Last Tuesday, I jumped aboard Amtrak for my trip to New York City for the RWA Annual Conference.
Three hours later, I arrived in Penn Station and walked 10 blocks to the convention hotel, the Marriott Marquis, in Times Square. Above is the view from my room.
After checking into my room, I enjoyed a late lunch with reviewer Janet Rodman, blogger PJ Ausdenmore (The Romance Dish), author Sally MacKenzie, author Heidi Hormel, and RomVet Geri Krotow at St. Andrew's Scottish Restaurant & Bar (link). We spotted a group of actors reading scripts at the next table, including Dan Laurie, the dad from The Wonder Years.
After lunch, Janet and I soaked up the local atmosphere - we passed by the Harvard Club.
Notice the Art Deco buildings ...
... including the Chrysler Building.
We greeted Fortitude ...
... and Patience outside the New York Public Library.
We spotted this colorful bike promoting peace.
Back in Times Square, Janet pointed out the 2015 ball ...
... and the Father Duffy statue. From NYC Parks (link),
Father Duffy’s military service began in the Spanish-American War of 1898, serving as First Lieutenant and chaplain of the legendary Fighting 69th Infantry, serving in Europe during World War I as part of the famed Rainbow Division, and earning a number of medals. After the war ended Father Duffy returned to New York, and in 1920, he was appointed pastor of the Holy Cross Church, located at 237 West 42nd Street. Father Duffy died on June 26, 1932 after serving the theater district community for over a decade. In 1940, veteran character actor Pat O’Brien portrayed Duffy in the Hollywood film based on his life, The Fighting 69th, which also starred James Cagney.
Notice the large crowd of tourists visiting NYC! Have you visited NYC? One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, August 8, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 9.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
