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A Feng Shui Consultant in Central Park, New York by Feng Shui Long Island

By
Home Stager with Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island #888

Growing up on Long Island, my parents very rarely went into New York City; I can remember them taking me to Radio City Music Hall and The Old Ed Sullivan Theatre-and that's about all.  It wasn't until I was 17 and dating someone who lived in Queens that I got "introduced" to the City.

When I wrote my last post about Central Park I was able to give you the history of the Park and how it came to be including the contest to design it, the architects and landscapers and when it officially opened.  Back to Nature--Central Park in New York City! by Feng Shui Long Island   As I reflect back into the early to mid Eighties when I spent a considerable amount of time there, it was a completely different New York!

Union Square was a place to stay away from; it was often dirty and I had a feeling of being unsafe there.  Double that feeling for the Bowery, the one time we wandered into it by mistake I felt like a target with my camera and I remember my children looked terrified.  So was I, to be honest.

42nd Street was "The Red Light" District and we stayed away from there as well.  I did go to the Park but we were much more careful.  My memories of Central Park in those days were to watch the children first and my pocketbook second.  It was also not kept up with; the grass often didn't grow, there  were few flowers and the waters were so dirty you wouldn't want to go near them.  My biggest memory of Central Park back then was a homeless woman who lived there.  We ran into her in the same spot each time we went and she lived her life, day in and day out surrounded by Pigeons.

She had nothing besides a bag of filthy clothes that didn't fit her---and her pigeons.  All around her and ON her and she loved them all.  I recall that we used to stop and pick up a hot dog for her and she would always give the bread to her pigeons, no matter how hungry she was.  I don't know where she bathed or if she did as her hands and face were always dirty and she had long, jet black hair that hadn't seen a comb in years. 

I remember prior to going into the city I one time stopped at a thrift store out on Long Island.  I bought her clothes, shoes, sweaters, socks. Blankets and anything else I could think of.  The kids had come to like the "Pigeon Lady," our official nickname for her because we would always stop and talk with her.  She was educated and intelligent and I always wondered what circumstances led her to become homeless.  Armed with a hot dog and the large, heavy bags we headed into the park one day to give her some desperately needed items.

She was gone....and so was her bag.  I was upset and so were the children because we knew that she would never leave her pigeons; she had said so on many occasions.  And I wondered what had happened to her.  We left the bags of clothes and the hot dogs and looked for her the next time  we went back but never saw her again.

I am thrilled that they have made just about every single area of the City so safe and restored Central Park to it's former glory.  There is no place I have been where I ever feel unsafe anymore!  Hell's Kitchen has a small flea market, Union Square has performers and those wonderful people I can watch for hours playing Chess.  And Times Square (and 42nd Street) have become magical!  As a New York City and Long Island Feng Shui Consultant, I am fortunate to be in the City often.  And love to share my thoughts and memories about the Magic of Manhattan.

Here are some older pictures I've come across of Central Park...and a bit beyond. In yet ANOTHER picture post of what a Feng Shui Consultant loves in New York City.

Central Park by Feng Shui New York City ConsultantOn beautiful days in Central Park, you can't ask for anything better then the Great Lawn.

Central Park by Manhattan Feng Shui Consultant

 

New York City by Feng Shui Long Island ConsultantI've read the sign so many times and still forget why they have a Husky in Central Park!  He's popular with the children (and me :)

Feng Shui Consultant in New York City, Central Park

 

The first time I saw the "MIMES" was only a few years ago although I had seen them years before in San Francisco.  Just put some money in their bucket and they start to move, otherwise they are completely still--that's hard work  !

New York City Feng Shui ConsultantMy daughter Laura--wearing the new sunglasses we'd just bought :)

Laura has been doing Feng Shui Consultantions with me whenever she's home for the last 6 years and is also a Feng Shui Consultant up in New Paltz.

 

 

 

Feng Shui Consultant in Central Park, New York CityIt's always fun to watch them rollarblading--and listen to some fun music!

 

Manhattan Feng Shui Consultant in Central Park, NY

 

 

 

 

 

The City makes a spectatular backdrop!

 

Feng Shui Consultant in ManhattanA Game of Volleyball to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can do as much or as little as you like in Central Park and there are always new paths and places to explore.  I have many more pictures (for another day)  Come enjoy New York City!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com           Feng Shui Consultant for New York City and Long Island

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui  Long Island, New York providing Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island Homes, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Apartments and Studios, Renovations, Real Estate, Pre-Purchase and New Construction.  A member and former chapter director of The International Feng Shui Guild, Carole is available for distance consultations by phone and speaking engagements.

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Laura Cerrano is a second-generation Certified New York City Feng Shui Consultant Expert. As a full-time Feng Shui consultant, Laura provides bicoastal consultations and workshops for residential, commercial, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies and healing faculties. In addition, Laura is a resident teacher at the Metropolitan Institute of Design in Syosset, NY. She has been featured in highly respected publications and TV networks such as Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," PBS, CBC Television, BBC Radio and The New York Times. 

 

Comments (30)

Maria Boghi
Doral, FL
P.A., TRC, REO - Doral Pinecrest FL Real Esta

Carole

Nice pictures, Looks like you had a great time with your Daughter in Central Park!! Thanks for sharing

Feb 18, 2008 02:02 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth
Carole, thanks for being my tour guide through Central Park. I'm so glad through the efforts of many New York is a much safer city than 20 years ago. It makes getting out and experiencing it feel a whole lot better. You took some great photos!
Feb 18, 2008 02:12 PM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes
I love your pictures of Central Park! I can remember my carriage ride there one January. It sure was fun. I need to get out more to get some pictures but I'm waiting for the trees to get some green on them. Won't be long!
Feb 18, 2008 02:42 PM
Joan Mirantz
Homequest Real Estate - Concord, NH
Realtor, GRI, CBR, SRES - Concord New Hampshire

Carole...what a sad story about the pigeon lady. But you were so kind to her whenshe was there I'm sure she appreciated it.

Last time we were there we stayed in Times Square...it is so exciting!

That is such a lovely picture of the Twin Towers! It's a treasure.

Feb 18, 2008 02:46 PM
Candy Henthorne
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring Texas Real Estate
Carole - Love your stories about New York City!  The pigeon lady reminds me of the movie, "Home Alone 2" I believe.  He ran into a pigeon lady in central park. 
Feb 18, 2008 02:54 PM
Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent
Realty Executives -BRIO - Seattle, WA
I loved reading about your memories of "The Pidgeon Lady", it made me think of the old lady in "Mary Poppins"...you know... "feed the birds, tuppance....."   I have never been to Manhattan, but have wanted to for a long, long time...some day!
Feb 18, 2008 03:55 PM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!
Carole- You are teaching me so much about NYC, so much of what I thought was out of ignorance and the news. I thought all these places were so crime ridden and scary to go to. I am so glad that it is really nice and those photos are just so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. 
Feb 18, 2008 04:48 PM
Trace Galle
Designs by Trace - Kelowna, BC

Hi Carole,

Nice story about New York City and lovely pictures! It was so kind of you to think of the homeless woman each time you went to Central Park. Thank you for doing that I am sure you guys made her day. 

Feb 19, 2008 01:07 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Jo, We missed the pigeon lady...it's funny how you can develop a relationship like that.  But I don't believe she would have left those birds if she could help it.  NYC and the Park are just wonderful now, you will love it!

Cynthia, The city is so different now it's hard to imagine.  They really did manage to clean it up and make it safe!

Elaine, You never get tired of People Watching---it is SO much fun, everyone in NY is so unique and diverse.

Rosario, I'm glad you will make  many more memories there, I plan to as well.  For people that haven't been here in many years it will be nice to know that it's a much better place.

Martha, I feel the Energy of the city and just LOVE it--any type of year but I do love the warm weather here.  Those perfect days when you walk for hours and hours :)  Thank you for your comment.

Gaye, Wow, I'm impressed, those NYC Marathons are difficult!  Congratulations, I know I wouldn't last...the Park is always fabulous, I always have a wonderful time no matter what part I'm in :)

Fred, Thank you for the kind compliment, it's only because I love the City so much.  My aunt always told me to be careful of the memories I make, that I will live off them in the future--sounds very much like what you're saying.  I learn so many things from Katerina, she amazes me with her knowledge!

Gayle, I would miss it, too.  I have some favorite other cities like Boston and San Francisco but am so fortunate to be close enough to get to the city anytime.

Lisa, I read your wonderful Localism posts all the time and know how much you love your area--which I have never been to; hmmmm, maybe we should switch for a week :)

Sally, I will always wonder where she went; funny that the kids were so young and have forgotten so many things but both remember the Pigeon Lady.

Maria, New York City is another one of my loves :)  It's amazing to me that there are so many people on Long Island who hate it and it's true:  You either love it or hate it.

Gary, I can't believe the changes.  I was in Hell's Kitchen not  long ago and from a place you never went near, we stayed to have lunch :)  It is wonderful what they have accomplished all over New York.

Lizette, Spring is on the way...and I'll be back to the city when the next beautiful day hits.

Joan, I had eaten at Windows on the World, it was truly spectacular.  And I now find myself staying away from the area, it is too sad for me...but the Park is always fun.

Candy, I didn't see it--it couldn't possibly be the same person I don't believe.  I wonder if anyone else has memories of her and that's why it's included.  Now I'll have to rent it!  Thanks for letting me know.

Deborah, You would enjoy it, I'm sure.  As close as I am I used to stay over for a weekend but the prices have tripled in the last few years.  So even if I'm going two days in a row I come home and go back..what a shame.

 

Feb 19, 2008 02:09 AM
Marzena Melby
Coldwell Banker Burnet Realty - Richfield, MN
Realtor, Twin Cities Minnesota Real Estate

Carole - You make New York City absolutely irresistible.  Love the stories and the photos. You seem to have such a great time with your family.

Thanks for sharing!

Feb 19, 2008 02:55 AM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro
Carole--So the "pigeon lady" isn't just something someone cooked up for the movies? I loved visiting NYC and central park...thanks for sharing some memories with us all.
Feb 19, 2008 04:04 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Katerina, I thought some people might have misconceptions about the City, unfortunately the news of course only announces the negative.  There is much more beauty in New York then many people realize.

Deborah, Laura has been doing Feng Shui so long and she's really good at it!   She Feng Shui's Dorm rooms up in New Paltz.  I wonder if you'd want to leave the museums here, we have some of the best...I'm going to do a post on MOMA which is my own personal favorite and know how much you love art.

Trace, We really enjoyed her, she was absolutely wonderful to speak with.  I always wondered how she ended up homeless but it was not something I could ever bring myself to ask her--

Marzena, I'm lucky, I have great kids--most of the time :)  And they are very supportive.  NYC is so wonderful that I hope everyone will get here at least once.

Deborah, If you don't count the time waiting for the train, it's exactly one hour--not at all bad.  Unless you miss the train, my line comes only once an hour.  But it's just fun to wake up in the city and have the whole day ahead of you!  In the summer are wonderful street fairs and a few of those walking tours are fabulous.  The room rates can be less expensive (about $300) for a not very nice hotel or you can even stay at the "Y" if you want.  I'd rather come home and go back again.

Teri, Someone else mentioned a Pigeon lady in the movie and I've never seen the movie!  Maybe they based her on the real one in the park.  I never knew what her real name was, it was just our nickname for her but she adored her birds.

Feb 19, 2008 09:14 AM
Michelle Minch
Moving Mountains Design Home Staging, Pasadena, CA - Los Angeles, CA
Home Staging Los Angeles and Orange County, CA

Carole: I grew up in New Jersey - about a 20 minute train ride from "The City". From the time I was about 11 yrs old, my girlfriend Sheri & I would hop on the bus to the Port Authority. We would walk around The City, go to museums, Central Park, visit my brother who worked as a stock broker, etc. As we got older we would beeline it to Greenwich Village (it was the 60's after all).

My hair curls with the thought of allowing two 11 year old go into NYC by themselves now. My friend and I both came from good families with involved parents, and there was no problem allowing your kid to do something like that - then. Crazy, huh? 

Feb 19, 2008 12:30 PM
Jeff&Grace Safrin
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM

Awesome Post Carole and great photos - did your view of safety change over time because you changed? I have felt similar changes over time about my hometown of Chicago.

You were truly an angel to the pigeon lady and what a great example you provided to your children by helping her!

Sincerely,

Grace

Feb 19, 2008 12:59 PM
Tina M. Atilho
William Raveis Real Estate - Milford, CT

I enjoyed your photos.  Great story about the pigeon lady.  Enjoyed your post.

Feb 19, 2008 01:01 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Michelle, I don't think I'd want my kids walking around the city at 11 years old, even though I think it's MUCH safer then it was!  When I think back I did such stupid things at that age--when we all thought nothing could hurt us :)  And years ago it was so different then it is now, you must miss it!  I didn't start going until I was older; if you haven't seen it in awhile, you'd be shocked how different it is!

Grace, No, I didn't change, the city in certain parts were awful--and unsafe.  There were places you just couldn't go and when the sun was setting you got out of the park.  It is completely different now; people that remember the city in the 70's and 80's all see the changes.  I loved Chicago when I went, I had a wonderful time there!

Tina, Thank you for your comment.  She was unique and very interesting to speak with.

Feb 19, 2008 02:36 PM
Jem Woods
Keller Williams Realty - Marble Falls, TX - Marble Falls, TX
Marble Falls TX Real Estate
Carole - But can you get a chicken fried steak :)  maybe I should come and open a good Texas eatery there. . . give Bobby Flay a run for his money!  Hope you're doing well and having a wonderful day!
Feb 21, 2008 04:51 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Jem, Gee, You'd have to ask Michell Hall, he probably knows the City better then I do!   I sure wouldn't know where to get it--do they happen to ship? :)
Feb 21, 2008 11:47 AM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains
Carole:  I've heard of these places that you mention like Union Square and remember hearing scary things about Central Park.  It's so nice to read about these places from someone who lives there and has experienced them first hand.  I can't think of the movie but I remember a pigeon lady in it and it sounds so much like what you've described.  I bet that's where they got the idea in the movie.  I wonder what happened to her?  Enjoyed your post very much.  New York City intrigues me more and more.
Feb 22, 2008 05:08 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Donna, We each have such unique places, I would love to visit yours as well.  My son saw this post and reminded me I HAD seen the movie "Home Alone 2" and it was the SAME pigeon woman we used to visit....we had both recognized her in the movie and I had forgotten all about it!  I'm hoping she made some money and is safe and warm :)  Old age must me setting in for me to have forgotten that but I'm going to re-rent the movie!
Feb 24, 2008 11:01 AM