What I've Been Up To

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!

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

Happy Spring!

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Spring arrives quietly

sleepy tulips from the farmers market

Earlier this month, work sent me to SoCal for a conferences so I tried to make the most of being back in California

Hollywood!

Dipsea Steps in Mill Valley

XC at Lake Tahoe

Wishing you a lovely spring! 😊

Home in NYC

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It’s been a cold NYC winter—embracing the snowy days while looking forward to spring. So grateful for the food and friends to make this season a little more bearable :)

(The last three photos are from Le Bernardin, a restaurant that has been on my bucket list (!!))

Doodles and drawing

Having fun with Japan doodles, and a quick little polaroid of Gromit for Making Art Every Day. Gromit was a quick jot, the lines are a bit wonky, but I just tried to capture his overall cuteness. We’ve been really into Wallace & Gromit in our household lately :)

February flew by, didn’t it? I wouldn’t say I started the year at full speed, but I don’t mind—things unfold in their own time, and there’s no need to rush the process.

Here’s to March—a fresh, new month ahead. Wishing you a beautiful bloom into spring!!

What I've Been Up To- Back Home in SF

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Every time we return, our little tradition is to walk up Bernal Hill and greet the bay. These pictures were taken at sunrise, right before the new year. I still say it—San Francisco is the most beautiful city.

In general, everything feels a little topsy-turvy, and it’s hard not to feel helpless at times.

I really appreciate the Americans of Conscious Checklist. Their vision: a kind and thriving nation.

They offer clear, well-researched actions—this week, it’s donating to Norcal Resist and emailing senators about various concerns. You don’t have to tackle everything, but the tasks are simple and straightforward. I’ve already checked off a few myself.

And at the bottom of their page, they always share some good news, which is a welcome break from doom scrolling.

Hard to believe we’re already more than halfway through February—spring is just around the corner. :)

What I've Been Up To- Happy 2025!

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Happy New Year to you!

  • We started off the new year with Osechi, traditional new years food in Japan. Each dish has a special meaning. My favorite is Kuri Kinton, (which is unfortunately cut off in my photo)- but its the golden candied chestnut on the far left representing wealth!

  • Made my wish/goal for the year with Daruma.

  • And spent the first day of the new year at Golden Gate Park Botanical Garden

I don’t know who to credit with : “January is just a practice month, I'm starting my year in February” but I couldn’t relate more :D

I hope you dear reader are taking care!