Get ready for an onslaught of pictures, because that's basically how I spent the majority of my Monday this week-with my camera stuck to my face (I'm sure I looked like a real New Yorker and not some out of town tourist...).

I started out downtown in the Financial District. It was a little eerie because of the holiday. The streets were basically empty aside from the tourists. But it made for some great shots.

I made my way through Battery Park, and then over to the Staten Island Ferry. Seeing the Statue of Liberty was definitely surreal. I've seen it countless times in movies and t.v. But to see her up close and in person, made me so happy and patriotic.

Last time I was out here I walked through Washington Square Park, so I made my way uptown a bit and got a picnic from Dean & Deluca to enjoy in the park. It was perfection in that hour I sat in the park. I ate my lunch, wrote in my journal, enjoyed the jazz trio playing close by, and really just sat in my surroundings. It was beautiful. So many people out enjoying the weather. It really reminded me to slow down.

xxo