Precious Moments in Central Park, NYC
A Place-based Conversation and Prompt
The Authors
Delving into our lived experience
and I have come together in conversation to offer a personal perspective on place. Jennifer is an Expressive Writing Facilitator and Creative Arts Therapist; she lives in New York City and publishes Journal Your Path. And I’m a Writer and Mentor working with fiction and non-fiction writers; I live in Scotland and publish Home and Place Writing.We both have a deep love of place and all that it offers as a rich source for journalling and creative writing. When we were planning this collaboration we spoke about locations we both knew and decided that our first conversation should focus on Central Park.
We encourage you to write a sentence or create a short piece of writing in response. You can post it in the comments section on either, or both, of our posts. Below, I’ve produced a prompt to generate ideas. ⤵️
Here is my half of the conversation.
Wendy
by
We regularly holidayed together, Wendy and I. Visited New York City over and over. Walked everywhere. Did the popular tourist sights. We were friends for more than two decades until, one night, she died in her sleep. She saw fifty-three summers and would forever be my bestie, my fun-loving sassy friend.
Whatever the weather, Central Park was our ‘go-to’ place for picnic lunches. We drooled at the food counters in Zabar’s, Balducci’s, and Dean & DeLuca—pastrami on rye, cream cheese bagels, and warm oozy chocolate bread. Most days we’d find a bench, a low wall, or a piece of grass in the Park, open the paper wrappings like they were birthday presents, mutter approvals, then tuck into our tasty take-outs.
Satisfied, we would sit and watch the world go by. Then we’d walk some more in the vain hope of losing some ‘Big Apple’ calories. We criss-crossed the green space, the back-bone of the city: we wandered in the Sheep Meadow, watched twirling bodies on the Carousel, saw skaters perform on ice, stared at tiny turtles in green water ponds, paid our respects to John Lennon in Strawberry Fields, observed the camaraderie of old men playing chess, marvelled at kids sailing model boats. Our feet ached, yet the Park was a continual source of wonder which gifted us energy during our time in the busy metropolis.
Our interests differed slightly. I could spend hours in museums, art galleries, and libraries, whereas Wendy enjoyed shopping, sightseeing, and café culture. While she went to the Statue of Liberty I took in the delights of MOMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. But together we discovered the riches of the ‘Frick’ and the ‘Guggenheim’. Together we walked the Brooklyn Bridge. And together we shopped in Bloomingdale's and Macy’s.
My love of New York is inextricably linked with memories of Wendy, of her excitement and zest for life. I feel her presence there on every street corner. And, when I walk in Central Park or rest on a bench, I see her smiling eyes, hear her laughter. For me, as I recall our shared precious moments in time, Central Park continues to exert a powerful influence on my emotions.
Credits and Links
Top image of Central Park was taken by Jennifer Zarin. The second image is a compilation of two photos taken by me.
Now hop over to Jennifer’s post as it forms the other half of our conversation.
My Writing Prompt
Is there a special place where you find connection with your loved ones? It might be close to home or further afield. A place where memories of the past leach through to the present, or where new memories are made.
Your Reflection
After you’ve written your piece read over your words. Step back from them. Be curious about them. Then write a short reflection. You might begin with one of the following phrases:
As I read this, I’m aware of…
As I read this, I’m surprised by…
As I read this, questions occur about…
If you’re comfortable, please share your writing here in the comments. We’d love to read it!
And if you enjoyed reading this post please give it a heart and restack. Thanks!
Is there a special place where you find connection with your loved ones?
Yasmin- It was a pleasure collaborating with you. This is a real tribute to your meaningful friendship with Wendy. I feel like I’m right there with you “unwrapping” your lunch treats and walking till my feet hurt:).