Some days a slash of hot pink light on the wall was my cue to grab the camera. Other days it was an oppressive storm cloud that started me shooting. No matter the reason, I’ve spent the last five years convinced that the best shows in New York City aren’t on Broadway. The best shows are free–and they’re through my kitchen window in Queens. The sunsets, the morning light, the pigeons swirling in formation, that famous skyline. They held me.
Though I couldn’t see the half-drawn window shades on the buildings way across the way, I liked to dream up the lives of the people working in those offices or cooking (ok, choosing the evening’s delivery menu) in those apartments. While some people think NYC gets too much attention, that it’s not really part of America, my daily watch over it always reminded me how many stories go untold. There’s a lot of Flyover America in the midst of NYC. It’s a living Edward Hopper painting.
But, just as I’ve had to pull myself away from Hopper’s Early Sunday Morning when the Whitney was closing for the evening, it’s time for me to leave my window project behind. After 17 years living in NYC, I’m heading out. It’s time for a new view.
Lovely photos. I’m-Leaving-New York stories often seem heartbreaking, but yours sounds satisfying and heartbreakingly hopeful. And you’re right – there are so many untold stories here. Seems as if you got to know the city a lot better than most people do. Congrats on 17 years and best of luck with your new view! @Samando
Some of us leave NYC and live to tell the tale!
And some of us leave for a while, only to return. Happy trails, and I can’t wait to read about your new adventures!
[...] Was feeling a drop low about leaving daily life in NYC behind. Called up the tour page of the Felice Brothers, my current favorite band, to see where all they [...]
[...] gave up her adorable NYC apartment in preparation for a summer roadtrip to Alaska. (Also check out Jenna’s window project–I visited Jenna once when I was back in New York, and the amazing view from her kitchen [...]
Thanks! And so sorry for the delay in responding. Moving, well, moving eats a girl’s brain and time. As for the move, I’m lucky in that I will always be anchored in the NYC area — my family lives just across the GW Bridge (and that’s where I’m staying for a while before I begin some adventures roving around). But leaving NYC, even when you’re still nearby, is a tricky thing. It feels a bit like, if such things exists, an amicable divorce must be like. In my case, the love is still there but I just need some space from it and to see what else is out there. Maybe, one day, we’ll be together again…
At last count, there was more than one tale outta your post-NYC life!
Thanks Deb! My first adventure: re-learning how to get around the town I grew up in. Let’s just say I didn’t pay much attention during my first time around….