Belated California Post

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A little photo dump from last month in SF & LA, which already feels like much simpler times. Been holding a big space in our hearts for LA and everyone in general impacted by all the chaos- all of us.

Amidst happy times; celebrating birthdays, visiting old haunts and lots of dog cuddles- I’ve been ruminating on connectedness and community.

And with some hope! Since I’ve been back in NYC, I became an official New Yorker- which meant I could vote in my first primary. Mamdani ftw! On top of that, Elizabeth Street Garden has been saved, a huge testament to the power of the people.

Still lots of work ahead but feeling hopeful 💖

Muttville

Signing off thinking about my happy place in SF. Muttville a senior dog rescue. Even if you cannot adopt at this moment, they welcome you anytime to cuddle and play with the dogs. (Who couldn’t use a dog snuggle right now 😊)

Hope your summer is going well!

Lavender Soiree- Governors Island NYC

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Only a five minute ferry ride from Wall Street, Governor’s Island is a quick summertime escape away from crowds, chaos and most significantly… traffic! A car free island, I absolutely love coming here for a lazy weekend day.

So much to see and do here, but I’m focusing this post with a shout out to Earth Matter, an amazing organization dedicated to composting. You are always welcome to drop in and see the garden and chickens. (And don’t miss the little the Farm Stand.) They even have a lavender field where I harvested some lavender (with permission) at their annual Lavender Soiree.

This organization brings me so much joy!

New Orleans

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A few snapshots of New Orleans, such a unique and magical city.

Photos in a nutshell: Voodoo doll for friendship and fertility (got for a friend), stayed at the Mazant, admired all the architecture-art-music, ate some damn good food and spent some time at the Sazerac House

Cannot wait to come back!

Spring Notes- Pocantico Hills, Patterns, Life in NYC

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April was a whirlwind, and I somehow managed to get sick twice. During round two, I decided enough was enough and went to a Chinese Medicine doctor in Chinatown. I've been intrigued by TCM for a while now, but had never seen a practitioner until recently. It worked well! I’ll be visiting again soon, as I suspect I’m yang deficient….🤪

I became curious about TCM around last year and I discovered Zoey Xinyigong. She is now based in China, but I was lucky enough to catch one of her Manhattan Chinatown TCM tours. Recommend her resources on her website and Five Elements Cookbook!

Blue Hill

Took a little field trip up to Pocantico Hills recently, with a highlight being Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Everything from the passionate, knowledgeable staff to the beautifully prepared food felt deeply rooted in care. I’ve long admired the work Dan Barber has been doing around sustainability and regenerative farming, and it was a treat to see it in action.

Chagall Sketches for Union Church

While in the area, I made a stop at the Rockefeller Creative Arts Center to catch an exhibit on Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows at Union Church. Seeing these original sketches—works I’d never encountered before was quiet a treat. Unfortunately Union Church itself was closed on the day of our visit so it looks like we have a good reason to return soon.

Spring in NYC

A few things helping balancing out the chaos of life in NYC

Sailing season is officially back, and I couldn’t be happier to be out on the water again. Spring blossoms. Yoga studios. Wandering through community gardens.

Doodles and Silly Patterns

Lastly, tried Mimi Chaos How to Draw a Tree class (Trees are so hard!). I don’t love my tree, but I don’t hate it.

Going to start playing around with patterns more. Would love to make a print down the road!

Hope you dear reader are taking care! Happy May

Textures 101

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Huge fan of Yifat Fishmans classes on skillshare. Highly recommend Textures 101. Digital art can sometimes come out looking a little flat, so it’s been fun playing around for a more tactile effect.

Also love Kristina Hultkrantz classes (also on skillshare) This focus was on creating a more traditional artwork digitally. More texture fun!.

Field Notes: NYBG

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Long time on my bucket list! I finally made the trek to the Bronx for the New York Botanical Garden.

Happy Spring to all