May 27, 2018
In all my years living in NY ( Queens and Westchester) believe it or not, I have NEVER been to the Bronx Botanical Garden. I have gone with the kids to the Bronx Zoo right 
down the block, but for some reason, I never went to the Gardens. We went to see Georgia O’Keefe in Hawaii exhibit, which I enjoyed and brought back memories of my years in Art School–Compare and contrast, color, form abstracting and interpretation of nature to image all came back as if I were in high school again.
But what I was impressed with the most was the place itself. How did I overlook this gem for all these years? I think the reason is that I look at it now through different eyes. Mature eyes. Eyes of someone who is learning something new. It was amazing to see the conservatory rooms… Africa, the Rain Forest, Hawaii… the trees, the plants the exotic flowers and colors, OMG the colors and the intricate, delicate flowers that look artificial but they aren’t. It was way too much to absorb in one day.
It was the kind of thing that I would have done if an out of town relative or friend came to visit. It was an “Ah-Ha” moment for me. I should be more like a tourist and see my world all over again with fresh eyes. Great show, fun day.
Grafedie in the Library 