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North America, Travel
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March 13, 2009

Sunny Day at Cathedral St. John The Divine

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Today was one of those NYC days where I just felt happy. It was sunny, a bit chilly, but not too much, and full of possibilities.  Well, everyday is full of possibilities, but sunny days just make the list seem more endless.

Not being able to decide what to do or where to go, I settled for taking a stroll by Columbia University. After all, the campus is great to walk through, but the greenmarket was also open and I was wanting to make something special for dinner, requiring fresh ingredients.

The boys were eager to head out and play. The day was windy but that just got the boys more excited to be out, who almost immediately started asking to go to the park.

We passed through the greenmarket fairly quickly. It is quite small and not as impressive as the Union Square Market, but it doesn’t fail to have all the basic essential ingredients needed for a quick dinner. My only regret was to have passed up the apple pie and sweets table since I later thought an apple pie would’ve made a great dessert.

We quickly started heading West, down 110th St., towards the ever changing Morningside Heights area. But before that, we made a detour towards St. John The Divine Cathedral. I have fond memories of the cathedral. Next to it is an after school program is where my oldest (then 5) used to spend his after school hours, as well as a few of his summer hours, while I was at work.

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We often participated in the family activities offered at the cathedral and though I don’t have any religious inclinations, I do love the architecture found in these old buildings. I enjoy wandering in and just sitting and admiring the grandeur of it all.

I prepared my boys by letting them know they were going to see “where the angels lived” and that they must be very quiet when inside. I had hoped that the boys would not act up. I knew I was taking a chance, but I went in anyway.

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Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Once you enter the cathedral it just demands respect. It took seven years to fully repair the North wing and the great organ after a huge fire, but the results are truly breathtaking.

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We were able to walk around, look at everything as the boys quietly whispered, “Mama, what’s that?” “Mama, what’s in there?” “Mama, was that an angel talking?”

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After exiting the cathedral the boys were silent for an extra five minutes or so, before again remembering their initial request to go to the park. And there, on 110th and Central Park West, just entering Central Park, is a fun playground where it seems the main focus is to encourage kids to climb, spin, and climb some more. We were there for a little more than 2 hours with me joining in on the spinning and climbing with my boys.

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We arrived home just as my eldest arrived from his after school band class. I unpacked the deliciously sweet fruits I purchased at the market and passed them out to the boys as snacks while I prepared dinner and tried to keep them from dozing off.

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Inspired by all the fresh vegetables I purchased at the market, I put together a quick concoction for roast chicken from shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers and thyme, marinated in Masala wine with a side of my Dominican black beans and rice. Yum!  The possibilities turned out to be pretty good indeed.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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1 Comment
  • Jenn
    March 12, 2009

    I love that church. My mom works at the Jewish Theological Seminary on 122nd and Broadway, I've been to see her several times and have always loved walking around that area.

    Oh, and that dinner looks DELISH!

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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