It’s been a whole month since I’ve posted. I was sick and was on antibiotics for two weeks. Additionally, August 1 is also my dad’s death anniversary and I’m usually not up to snuff in the weeks leading to and after. So, I’ve done little reading, no writing, hardly any editing and barely any posting.
What I have done is gone on walks to Prospect Park. Since it’s barely nine short blocks away, it’s great for some reflective time. We’re usually out here after dinner everyday if we can. Or on the weekends I usually end up walking here in the evenings.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park was designed by the very same people (Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux) who did Central Park. I’m not sure why but I like Prospect Park better, maybe because it isn’t as noisy or crowded. Even on a popular day, except for the BBQ areas, the rest of the park is quiet enough for you to listen to the sounds of nature; the cooing of birds, the stridulation of crickets, the shiver of the tree leaves as the breeze rustles past them.
I also like the Park better because of the wide open spaces. Of course, I like the tree lined areas as well, but somehow the airy park feels less claustrophobic to me.
Lefrak Lakeside
Brooklyn’s only lake is nestled inside Prospect Park. I didn’t even know it had one until I stumbled on it by accident. One of those walks where my friend and I were gossiping and got lost. 😆
The lake has a promenade that I haven’t seen yet. It’s just too long of a walk towards Flatbush from where I start. The lake is beautiful though. People can take out paddleboats. I’ve seen a few people fishing. Not sure, if they catch any fish. The lake is lovely though. Since it’s hard to get to the beach unless I go out to meet my friends in the Rockaways, this is as close to a water body I’ll get.
Tracks at Prospect Park
There are fixed tracks for the dedicated walkers, runners, joggers and bikers. They even have signals so that you don’t run into them while crossing. The tracks here are awesome. Lanes for bikers are outlined and separate from the walkers/runners. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have a dedicated space without it being encroached by others. Everyone on the track is working out.
Pets
The place is great for pets. My friend comes all the way from Manhattan with her dog, Pablo just to hang out at Prospect Park. Usually if the girls are napping and I’m playing with the dog, I’m always approached by kids who want to take turns over who will throw the ball. And the fathers of said kids, almost always have to drag their kids away.
I’m not sure about the stables, but I’ve seen plenty of students on horses with their trainers. And it’s something else to watch them train. It takes a lot of character to control an animal that majestic and big! After watching them, I have a new respect for jockeys and equestrians. I can’t even imagine how small people can maneuver such beautiful and strong thoroughbreds.
Reflection Time
Sometimes, if I don’t want to walk, I can just take a sheet and lie down under the trees. It’s great for writer’s block. When I’m stuck in a story, or it’s been an upsetting day, it just helps to go to the park and listen to nature or dwell in the stillness of God.
Nothing resembles the language of God so much as does silence.
Meister Echhard
Even if you don’t get inside the park, you can skirt its perimeter all the way to the Brooklyn Public Library and Grand Army Plaza. It makes for a very pleasant and long walk.
I’ve barely seen half of the Park. Every time I go there it feels different. There’s something new and it makes every walk so different. Friends always want to come back and we end up here, not matter how full or tired we are. I think parks in general are a blessing in NYC. In Brooklyn, Prospect Park is just an amazing place. Even if you have nothing to do except lie down and read a book.
You can find out more about the events at Prospect Park through their Twitter handle. For example, this Wednesday they’re screening a movie.
In the meantime, it’s back to editing. In Other Words, is getting ready. It’s hard to play catch up, when I did nothing with regard to publishing all July. If you want an advance review copy of IN OTHER WORDS, sign up for my newsletter.
Until next time, happy week and come see Prospect Park.