the great new york city staycation of 2014.

this weekend was all about cozy sweaters, big mugs, and taking my time. with three days in the city stretching before me, i decided to approach the long weekend like i was on holiday. people travel from every corner of the world to visit new york city, the backdrop of my every day. i wanted to get a look at the place through fresh eyes.

so i slept in each day and read in bed for hours, sometimes falling right back to sleep. i bought the fancy yogurt and lit candles at breakfast. i tried new restaurants with friends—whitman's for burgers, potjanee for pad thai. i read two books and got a little lost in the west village with my camera. i paid attention. i tried foot reflexology and went for after dinner drinks at wilfie and nell. i took a nighttime cab home up the west side highway. i went for brunch at sarabeth's and a colorful stroll in central park. i whiled away the rain at whynot on christopher street—something to read, something to sip, vinyl spinning softly in the corner, and a window seat to boot, and i'm a happy girl.

it was a good thing, playing tourist in my own city.  it rested me and restored me, and nestled among the new finds and old joys was reminder after reminder of why i am fortunate to live here, now. perspective is an important thing to shake up every now and again.