It’s dark and cold and I’ve been seriously craving some inspiration this winter. When it just wasn’t coming to me I decided to force myself…to actually schedule some time to take a walk and appreciate what’s around me everyday. Funny, I had planned to do that for this post even before Lindsey gave us the “Around Me” theme for this month, but her challenge just sealed the deal. I had literally booked it on my calendar last Friday afternoon, so at 2:30pm I grabbed my iPhone (and Willow of course) and we hit the streets for a walk.
My plan was to photograph whatever caught my eye for exactly one hour…to tell a “one hour story”, if you will. We walked north from my apartment towards Ft. Tryon Park. With its curved pathways, archways and stone walls and staircases, it’s by far one of my favorite hangouts in my neighborhood. As we set out, I found comfort in these lines and patterns that I’ve walked by so many times but don’t always really notice.
We headed into the park and up towards the Cloisters Museum, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which opened in 1938 and houses a collection of art and architecture from medieval Europe.
The museum is recognized by its four-story tower that greets you upon arrival. Modeled after the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa in the Pyrenees, you can see this square turret from almost any vantage point in the park.
Of course, I couldn’t get too close or go into the museum because I had my canine pal with me. She’s a great companion for a photo walk, and although other people were few and far between on this chilly and cloudy afternoon, Willow kept her eyes on anyone who got close to us.
This area is home to some majestic views of the Hudson River. In fact, when John D. Rockefeller purchased and donated the land for the park and museum to the city of New York in 1935, he also purchased the land on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River (now known as Palisades State Park) to preserve Ft. Tryon’s stunning views for years to come.
So what’s your “one hour story?” I challenge you to find the time–just one hour–this month to put everything aside and seek out your inspiration. Go for a walk or jump in your car–go someplace beloved and familiar or hunt down something new and exciting. Post the links here (I’ll check back periodically during the month) or add some of your photos to our Flickr pool.
And most of all, have fun!
Christy | Urban Muser
The Cloisters is one of my favorite places. My Dad used to take me there on Christmas Eve so my Mom could get her wrapping finished. I have fond memories. Beautiful photos, Christy!
Deirdre, thanks for sharing that memory with us, and for stopping by today!
Most of my blog posts, i now realize, are 1 hour stories. I just had never put a name to them before. I sometimes feel on those walks that everything is there posing for me and waiting for me to notice. A beautiful black and white series! I miss New York !
Lucy, it’s true, everything is there posing and waiting for us to notice. I just need to open my eyes (and my camera) more sometimes, especially on these cold winter days.
I do this on my lunch hour when I’ve just *got* to get out of this dank office, I grab my camera and head over to South Congress! S. Congress is full of the “weirdness” of Austin (plus lots of trailer eateries to grab a snack). I usually limit myself to just one block of it as well, saving other nooks for another lunch hour. It’s been a little chilly lately, but I think it’s time for another one! Great 1 hour story!
Kendra, that sounds like a great place to shoot. Always something interesting there waiting to be noticed and shared.
It seems that New York was made to be photographed in black and white and these photos are a beautiful example. I really enjoyed going on this walk with you!
Just last week, I took a walk to our local park on what I thought would be our last snowy morning. However, it seems now that winter is not through with us yet!
http://lichtyears.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/the-last-hurrah/
Susan, those photos you linked to are so peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for stopping by and sharing with us today.
definitely loving the one hour story idea. hi willow!!
Thanks Cara. And Willow says “woof!”
I always love it when you go shoot at and around the Cloisters, Christy. The views there are so spectacular. I used to commute into Fort Lee along the Pallisades, and back in those days The Cloisters was a favorite weekend trip for me and my husband – we were newlyweds. I think I may try to carve out some time this weekend to unearth some of the photos we took back then and scan them.
ooh i wanna see those!
I would love to see those photos if you hunt them down!
This is such a wonderful part of the world to explore. I’ve always meant to go to the Cloisters, but never quite made it. I’d already planned to spend a solo hour out my camera this week. I’ll be sure to post the results!
Thanks Kirstin. It’s a beautiful place to visit, maybe next time you come to NYC. Can’t wait to see your “one hour” results later this week!
I love this Christy. I’m about to head off on a walk with Major right now, and I think I’m going to turn it into my own 1 hour story. Thanks for the inspiration! And as far as winter goes…I am SO with you! xo
By the looks of it on Instagram, you and Maj are having a good time 🙂
What a great idea, Christy!
The more I see of New York, the more I want to go there. My Dad and sister will be there next weekend – I’m envious! 🙂 Even though the city certainly deserves more than a weekend.
Thanks Jenny. Hope to see you here someday!
Love this idea!! Thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks for stopping by Tammy!!
Your walk/adventure I will call it is so gorgeous and so different than mine. I love how you choose to show us all in black and white so we can feel the cold of your day. I bet you warmed up fairly quick with your walking partner Willow. I want to say I will do this, I will do a one hour get away. I really want to, you have inspired this in me. Thank you for sharing.
Tracie
Tracie, thanks for your comment. And yes, I went with the B&W and didn’t brighten them too much in the editing process to preserve the feeling of cold and wind on a day that was thick with clouds. Glad you were inspired!!
I am putting this in my calendar -Thursday morning, I can’t wait!
Vanessa, glad to have inspired you. I look forward to seeing your results!
Christy, booking some “me” time on your calendar was a great idea! B&W proved to be perfect for the overcast weather and architecture. Love all the patterns of the winding paths, tree branches, and architecture! Inspiring.
Thank you Anna!!
Such a fantastic idea to jumpstart your eye and creativity.
Thanks Meghan…yeah, it was fun 🙂
Had a great walk today and have a post all ready to go for tomorrow – shot lots of film, so I am saving it for Film Friday! thanks again for inspiring me to get out and act like a tourist in my own city. It felt fantastic and now, I want to move into a new neighborhood.
Cool Vanessa, can’t wait to see it. I’ll be on the lookout tomorrow!
I love, love, love naked trees, and yours are fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Christina!