walking down the street

…is something I miss about New York when I’m in Houston. I especially love stumbling into tunnels and unexpected pathways in the park–like this incredible mosaic ceiling by the Central Park Boathouse.

I’ve been doing a lot of meandering while I’m here: trying to look up at the faces in the crowd while also taking in the buildings, the smell of halal trucks (undoubtedly my favorite urban odor), the men’s pink ties, the girls with gold sneakers. There is so much humanity crammed on this little island, and still room for street bouquets.

Hydrangeas are a favorite. I was late to work today because I took so much time to smell these blue bulbs. I also paused to photograph red tulips that look surprisingly like Christmas ornaments. I just can’t believe how many corners of the city are crammed with thoughtfulness.

Like the office bathroom, where I met a woman (while changing from my comfortable sneakers into my fancy work slippers) who had just acquired the most beautiful tomato I have seen since September. She was washing it gently in the sink like a baby’s bottom, and drying it off carefully between the ridges. She really was proud of her acquisition. Proud enough to model it for me when I came running back to the sink with my camera… But only under the condition that I pose (and post) with it, too.

Tags: central park, Flowers, hydrangeas, tomato, tulips