Wednesday, 28 May 2008
I Love New York
By Claire Jean
Phase I- Youngster
Was it the crowds, the tall buildings, street vendors? I’m not certain what struck me as a youngster the first time I visited New York City. Whatever ignited my senses that day, never dulled. I’ve stopped questioning the source, but have not stopped looking for reasons to get on a train and spend the day or weekend there.
I won’t pretend to be the world’s busiest traveler. I’ve been to a few places in the U.S. as well as abroad and the experiences have all been enriching. However, it takes only one day in the city to feel as though I’ve been elevated to a new level.
Phase II - Young Woman
I graduated from the Barbizon School on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street (not certain of the street, but close enough) when I was about 19 or 20 years old.
Thereafter, most Saturdays were spent meandering around the garment district to various modeling agencies and showrooms hoping a fill-in model was needed for a buyer who missed a formal showing and was coming in that day. This certainly was not big time stuff, but I was attractive enough and had the right measurements then for what was being shown.
One day, in particular, I recall standing in a line on the sidewalk that stretched halfway around the block of one such agency along with other showroom model hopefuls. We were waiting patiently for a chance to try on a Jonathan Logan dress. The story circulating in the line was the person able to best flatter the dress got the job. It’s been a very long time, but I remember the struggle getting into and then out of that dress.
Needless to say, I did not get the job, even with some assistance. Models were more than accommodating in helping one another whether it was lifting up or flattening down some part of the anatomy. I met many wonderful and exciting people and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe much of what the business of the garment district entailed.
Occasionally, I will run across someone from my past who remembers my NYC days back then (way back then) and feels the urge to reminisce and share that time in my life while in the presence of others. This does not happen often but, when it does, it can cause a few moments of discomfort as I wonder what they might be thinking. Unable to disappear, I smile and remind them that it all took place - oh, about forty-seven years ago.
Phase III - Old Woman
For the past several years, I’ve traveled to New York with a work colleague and friend. She and I equally enjoy the captivating experience of the city. During our visits, we sometimes see a Broadway show, visit museums, shop, etc. Eating at a different restaurant each time has become a ritual and a big part of the day.
Last March, my friend was diagnosed with stage-3 breast cancer. When people heard the news, she was inundated with phone calls, advice, tales of other’s experiences, prayers, etc. The attention, although well meaning, proved to be overwhelming. All that I felt comfortable doing was offering to be there when needed and to do the planning for our next NYC trip.
The second Saturday in January, as had been our pattern to go there, finally came and off we went. We saw Nathan Lane (enormously funny) in the play, November (so-so), had lunch at Ruby Foo’s (good), and, all in all, had a fabulous time.
I’m happy to say that what had to have been a year from hell with numerous doctors’ appointments and treatments, my friend continues to work and looks and feels fine. We plan to be in the Big Apple soon after her last treatment sometime this month.
There will be no tickets for anything, no must-visits anywhere. We might act as newcomers and take one of those double-decker tour bus rides; perhaps revisit a favorite chocolate restaurant/shop, and maybe even buy another I Love NYC teeshirt. In any event, we’ll be two friends in the city we both love doing whatever strikes our fancy that day!
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Ah, you bring back some memories for me. At age 17, I was told I was too heavy for modeling, but if I would lose 10 pounds and come back, they would take me. At the time, I weighed all of 110 lbs, at 5'10" (skin and bone). Barbizon held a great fascination for me then, and Jonathan Logan dresses were favorites when shopping.
I love visiting NYC too, and doing it as if you were a new tourist is a good idea.
Posted by: kenju | Wednesday, 28 May 2008 at 11:21 AM
Ah, Jonathan Logan. About 50 years ago I saw a color magazine ad for a Jonathan Logan royal blue and green plaid dress with a wide green sash. I fell in love with the dress and splurged to buy it and wore it happily for years. But at the time I had real qualms about spending $17.95 just for a cotton dress.
Posted by: Estelle | Wednesday, 28 May 2008 at 12:39 PM
What a great story, and with a positive ending that says: more life, more NYC!
My grandfather had an office in a building at 217 Broadway back in the 1920's. I grew up on the west coast dreaming of New York from the stories my mom told me about the early days. I finally had two trips there in 1989 & 1999, staying with a friend who had an apartment in the Yorkville area. Then, 1n 1995, my husband and I flew to New York and were married at the Municipal Building, arriving by taxi! We haven't been back and look forward to going one anniversary. Hopefully, the building where my grandfather had his stocks/bonds office will still be there. I figure if it survived being around the block from 9/11 it's an old toughie.
Posted by: Lydia | Wednesday, 28 May 2008 at 01:21 PM
I must correct my mistake. My first two trips to New York were in 1989 and 1990 - not 1999.
Posted by: Lydia | Wednesday, 28 May 2008 at 01:23 PM