Every summer, NYC Parks shows free outdoor movies throughout the city. Utah loves to watch movies outdoors on a warm evening, with a backdrop of darkening sky and, eventually, stars. There are a number of movies to choose from. She decides on Splash, because it’s set in NYC and that seems appropriate.

She stops by Chelsea Market beforehand to load up on NYC-themed movie-watching snacks. She is tempted by a chocolate Statue of Liberty, but knows it will melt in 30 seconds.

For chocolate that won’t melt she of course stops in Fat Witch Bakery for “New York City’s Legendary Brownies.” They have a gift bag that is exactly Utah’s size.

There’s more than just food at Chelsea Market. Utah covets these NYC pillows at Hudson and Kings. She’s a big supporter of things that are handmade in NYC.

There are also some oases of calm away from the ravenous hordes at Chelsea Market.

Utah peers into the Hideaway. A person coming out says, “There’s nothing in there. Don’t bother,” but Utah never heeds such dismissive advice and goes in anyway. She finds a mysterious mirrored dreamscape with abundant plastic flora. She doesn’t know what it’s supposed to be, exactly, but she could happily sit there for a long time.

Utah watches the time carefully. She doesn’t want to leave the air-conditioned market any earlier than absolutely necessary, but soon It’s time to brave the heat. Along the way, Utah is distracted by inexplicable sights.

The movie is being screened on the roof of the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center. There’s a great mural up there of the Statue of Liberty during the day, and on an opposite wall, one of the statue at night. Looking down over the side of the roof, you can see an enormous Keith Haring mural as well.

Utah stakes out her spot. The weather is indeed nicer up on the roof. While the street below sizzles, up here there is a pleasant breeze.

It isn’t too crowded, and everyone is very friendly, as NYCers generally are given the right circumstances.

Utah pulls out her treats and settles in.

The sky gets darker. The sun sets off to the west. The screen is inflatable and the picture undulates a little with the breeze. It’s an ocean scene so this seems fitting. In the middle of NYC on one of the hottest days of the year, Utah feels like she could be at a community center in some small town. She has starry summer skies, quietly congenial company, a silly  movie that is clearly from the last century, and a young Tom Hanks.

And it’s all free.

Utah is made from an upholstery sample from Anne. Her dress is from a swap table scrap from my mom, and her shoes are gray felt with sequins. Her tote bag is made from a fabric remnant I’ve had for years, thinking I’d make . . . ? I can’t remember. Her blanket is a bandana I got free from the New York Road Runners’ Club for Global Running Day.

I still can’t get over the perfect stitch-face sized bag from the Fat Witch.

Right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof
And if this world starts getting you down
There’s room enough for two
Up on the roof

—Carole King