The Soundtrack of My Life

You know how when you go to the movies, say, “When Harry Met Sally”, and there are beautiful shots of Central Park with a soulful saxophone playing softly in the background. (OK – so my Marine buddies might not – but trust me – it’s a girl-thing) Its not just in the movies. In Central Park – its part of life. My life.

The first time it happened I felt like very “Holly Golightly”….entering The Park off Central Park South I approach the Pond and then I hear it. Softly as first. I was momentarily distracted by the ducks and the thought of a good swim….but the music becomes stronger….and then as we go around the bend, there he is. My very own saxophone player.

“Moon River” lingers as we continue down the path, cross 65^th Street and head for The Mall.

The Mall is Mom’s favorite spot in The Park. Not one of her favorites. Her absolute favorite. You’d think she was walking under the canopy of American Elms with George Clooney at her side – but no – it’s just me. I’m not crazy about the pea gravel promenade – but you can’t argue with the serenity of the place. Four rows of Olmsted & Vaux’s favorite American Elms. The wide avenue is lined with benches facing one another. At times I meet a new friend along the way. I keep checking for Clooney but no such luck (I’m trying Mom).

Before you know it the sounds of the saxophone fade and are replaced with something else. Something wonderful. Something they call the Blues.

We make our way past the Naumberg Bandshell, and there by the old world carved benches not one – but four musicians. Playing the Blues.

If you’re not a fan of the blues I can only assume you’ve never truly listened to the Blues. Deep, passionate, soulful. The Blues. We took a seat along the benches and just enjoyed the moment.

You may have noticed I did a quick puddle-dive on my way past the bandshell. Sometimes I just can't help myself. We could stay in this one spot for hours, but it’s time to move on.

The Blues drift away, and up ahead I see him. (No, not Clooney) We walk down the steps to the Bethesda Terrace. There through the archway with the Bethesda Fountain in the background, my 2^nd very own saxophone player. And he’s playing classic Billy Joel. This is a perfect New York day.

It’s time to start heading home. As difficult as it is to leave The Park – I know I’ll be back…for another adventure.

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Answer for the Monday Morning Blues...

The weekend’s over and its time for Mom to head back to work…but all is not lost. I found the perfect answer to the Monday Morning Blues….Monday Night Burgers.

Mom and I headed back to one of our favorite spots, the Daj Hammarskjold Plaza on 47^th Street. The same place where we go to the Greenmarket on Wednesday mornings, is home to the perfect outdoor café in the evenings. We met up with Aunt Dana to soak up the beautiful (dry) weather with the perfect breeze coming off the river.

The only problem – Mom insists that wine and burgers are only for people. So I try the old – turn my back on you and pout until I get what I want routine...

That didn’t work. So I table hop hoping to find someone else who will see things my way. No bacon, no burger bites, but lots of petting and attention from complete strangers. Works for me.

Mom and Aunt Dana enjoy their dinner. I got to enjoy being outside, meeting new friends. All in all, the perfect New York Summer night.

Until the next adventure….

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Celebrate & Mingle!

Mom and Deborah (Due's Mom) headed to the 47th Street Plaza to celebrate al fresco style! Mom and I opened a store on Etsy.com to sell our hand painted pet place mats. We set up the store on July 3 - and sold our first mat on July 7 - so Deborah (and Due) took us out to celebrate.

The great thing about 47th Street - Mom & Deb get to have a bit of bubbly - and Due and I get to join them (not for the bubbly of course). We get to sit outside and relax - and visit with others. I made a friend right away. Her dog was at home - so I filled in the best I could.

She was so nice I decided to hang out at her table for awhile. Mom doesn't seem to mind as long as I stay close by. There was another table of 4 men I flirted with as well, but Mom was too shy to take a picture.

Of course the best part is being with my boyfriend, Due. My ears have been a little sore (too much swimming I think) - but Due likes to kiss them and make it all better.

We had a nice relaxing evening. Unfortunately the grill area caught fire early in the morning (4am) so for now - there are no burgers available at our favorite spot. Hopefully they will be able to replace it soon. In the meantime - we'll just relax. We're pretty good at that!

Due's staying with us this weekend!! SLEEPOVER AT ABBEY'S!! We have to behave in the apartment, apparently it's not a Dog Park - and we must respect the nice people who live below us. That's going to be a challenge since Mom sent the ottoman out for recovering - there's a wide open space in the living room that is just perfect for playing! Something tells me there will be photos - and since it's the weekend...CENTRAL PARK HERE WE COME!!!

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Neighborhood Hangout - For Dogs

I’ll let you in on a secret, there are some who think of New York as this immense city of over 8,000,000 (that’s 8 million !!! ) people. Those of us who call it home, know that it is really just a collection of intimate neighborhoods. Each like it’s own small town with a flavor, feel, even a favorite pizza place or two of its own. For over 50 of these neighborhoods, they also have their own DOG PARK. This is mine...

Peter Detmold Park – Animals Run Free is the perfect little park tucked between Beekman Place and the FDR on the East Side of Manhattan. There’s a promenade off the 49^th Street entrance. Mom likes the gardens as they change throughout the year. The daffodils, then the tulips, followed by the roses. As you approach the north end of the park – there you see it ....
A doubled-gated DOG RUN just for me and my friends. Lots of shade and benches for our people to sit and visit while we run around and play. Due and I try to meet up most mornings to get in a quick romp before breakfast. Sometimes he sleeps in, or has other plans so I just hang out by the benches – there’s always someone willing to pet me!

I’d stay here all day but it’s time for me to have breakfast – and to send Mom off to the office.

Check back tomorrow - I want to introduce you to my buddies from the dog run...

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved