around here

We've been hit with some absolutely stunning weather recently (read: no humidity and tons of sunshine) and I took that opportunity to walk everywhere and anywhere. From laps around my neighborhood to exploring new blocks in LIC and Flushing to playing Tourist For a Day at the Met Museum (because how could I not at least stop in for a few hours?), I've given my Fitbit a run for it's money these past few weeks - which is good, because I'm still working off all that midwestern goodness from my trip to see family in early August. I feel a bit bad because just as everyone is wrapping up their summer vacays and going back to school and work, I'm getting started on my break. But then I notice how for the first time in months there aren't a million people everywhere and I'm able to zip in and out of stores without having to elbow my way to the sale rack and I stop feeling too bad and I look up and see beautifully puffy clouds in a bright blue sky while on my way to meet my lovely friends for a ridiculous adventure and I smile and remember why I moved to this city in the first place.

1.) I finally found the "secret" bookstore (Albertine's)
2.) Rooftop vibes
3.) Bench sitting
4.) Eating our way through Queens
5.) Art admiration. Artmiration? Let's go with that.
6.) Peekaboo skyline
7.) Sometimes a friend of a friend invites you to Sunday services at a Hindu temple. And so you go.
8.) Bought a coat and they threw in the views for free.
9.) Ruben craving.
10.) Astoria architecture.

Pattern play

It's no secret that I love the Met Museum. I'm not really sure how it started, but art museums are one of my happy places. I find peace and serenity in being surrounded by giant works of art, regardless of how crowded a particular gallery is (and sometimes they can be really crowded...I'm looking at you, MoMA), I'm fascinated by a work's creation in regards to its historical and sociological context, and I love finding personal meaning in even the most abstract and esoteric pieces.

While most of the art museums in New York cost much too much for me to visit with any regularity, the Metropolitan Museum of Art blessedly operates on a pay-what-you-wish system - which means that I am able to pay as much as I wish (or as much as I can afford) every time I want to go. And while most visitors to New York only get one chance to see the museum and are forced to take in all two million works of art in a few short hours, I get the luxury of going often and at my own pace.

The last time I was at the museum I was struck by the simple yet detailed patterns on the pottery that lined the Greek and Roman wing (and a few in Oceania) - and since I was leading my own tour, I decided to take a nearsighted approach to the afternoon and focus primarily on the seemingly modern-day, almost zentangle-like designs that I had never noticed before. I quickly found repeating patterns everywhere - once I noticed one, I couldn't help but notice them all.

There's so much to see in any museum, but in a place as giant at the Met the sheer amount of things to take in is often completely overwhelming. It was actually really refreshing to give myself permission on this visit to simply ignore almost everything around me and only pay attention to the teeniest, tiniest details. Have you ever taken such an unorthodox approach to visiting a museum?

My Met

Guys, I have a confession to make: I love the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Wait, you knew that already? What gave it away - my tendency to visit the museum every time I get a day off? My instance that I know the perfect route to the best artwork? My knowledge of the most hidden and line-free bathrooms? The fact that I know some of the security guards by name?

I had a day off this week, and true to form, I spent it at the Met. I didn't really have an agenda or schedule to my afternoon so I simply let myself wander the halls, focusing on not only the artwork but also the architecture of the building itself and the patrons and employees who inhabit the museum.

So without further ado, I give to you a little photo essay I call "Seen at The Met Museum, 6/18/14"
(note to self: be more creative with photo essay titles in the future)   ;)

If you go: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at 5th Avenue and 82nd St., open seven days a week from 10am-530pm (later on Fridays/Saturdays), and asks a $25 admission. Do remember, though, that the full entrance fee is just a suggestion and you are not required to give the full amount! Because I visit the museum about five or six times a year, I usually give about $3 each time and feel completely good about doing so.