacks have come their way and made the best of this experience. What an amazing adventure.

You can donate to their organization HERE. 

*All images are from Care-O-Van.org (I can't wait to see the rest of their pictures!)

 

All their gear and goods. Talk about packing light, but packing heavy. I would love to see them get this in a bus or taxi as they make their way north...