The 35th Annual Macy’s Flower Show, Herald Square, NYC

April showers.  They are falling full force in New York City as of late.  But with them the bloom of flowers throughout the city is overwhelming.  Everywhere NYCity Mama looks, there is a sprinkle of color giving new life to her city and the smell in the air is fresh.  She doesn’t mind this weather at all and the boys love the wind in their faces when they go out on their adventures.

Mama started thinking about things to do today knowing the she had to plan it well.  The forecast called for rain and low temperatures at some point, but looking out her window she could see the sun starting to come out from behind the clouds.  She started to get the kids ready, which she always hopes will take about half an hour, but usually takes her that and an extra hour on most days.  

They took the train downtown to 34th St., to see this year’s display of Macy’s Flower Show.  This is one of Mama’s absolute favorite, low key Spring activities in the city.  Every year the department store giant comes up with something more creative and more beautiful than the year before, and she loves that this time she can come in the middle of a weekday, when she expected the crowds would be less. The ride was quick and easy.

They happily arrive to 34th St station, which is, by the way, one of the subway stations with elevators, so it’s always so easy for Mama to come here with the stroller.

As they made their way up 34th St from the station Mama wondered if she might be able to some how, some way, buy herself something pretty while at Macy’s with the two boys in tow.  Almost immediately after she thought it, she laughed at herself for dreaming of the impossible.

As they approached the main entrance, Mama could see the transformation of the block.  It all looked so colorful and pretty.  A wonderful distinction from the grey clouds and concrete surroundings. Even the boys noticed and being the horticultural lovers that they are, wanted to immediately start smelling and touching the flowers before they even entered the store.

One could already see this year’s Flower Show theme (Dream in Color) just by looking at the window displays.  One of Mama’s earlier jobs in New York City, as a college student trying to make extra cash, was serving as the assistant to a window designer for Hermès, which was then located near posh Fifth Avenue.  Those windows, though gorgeously designed as well, are nothing compared to the lavishly decorated displays of department store giants such as Macy’s.  Just in looking at them she can imagine the hours upon hours of labor to create something so beautiful and magical as this, while at the same time wishing she had pursued that as a career instead.

They walked towards Herald Square, on Broadway, to the front of the store.  The boys were speechless as the hidden speakers told a story of a traveling flamingo describing her journeys to tropical places. They were truly in awe with the floral displays behind the glass.

The magic continued in the small lobby prior to going through the main doors to the store.  Even Mama’s pictures do not do justice to the breathtaking displays as you walk in. Mama tried to capture them as best she could, but even she knew that this was an experience she everyone should have.  The boys did not stop “Oooh’ing” and “Ahh’ing” the entire time.  Mama’s only challenge was in keeping them from touching to smell the flowers.  Ah, yes, and the beautiful smell of flowers!  It takes over as you enter the main room.  Absolutely lovely!

So many flowers!  Mama was kinda bummed that she didn’t wait for one of the guided tours given every 20 minutes walking you through the display (see Macy’s link above), but she passed the group by as the boys continued to admire their surroundings, pointing to everything in excitement and continued awe.

It suddenly occurred to Mama that with the boys being so calm and well-behaved she might actually be able to buy something!  She couldn’t help the urge to.  She’s not a shopper, hates it in fact (see her last trip to Macy’s to see Santa), but all the colors, the scents, the cheerfulness in the air…it was too much!  She wanted something pretty for herself.  She made the excuse in her mind that she in fact needed something, for Easter of course.  So she headed to the 3rd Fl., bought the kids a small cup of Ben & Jerry’s each, and as they happily sat down on the floor to eat their ice cream, she peacefully browsed through spring dresses for the upcoming weekend. 

“Are you going to be a princess Mama?” asked her 3.5 year old as he saw her looking at all the pretty dresses.

Mama smiled, “Yes, sweetheart.  Mama is going to be a princess.”

“I want to be a beautiful princess too!” he responded.

“Ok, honey. After you eat your ice cream”, responded Mama.  

She quickly found a few things, measured them up against her curves, and headed to the register.  No, fitting them was not an option…when Mama is lucky enough to buy anything with her boys with her, she doesn’t tend to push that luck more than necessary.  At first she refused a shopping bag (thinking green and all), but then when the lady asked her if she was sure, insisting that “they were really pretty”, she gave in.  And was she glad!  Now she has a beautiful shopping bag to remind her of that time when the boys quietly sat there while she bought something for herself!

They made their way back out the store, past even more flowers (tulips being her absolute favorite) and decided to sit across the street at Herald Square, and take in the scenes and business of midtown crowds. 

“This is beautiful Mama. I wuv you,” and with that her 3.5 leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

Yup.  Spring is in the air. (P.S. The dresses fit beautifully!)

Macy’s Flower Show in Herald Square is on display till April 19, 2009.  Stores are closed on Easter Sunday.

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