Spring in Bloom
At long last — spring! This Lady Slipper Orchid (also the Minnesota state flower according to a friend) is proof that the season is a bloom, and there’s always growth or re-growth taking place in nature. The simplest reminder to us as we bury ourselves in plans, and yet the essence of what Nature is here to show us, if we look closely enough.
The season has been busy with cultural events as I try to put winter behind (a weekend trip to Boston, a Dua Lipa concert, a couple Broadway shows), if you think of an activity, I’ve done it. I’m still not taking it for granted that these outings are available to me and weren’t an option even less than a year ago. Perhaps another reason why I’ve gone into overdrive on getting out of my apartment and diving into all the art and city culture.
It’s also not lost on me that while I get to go about my life from work to friends to my choice of a weekend restaurant outing and free-spirited decisions of what to do, on the other side of the world, a people and their culture has been taken over for one man’s quest for world domination or at least for his country, and then possibly moving onto the world. And it’s also not lost on me that wars and genocides have been happening around the world in the Middle East and Africa while I lead a parallel life of comfort. This Ukrainian war is just the one that is making the most news and hitting the top of the headlines. As an empath by nature, it’s not a good thing to get buried in the cyclical news of atrocities. But one way to feel better, I’ve found is to volunteer, even if it’s serving your own community.
Giving your time to others with nothing reciprocal back is the best way to feel of purpose and get out of your singular one-track life, I’m convinced. I had been looking for a new local, volunteer opportunity, and I found one with North Brooklyn Angels. So a few Sundays ago, I walked over to a local church basement and helped slice and roll cookie dough. For a few hours, I got to meet new people and chat away while I sliced and rolled. The seemingly mindless task for a few hours was refreshing. An added nice touch, is you sign-up to volunteer on your own schedule availability and all through a handy app called deed. Simple, intuitive, and no fuss. Download it today and explore volunteer organizations that peek your interest and sign-up all within a few minutes. Not sponsored, just a personal recco to help, if you’re looking to get involved somewhere.
Other self-serving activities besides cultural outings that have gotten me through the weeks: my weekly media deep dives. Below is a list of what I’ve been watching, reading and listening to. Hope you find something of interest in the list!
I just finished Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad. What can I say about this book that doesn’t have me gushing for five more paragraphs, in short: I couldn’t put it down. I found myself devouring it, reading it like I used to read as a child where I’d take my book-of-the-moment with me so that any open opportunity, I could sneak in another few minutes of reading. With the plot focusing heavily on the author’s bout with leukemia, a fair warning that it could be triggering for anyone dealing with or know of someone dealing with cancer. But the profoundness in each chapter is worth the heavy plot line, and it reminded me of my love for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series as a kid. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a memoir that packs a punch into one woman’s life-altering circumstance and her quest to meet the strangers who she knew only through letters during her illness.
I’ve been busy in the trip planning mindset, as my next large trip is returning to France, which I haven’t been back to since 2005 when I studied abroad there in Nantes. This trip will be concentrated in Paris and Provence, the latter being a new region, I’ve yet to visit, and I’m excited to stay at Crillon Le Brave in Avignon. Its views and pool alone already have me doing a happy dance and counting down the eight weeks until the trip.
Here’s a good take on why “it all feels too much” (lead: the internet was built for only bad-things narrative).
I’ve dived headfirst into the newsletter content scheme and I’m fully onboard. I find myself saving my weekly ones up for Friday and weekend reading. One, I’ve really enjoyed is none other than Dua Lipa’s “Service 95.” It’s certainly anything but fluff with smart seasoned journalists contributing and with articles like “Why African Voices Need To Be Heard In The Climate Debate” and “New Radicals: The Artists Redefining Surrealism For The 21st Century.” There’s also an accompanying podcast of the same name each week which interviews a guest at length and that guest usually finds their way into the newsletter. It’s a true Dua delight. I’m all in, Dua. Give me all your content in any shape or format.
Speaking of podcasts, I recently listened to Krista Tippett’s “On Being” episodes one with John O’Donohue and one with Pico Iyer, the former being the most listened / downloaded episode (I think?) in the series’ history. The latter being with an author I’ve been meaning to read but haven’t yet. Both men ooze out the aphorisms and conversational table topics every minute of their convos. Many, many pearls of wisdom resonated with me. Speaking of “On Being,” the program and Tippett was in the news because she’s leaving radio (and its arduous weekly programming schedule as the reason). She’s taking the program to full-on podcast mode and beyond (more events? publications?) so it will be interesting to see how this move serves her and the program well.
My restaurant list is a mile-long for NYC, and I’m always trying to make it through a decent chunk before I inevitably add new ones to the ever-growing list. So, I was all ears to read from Resy how to get into certain restaurants I’ve had on my radar. Next up: Ci Siamo from Danny Meyer’s ever-successful restaurant group. An Italian spot that while somewhat tricky to find in its location, worth the commute and roundabout ways for some of the Italian fare that is sure to be divine.
A purchase worthy of your attention: these bird ceramic soy candles in the blue and yellow Ukrainian colors with all proceeds helping the war efforts and animal shelters. Note: You might not actually receive the product or for a very long time, as the business is ya know, dealing with a war, and shipping is up in the air. But know you’re helping one Ukrainian business and one that supports local artisans and craftsmanship.
Reading this Q&A with Cornel West in The New Yorker, always makes me think of him in a prophet light. I loved what he had to say on his friendship with bell hooks, Steven Sondheim and Chekhov. More resonating quotes alert!
Adding Mau to my list of jewelry designers to watch and to collect a piece (or two) for wear. The pieces look like hanging glitter from afar!
These crochet dolls look like they could be a thoughtful gift for a kid who might need something less tech, less brand-driven, and more home-made and long-lasting.
I’ve finally gotten through some more light, comedic series, and I can’t recommend these ones enough starring strong, female comedians: Somebody Somewhere (Bridget Everett - HBOMax), Life & Beth (Amy Schumer - Hulu), and Starstruck - Season 1 & 2 (Rose Matafeo - HBOMax).