spot of tea

march

requisite adobe photo, pez man, turquoise trail to santa fe, looking southwest from sandia peak

March took me to Asheville, New Mexico, and Santo Domingo.  Snow, sunshine, heat, deserts, humidity. A lot to take in.  But I couldn't forget to post some photos of New Mexico because it's one of my favorite visual worlds.  We had so much fun on this trip.

luxury

After eight long hours of traveling, I arrived home to find a box of fresh macarons.  N brought them home from Bouchon Bakery and they were awesome.  

A little slice of Paris in grey Brooklyn.  

(Betsy, I wish I could send you one this instant)

far, far away from those city lights

We went to West Virginia for the week (N had a work trip).  

West Virginia is truly wild in places and the people are genuine and kind.  I was fascinated by the beautiful brick buildings in downtown Clarksburg that even had original signage.  I only hope that someone falls in love with the downtown and puts some care into resurrecting the local community before everything turns into more strip malls.  

On the way back, we decided to stop in Virginia at my aunt and uncle's house.  Little did we know that the "scenic route" would take us through 150 miles of snowy mountain roads and hairpin turns.

hope

 
 

I ordered myself flowers from Saipua today.  The bouquet is filled with ranunculus, flowering quince branches, white anemones, tulips, pale roses, tiny flowering stems, and and plenty more than I can't begin to describe.  I'm cheating a bit, as I promised myself not to dream of spring too early this year.  But I feel that happiness can go a long way in speeding up one's recovery.

It brings to mind a quote by Allan Chalmers that I keep handy: 

"The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."  

In my case, this means photographing and loving my flowers, and hoping for an early spring.

deliziosa

Today, we went to a classic NY food destination.  Pastosa is a small regional chain of stores with all manor of Italian goods stacked up from floor to ceiling.  Giant wheels of aged Parmigiano, my favorite cerignola olives, ravioli, funghi and anything else you could think of for an Italian feast.  This was my first trip, but N's father (the best Italian home cook) regularly stocks up there.  I've had the pleasure of tasting so many of his delicious lasagnas and pastas supplied with Pastosa ingredients.

white winter

Today* we went for a snowy walk in Central Park.  This is the first video I've taken with my new Flip.  It's bumpy, but next time will be smoother, I promise.  (The song is White Winter Hymnal by the Fleet Foxes)

Also, some wisdom on winter via Keri Smith.

*Oops, this was actually Monday, but I had technical difficulties uploading the video!

oh happy day

I celebrated at Community Bookstore, where we clapped, laughed and collectively sighed at our relief.

Happy New Era, as someone said during our champagne toast.

a walk

My dear friend o and I love to have "phone dates."  We catch up on our week, discuss our latest self-improvement/awareness solutions, and anything else that strikes our fancy.

Today, I ventured out for a walk to Sunset Park while we talked.  It was so clear and cold, and Saturday's snow was mixed with a delicate layer of ice covering the grass.

I felt like a kid again- crunching through the snow, high above the city, cheeks rosy, chatting breathlessly.

christmas in the country

I had a wonderful Christmas in the Virginia countryside. 

How was yours?

We caroled and ate, sang bluegrass songs (or some of us did and the rest of us tried) and took walks.  The days were clear and barely crisp. 

We missed my brother.

cozy

I love staying inside during the winter.  All I need is a pile of books, a blanket and a cat at my feet. 

And sometimes hot milk with cinnamon and a few cookies to nibble on.