Belvedere Castle: Central Park around 79th Street

Sorry it has been a while since my last post.  I have been going through some personal projects and had decided to not go crazy by adding this blog to my "must do" list.

However, I think/hope I am back on an even keel now, and I wanted to tell folks about the great walking tours provided by the Central Park Conservancy.  They have guided tours and hands on activities offered almost every day (check out their calendar at Central Park Tours).  I imagine as the weather becomes more and more mild, the tours will be more and more popular.

Today's tour began at Belvedere Castle (see left), which is a 3/4th-sized replica of a fort in Normandy, France.  It was built as a folly, simply to attract attention and be a whimsical addition to the park.  It never housed any grand personage.  And it has really only served as a weather station and an office for the Central Park Conservancy.

From the top of the castle, which is the highest point in Central Park, you can see equipment for the weather station in the Rambles to the south, the Delacorte Theater (where the summer time Shakespeare in the Park performances are held) to the north, the Great Lawn (where summer concerts are held -- the latest one being that of The Black Eyed Peas), and the man-made Turtle Pond (filled with NYC drinking water and home to 5 species of turtles) to the east (see right).

The guided tour lasts about an hour, and includes a leisurely walk between various points of interest.  I won't be a spoiler and go through all of the stops, here, but I want to just mention some of them in order to illustrate the care with which the tour was designed.  The Greywacke Arch (see above left), which is one of over 30 uniquely designed tunnels/bridges in the park, opens up to views of the back of The Metropolitan Museum (constructed to make reference to the great Egyptian pyramids). 

The statue of Polish King Jagiello (one of over 50 statues dotting the park, see above right) that was presented in NY during the Worlds Fair of 1939 and found its permanent home in Central Park when it could not be returned to Poland due to the Nazi invasion following the fair.  Then, of course, there is the great Egyptian obelisk (the oldest monument in the Park) from 1600 BC; take the time to walk all the way around the obelisk to get better views of the hieroglyphics, as the wear patterns vary greatly due to how the obelisk spent hundreds of years on its side after wars and earthquakes.

Throughout the tour, the guide answered questions from the over 20 visitors on the tour.  He was very informative about the history of the park, its construction, and restoration projects led by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.  He also shared the philosophies of the 19th century designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux who wanted the park to be a natural refuge from the City.  Insights about the variations from the original designs (there was only supposed to be one statue in the entire park--the Angel of the Waters Rising from Bethesda Terrace, also called Bethesda Fountain), the needs of the growing City, and the resurrection of the park from its graffiti-ridden and violent history of the 70s, were all woven into a very interesting hour.

I would highly recommend these free guided tours of the park.  They are casual, friendly, and enriching.  Rather than just walking through, as I have done innumerable times in the past, this time, the great vistas (see above left a view of the Great Lawn with the NYC skyline of buildings to the south) came to life.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab: 55th St & Madison Ave

There is a saying that "you get what you pay for" but when it comes to the Sony Wonder Technology Lab in Manhattan, that is definitely not the case.  This FREE technology and entertainment museum (Tues-Sat 9:30am - 5:30 pm) is fantastic.

I happened by this museum when I ducked into the public Sony Plaza just to get out of the rain.  I saw a small group of people clustered around an elevator and decided to see what they were waiting for since I didn't have to be anywhere soon.  When I saw it was the museum I had heard about from a friend in the past, I checked to see if I could get a free stand-by ticket (you can reserve advanced tickets (online or at 212-833-8100) and it is recommended during more busy times of year) and I scored immediately. The next group was being taken up in 1 minute and there was no line.  What luck!

Upon entry, they distribute an electronic "ID" that you use to activate any station you are interested in interacting with.  You get your picture taken, design your "voice image" and fill out a few other characteristics that help make the experience personal (these are all recorded on your personalized certificate print out at the end).  My "logo," which I created by manipulating my picture on their easy-to-use touch screen, is shown at the bottom right in the picture above alongside the images of fellow visitors.

Then you start winding down the 4 flights of the museum and can read innumerable displays and interact with over a dozen exhibits.  It is fun and educational (and not in the way that they say that phrase in school or most other museums--these are really fun!).  I learned about how digital signals travel, programmed a robot (see above right), tried digital animation, took a turn in a dance motion capture (fancy term for the Wii-like dancing game), designed a racing game, made a little movie clip including sound effects and music, and so much more! 

My favorite activity was the computer graphics dancing program.  In film making, they usually put sensors on major joints of the actors and let the cameras that are digitally "connected" or "reading" the actors movements, create animated characters that move the way the actors do (see photo at left that shows the angles used to translate the movements).  The little girl pictured at right is my animated character mimicking my dance moves to Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair."

If you are ever in the midtown east area, you MUST visit the Sony Wonder Technology Lab.  It is truly a gem in the City for young and old.

Swiss Institute: Wooster between Grand and Canal

The Swiss Institute of Contemporary Art recently moved (I happened to try to visit when they were in the midst of packing) to a new location on Wooster.  While obviously much smaller, the institute has a brightly-lit lofty exhibition space that is extremely well-suited to displaying large-scale contemporary art very much like the Dia:Beacon.  Also unlike the Dia: Beacon, it is absolutely simple to visit (take the N/R/Q/6 or E subways to Canal and walk 5-10 minutes).

The current exhibition includes a collection of "Books on Books" that seems to take a humorous look at collections (see the book on shelves and on Ian Fleming's "James Bond: Dr. No" at right).  There was also a centerfold of an innocent Marilyn Monroe-esque photo from an old Playboy anthology (Volume XLI, No. 1, 1994) called "Barbara Bloom" (the then Director of Daytime Programming for the West Coast for ABC). The collection looks at books as memories or documentation, as images themselves, and as a representation of artwork.

The larger loft-like exhibition space painted all white and lit by skylights (see left) has works by Pamela Rosenkranz and Nikolas Gambaroff.  I'm not sure I understand the reason for it, but the exhibition is called "This Is Not My Color/The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." 

I also don't understand how the titles of the pieces are related to the actual works, but then again, maybe I don't need to.  They were innovative and creative pieces that made one question the origins of the works.  One in particular called, "Synergize" by Nikolas Gambaroff had a pattern that had a rhythm, energy and vibrancy (see right).  The mix of newsprint on canvas with acrylic glass, wood, and metal clamps stood tall and was somehow pleasingly balanced. 

The exhibits change from time to time so if you happen to be in the SoHo neighborhood on the days and times it is open for visitors (Wed-Sun, noon-6pm) then you should consider visiting (it's free).  Their mission of sharing Swiss (European) art and culture with Americans would then be accomplished, and you'll likely leave at least a little more enriched than when you entered.

Roerich Museum: 107th St and Riverside Dr

How could I be so completely oblivious to the works of Nicholas Roerich?  I had never even heard of him until a friend of mine, knowing that I write this blog, told me about the Nicholas Roerich Museum.  Once I started looking into his work, I was awed.  He was a philosopher, "prophet", writer, traveler, theatrical costume designer, treaty writer (unity by sharing cultural beauty is the basis of The Roerich Pact signed on by members of the Pan American Union in 1935), and most notably a prolific painter (there are over 7,000 paintings just from his India period).

The museum is located in a beautiful brownstone on 107th Street and Riverside Drive and is filled to the rafters with Roerich paintings, mostly Nicholas' but a few (like the portrait of Nicholas at right) by his son Svetoslav.  The home also has artifacts from Tibet and the Himalayas -- Buddhas, tables, architectural salvage, etc.

What most people find really compelling is the way Nicholas Roerich's paintings are of this world, but are so "other-worldly".  The stark mountains and clouds of the Himalayas could be on a scene from a moon of Mars (see left).  It almost appears like the Tibetan huts could be from a Star Wars movie and sand people could come out at any moment. 

Then there is my favorite piece, called "The Most Sacred" or "Treasure of the Mountain," which reminds me of Superman's Fortress of Solitude (see right).  There is an inner light that emanates from Roerich's paintings that really can't be captured in photos.  You have to see them in person.

To be frank, this is not my favorite type of art, but I can appreciate its beauty and drama.  If you are a fan of this kind of surreal art, you should definitely go (check Roerich Museum Info for times; it is always free).  However, even if you aren't into this, I still think it is worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood (it really is a pretty neighborhood--much safer than it used to feel in the late 90s).  I would recommend doing a little background reading on their website before going, as unfortunately there aren't really any guides or literature there.

Museum of Chinese in America: Centre St & Howard St

The Museum of Chinese in America does a great job of telling the stories of Chinese immigrants and their descendants.  They tell of the anti-Chinese/racist propaganda (see right), Chinese American soldiers not getting equal opportunities after the war (that would be WWII during which many enlisted to support the fight against Japanese aggression, simultaneously aiding their ancestral home), and the stereotypes developing into the "model minority"--the same characteristics (hard working, uncomplaining, and smart) that for decades had made them a threat to local labor and justified immigration restrictions.

Many of the displays are interactive and include audio and film.  They have a recreation of an herbalist shop (see left) with an accompanying audio recording that tells of Chinese American tradespeople who as entrepreneurs were able to overcome prejudices and uplift themselves and their communities.  There are also many plaques describing the many achievements of Chinese Americans like Vera Wang (fashion designer), Gary Locke (former Governor of Washington state and current Secretary of Commerce), Elaine Chao (Secretary of Labor under George W. Bush), Jerry Yang (co-founder of Yahoo!), Michelle Kwan (the most winning American female ice skater) and Maya Lin (artist and designer of the MOCA and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Really, after the majority had come over to this country with little but their wits and muscle and started at the lowest rung of the society ladder, it is amazing that in just a few generations such incredible success was achieved.

Finally, currently there is an exhibition room of antique, classic games, some of which are over 1,000 years old!  What do the Chinese have to do with games?  Well, I was surprised to find out that they are the creators of puzzle pots, tangrams (see right), Qing dynasty puzzle rings and bracelets, sliding block puzzles, burr puzzles, and ingenious linked ring puzzles (see below right). 

If you have a free hour just north of Canal Street, this small museum can provide a great hour of exploration and understanding.  Plus every Thursday admission is free!  If you happen to go on a weekday, you may also face groups of students so if you want to avoid such crowds, I would suggest going right when the museum opens or on a weekend.  Check out their website at MOCA for details of hours and current exhibits.

American Folk Art Museum Branch: Columbus and 66th St

I recently went to the American Folk Art Museum's main location just next door to the MOMA, and learned that there was a branch location up by Lincoln Square.  The branch has different operating hours, so you may want to check their website (Folk Art Museum Info).  It is also much smaller in scale, but if you are in the neighborhood during open hours, it is definitely worth a look--besides, it's free!

The current exhibit focuses on the American Folk Art Museum's Year of the Quilt and has on display more examples of star quilts (see above), crazy quilts, patriotic quilts, and the list goes on and on. It also has a few other pieces that are made by untrained and talented artists (like the dress and head piece made out of paper copies of an American Folk Art painting at right).

And if you are interested in finding some novel, fun and quirky gifts, the gift shop here is great.  See for yourself.  Take a look.  You'll love it.

The Hispanic Society of America: Broadway and 156th St

Statuary in Audubon Terrace in front of the Society with iconic equestrian statue of El Cid
by American sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington

 WHAT A HIDDEN JEWEL!

The Hispanic Society of America has an amazing collection of tin-glazed earthenware, tiles, and ceramics ranging from 3000 year old Bell-Beaker pottery to contemporary works.  Their 150 piece Spanish luster-ware collection is considered the finest in the U.S. (see right--ok, the plate I chose to feature was one that I was personally drawn to because originally I thought the dog pictured was a poodle, like my beloved Biscuit, but I think, given that this is the Hispanic Society (and not the French one), it is probably a Portuguese Waterdog)  Other decorative arts include silver, glasswear, ivory-detailed furniture, silks and embroidery, and jewelry.

If your interests lie in sculpture or archeology, the Society's collection of Spanish antiquities, which is considered the most important outside of Spain is simply amazing.  There are Roman mosaics, statuary, Islamic and Christian works from the Middle Ages.  What sets the Society's display apart from others (like the fantastic one at The Cloisters -- see my prior blog), is that visitors can really get up close and personal with the pieces (see detail in an architectural remnant at left). 

Actually, I think that they receive such few visitors -- I was the only visitor there for over an hour! -- that the guards don't really do much of anything.  Please give these guys something to do and visit this magnificent art collection; it's always FREE!

But really, the crown jewel of the Society's collection are its paintings.  They have original paintings by, among others, Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco -- see right), and Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida.

The Sorolla paintings are my absolute favorite--it reminds me of the Sorolla Museum (which was once the painter's home) where I spent countless afternoons when I lived in Madrid during my junior year in college.  The way Sorolla captures water and sunlight on skin in summer time beach scenes is something that I have never forgotten and believe no one can match (see left and right--yes, I know these pictures are terrible, but hopefully that will encourage you to come see them for yourself).


The Sorolla Room's breathtaking panoramic series of 14 canvases illustrating life in Spain in the early 1900s is a beautiful way for the Society to share with visitors a celebration of Spanish culture, costumes, and pastoral life.  I have included some pictures below, but really they do not do the paintings justice and you should really visit the galleries here (Hispanic Society Info).

I can't emphasize this enough.  After several months of exploring NYC I think this place is really one of the best kept secrets and hidden jewels of the City.  Please visit The Hispanic Society of America.  You'll be abundantly rewarded for the effort of coming all the way up to 156th Street.

US Customs House: One Bowling Green

The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House is now the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.  I'll first describe the history of the U.S. Customs House and then the Native American exhibits.  You can find out more information about the U.S. Customs House at http://www.oldnycustomhouse.gov/ and information about the museum at http://www.nmai.si.edu/.  I enjoyed my visit to this site for both the history and features of the building as well as the learning and meaning one can get from the collection exhibited inside.

The building is a great example of Beaux Arts architecture, designed by Cass Gilbert, and completed in 1907.  The building is so grand that it has had numerous cameos in movies, including "Ghost Busters II," "Working Girl," "Batman Forever," and "Analyze This." 

The seven story building (only the first 2 are open to the public) is adorned with stately columns and four large sculptures by Daniel Chester French (better known for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.) representing America, Asia, Europe and Africa.  The sculptures reflect the then-accepted stereotypes of each continent: America and Europe are shown as active, intelligent, capable and ruled by law (see America, above left).  Asia is passive, withdrawn and exotic, while Africa (see above right), leaning on a weathered sphinx, is actually asleep!

The building's interior is beautiful, with its curved stairwells, marble inlays, elliptical rotunda with 140 ton skylight, and murals by Reginald Marsh (whose work can also be seen in the Whitney Museum, the MOMA, and the Post Office Administration Building in Washington D.C.), depicting the "life of a ship entering NYC" (these murals were done as a commission, but with all the work that went into the difficult project, it is said that Marsh was paid a mere $0.90/hour).  The central desks from the time when this building functioned as a customs house remain, and there are numerous placards describing the history and restoration of the building that line the desks--definitely take the time to read these if you can.

The National Museum of the American Indian is very kid-friendly.  There are classes, story-telling, interactive displays (see right), and more (check out their website for events).  I was taken by the wonderful story of the raven who stole the stars, moon, and sun and the stunning glass work by the artist Preston Singletary currently exhibited through September 5, 2011. 

Also, the current exhibit featuring the Horse Nation is incredibly educational while being beautiful.  I learned that in the 1800s native trade routes were established and rates for horses (who were considered to be essential for life and like family pets--like dogs) were steep; for example, a race horse was worth 10 guns and a riding horse could be worth a gun and 100 rounds of ammunition.  The Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation from the Northern Plains of Montana (who rode in the inaugural parade for President Barack Obama) dressed their horses and used highly decorated equestrian equipment as they might adorn themselves (see horse installation above with items circa 1880-1890).   

The detailed bead work of the Inuit parka (c. 1890-1925) from Chesterfield Inlet in Canada (see right) and the Ktunaxa gauntlets from British Columbia, Canada made in 1890 out of deer hide, silk thread and cotton cloth (see below) are made to be not only be used but admired.  There was so much in the normal collection on view that I cannot possibly do it justice here, so I encourage anyone with an interest in beautiful, detailed handiwork to make there way to this museum.  Like the best things in life, visiting this museum is free!

Lastly, I want to make a pitch for the gift shop.  They have a good selection of Native American made jewelry and pottery that is both ethnic and modern.  I particularly liked the Acoma pottery--really beautiful and not too expensive given the quality and authenticity.

Nate Berkus Show: 57th St btwn 10th and 11th Aves

So the Nate Berkus Show Audience Services Department lured in a full audience by promising a show with one of the most giveaways ever in the show's history.  I went with one of my friends and we had a good time, but the teasing continued through much of the show taping such that I think most of the audience felt played.

There was one audience member who won a new car (very exciting) but the "Nates Crates" under everyone's chairs were completely unnecessary staging (the 2 audience members participating in a segment were clearly pre-selected and pre-miked).  We all got a great book about making home decor from hardware store items, but by the end of the show I think most audience members were feeling let down.  The warm up host, Dena Blizzard, had to repeat that people should not take the crate props even though folks might feel like they were entitled to after not winning a car (see blurry photo above when Dena is jokingly appealing to the audience not to abscond with the crates).  I think if they had just had the regular format, people would not have felt disappointed after receiving the book gift.

I really like Nate and Dena (who preps, educates and entertains the audience between segment tapings), but I am worried about this show.  I don't know if the show can continue to be carried completely by Nate's charm (which abounds).  After the car was awarded, someone in the audience hollered out "How about a car for all of us?" to which he quipped, "THAT is a different show."  Very cute.  The segments are disjointed, some seem very forced and hokey, and the prizing is generally limited.  Perhaps I am wrong, and most Americans will watch anything in daytime.  I hope so.  I like Nate's interior design sensibilities and I really think he is talented.  I just wish his producers would take it up a notch.
 

Don't get me wrong, the whole experience is quite nice.  The staff is very professional and organized. There is a little spread of bagels, danishes, coffee, tea, and bananas.  Tickets are not difficult to come by (free from http://www.thenateshow.com/tickets) so with just a little planning, you can make a nice morning or afternoon of it (expect to set aside 4-5 hours total).  Also, if you are a fan of decorating and interior design (like me) you will certainly appreciate Nate's decorating segments and beautiful set, including walls of lush live plants and perfectly appointed book shelves (see above left).  But really, who can keep book shelves dressed like that?  He hardly has any books.  Should these be called display shelves?  If so, who has room for these in their home?

Crafternoon at the NY Public Library

I, along with what seemed like 200 other New Yorkers, discovered "Crafternoons" at the New York Public Library today.  Rather, we experienced it today.  Most of us discovered it through the February 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine or her show which was taped February 1st (see my prior post on Martha Stewart) and premiered on Hallmark Channel on February 3rd.  Crafternoons have been going on for about a year and a half at the New York Public Library, hosted by librarian Jessica Pigza of the Rare Book Division and Crafternoon author Maura Madden.  They bring crafters together with inspirational items from the New York Public Library and host afternoons of enthusiastic crafting about once a month (for more information, please see http://www.crafternoon.com/blog/ and  http://www.nypl.org/blog_series/hand-made).

I wondered if the grey weather and rain would dissuade folks from attending, but when you combine a Saturday afternoon with free crafts sponsored by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., there is no keeping back the hoards in New York City.  No reservations were necessary, but the line for entry started forming about 30 minutes before the event was scheduled to start.

The Editor in Chief of the magazine, Vanessa Holden, as well as the Crafts Editor, Athena Preston, were in attendance.  They brought loads and loads of crafting materials to be used during this session (and future sessions), raffled away Martha Stewart prizes of books and crafting goodies, and provided all attendees with a copy of the February issue of the magazine.  Supplies were plentiful, and thanks to the reusable donated supplies as well as the monies raised through the raffle, I imagine that future Crafternoons will also be well-provided for.

I am not sure if past or future sessions will be as ad hoc in terms of the actual crafting, but I was a little surprised by the complete lack of instruction and the chaotic scramble for crafting papers.  I avoided the fray in general, but was reminded of holiday shopping frenzies.  The crafters raced to the papers area, then fought and complained about the lack of access to the papers they wanted.  We were told to make Valentine's Day cards and provided some inspirational examples, but no "how-to" instructions or templates.

The hosts were fun and charming, and crafting en masse in NYC was an unexpected enjoyable activity.  I will also say that I liked the cards I crafted for the occasion (see pictures in this post), and I plan to attend the next session on March 5th.  Fingers crossed that the event remains successful, but personally, I hope that the group size becomes a little more manageable.  Maura Madden had said that past Crafternoons had attracted under 20 people (last month it was 8), so I'm hoping somewhere between 20 and 200 would result a better experience.

Rachael Ray Show: 44th Street between 2nd and 3rd

Today is another cold, sleety day in NYC.  Rather than dwell on the miserable weather, I thought I would try to take advantage of living in the City.  Having lived and worked in midtown for the last several years, I noticed that the Rachael Ray Show was taped very near by.  I did not have a ticket today (which can be requested free on her website www.rachaelrayshow.com), but with the weather the way it was, I thought I would try going stand by.

I was not disappointed.  In fact, unlike Martha Stewart's staff, Rachael's audience relations staff had not done a very good job of accounting for the weather cancellations.  They actually went out into the rain and tried (with limited success) to pull in people passing by on the street.  The waiting room at Rachael Ray's show was very tight for space (see right), but it was fully stocked with danishes, brownies, coffee and bottled water.  I can't imagine how they fit everyone in there when they have a full audience.  Maybe it is better when everyone doesn't have a huge winter coat in the summer.  I will say there was one fabulous painting of her pit bull, Isaboo (see below right), but the rest of the room was not inspiring.

In any event, the taping took an exceedingly long time.  I was in line by 10 am and did not get out until 2:25 pm.  The taping was actually a taping and a half (apparently there was a segment of a prior show that was not completed so they had that to tapethat as well).  We had a great band (from a prior American Idol winner), Jennifer Lopez (a current American Idol judge), some make overs, a lottery for a vacation for one audience member, and a random game from another TV show that Rachael "played" with La Mer watches as the prize for all the audience members.  Can you imagine if she had not "won"?  There would have been a revolt!  They did keep the audience appeased enough with Kind granola bar snacks as the hours continued to tick by, and I was actually surprised that they allowed us to eat while they continued to tape (never mind all the plastic wrappers rustling in the background).

I'm a little perplexed.  This show taping was very disorganized (the rotating audience mechanism was malfunctioning) and slow going.  Ok, the guests were great, but except when Rachael is cooking, she comes across pretty flat with guests.  Meanwhile, Nate Berkus (across town at 57th Street and 10th Avenue) is very organized, much more spacious, and seems to tape like clockwork but somehow his show seems desperate for audience members (I'm going to my third taping of his show next week).  Both shows provide audience members food and drink and entertain them with warm up hosts (Nate's Dena Blizzard is really funny and charming).  Could it be because Nate (whose interior design work is impeccable) is still too new (his show is less than a year old) or he seems a little amateurish with his gameshow-style segments?  I have a feeling it just comes down to dollars and cents--Nate's audience gifts are infrequent (I haven't received one yet and I was even in a short segment).  Are New Yorkers so mercenary?  Yes, probably....  I'll let you know what the audience does next week; we've been promised the "biggest giveaways yet" from Nate.

Martha Stewart Show Taping: 26th Street and 7th Avenue

I have loved arts and crafts since I was a little girl, so when I had the opportunity to attend a taping of the Martha Stewart Show yesterday, I jumped on it.  Tickets are free, but you need to generally plan ahead and go on her website (www.marthastewart.com) and fill out a form to request tickets.  I did that and got tickets for a day on which the weather in NYC was sleeting and raining.  Nevertheless, folks were lined up early outside of the studio (see right) for a chance to see the beautiful studio in person and watch Martha in action.  Martha is an icon.  Whether you love her or hate her, you have to be in awe of what she has been able to create.  She wields an empire that spans home decor, crafts, cleaning products, furniture, rugs, hardware, magazines,books, television, and the list goes on and on.  The show I was scheduled to attend was a LIVE show.  That meant it was a little more exciting (and faster paced) than those that are taped and edited for later airing.  And due to the inclement weather and the canceled flights into NYC, there were also openings to attend the taped show in the afternoon.  I decided that if I was going to be there for one, I may as well do a little shopping and get a little lunch and then stay for the afternoon session.  Boy, am I glad I did. 

The first show was the one airing February 1st, launching Martha's countdown to Valentines Day--yeah, no pressure.  It highlighted lots of the predictable candy and chocolates, and Valentines crafts.  I eat that kind of stuff up, so I was in HEAVEN!  The second one was in honor of the beginning of the Chinese (lunar) New Year (this year is the year of the rabbit).  The fabulous cooking, arts and crafts, books, etc. are all things that one comes to expect from Martha Stewart, but one thing that you may not know is that if you have the opportunity to attend the show, Joey Kola (see above left) is also really entertaining and likable.  He keeps the crowd entertained between shots, gives away prizes (left over gifts from prior shows--I received a Cleopatra book), and "coaches" the crowd through the requisite clapping, hooting and hollering.

The audience of the first show came away with a gift card for $20 for candy, a shirt, Godiva chocolates, lip spa treatments, and crafting stickers.  Fantastic, one might say, especially for those who love crafting and sweets (and who doesn't and is a fan of Martha anyway?).  But wait, there's more. The audience of the second show received a cook book, a craft book, and a Sony eReader (ergo my earlier comment about being glad I dedicated my whole day to Martha and stayed for the second show).

After each taping, Martha also stays on and interacts with the audience.  She takes questions and really takes the time to respond thoughtfully and carefully (see right).  When I asked her how she protects her dogs' feet in the winter with all the chemicals and the snow and sleet (and noted, that my dog won't wear galoshes), she responded that on her property she doesn't use any harsh chemicals and that in other places where she can't control what gets put down (like in the City), she makes sure that she has warm water to wash their feet every time they come in from outside.  When I said that is what I already do, but was hoping for an easier solution, she responded with a laugh that they (the dogs) don't mind it--but perhaps I did. I conceded she was right.  

It was a fantastic day.  Winter weather could not squash my spirits or my determination to take advantage of living in the City, and I was well rewarded at the Martha Stewart Show!