Snow

It rarely snows in The City. Possibly it’s the heat of the subway, the reflection of the sun off the buildings, or just too much body heat, but true snow, the kind that stays on the ground instead of turning to instant slush, seldom happens. I don’t think anything is as beautiful as the woods after a few feet of snow have fallen or a frozen waterfall. I was surprised at how dramatic the City is during a snow storm before the cars still on the road destroyed the snow turning it to grey wet slush. While I was walking back from a holiday party I came across a beautiful street corner. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, streets are filled with evergreen trees letting off a fragrant aroma. That evening they were covered in the freshly fallen snow making it feel a little more like Christmas. It was the most peaceful moment in a city that is never still.

The next day I attempted snowboarding for the first time. I’ve been cross country skiing for years and have attempted downhill skiing a few times. I’m not a very good skier, in fact, I’m pretty bad but I always have fun. I’m the type that falls down with flare leaving a trail of skis, hats, gloves, and goggles behind. Last year I successfully ran into a small tree, a not so tiny person, and fell into a ditch to have ski patrol come and rescue me.

Snowboarding was less chaotic although I spent most of the time falling on my butt while attempting to stand up. That was part of the fun. It was all about overcoming obstacles even when the obstacle is just making it down a hill. The most important thing is not to give up. I had a gravitational pull to a particular sign, fell down more times than I can count, and laughed a lot harder than I have in the past few weeks. And that makes it the perfect way to spend a snowstorm.

Speakeasy

I stole this story from another blogger. I couldn’t pass sharing this incredible find. Apparently, a person/couple/group purchased a building in Queens and when they removed old boxes from the basement they found a 2-lane manual bowling alley. After some research the building was thought to be a speakeasy under a garment factory. Check out the story here: http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=1227

I didn’t even know I wanted one until I knew it was possible. My list of requirements for my imaginary house just grew by one. Secret Bowling Alley: non-negotiable.

Anyway- check out Scouting NY. It’s a fun blog of a film location scout who finds all sorts of interesting and usually unnoticed things in the City. Things such as half buildings, metal rats, and secret sculptures coming out of the East River. Once the weather is nice I’ll take my camera and try and find some of these things on my own.