Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York

What an awesome week.  I started out headed to Dallas for a business meeting and then when leaving town, and while at DFW Airport headed to Chicago, this little guy hung out with me for quite awhile. 

A quick breakfast meeting in Chicago and then on to Minneapolis for a producer training session.

The best part of the trip started once I left Minnesota and headed to New York.  I arrived Newark and went into the city and was able to stay on Lexington in the theatre district (thank you love!) and have dinner at Joe Allen's that night.

 

Although a bit chilly spring was clearly in the air. 

 

Seeing the NYC Library - at 5th Ave and 42nd St was top of my list and it didn't disappoint.  The library lions, Patience and Fortitude, are a pair of marble statues world-renowned that stand proudly before the majestic Beaux-Arts architectural style building.  Although not the original names from 1911 when first presented, they were given their current names in the 1930s by then Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression.  If the lions look familiar it's no surprise as they are featured in countless movies, television shows and in literature. 

 

Reading Room 

Research Room

 

Loved it!

 
Then on to Grand Central Station located at 42nd and Park for a look at the fabulous terminal that's been around since 1871.

and iconic St Patrick's cathedral - a must see - and then . . .

 

Central Park which was lovely in the sunshine and filled with weekend revelers.

 

Then a perfect ending to the day . . .

 

This play was so much fun, and because I didn't know anything about it ahead of time the content was quite unexpected and hilarious.  Suffice it to say, I laughed a lot!  And then a decadent late night snack, martinis and other delicacies.

 

Next day Bergdorf Goodman - where else? - for some new "readers" (seems like I always need a pair and theirs come in a beautiful red leather case), and then The Frick,

where I got to see incredibly gorgeous art and their featured item of Don Quixote tapestries.  I could have spent hours more there. 

The trip continued with a drive an hour or so north to Chester, NY where I was able to meet artist John Simon and family in residence (courtesy of my dear companion who happens to be a relation of).  John provided a tour of his studio and commentary on his design approach, inspiration and daily work which was fascinating.

Then we all did a day trip together to Hudson on the Bay for a tour of the Roosevelt Library.  Having seen the PBS special http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/films/the-roosevelts  I was really interested to see this space and the Hudson River.  It was indeed impressive.

This was such a memorable trip and I'm so thankful to have had the time, mostly so with someone that makes my heart so happy; I didn't want it to end.