F:  Can you please share with us what you have been listening to?

L: I’ve been feeling in a musical rut lately so I’ve been revisiting a lot of classics.  I’ve also been enjoying this old Henry Threadgill album.

F:  I know you have been staying at a friends place for the past week or so, what is your favorite part about it?

L:  Yes, I’ve been staying at my friend’s awesome apartment for the past week and a half while they’re out of town.  It is a gorgeous place right on the water.  Pretty much every rooftop photo I’ve posted over the last year or two has been from their rooftop (including the photo above).  My favorite part is being right on the river.  It is really interesting to watch all the activity on the water, plus everything just feels really calm and peaceful up there.  The apartment itself is also bigger, airier and all around nicer than mine so I’m generally enjoying all of those things.  It’s been really good for me to have a change in my daily routine.  I like being in a different neighborhood and feel a little bit like I’m on vacation.  I’m going to be sorry to see my stay there come to an end.  Luckily I have a few more days before I head home!

F:  Now that your painting lessons are over, will you take another class of some sort?

L:  I think I will.  I’d like to take another class in the fall.  I think I’ll stick with oil painting for now, though I’m curious to try out acrylics and watercolors too.

F:  Are the fall trends starting yet? Have you seen any changes?

L:  Hmm.  I feel like I always fall short on answering your NYC fashion questions (no pun intended but I’m happy it happened!).  I’m seeing some women in somewhat slouchy, cropped trousers.  There are also still a lot of skirts/dresses being paired with ankle or tied-up distressed boots.  Up until the last couple of days it’s actually felt like fall but we’re back to hot summer weather so I think people will be trying to get a few more of their summer pieces in before Labor Day.

F:  Have you been watching any movies lately? Any good ones?

L:  I have been watching some movies lately as my friends also have a projector and movie channels at their place.  I watched Dead Poet’s Society the other night, which I’d never seen before.  I also rewatched Moonrise Kingdom, which I enjoyed much more the second time around.  I started Gravity but turned it off after about 20 minutes; in addition to being generally stressful to watch, the damsel-in-distress nature of Sandra Bullock’s character really annoyed me.  I just don’t believe that someone who has been trained to carry out a mission in outer space would lack so much confidence and be so overly apologetic as Bullock’s character is in the beginning of the movie.

The avocado tree outside of my office

L:  Hey! What’s up with you this week? 

F:  Oh, hey!! This week has been busy at work. I had a crazy migraine yesterday which left me a bit bedridden. Today and Friday our office is being used for a bachelor party (believe it or not!) so my friends and I decided to work from Palm Springs! It’s so fun and spontaneous.

L:  Have you seen anything good online lately? 

F:  I mean, it’s the internet! We are getting bombarded by data and images all day long. It is pretty rare that there is anything good. However, when I was trying to make a little special someone laugh recently, I stumbled upon this gem:

L:  What color nail polish did you get on your toes this week?

F:  When in doubt, I always go to the trusty Essie Shearling Darling.

L:  Do you ever think about getting a pet?

F:  We watched Oscar for around 3 weeks and a friend’s dog in-between. There were times when I thought I was excited to be dog-less. There were times that I loved having a dog. I guess the answer is that I do think about it. A lot.

L:  What is the hardest thing about surfing?

F:  Wow. I am not sure how I could pick. I think the hardest park is wiping out time and time and time and time again. It is completely exhausting. For me, it is very clear that guys have stronger upper body strength than women, so in a way I feel at a disadvantage. Those are the two hardest parts for me. It has motivated me to continue building my upper body strength “off the board.”

F:  Where would you like to visit in the US (that you never have) and why?

L:  I’d really like to take one of those quintessential trips cross country.  I’d like to go to New Mexico and Arizona.  I’d like to check out Nashville.  I’d like to stop for a few weeks in Montana or Wyoming.  Why?  Mostly because they are places I think I know about but have never been.  Might as well take a look and check them out myself.

F:  What is your favorite snack to make for yourself?

L:  Though I’ve only made it once, I love chia seed pudding.  It is SO easy to make and I really like its simplicity and texture.  I’ve been holding on to this recipe to make it again for myself.

F:  How is your painting class going? Is it fun?

L:  I love it!  I really enjoy mixing colors and the class itself is super relaxed.  I’ve started doing some painting at home too.  It’s a new activity I find I can spend hours on and that is coming in super handy lately.  I want to add a few finishing touches to my first painting, then I’m going to post it.  If you’d like, you can take a sneak peak here.

F:  What is something that made an impression on you this week?

L:  I was with some people I don’t really know when we all learned about Robin William’s death.  One of the women commented, “What did he have to be depressed about?!”  I don’t mean to come off righteous but I find this type of thinking to be super ignorant.  People are people.  Rich or poor.  Successful or not.  Everyone struggles and making assumptions or judgments about those struggles is shortsighted.  I’ve been trying to check myself when it comes to making comparisons lately.  There is no value that comes from thinking someone else has it easier than you do.

F:  What is your favorite thing you did this summer in NYC?

L:  Relaxing in Hammock Grove on Governor’s Island is the first thing that comes to mind.  It was more secluded, smaller and with fewer people there than I expected; that almost never happens in NYC.

L: Do you have a five year plan?

David checking out the lake before a storm

F: How was your time in Cleveland?

L: It was really good to be home and we missed you being there!  Yesterday, our Aunt Rosemarie had a lung transplant after months of waiting.  All went well and she is now breathing on her own.  I was able to spend some time with her the day before the call came through that a lung was available.  It’s all just remarkable!  I also spent a night over the weekend with my girlfriends from high school which is always wonderful.  Dad and David took us out on a boat ride before all the crazy stormy weather started.  Sunday night we had a big family dinner at Mom’s house with our sister-in-law’s family.  Monday morning we had a fabulous brunch over at Suzanne’s.  I just feel so lucky to be a part of a big, loving family and to have such solid lifelong friendships.  It’s always a bit jarring to return to my life in New York after these visits but it was great to be there.

F: Have you thought at all about your birthday and what you want to do?

L: Seems pretty early to be thinking about my birthday.  A close friend of mine gave me a bottle of wine when I turned 30 to drink when I turned 35, which will be this year.  I can’t really believe it.

F: Are you reading anything new?

L: I’ve been doing a better job than usual of keeping up in my New Yorker subscription but I haven’t started any new books lately.

F: Have you gone to McCarren Pool this season?

L: I haven’t.  I’ve actually only ever been there one time and I think it was the summer before last.  It was nicer than I expected and it’s a good place to remember when it’s super hot here.

F: Any more summer plans?

L:  I’m hoping on a visit from my sister!

L:  What are some nicknames people have for you?

F:  FiFi, Fay Fay, For Real, PH, F

L:  Have you ever seen a shark in person?

F:  H to the ELL no! Actually maybe when I was little at an aquarium.

L:  Are you keeping up with the news these days? Do you have related thoughts you’d like to share?

F:  I am keeping up with the news way more than I would like to. I would say that I have an obsession with checking in on the Israel/Gaza conflict. One of my beautiful cousins/friends is in Israel with her baby and husband and it is rocking my world that they are there in such a hard time. I feel so very lucky to have gone to the Middle East and seen where this is all taking place. I feel comforted in the fact that I can imagine where they are and who they know there.

I am sad for the people of Gaza and I am sad for the people in Israel. All of these being are human beings with hearts and feelings and family and hopes. I want the best for the world and this conflict is not serving any higher good.

L: What is something you’re looking forward to?

F:  Since my trip the East coast is behind me, I have been feeling a bit bummed. I am trying to be excited about simple things like going to meditation tonight, getting together with my friends for brunch on Sunday or taking a surf lesson soon. It’s the little things.

L:  What shoes are you wearing right now?

F:  Girl, I am in SoCal. I am barefoot!

F: What is your favorite thing about summer in New York City?

L:  Being outside!  All the time.  There are so many great things to do outdoors in NYC.  You can sit in a restaurant with its windows open, or on the street, picnic in the park, walk everywhere you want to go, see outdoor concerts and movies, get out on the water, ride bikes, lounge on hammocks, have rooftop and backyard bbqs.  All the good stuff.  There are also lots of really nice beaches fairly close, so it’s nice to get out of town too.

F: Have you made any new recipes lately that you would like to share with the group?

L:  Last week I improvised a bit (i.e. added lemon) on this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.  It was quick and simple and turned out pretty well.  I’d like to try it again using homemade breadcrumbs because though I like the taste of store-bought bread crumbs enough, I think it could really raise the quality level to make your own.

F: What’s is your perfect day in New York City?

L:  My perfect day would have a leisurely start with some coffee and a yoga practice, if I was feeling motivated.  Then I would meet up with friends to hang out in the park, see some art, listen to music or eat delicious food.  The afternoon would creep into night and I’d head home satiated and ready to relax on the couch with enough time to still make it to be at a reasonable hour.

F: You are in Colombia this week! How does that make you feel? What are you most excited about?

L:  I’m so excited for this trip and am hopefully having a good time (I scheduled this post in advance of my departure).  I will be in Cartagena for five days with my boyfriend and am most excited about exploring the city with him without much of a plan.  We’re staying in the Getsemani neighborhood, as recommended here.  A friend of mine recently wrote an article for Food Republic on the food carts in Cartagena so we’ll definitely be following some of her suggestions.  I also like the idea of taking in an outdoor movie as suggested in this Things to Do in Cartagena: Cheap Thrills post I found.

F: What is your favorite park in the city?

L:  There are so many good ones: Central Park, Prospect Park, The Highline but I’m going to say Liz Christy Garden, which is actually a community garden on NYC Parks Department land so I think it counts.  The garden is a pretty narrow strip along Houston Street between Bowery and Chrystie Streets – a very busy area – that somehow manages to provide a magical little oasis. There are a few sweet benches and gazebos to sit down and relax, a fish pond, beautiful flowers, a vegetable garden and little pathways abound.  It is a great and unexpected use of city space that would be easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there.

L: How is it being home?

F: It’s been so nice. I already feel like it’s over and it’s just begun. I’ve seen family, friends and spent some time at Mommom’s beach house.

L: Have you been listening to much music lately?  If so, what?

F: We have just been listening to DMC albums lately. However, we did blast Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club and it was amazing as per usual.

L: I hear (from you) that you started hula-hooping.  How’s it going?

F: Oh man, hula hooping was my jam, until I got the worst bruise after going for an hour and a half. I won’t show you mine, but it’s nuts.

L: Do you have a good face mask recommendation?

F: My friend Kaya uses this one and it’s amazing!!!!

L: What is a quote, motto, affirmation or saying that resonates with you right now?

F: Try to have fun and don’t spread yourself too thin. Ask for help when you need it.

Lovers through the trees – Central Park

F:  How do you cope with stress?

L:  I’m pretty much a crier so overwhelming feelings of any sort generally bring me to tears.  Other than that, when I’m really stressed out I try to remember that nothing is permanent and whatever scenario I’m facing will be different with time.

F:  Have there been any lasting habits or changes you have made since the Clean Cleanse in January (it’s ok if there aren’t)?

L:  Unfortunately, I don’t think there are.  I really felt so good about doing the cleanse and experiencing such a level of health and balance in my body.  But as they say, old habits die hard.

F:  What is your favorite summer cocktail/drink?

L:  I’m on a pretty heavy Rosé kick these days.  Delicious and refreshing.

F:  Are you reading anything, yet?!

L: I am!  Recently finished this John Sarno and Paul Arden book (highly recommend the Arden book for anyone looking for a little career – or life – inspiration).  Now I’m making my way through this set of Nora Ephron’s essays and The Diary of Anais Nin.

F:  What is a creative outlet for you?

L:  This is actually something I’ve struggled with for most of my life & think my life will feel much better once I have identified it.  For now all sorts of little things serve as creative outlets: playing dress up in my own closet, rearranging my apartment, taking pictures, doing a little writing from time to time.  I guess like anyone, sometimes I feel like I’m on a real creative kick and other times I wouldn’t know from where to begin to draw.  C’est la vie, ma chère sœur. 

L: How’s your first LA “June Gloom” going?

F: It has not been that gloomy on this side of town until the past couple of days. The weather has been beautiful and mild, otherwise. I guess all and all, it hasn’t effected me in the slightest. Not like when I made this playlist last year (which I still listen to all the time).

L: What are you reading right now?

F: Oh! I am reading The Goldfinch. I started it on Sunday and have been staying up way past my bedtime (til 11pm!) reading. I am just eating this book up. The first couple chapters grab you by the hand and pull you into the story. I recommend it and I haven’t even finished it. Also, it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

L: What is a virtue you most value?

F: Sheesh…just going straight to it. You aren’t even going to buy me a drank first?!

I have to admit, I just googled the word virtue and it feels so stuffy. Like something people spoke about in the Middle Ages. But since you asked, I think courage is a virtue I admire greatly – the courage to be who you feel you are, the courage to change something in your life that makes you unhappy, the courage to be truthful. I like that virtue.

I also really appreciate people being compassionate instead of judgemental.

L: Do you have a happy song?

F: I was just thinking about how all the songs I listen to are a bit haunting lately. Sure, I have plenty of happy songs. It’s funny I don’t listen to them as much. How about this one:

p.s. This video was filmed at Burning Man or something like that.

L: What do you want to be when you grow up (also, I kinda hate when people say this)?

A Mom.