Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Page 2 – Waking up on the Wrong Side of 50

Posted on November 7, 2021November 6, 2021 by LA · 60 Comments

What Inspired Me- November 7

Sometimes you see little plaques dedicated to things

You never know what you are going to see around NYC- a plaque dedicated to writers, a snow globe dedicated to Broadway or a Naked Cowboy
Nowon is a amazing restaurant in the East Village. It’s Korean inspired, however they clearly make one of the most delicious burgers in the city. Also, their soju based cocktails are incredibly tasty. Of course, they sent a text to confirm our reservation. When I replied “Y”, the reply text came back “It Gon Be Lit”.
Velvet Underground documentary is quite good, though, I did not know much about them save Lou Reed, Andy Warhol and Nico. The director showed people talking, but I had no idea who some of them were or their relation. The closing credits did give a quick bio, but would have been helpful to know during the actual doc.
NYPL for the Performing Arts advertised a display of mini broadway sets. Bleh. It was extremely lackluster. Though I am seeing a revival of Company next month, so seeing the original 1970 set design was somewhat interesting
90th anniversary of Frankenstein. Love this movie. However, I realized that in the credits, the author credit was listed as “Mrs. Percy Shelley” Can you imagine?
Had the roti breakfast at Miss Lily’s- Caribbean/Jamaican food. Jerk sausage.Yum.
Molly’s cupcakes for our Halloween Treat- Mine was bottom left- Apple Pie flavor. SO GOOD. I mean…sooooo good….piece of buttery pie crust on top, apple filling inside, cream on top.
Thoughts of a Colored Man is one of the best plays I’ve seen in awhile. Thought provoking, well acted, script just eloquent and beautiful and real. If in NYC try to see. Full Disclosure- I received tickets for this play for free via God’s Love We Deliver, a non profit I volunteer with. I was not given the tickets in exchange for a review either favorable or otherwise
Met exhibits- Permanent Collection Egypt. Emperors, Artists & Inventors: Transformative Gifts of Fine Arms and Armor (special exhibit closing 2/21/22)
Brooklyn Museum- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: A Crack in the Hourglass, An Ongoing COVID-19 Memorial (closes 6/26/22) Baseera Khan: I Am an Archive (closes 7/10/22)

I know that I have showed you lots of wonderful images of things that I did this week, but I must add that my heart has been very heavy. Sometimes you can go through the motions, and you can actually laugh and enjoy, but it doesn’t mean that you feel good all the time. This is why I laugh at the whole “Be Positive” movement- I did all the be positive stuff I could muster and it still didn’t make me feel any better- it just distracted me for little chunks of time. While distraction can be good, it shouldn’t be the only tool in your toolbox. I know that I have been angry or sullen in my posts this week- that a byproduct of working through feelings and emotions- sometimes it can’t help but come out in writing. Also why I think journaling is an awesome idea… And here I go again writing a long drawn out thing when I only intended to write one line.

Be well.

Posted on October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 by LA · 35 Comments

What Inspired Me: October 31

886- Scallion Pancake Beef Wrap/The Notorious T.F.C

I saw two Hitchcock movies this week- Yet I can’t decide which Hitchcock is my favorite. I’ve seen Strangers on a Train more times, plus studied it in a film class, so I can’t help but look for certain motif’s when I watch it. Doesn’t matter. All good!!
If anyone wants to buy me the Jaguar that was at MOMA….it does bring up a now talked about point- should beautiful cars be considered art? I say a big resounding yes- for beauty and engineering- but some are against that. Can cars be considered art?
Kim- couldn’t help but throw in a little surrealism…
So I was at the Met- for my weekly gallery by gallery tour, and I was approached by people in the digital media department of the Met who asked if I wanted to share my opinion about the Met. Hmmm…do you think I want to share my opinion about the Met?
We did a tourist walk this week: Bowery, SOHO and Little Italy. Once again we went to neighborhoods that we frequent on the regular. However, I did see a statue outside the Basilica that I’d never noticed.
I am a huge fan of Schitt’s Creek. Had the opportunity to see Eugene and Dan Levy talk about their new book. They are as warm and charming and hilarious in person as they are on TV. Love them. And the pride and love that Eugene shows for both Dan and Sara is just heart warming. FYI- if you’re a fan of the show or know one- the book is a great holiday gift
886 is a Taiwanese comfort food place in the East Village Manhattan. The chicken sandwich was about the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever eaten! Two words- potato starch. I’ve never used it but they use it ibn the batter- crisp and not greasy chicken. It was soooo good. They dress it with pickled daikon…
Korean corn dogs are a thing in NYC right now. We tried Two Hands (SOHO) and the dogs were delicious- had spicy one and one coated in rice crispie treats. Yum…but needed more than two napkins
Szechuan Mountain house came recommended to us as authentic szechuan food. It was delicious. I didn’t mark down the dishes we ate, and when I tried to get them from website it wouldn’t let me open menu because they’re not open now. But – everything yummy. The thing with Szechuan food isn’t so much the spice as the tingle of the peppercorns. So good. They also serve delicious green tea, and the place is a little haven of tranquility.
I am trying to cut down my mindless TV viewing. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that I am LOVING Ted Lasso (appletv) and Great British Baking Show (Netflix). Also- Dune (HBOMAX) is worth a watch- really well done!!!

Happy Halloween!

Posted on October 17, 2021October 14, 2021 by LA · 15 Comments

What Inspired Me: October 17

Egypt- Permanent Collection- Met

Back to Broadway- Caroline or Change is a wonderful, thought provoking musical. Being in a Broadway theater again. Priceless.
Can you say Carnegie Hall!!! Yes- also returned to live music!! Lang Lang doing the Goldberg Variations. Brilliant- both the pianist and the work- Plus- I really did get inspired with an idea for a fiction work that I’m already 1000 words in on
Remember I said that Oktoberfest is the least objectionable holiday? So we celebrated at a Pop Up behind the Schaller and Weber German Grocery on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. We had some Wiener Schnitzel and a Sausage Platter, plus a side of potato pancakes. Of course I had a stein of Weizenbier. Now, I’m not a big fan of beer- however- this was delicious!! Food, drink and little patio garden were all awesome!!

Housekeeping Note: I’m changing the days that are included in my Sunday wrap up. I used to do Sunday to Saturday, but now I’m doing Friday to Thursday. This really means nothing except less pictures today, and way too many next week.

Posted on October 3, 2021October 1, 2021 by LA · 22 Comments

What Inspired Me: October 3

Blog friends meet The Temple of Dendur: This is one of my favorite rooms in the whole world. I just love everything about this room.
I love brunch because it’s the best part of sweet and savory. Hello bacon, egg and swiss french toast…
The Worst Person in the World is one of the best films I’ve seen this year. I was lucky enough to see it as part of a film festival, so I got to hear (seated) Joaquim Trier (Director), Renate Reinsve (star), Anders Danielsen Lie (star), and NYFF Eugene Hernandez (Director NYFF59). What’s funny watching a subtitled film is acknowledging how fast people read and get the subtitles…the laughter starts at different points. I wonder if the late laughers think it’s funny or just want to be part of the crowd.
Most thought provoking movie of the year goes to I’m Your Man– if you like my posts about romance and tech, then this movie should be on your to be watch list
When I bought tickets for last Wednesday’s game, the Mets were in a position to make it to the post season. Yeah….there’s always next year…

Posted on September 26, 2021September 26, 2021 by LA · 20 Comments

What Inspired Me: September 26

Banksy exhibit was quite interesting. It’s unauthorized, so I didn’t expect anything to disappear before my eyes, yet I was still sort of hoping… Banksy was the author of the quote in Friday’s blog. It’s not his art per se that is important- it’s his reasoning behind what he chooses to do…
Flip Sigi is Philippino fast food- and it’s delicious. The burger has a Longanisa sausage patty on it. Don’t know what it is, but it’s delicious…two words: banana ketchup
It was fun to go back to San Gennaro. Our goal is always to find something new at one of the stands- this year a huge, meat filled rice ball. We were not there for the parade or cannoli eating contest.
The Relative Value: The Cost of Art in the Northern Renaissance exhibit at the Met is interesting because they explain how things were valued- namely by how many cows it would take to purchase something.
I’d never seen Breathless before. Should see for anyone who is interested in film…however….if this was an American classic we would be condemning it as opposed to genuflecting before it. If you are easily offended by sexist behavior, probably not for you to watch…
We have completed the Thrillist List of best Pizza- My clear winner is Zazzy’s Pizza. Clearly one of best slices of pizza in NYC- if you ever visit and want a traditional NYC slice- this place should be on your list
Dior exhibit amazing!!

Posted on September 19, 2021September 19, 2021 by LA · 10 Comments

What Inspired me: September 19

60 Rivington once housed two synagogues. The building is now owned by an artist who took out some of the bars that made up the Jewish Star, and changed it to look like a camera lens
Our walk was through the Lower East Side. It’s an odd neighborhood- you see lots of buildings that once house Synagogues, which now house other things. The neighborhood, once largely Jewish is now a mix of Chinese immigrants and hipsters (though I loathe to use that word…) We also meandered from neighborhoods where drug deals are done right in front of you, to high end galleries and families playing at parks. This neighborhood kind of gives you everything.
The Alpinist is a decent doc about an alpinist…
Though I did not attend the Met Gala, I did attend the corresponding exhibit. I was underwhelmed…hoping part 2 in May is better
The idea of Biophony was better than the execution- it seemed every time I passed on of the musical groups, they were on a break. While that was a good storyline for Friends, not so good when you are walking around trying to get snippets of music
Wife of a Spy was quite good…good filmmaking

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 by LA · 39 Comments

What Inspired Me: September 5

The cows are back! This year the cows will be auctioned off with the money going to God’s Love we Deliver- a meal service for those who are homebound. I volunteer for this organization, so hoping they raise lots of funds
Reminder to be kind…what is kindness to you?
What do I love about French film? Everything…but really it’s the understatement…the only issue is I went to see them by myself, and really wanted to discuss the nuances with someone- especially Who You Think I Am- which I have a lot of thoughts and questions
Pre-Covid I had a list of restaurants/food that I wanted to try. Needless to say I threw out that list last year. However, I recently started a new list. The first thing I am tackling is a best pizza article- FYI- the slice at Zazzy’s (village location) was outstanding- at the top of my best pizza in NYC list for a NY slice

Posted on August 22, 2021August 21, 2021 by LA · 25 Comments

What Inspired Me: August 22

Let me start with this- my daughter went back to college….
Secondly- the best thing about driving home from DC is stopping in Baltimore for Chaps Pit beef. I have no idea what pit beef is, but I know it’s delicious
I love fried green tomatoes (whistlestop optional) – these were pretty good
We did a brief sightseeing jaunt in DC before we headed home-
Had a wonderful in person book club- helped that we all liked the book
Bryant Park has a wonderful “reading room”- outdoor tables and books and magazines. They also sponsor reading/writing events for free. I attended a memoir writing workshop given by Cullen Thomas. He is a wonderful speaker and hope to eventually take a class with him. He also is a cross between James Marsden and Rob Lowe, which in LA speak means he’s quite attractive.
My Tea Society celebrated Coco Chanel’s birthday at Bergdorf Goodman. We had a lovely tea followed by a little quality time at the Chanel counter. There just may be a new lipstick in my collection…every black dress needs a red lipstick every now and then
I saw Aretha. Jennifer Hudson is quite good- however the movie is quite average overall
On my way to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden I experienced subway delays/issues….It was only a track fire and not someone letting their girlfriend drive the train though (true story). As I stood trying to figure out how to get to the garden, all I could think was first subway issue in 18 months- we’re back baby…
Lost Leonardo very interesting if you are an art geek
Obviously- I took time to get in as much self care as possible!!!

Posted on August 8, 2021August 8, 2021 by LA · 27 Comments

What Inspired Me

I saw “Green Night” in theaters- I didn’t love it…so much so that I forgot to take a picture of the movie poster
I went to the Met with my daughter- it’s fun seeing exhibits with her because she makes me think about things in a different way. She doesn’t like staged photos- she prefers when they just happen. Made for an interesting discussion
Costume exhibit was awesome-What was interesting was that they focused a lot on the actual making of costumes. We had a 10am ticket, but if you are at the exhibit later, they have artisans working on things that will be used on Broadway when it reopens.I love looking at clothes. Wearing them is optional…
My daughter and I went to Angelina when we were in Paris- it was fun to experience it in NYC
Saw two oldie movies at Film Forum- I am trying to support Film Forum because they show old movies and do festivals, like the Bogart and Women Behind Hitchcock that I saw this past week.

Posted on August 5, 2021August 4, 2021 by LA · 65 Comments

Is It Acceptable

I’m going to talk about my relationship with The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.

First off…I love this book. If it were legal to marry books I would marry this one. This book is my soul mate.

What did I love about this book? I loved that it told me about the concept of Ichigo Ichie. I love any book that makes me think about enjoying the moment. I love any book that tells me how to explore things with all my senses. I love any book that reminds me that it’s OK to slow down and not multi task. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is true love…this it romance…this is sensuality…this is how I want to spend the rest of my life…me and this book…

I also have an affinity for things associated with the Japanese culture. I’m going to assume that this was the book I was talking about when I wrote Tuesday’s blog post- the timing fits. What’s also funny is that the exhibit that I wanted to see at the Met that day was focused on Japan.

Japanese Tea Ceremony room- recreated at the Met. Gorgeous, meditative Japanese art…THAT was an exhibit I could have sat in all day and just be in the moment…Walking through the galleries that day- just perfect. If there was a world where I could marry the book, it would be the same world that would let me live at the Met in the Japan section.

Do you know what else happens in April in NYC? Remember I’m reading the book, looking at the exhibit, and going to the Botanic Garden for Cherry Blossoms…Sakura Matsuri…This would be my yearly vacation- sleeping under the stars and the cherry blossoms for that very short window of cherry blossom opportunity..

Of course, we know tea would be my beverage of choice- including the whole ceremony thing. This is how the book and I would spend every anniversary…sitting on little stools drinking tea and savoring the flavors and the high notes and the low notes.

So here’s all these things converging- museum exhibits, cherry blossoms, tea, and a handbook about how to enjoy all these things to the fullest.

Awesome.

I have found my life path….

However…

Am I culturally appropriating all of this?

Do I have the right to covet all these things from a culture not my own?

Am I a fraud?

When I slip on my pink flowered kimono and sip from my cherry blossom inspired mug, and I engaging in an unpardonable sin?

Do I just not know enough about any of these things to enjoy them?

Are the PC police going to charge me with enjoying things that I have NO RIGHT to enjoy?

What is the boundary between appreciating something and wanting to make it part of your life, and taking it over?

Should I turn in my Japanese inspired items, flush my tea away, stop reading about this simple way of life?

Or should I just enjoy the things that spark joy…