The Wander List

Identify with a lamp post

thewanderlist — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:00:37 +0000

Some days, I feel like this guy. Just a little off.

Spy Springtime Through a Tunnel

thewanderlist — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:47:10 +0000

off the map

Central Park is easy to love. It draws residents and tourists in with its vast green lawns, overgrown trees, pools of water and reliable people watching. But sometimes, it gathers too many people, and the city’s peaceful hideaway starts to feel like a spring break frat party.

If it’s solitude you seek, walk five blocks west to Riverside Park, which stretches like a long, green tendril along Manhattan’s west side. It kisses the docks of the Hudson River, and it hosts local soccer and rugby leagues. Whereas in Central Park, you’re likely to hear several languages and the click of camera shutters, Riverside Park feels like a neighborhood hangout. Locals and savvy tourists only.

I took a walk there recently, and was struck by the beauty of spring unfolding. It’s pathways are long and wind through tunnels below the Henry Hudson Parkway. This arch, near 79th Street and Riverside Drive, is particularly enchanting.

Peering at springtime through a tunnel….

And on the other side….

Parade: the rise of cyber schools

thewanderlist — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:38:42 +0000

reading list

Did you know that by 2019, half of America’s high school classes will be taught online?

See my story for Parade magazine. And cast your vote in a poll about whether school districts should share funds with cyber schools.

Stop the rain, save the planet

thewanderlist — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:57:00 +0000

wander gear

With April showers upon us — and Earth day not far behind us – it’s a good time to meet the Brelli.

I picked up one of these stylish parasols at a flea market after the creator, a local woman, sold me on the environmental benefits: it’s the world’s only 100 percent biodegradable umbrella. I have to admit, I’d never thought about how long my old nylon umbrella would live in a landfill. Turns out it will outlast me, whereas a Brelli will biodegrade in five years.

Not only are PVC and bamboo better for our landfills, they hold up against maniacle East Coast weather. Manhattan winds have shredded four of my husband’s traditional umbrellas in eight months. Meanwhile, my dainty little Brelli is holding up.

The down side is it’s an investment: prices start at $48 for a small one. I snatched a sample for $10, so locals, you might luck out. And the creator has introduced a new line of parasols to block UVA and UVB rays, as well as a paint kit to personalize your rainy-day accessories.

Publish a Poem

thewanderlist — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:50:55 +0000

reading list

I can’t imagine a more inspiring place to write than New York. Everything here triggers a new idea or an old memory.

The later was true last spring, when I walked through an untamed section of Central Park called The Ramble and was transported to a camping trip my family took 20 years ago. Thanks to Anderbo.com for publishing the resulting poem, and to The Purple Mango Post for blogging about it. Read “In the Hammock” here.

Happy writing, and wandering.