Last summer I was so excited (and a little bit nervous) to host my little nieces, Gravity and Audrey, by themselves, for 2 weeks in New York City. They were 12 and 13 years old respectively.
Cousins not Identical Cousins.
For their birthday and to prepare for their trip, I sent them each a set of activity cards to choose from for their visit. Staten Island Ferry, Best donut, American Girl Doll Store and of course an “official” HelloGorgeous.nyc photoshoot. They would not only star in it, but also be a part of the whole production: concepts, shopping, styling, hair and makeup.
At the end of our shoot they begged to have a second day of shooting instead of doing some of the other NYC activities. I had so much fun with them sharing New York and soaking up their youthful energy and seeing NY fresh thru their young eyes. They are both strong, smart and independent-minded, and lovely, straddling childhood and young ladyhood. Now in high school, these images carry even more meaning to me, as they grow up faster and faster, these images are a mark of this transitional time and serve as a reminder of a special memory for all of us.
The pile of activity cards I made with color pencil illustrations and watercolor painted options for New York tweenage tourists.
Their New York Experience started with a 5k run/walk for WEP, a visit to outdoor art in Coney Island and a culinary tour including a stop for corn at Cafe Habana and dessert at Canellé in L.I.C.
From the cuddly department at FAO Schwartz to the studdly shoe department at Nordstrom Rack.
Doing each other’s hair and makeup.
A little sweet and a little dark and dramatic- a shift from the lightness of childhood to the drama of teenage-hood. (Cake pop prop (say that 3 times fast) made by Audrey.)
Audrey embodying “Audrette” an alter ego created by her and Gravity.
Gravity embodying “Gravitine” an alter ego created by her and Audrey.
Left. Audrey, a la Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Right. Gravity, à la Isaac Newton discovering Gravity, under the apple tree.