Memes float around the web like those little subscription postcards that are always falling out of magazines. Sometimes I enviously want to play along, othertimes I find memes just a tad annoying. To be honest, I've never been much of a list maker (or follower) and not much of a goal setter. With the knowledge that I won't be in New York too much longer, I figure it is probably a good time to start figuring out what exactly it is I want to get out of my time here.
As role models, I will look to my friend from freshman year of college (I pride myself on introducing him to snowmen and s'mores) and my "twin" from those good ol' sorority days. The former (I'm sad to say) is leaving NYC after six and a half years for an exciting new life in London. The latter, a newcomer to NYC who is painting the town red.
What would you do if you knew you only had _ amount of time left in what David Letterman rightly calls "the greatest city in the world?"
First off, the superficial:
Hungry, Hungry: Chickalicious The Grocery Fleur de Sel Spotted Pig Il Cantionri Tortilla Flats Saigon Grill Del Posto (to round off the Batali list) Corner Bistro Ito En Veritas Norma's
My dearest, he's to blame for this whole blogging thing. Bless his heart. He couldn't get me to talk about politics, or read Bleak House, or eat soft shell crabs, but he introduced me to the ever-so-addicting blogosphere. I've been lurking around for awhile now, checking out the scene and finially am compelled to wade into the shallow end.
Now he's told you about my little page and maybe you've stopped by to take a peek. Hi. Perhaps you're a bit surprised to note the polarity of my site and his. If you give me a moment, I can tell you about the five years I spent on a submarine (ok, that was he, but I have had the good fortune of hearing his stories often enough that I'm sure I could relay them, if you'd like) or repeat to you what my office thinks they think about the President. I'm sorry to dissapoint you with the sugar-coated appearance of my posts. I can't say exactly why I've decided to take the plunge, but I'll give it a shot:
BPP is a cheaper version of therapy and BPP is mine. I have no paid endorsments or sponsors. After my surgery, I was reminded (what causes us to forget?) about all of the good things out there in the world. I'm not talking solely about rainbows or whiskers on kittens -- rather all of those little things that make me happy and keep me moving through my stressful little New York life. Like the group of school girls playing a hand-clapping game out front of the Sony building today or the broken ice cream truck which plays the same *(%*# portion of the ice cream truck song over and over and over and over...Or, the memory of my dearest cleaning the snow off of my car in the frozen tundra of South Bend.
I figure I have a good year left in the Apple before I move elsewhere and I want to enjoy it. Perhaps I'm too New York-centric, but many of the blogs that I've found and followed are written by New Yorkers. I look to these gifted folks for weekend inspiration, restaurant recommendations and style tips (my favorites are listed on the side). After visiting a local Astoria establishment, which was recommended indirectly by another blogger, it dawned on me that I, too, could have something to share. Although I have lived here for 3 1/2 years, I still consider myself a tourist. I know I'm no travel writer or food critic (and never put commas in the right places) but, as my loved ones will attest, I'm opinionated.
Too, I feel the need to actually go out and experience this wonderful city, not just read about it on the internet. Instead of simply writing about what others have already discovered, I want to step away from my computer screen and take note of the tangible, the real. I am getting to the point where I am sick of reading about the next cool wallpaper designer and would rather lay in the grass and ponder the texture of the clouds.
So, this is my blog. I don't know where it will go and, frankly, don't care. I hope you come back and visit again. I promise I won't always post about lawn ornaments.
This little guy cracks me up! I know that his lantern is simply missing, but the way he mischievously grins -- it sure looks like he's up to rallying the gnome masses...
Better keep a close eye on your gardens folks, something fishy is brewing...
When I was recovering at home in June after surgery, my dearest and I would take our afternoon constitutional down my block. At first, I didn't have the strength to walk far and, like a child, needed a bribe of sorts to go the short distance.
Gray and brown. Brick, brick, brick. The buildings on my street are rather uninspired. Brownstone is a term too filled with charm to describe these habitats with few trees and fewer gardens. This small home is an exception. The owners have decorated their small yard with a variety of pinwheels, from the simple to the elaborate. Full of whimsy and color, each pinwheel almost seems to have it's own personality. Ordinarily, I'm wholeheartedly against lawn ornamentation (and people who feel the need to put stuffed animals in their car windows), but I can't help but love this home. It cheered me up when I needed it most and seeing the silly rooster's tail spin in the wind makes me smile every day when I walk by.
Another visit to Ditmars, another reason to smile.
Mimi's little store is a true gem. Thanks for the tip Roving Gastronome! The store is adorned with Mimi's beautifully tailored clothes and expertly selected artisan jewelry. I don't know how I restrained myself -- I wanted to go home with everything.
I've worn my purchase, beautiful hoop earrings by Brodie Made It, for the past three days. I plan on wearing them again tomorrow. I'm in love. This is the type of jewelry I always wanted to make -- but couldn't quite pull off. I'm so jealous of my earrings!
I should want all of New York to check out this store -- it's that wonderful. Yet, knowing that it is a secret in my little Astoria sure does make me proud.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes Silver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites When the bee stings When I'm feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don't feel so bad
