Thirty

The week in photos. 
From the week of much-needed little treats.  
07/23/15: Love. 
07/24/15: Frozen yogurt with toppings piled on.   
07/25/15: A morning at the market and a night at Lincoln Center. 
07/26/15: Talked with a couple over toast here. 
07/27/15: Movie night at Bryant Park at last. 
07/28/15: In a tunnel.  
07/29/15: Breakfast inspiration. 

Weekend

Some highlights from the weekend before I forget: the sight of Carnegie Hall at last, running along the Hudson crossed off my NYC bucket list (with 5.4 miles completed), coffee and an oat scone at Irving Farm (dark), "Hope" on Sixth Avenue (and 6 ½ Avenue not too far away), Just Kids and two library runs, the MOMA on Friday night and visits to some paintings I had forgotten about, an at-home pedicure, a poppy-seed and sour cream muffin at the Grand Army farmer's market, a great cookbook to learn from, lovely spring weather to be grateful for, and a gradual return to normalcy.

Chinatown

From last week, when I felt as though I were seeing the City with new eyes again.  

NY Corners:

Chinatown is where my closest friend and I got dumplings during our independent senior year trip to the City. It's one of the three places I remember feeling that I could make New York work. It's where I went, a few years later, for dim sum. While I'm often passing through on foot or over by train, I've gone to the neighborhood since then to purchase specialty items for new recipes.

Having photographed it again, I was struck by the visible tourism/commercialism, which gave the neighborhood an international quality. I was also interested in the signs against spitting ("it's against the Law," one sign read, capital "l" included) and then recalled that spitting seems to be part of the culture—but not in the US. I appreciated the community feel in some parts of Chinatown—especially in Columbus Park, where many gathered and played games, with the older generations at checkers tables and the younger ones in a soccer field.  

Weekend

This past weekend was really nice. I caught up with a friend over a Nutella Fitzgerald at a coffee shop and met a quiet husky named Shadow. I also squeezed in a quick visit to The Strand and a trip to the library to check out an armful of books.

Thankful

On this Thanksgiving Thursday, I am grateful for: a day off. For books and music that keep me company on my way to work and when I get home. For having decided to study violin seriously this year, and played some beautiful music as a result. For my first recital in years. For the resolve to have run a 5K, and for having planned to repeat it. For having gotten into running. For how much more I've gotten into photography, and for plans to make taking pictures better just around the corner. For fully celebrating so much, from the holidays to the seasons. For having taken a real vacation this year.

For having made a couple of trips back home that made me feel supported. For starting off the year with an extended birthday celebration, and for planning to end it with another celebration. For friends who try to stay in touch with me. For video chats, coffee dates, brunches, dinners, and reunions. For time spent alone. For Central Park and Prospect Park. For plans to take more advantage of this great City I live in, despite the expense. For having an open mind, and seeing where that takes me. For planning on making the most of the remainder of this year. (I have quite a few changes planned!)

 From a briefly snowy New York, Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful This Week

For Sunday's brunch. For the train that waited for me yesterday morning, and for the conductor who told me not to rush. For the unseasonably warm weather. For a much-needed mellow evening. For the sense of accomplishment and harmony that came out of tonight's chamber music rehearsal, and for the nicest pianist and cellist. For text messaging. For an edible souvenir from France. For routines at home. For new music. There was so much to be thankful for this week, and remembering that is just how I'd like to start this weekend.

Fall Market

This was one of the best I've ever seen. Union Square was bursting with fall—with colorful vegetables and fruits, including pumpkins. I strolled through it for a while on Saturday, looking at all of the produce and the flowers, and taking in the season. Here's to the Union Square farmer's market, where I celebrated fall in full, cup of apple cider in hand.  I'm keeping my promise to enjoy this season to its fullest, because autumn in New York is really something.

Pictures from California II

Last set.

I'll leave you with words on a rock that explain the meaning behind a set of sculptures in Walnut Creek, California (including the one above.) From the collection titled "Imagine":

If you've ever dreamed before, dream again.

If you once had hope, here take it.

Believe in love and celebrate life.

Find purpose and pass it on.   

End of the Month

Pages, miles, and sights later, another month has gone by. August was something.