Photography – Page 23

Thirty One Thresholds – Architectural Spaciousness at the Wisconsin State Capitol

December 14, 2014 by Bo Mackison 1 Comment

This building, the Wisconsin State Capitol, was once one of my frequent winter hang outs. A perfect place to explore. Spacious. Filled with architectural delights and period art, and recently renovated, it is a beauty.

Perfect in my quest for thresholds, for there are a multitude of nooks and crannies to explore.

The current Wisconsin State Capitol (the third Capitol building constructed on this site) was built from 1906 – 1917 at a cost of $7.25 million.

Because of financial limitations and the need for immediate government office space, the construction was extended over several years and emphasized building one wing at a time. A time of true fiscal responsibility!

The Capitol was constructed of 43 types of stone from six countries and eight states. The exterior stone is Bethel white granite from Vermont – the largest granite exterior dome in the world.

The rotunda is constructed of marble from Greece, Algeria, Italy, and France, plus Minnesota limestone, Labradorite, and Wisconsin red granite.

The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001.

I believe that one of the true wonders of this building is there is always something new to see. The architectural detail, the construction, the art — there is always something new to notice with awe and amazement.

Filed Under: Photography Tagged With: Architecture, Madison Wisconsin, State Capitol, Wisconsin

A Day at the Museum of Natural History in NYC

December 13, 2014 by Bo Mackison 1 Comment

On our last day in New York City, after three days of fun and activity with family and baby showers and NY outings, Manda and I decided to spend the day – the entire day – at the American Museum of Natural History. We had a late flight out of La Guardia, and so we checked out of the hotel early and headed to the museum. Considering it was a cold and rainy day, the chance to leisurely visit the many attractions in one under-cover space was mighty appealing.

First stop is always the entrance hall, named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, and holding the remnants of one large cast dinosaur, one of only two Barosaurus specimens in the world, and the only one in an upright position.

More dinosaurs. Love the juxtaposition of the “walking” dinosaur with the human walkers.

An annual tradition, the Origami Holiday Tree marks the start of the holiday season at the Museum, as it has for more than 30 years.

The tree is decorated with handmade origami models inspired by the 2006 movie Night at the Museum, filmed in these museum halls.

As we left the museum after a full day of exploration, we had to stop and take a shot of the Holiday Dinosaur, complete with festive lights and a glittery wreath.

What a great time we had this past weekend. And even more exciting, the next time we visit the Big Apple — mid January, give or take a few days — I’ll be here to say hello to my newborn grandchild. (Big smile!)

Filed Under: Photography, Travel Tagged With: American Museum of Natural History, dinosaur fossils, Holiday Tree, natural history, New York City, origami tree

Wandering NYC – Daughters with Doughnuts, Plus Museums, Meatballs, & Matilda

December 8, 2014 by Bo Mackison

Visiting the Lower East Side while in NYC…

My Trifecta includes breakfast at The Doughnut Plant – the number of donuts consumed was justified by the infrequency of our visits…

And doughnuts with daughters makes the doughnuts incredibly special!

Followed by a tour at the Tenement Museum…

And a long stop in the Tenement Museum Gift Shop which is perfect for browsing and a few purchases, too…

Last stop while walking the Lower East Side is The Meatball Shop for a lunchtime snack before heading to…

Broadway and the musical Matilda.

Since a visit to Manhattan happens only once every few years, we made the most of our long weekend! Pacing is key!

Filed Under: Photography, Travel Tagged With: Lower East Side, Matilda the Musical, New York, NYC, The Donut Plant, The Meatball Shop, The Tenement Museum

New York City – So Much to See, So Much to Do!

December 7, 2014 by Bo Mackison 2 Comments

Start the morning with the largest cup of coffee in sight. A very good beginning.

Then a walk through the neighborhood, brightened by a long wall of children’s. There is something about community art that makes the whole street a happier place to walk

Pre-baby-shower duties performed, we took a two break and visited MOMA. We arrived early enough to beat the Saturday crowd, and so had no lines to negotiate. Matisse’s Cut Out Exhibit was a surprise bonus (no photos inside the exhibit though.)

Baby shower fun and games. So happy we were able to be there to celebrate with daughter, soon to be mama.

After the party, it was time to relax with a cup of tea. Specially brewed with a tea blossom – a bud of tightly wrapped tea leaves that opens like a flower when submerged in hot water. Beautiful.

Filed Under: Photography, Travel Tagged With: art, MOMA, New York City, street murals, thresholds, Travel

Cloudy Skies, City Lights — and the Gift of Presence and Time

December 6, 2014 by Bo Mackison 2 Comments

There is something reviving about colorful lights, dangling stars, a mesmerizing light show, all against the backdrop of cloudy skies and rain-soaked streets.

There is something precious about a reunion of family, the reconnection of a mother and her two daughters, and a day that stretches forward at a leisurely pace with no plans, no hurrying, no outside commitments.

There is something priceless about an unhurried conversation, face to face. No cell phones, no Skype interface. Conversations that are funny, serious, full of hope and longing, conversations that range from the past, to the present and the future beyond.

There is something about a comfort food lunch. Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Rice pudding for dessert.

More stories and laughter, memories and wonder, questions and pondering and even an answer or two.

There is something, oh so special, about the waiting, the anticipation of that first child. Something equally special about the waiting of your first child’s — your daughter’s — first child. The endless wondering — will the baby be a boy or a girl, what names are still in the running, oh, and what will the next six weeks bring forth?

That is how I spent a part of this past weekend — in conversation and connection. With hope and anticipation. Soaking up the gift of the presence of time and togetherness with my girls.

Priceless gift.

Filed Under: Photography Tagged With: family, lights, New York City, Shops at Columbus Circle, thresholds

Thirty One Thresholds – Architectural Spaciousness at the Wisconsin State Capitol

A Day at the Museum of Natural History in NYC

Wandering NYC – Daughters with Doughnuts, Plus Museums, Meatballs, & Matilda

New York City – So Much to See, So Much to Do!

Cloudy Skies, City Lights — and the Gift of Presence and Time

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