Ashley Harrell

Today I had the pleasure of a free day. After a lazy morning indoors, I retreated out to the wild streets of upper Manhattan. And I mean wild. I got at least three scornful looks from Botox-injected Park avenue princesses within ten minutes – probably directed towards my $2 rubber flip flops paired with my $20 Target dress. [It’s pronounced “Tar-jaay”] I couldn’t care less on this day. After a pleasant walk down Madison Avenue to the East 70’s (note aforementioned scorning session), I ventured into the area of Central Park infested with New Yorkers who just can’t get enough of the outdoors. At first I thought it was a rare breed, or even tourists – these people who were always lounging in the grass, playing frisbee, or roller skating down the sidewalk… but I realized that that is just how many Manhattanites actually behave. Unlike California, where great weather is hardly scare, New York experiences a solid “Winter” which excludes this sort of outdoor gallavanting. The people of the East Coast seem to be more appreciative of a beautiful early autumn day, and not a moment of precious sunshine goes to waste. (Note: The picture here was taken this afternoon by the Boathouse in Central Park.) After my enjoyable excursion through the park this afternoon, I couldn’t help but wonder how it is I got so lucky to end up here. I strolled back to the 77th and Lex subway station and chatted with my brother, Kyle, about what a beautiful day I had. I guess I should go outside as much as possible to enjoy these last days of summer (trust me, it’s still hot enough here to consider October 7th summer) before a chilly breeze will set itself propelling through the streets of the spectacular city. Happy birthday Dad!