New York Daily Photo Analytics

Friday, May 23, 2008

Quietude

It's been raining a lot this spring. Personally I hate the rain, but it does set a mood and has its merits. And in the big city, one perk is quiet.
There are places and times where there is little opportunity for quietude or a place to sit. Like a well located park bench on a sunny day.
So to see a bench like this, with flower petals undisturbed is unusual - this is something one can see perhaps in the early morning, off hours, in remote out of the way places or in inclement weather - like the rain.
I am a social person. I love people and that is one of the great things about living in New York City - eight million people from every corner of the globe. Today I will meet a woman from French Polynesia to do a photo tour - I look forward to meeting her.
But there are times when I yearn for a moment when I can be alone. When there are no people.
Days when I've had enough and want to take that quiet side street, alley or obscure path in Central Park - where I can't see a person or building. Walk by a solitary neon sign in front of an empty restaurant. And then there are sunny days when I just want to walk right down Fifth Avenue and rub shoulders with humanity. :)

12 comments:

Terry at Blue Kitchen said...

I meant to comment a few days ago, on your Do It In The Road post, but the day got away from me. One thing I love about New York is how much people make use of every square inch of the out of doors. The vast majority of New Yorkers have no private outdoor space, so they use every bit of the shared spaces they have. Along Broadway on the UWS, for instance, there are little benches at each cross street on the planter median. I've often seen people sitting, having a snack, reading or just relaxing and watching people.

And for those days when you "yearn for a moment" to be alone, try Fort Tryon Park, up by the Cloisters. The first time I went there on a New York visit, I felt as if I'd actually left New York, it was so quiet andd peaceful.

Kim said...

Brian, It's not enough that your stunning photo of fallen pink petals captures our instant attention in the portal. No. Just preceding it on the portal is a photo from Gerald in Hyde, UK, of a tree in full pink blossom. Did you two spend weeks working out the timing? ;^) Brilliant shot (as ever).
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo

Thérèse said...

It would have been perfect for a quiet wedding in the park.

MmeBenaut said...

I love your last sentence. Sunshine tends to bring out those feelings. It's raining here, right at this moment. Big fat drops of water for our thirsty land and I'm relishing the quiet myself.
Your photo looks like a painting, Brian.

Anonymous said...

Superbe cerisiers en fleurs

Jane Hards Photography said...

Such a beatitful image. Those soft pink petals against the wooden bench are fabulous.

Lulubelle B said...

Lovely photo. Quite and solitude are rare in the city.

Chuck Pefley said...

Brian, wonderful group of posts, and the pink blossoms is incredible. I, too, am fairly social, but seek that quiet private space as well from time to time.

The posture of the band is terrific! Wish you could have included audio :)

And out of the mouths of babes ... suggesting the principal might consider retirement. Priceless! Perfect for one of those Visa commercials :)

• Eliane • said...

This is just so lovely.

MJ said...

I like this photo and I enjoy reading your post.

Not sure if you have ever felt alone in a crowd? Or feel like just having someone to sit quietly with you when you are alone.
I think humans are contradictory creatures.

joforjoanna said...

beautiful visual and written reflection. i totally understand what you mean by having some time off being a people person despite being one innately =)

ali said...

affascinante blog di immagini...
con difficoltà leggo visto il mio pessimo inglese.
ho trascorso 20 minuti sognando un po'----
in fondo è gratis.
ali