While in NY this past weekend, I had to run an errand with friends at a Toys R Us and had a pleasant surprise; famous NY buildings in minature built of my favorite childhood toy, legos!
The scale of the buildings was dead on and it was amazing how no detail was overlooked with the little bricks.
I loved the context of the buildings next to one another, the Statue of Liberty next to the Empire State Building.
The beloved Chrysler Building was also included.
Even King Kong wasn't forgotten on the top of the Empire State Building!
It was interesting to see Phillip Johnson's Lipstick Building at such a small scale but maybe a smooth curved building facade isn't the best out of clunky legos?
If you're in NY and find yourself near Times Square (AKA tourist h*ll), stop in Toys R Us at 1514 Broadway to see the sites (or at least stop by candyland for some treats!)
I spent the day in Easton, Maryland yesterday on the Chesapeake Bay for a new project and while walking around outside, was astonished by the number of unusual mushrooms I saw growing everywhere.
The structure of these little plants always intrique me; the ribbing, the spots and the cupping -they're so amazing and rather architectural, don't you think?
I know nothing about mushrooms so would never even think of trying to taste or touch any of them for fear of poisoning, but always appreciate them. I had never seen any this yellow green color before.
This monster mushroom had numerous heads and was probably 12" in diameter! I suppose there was one good thing to come from this wet, humid weather we've been having: mushrooms!
While in Brooklyn a few weeks ago, I came across a small city park that I had never heard of in Greenpoint, which was surprising considering its' loveliness, 
Opened in 1891, the park gained beautiful structures and monuments throughout its' history which attracted my eye. 
Designed in 1910 by the architectural firm 
The beautiful neo-classical detailing of the structure isn't surprising as Helmle received his training at the well known architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. 
The yellow brick and limestone facade also features a beautiful segmented beadboard ceiling with trimwork picked out with yellow paint.
I just think this is such a lovely building, don't you? I wonder what the original light fixtures were (the junction boxes are still in the ceiling)
Located inside the crescent shaped building is a WWI memorial created by noted sculptor Carl Augustus Herber in 1923.
In her left hand Winged Victory holds a laurel for victory and a palm frond for peace in the other.
While I was drawn in by the architecture, I believe the locals simply appreciate the open space and lush green!
McGorlick Park is located between Driggs and Nassau Avenues & Russell and Monitor streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 
