U for Untied States of America all represented in New York……Home of the brave…

On April 24, 2015April 24, 2015 By jolenenavarroIn Culture, Family time, Inspire, memories, Travel2 Comments

The United State of America…Home of the Brave…Sometimes they’re just words. Do you ever stop and think what they mean?

For many it was and is leaving everything you know for a hope of something better. In New York City the storyteller in me became enthralled, I felt the shadow of fear, hope and determination left by millions of immigrants. I could imagine them seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time after a long grueling voyage.

Imagine, arriving in the harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time

Lady Liberty from the boat. photo taken by Jolene Navarro

I think sometimes we forget New York is surrounded by water and is a port city. Old ships in the docks of New York.

New York, surrounded by water. Photo by Jolene Navarro

On 9/11 the fear as they tried to flee on boats that were taking people away from the horrific destruction. The day we all turned to New York, helpless. Just like everything else on this small piece of Earth the 9/11 Memorial is overwhelming.

911 Memorial as the set sets. Photo by Jolene Navarro

I walk the streets of New York, filled with people from around the world that now make America their home – the history, spirit and feel of America was in every stone, brick, window and steel frame that makes up the city. I have to say man’s ability to create a habitat beyond our imagination is awe inspiring and maybe a bit scary.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

The old reflected in the new.

Taken from our hotel window, Andaz. The old and new next to each other. Photo by Jolene Navarro

View from Central Park. Photo by Jolene Navarro

Sensory overload in New York City. Photo by Jolene Navarro

Central Park - Loved this part of New York. — Central Park – Loved this part of New York.

New York from Central Park. Photo by Jolene Navarro

On the edge of Time Square. Have to say my least favorite part of New York City.

Hanging out in the M & M Store, waiting for the rain to slow down. Photo by Jolene Navarro

Time Square New York- the rain had started

View from the Financial District. Photo by Jolene Navarro

Then there is the art…everywhere.

One thing that was suggested to us was to go to the website of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and map out what you want to see and go to those rooms first. This is a must or you might miss the art you really want to see – there is no way to see this museum in one day. They art they house is incredible so go with a plan and when you see the originals up close…well words can not do the emotions justice. I could do a whole blog on the art of New York.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The ancient civilization among the newbies. By Jolene Navarro

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Degas. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Degas

To see the textures and colors up close is simply amazing. Even if you can’t make it to the museum, you should follow them on facebook. They share a piece of art each day.

http://www.metmuseum.org/visit

This summer I get to go back to New York for the Romance Writers of America conference. I’m excited to go back to the city. Is there a place you would love to visit again? Have you been to New York? What is your MUST do when you are in the city.

Embracing Failure leads to joy and success!

On January 1, 2015January 1, 2015 By jolenenavarroIn Family time, memories, writerLeave a comment

Below is a link to a blog I wrote for the Craftie Ladies of Romance. What are the three things you need for a successful year? What about embracing failure, creating community and resilience? Hit the link below and read more about it.

All the things I need for a great 2015.

I want to thank my family for such a great year.

Bon fire and family — A year ago for my birthday family gathering around the bon fire

Lower-Manhatton-New-York-memorial- — A dream coming true. Lower Manhattan – It amazes me how so many people can live in such a small space. It looks as if it could just fall of the little piece of land.

Times Square with Fred. A dream coming true.

June is the West Texas A&M writer's Academy with Jodi Thomas, Alex Sokoloff and Sasha Summers — June is the West Texas A&M writer’s Academy with Jodi Thomas, Alex Sokoloff and Sasha Summers

RWA panel about the truth of the Texas cowboy

Great times with family and friends at Port A on the Texas coast

My parent had three girls who gave them ten grand-kids - ten grand kids that love each other so much. Annual pumpkin carving slam down — My parent had three girls who gave them ten grand-kids – ten grand kids that love each other so much. Annual pumpkin carving slam down

Talking about How We Liove Our Heros at the Rita's & Readers in Dallas. With Jolene Navarro, Jade Lee & Julie Ann Walker — Talking about How We Love Our Heroes at the Rita’s & Readers in Dallas. With Jolene Navarro, Jade Lee & Julie Ann Walker

Best Group of writers an author could hang out with. San Antonio Romance Authors

Family makes the year full of joy even if you only see them on the holidays - maybe because you only see them on the holidays. lol — Family makes the year full of joy even if you only see them on the holidays – maybe because you only see them on the holidays. lol

Here's to many more smiles in 2015 — Here’s to many more smiles in 2015

Wow – Looking back on the year and finding my highlights I was amazed at the wonderful people that have been brought into my life. Some long term and had no choice, family is family, others have come in and guided me and came with so much love I have a hard time believing it. Thank you.

Dancing in the Rain, New York Style.

On March 12, 2014March 13, 2014 By jolenenavarroIn Culture, Travel3 Comments

Our second day in New York and the weather has been a pleasant surprise, cool and sunny. After a day at the museums (picture to come later), we headed to Times Square. Have to say, I felt as if we had fallen into the land of the unknown giants.

Everything is louder, faster, and taller. The rain started as we waited for our night tour to start. So we ran to the Hershey Store.

More chocolate than one person can handle at the Time Square Hershey Store in New York

Than the M&M store.

Hanging out in the M&M Store, waiting for our tour to start.

As the rain came down, some people left. Being from Texas we always love the rain. I do have to say it was not cold, so that made it easier to handle.