Monday, May 18, 2015

Playing Hooky with the Bead Girl

Bead Girl's picture of a door at Clinton Castle
Native American Pin
Last Friday my daughter had an optional field trip. Their school does an annual trip to view a surgery. This year was a bypass, in previous years it's been open heart. She was dreading it, and the school allows for kids who just can't take it to opt out. 


Seems a strange field trip, but the district here feels like it encourages those kids that can see themselves in the sciences, or those that might go into medicine. But for those of us that can't take the sight of our own blood (that would be me) ... the kids can opt out.


Bead Girl's picture of museum sky light
And so, the Bead Girl and I played hooky last Friday. I took the day off to run around NYC with her. We managed to get in quite a bit of the city including a trip down to Battery Park for a peek at the Statue of Liberty and a look around Clinton Castle (the battery itself). 


Native American Water Jug
Then afterwards we walked across the green there to the National Museum of the American Indian, which had free admission. I love this type of exhibit. I have seen many in multiple countries. But I will tell you that only one rivals this exhibit and that is the one in Vancouver, BC at The Museum of Anthropology. If you are ever in the area it is a must see.

The National Museum here in NYC was amazing, and completely unexpected. They had exhibits from Indian culture from all over the Americans and down into Central and South America. While not as large as the exhibit in BC, it is packed with beautiful things to see. 

Chibi polymer figures by Bead Girl
From there, we headed uptown to check out other landmarks she had never seen. I know we live close to NY, but we really don't bring the girls into the city much. And even then we usually have an engagement to meet up with someone so we don't sightsee. This trip was to tick off a few places she'd always wanted to see. We stopped into the Empire State building and then on to the Chrysler building. Not to mention Grand Central Station and the Graybar building next door. 


Cake, carrot and peas in polymer by Bead Girl
Our last stop was a store that she'd been talking about for months called Kinokuniya which is a bookstore full of all things Japanese. She's very in to anime whether it is drawing, painting or creating the little figures. She's practiced this miniature polymer art over past year. So she wanted to explore the store for new ideas. We spent 2+ hours there. Yes, 2+ hours. I can honestly say I was more than ready to leave when she said she thought she was 'done.' It was a fantastic day. And I loved every minute of spending a little one-on-one time with daughter. 

14 comments:

  1. What a wonderful day you had! Your daughter has a great eye for capturing graphic details! And her polymer clay creations are fantastic :)

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  2. It sounds like a wonderful day for you and bead girl; I'm so glad you had it!

    Thank you for your kindness Cynthia; it is very much appreciated.

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  3. That sounds awesome! I've only been in NYC a handful of times on day trips, back in the 80s and once to go to Ellis Island in 2004 (and it poured down rain the entire time).

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  4. It sounds like such a fun day. And that field trip the school offers is the most unique I've ever heard of!

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  5. What a great way to spend the day. (I would have played hookie too!) I love that you two got to do some sight seeing and lots of fun things that your daughter had on her list :) Definitely earning "Cool Mom" points here :)

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  6. While you know I am all about American Indian history and art, My only interest today is all things Bead Girl ~ her food, people, and fantastic photos!!! She has a great eye, a brilliant mind, and creative hands. Sounds like it was a wonderful day :-D

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  7. That day sounds way better than watching a surgery! The Bead Girl is very talented in her own right and her creations are wonderful! I've been looking for mini-carrots to make earrings for Mister's carrot lady (who is a friend of mine) so let me know when she sets up shop!

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  8. It sounds like a perfect hooky day! How fun to simply walk around the city and enjoy it. I love doing that in Boston. Your daughter's polymer clay pieces are so sweet. I love those little dolls.

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  9. I believe - no, I am positive - I would play hooky too!

    Sounds like you two soaked up the sights in some amazing places - a little bit of culture goes a loooong way! Glad you guys had a great day!

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  10. Many memories ... I love NY !!! a great ride !!!
    I also work miniature polyme figures with my daughters !!!
    Have a good week !!! and my g + for you !!! :)))

    Kisses from Spain, Marcela ♥

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  11. That must have a fun day for both of you! No school, no bypass and sight-seeing that's what I am talking about:)

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  12. School trip for your kid is unique. I have not heard such one. Ceramic made things looks wonderful...

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  13. How perfect! You took a great opportunity and made the most of it. What a beautiful memory this will be, it will bring joy to your hearts for many years to come. Maybe Bead Girl will be doing a study abroad trip to Japan when she goes to college :-)

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  14. What a great day! So much better than the sight of blood and guts. I'm betting it's a day she'll never forget.

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