Heart Full

Metrotech — a commercial complex in Downtown Brooklyn bound by Jay St, Johnson, Flatbush and Myrtle has stood at the center of Downtown Brooklyn’s resuscitation from a rather messy dilapidated district with few residents, to signs of a real neighborhood, including my favorite — Brooklyn’s first 2 Michelin Star — Brooklyn Fare. And while the neighborhood isn’t here yet; DoBro’s early pioneers can enjoy the play of lights this Holiday season, and its periodic public art. This one is an inflated cow which was paired with what looks like an inflated couch. I think it might be missing the TV to complete the piece. I’m not sure what it all means, but it was interesting enough to inspire me to unzip my parka in the super cold, and show off my own wobbly / slightly crooked, cow face. Moo!

I’m lucky enough to live in an area surrounded by historically significant sites, it’s tough to say which one is the most historical, but Federal Hall has got to be up there. Originally built in 1700 it was suppose to originally be NYC’s City Hall. later, it served as the fledgling nation’s first capitol, where George Washington (our first commander in chief) was sworn in, and where the Bill of Rights was ratified. The original structure no longer stands, replaced in 1842 by the US Customs House — the building that’s still there today.

I’m not entirely sure why the Cube on Astor Place is famous. Why this sculpture of a cube turned on it’s side with the ability to spin draws so much attention, notably from skate boarders has remained a mystery to me. While we were there this past weekend, people even ate their lunches under the cube’s shade, as if the intersection of 4 noisy streets, and pigeon dropping highway is somehow scenic. I wondered. Either they didn’t realize or they just didn’t care, non-attachment to the worldliness around them. I could learn a little something about that. So I too tried to find my peace of mind and balance, and after starting stopping, falling (eek!), and watching the antics of tourists trying to turn it, it’s quirkiness won me over. But I still soaked my mat a good 4 hours in scathing hot water. Perhaps I can’t let it all go, just yet.

Our second stop on Yoga in NYC tour, Madison Square Park. One of NYC’s most lively parks with its landmark line for one of NYC’s best roadside burger – Shake Shack,  popular concerts and festivals, there’s always something going on at Madison Square. Not to be outdone by its’ events, Madison’s squares neighbors include the quirky Flatiron, Met Life Tower, and the New York Life building it’s easy to forget what year it is.  On this chilly spring weekend, I decided to go bring back some of the basics — poses that helped me discover the joys of doing yoga.