Grand Central Station. Yes, that iconic, historic, majestic (and all other adjectives ending in -ic) hub in Manhattan is the inspiration for today's outfit. You see, I've only been to New York once. I was maybe 12 or 13, at the time. It was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. The congested streets and sidewalks; the noise pollution; the yelling; the incredibly fast pace of everyone and everything...it horrified me. =[
You see, I grew up in a small town in Texas called, Garland. At the time of the trip, the population in Garland was just under 180,000. It was (and still is) a sleepy, small, quiet and predominately white suburban town. Now, in contrast, Manhattan had a population of...ohhh...let's see...1.5 million. Yeah. o_0 I had never seen so many people and so much diversity in my entire life. So, I didn't really have time to feel the magical wonder and excitement about New York City that is often portrayed in movies and on television. Haha. I was just an introverted little girl coping with a wealth of external stimuli.
I remember seeing the Statue of Liberty through a chain link fence. I remember riding my first cable car. I remember spending a lot of time with my family and friends of the family. It was during the holiday season, you see. :P Oddly enough, the one memory that stands out for me--the one that I can recall with particularity and vivid color is probably the saddest non-encounter I've ever had. Brace yourselves.
I remember being pulled by the hand through a crowd on a busy sidewalk. The hand belonged to a friend of the family who had taken me and my brothers out sightseeing. She gripped my hand tightly so as to avoid losing me in the melee and I found myself gliding past a screaming and crying man. His eyes were so blue. They were the biggest, bluest most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. They were so bright and filled with sorrow. He was homeless, you see. He shouted at people to help him. I remember locking eyes with him and trying to break free of the grip on my hand. I wanted to help the man. Everyone else just walked by him and ignored him. I couldn't understand how anyone could be so callous. I remember looking back at him for what felt like an eternity as the hand pulled me farther away.
Yeah. It was f*cking bleak, you guys! Hehe. Now, more than a decade later, I feel myself yearning to return to New York City. I've always felt like I was destined to live in such a rich and diverse environment. I'm not that terrified little girl, anymore. I'm thirsty for challenges and new experiences.
I feel eager to go back and experience the wonderful things about the city, while striving to be cognizant of the fact that darkness dwells there, too. I believe that I will be able to go back there, one day. When I do, I would love to visit Grand Central Station. I imagined the hustle and bustle at the station during the holiday season---the swirls of dark grey, brown and black. I endeavored to create an outfit that would stand out in that environment. I pictured myself in the middle of the station--colors in focus while everything around me is a whirling blur of neutral colors. No fear. I wanted to show my boldness.
So, yeah. I guess this is my way of saying, "New York, hello. Hi. Yeah. It's been awhile. I grew up! You might not even remember me, but I remember you. So, let's jam! I'm eager to get to know you." <3
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Thrifted - Brown Tortoise Cat Eye Glasses (Swap Group), Vintage Houndstooth Dress (Swap Group), ModCloth Black Tights (Sale), ModCloth Brown Satchel (Sale) & Vintage Men's Cap Toe Oxfords
c/o Oasap - Blue/Green Plaid Skirt & Reversible Plaid Blanket Scarf
Good Style Shop (Local) - Vintage Oversized Men's Yellow Cardigan
♫ Thank you so much for your comments! Though I may not respond to each one, I read and appreciate all of them! ♫
