Bo Mackison

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 – A Traveling Threshold Not to Be Missed

December 5, 2014 by Bo Mackison 1 Comment

Out the door in the early morning dark. A car ride across town. Suitcases unloaded at “Departures” at the airport. Check in at the airlines. Through security. A brief stay in the waiting area at Gate 8 and then down the gateway to the waiting aircraft.

Biggest threshold of the morning — the single step from the airport to the airplane.

I wasn’t planning on counting this trip as a threshold, but after some thought, I decided that this weekend has innumerable thresholds. All well worth counting!

I’ve done a lot of traveling in the last few months. I’ve not been not anticipating another weekend of travel, but the reason for the travel is a good one, a great one. A reason not to be denied. I’m visiting one of my daughters who lives half way across the country. And I have a suitcase full of gifts.

I’ve been invited to attend a baby shower, and the expectant mama is my older daughter, so there is little hesitation. No matter what, I am on my way!

Grateful that I am traveling with family, that I will be staying with family, and that we will be visiting the Big Apple, a city that I could never live in but that I love visiting! Grateful that I have the opportunity to attend this celebratory party, that I can take part in the special moments of waiting for this first baby.

And recalling the baby shower I attended over thirty years ago, the baby shower when I was expecting my first child — my daughter who is now expecting her first baby.

Such excitement.

Filed Under: Photography Tagged With: baby showers, family events, flying, moving through depression, thresholds

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

Thirty-One Thresholds – A Traveling Threshold Not to Be Missed

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