Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Flat LJ in New York City!!!

Ugh! I have been so negligent on the blog!
Guess why? Well one reason is that I took a trip to New York!
I traveled with five wonderful ladies from work to a reading and writing conference at Columbia University. Along the way, we fit it some eating, entertainment and shopping!
Coincidentally, as I prepared to go to New York, LJ's class (he is known as LJ at school because of an abundance of Lukes) was preparing to mail their Flat Stanleys around the world to see what they could see. It didn't occur to me to pack Flat LJ into my suitcase, but that is exactly what LJ requested. So I slipped him in between a book and Tom's ipad and off we jetted to the Big Apple!

Flat LJ got many, many bumpy rides on the subway tunnels underneath NYC.

It snowed the second day we were there. But it was a pretty snow and for some strange reason I liked the thought of being in New York on a snowy day.
Besides that, when it snows in NY the snowplows come out of the woodwork, the sidewalks are cleared and nothing really seems affected.
(Unlike good old OK-lahoma where it takes us weeks to dig out). Another subway shot or two on the way to Columbia University. That's right, Ivy League baby!
Flat LJ took in the art and architecture of the university. I took a picture of him with a statue that I later realized was mostly naked. I decided not to email that one on to the teacher, though I'm sure LJ (the real one) would have gotten a kick out of that.


Flat LJ is listening to the speaker and taking notes playing on the ipad.
He loved walking all around the city and it's a good thing, cause we did lots of that. Almost walked off all those New York style meals. Not really though.
Flat LJ got folded in the middle. gettin a little road worn.
Look at that super duper long bus. What kind of traning do you think that driver had to get to drive that thing around the streets of Manhattan?
Flat LJ goes to Broadway! Billy Elliot!
It was a great story with awesome choreography and an amazing performance by the 12 year old lead "Billy."
Chillin in Times Square.
This is one of the many jumbotrons we saw.
If you look very close, you can see me holding Fat LJ under the big 2 in the picture below. Flat LJ's 15 seconds of fame!
We also took Flat LJ to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You know, where Claudia Kincaid went when she ran away from home? (The Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler)
Ancient art and Flat LJ.
An enormous Grecian pillar and a flat LJ.
Nice view in the MET.
It doesn't get any better than going eye to with a little Henri Matisse.
and Vincent Van Gogh...
This is the modern art gallery.
Flat LJ wonders if this is actually art.

Grand Central Station should be one of the modern wonders of the world.
It really is gorgeous. The ceiling is my favorite color in the world, light blue.
The apartment buildings are so quaint and interesting. Or "flats" as they're called.
Bye bye New York! Flat LJ is headed back to OKlaHOma!

3 Wonderful Responses:

Kathleen said...

What a fun trip! Love that guy smiling behind Flat LJ in the subway picture!

Now, Annie, NEXT time you are in NY and don't have classes to attend and people to see, etc. let me know...'cause I'd love to meet you! :)

Lauren Delaine said...

I couldn't be happier for you and Flat LJ! I LOVED HIM! So excited for you!

Next trip, we need to meet up!!

4 Lettre Words said...

Well, that's a great reason to go missing! :) What a great getaway...and I LOVE Flat LJ. So adorable, Annie!