Oh summer time! It is truthfully my least favorite season. Once upon a time this statement would have been different, but the problem with summer is that it is too hot and too sunny for me. That said, we like to enjoy a vacation maybe a little different than the people who visit the Jersey Shore...where we live. The shore actually becomes ours again after September.
We have been visiting some of the eastern seaboards most exciting cities. In Philadelphia we went to the Museum of Art...one of my most favorite places on this earth. The third floor of this museum is a world of surprises...with the goddess Diana welcoming you to the giant staircase, we went to see the paintings, ancient armor, and architecture.
For a woman who took silver smithing classes at the Craft Students League in Manhattan for two years, this particular exhibit was just awesome. You can see my "ghost" in the photos of the silver mail that the knights wore. I could have spent the entire day here!
That the artists and craftsmen poured their hearts and souls into their work. That there are preservationists in our world who realized how important it was to save this...well I am ever grateful. My opinion...art without passion is craft. Ancient art that evokes passion in others...that is a gift to humanity.
We also made our way to the Reading Terminal Market on Market Street. I was honestly so enchanted by the place that I didn't think to pull out my camera to take pictures. I have been here before...but never mid-week when everything was open. The place is so authentic and gritty. It was so busy and there was such a strong current of energy running through that I was caught up in the moment.
We segued on our citycation to New York City where we had lunch at Eataly.
It was also very busy and we heard many new languages and accents while we were there. Many people in the market and restaurants were speaking Italian.
The meal was wonderful...delicious, and the atmosphere was soothing. The service was just impeccable!
After a few days visiting the cities I love with the person I love, I feel much more centered. My heart and soul feel refueled and hopefully, I will be ready to start writing more often. That really is what a vacation is for...isn't it?
This post is being linked to Mary's Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, Smiling Sally for Blue Monday,and The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday's.
♥, Susan
Indeed.
I really enjoyed seeing both these mosaics spending most of my time reviewing the first. Incredible.
Posted by: Vee | August 19, 2012 at 07:03 PM
Beautiful combination from museum to the market . And I wonder how a man could fight with that kind of outfit hehehehe. ^_^
Kim,USA
Posted by: Kim,USA | August 19, 2012 at 07:20 PM
Thanks for the tour of the museum. The ancient armour is cool. The market sounds like fun too. Your meal looks delicious. Wonderful photos and mosaics. Have a great week!
Posted by: Eileen | August 20, 2012 at 01:54 AM
I think you can't beat a museum for a vacation! I'm not fond of summer either -- too darn hot! Enjoyed your mosaics.
Posted by: Snap | August 20, 2012 at 04:48 AM
Living in Florida, I can well understand how your state is yours after the tourists leave! I love your blues.
Happy Blue Monday, Susan!
Posted by: Sally | August 20, 2012 at 07:46 AM
Beautiful photos. My blues are here and here.
Posted by: Pie | August 20, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Wow, museum is fun t visit every time.
Posted by: Rose | August 20, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Enjoyed all your mosaics - so many different textures and colors. You did good ! :D
Thanks for stopping by - my grandson would love a lego museum.
Posted by: Glenda/MidSouth | August 20, 2012 at 08:31 PM
So pretty! I would like to invite you to enter my HomeGoods 50 dollar gift card giveaway. The card can be used at TJ Maxx and Marshalls as well.
Please visit my site to enter :)
Posted by: Anu@MyDreamCanvas | August 21, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Oh wow -- we did the tourist thing a couple of years ago -- driving up the Eastern Seaboard to places just like where you live; we loved it so much (being annoying tourists for all you natives)...but we purposely avoided all the cities and I really really want to go back and see them... we need to do that! Thanks for sharing (and whetting my appetite).
Posted by: Sallie (FullTime-Life) | August 27, 2012 at 06:45 PM