Peter, you will be missed. Greatly. Deeply. By many. This blog's for you, my friend.
August 20, 2009
A Tribute
My family has always called me Little Liv, a nickname from the days when I was the youngest cousin. Fast forward about 20 years, my first day at my first "real" job. My first stop, Holiday Wine Cellars in Escondido where I was introduced to the wine buyer and his assistant, two people I came to know and love dearly. But back to that first meeting, where the duo grilled me on wines and asked mequestions they knew I couldn't answer. Although I was somewhat intimidated, I knew I had found two kindred spirits and Holiday became one of my favorite stops. Peter always had something clever for me, a new recipe, a bag of homemade jerky, a taste of his famous hummus (this was the man who coined the term guac-ummus, a glorious marriage of guacamole and hummus) or, on several occasions "mad-livs" he had made especially for me. Our friendship grew and I came to think of Peter not as a customer but as a friend. Not to say that we didn't have our moments and the occasional fights over allocations, recipes, or what might be, in our opinion, the best way to do something. These arguments only deepened our friendship and somewhere along the line Peter began to refer to me as Little Liv, going so far as to doctor up a bottle of wine to reflect this moniker.
Peter, you will be missed. Greatly. Deeply. By many. This blog's for you, my friend.
Peter, you will be missed. Greatly. Deeply. By many. This blog's for you, my friend.
August 11, 2009
Thinking
There is something about driving that gives your ownership of a place. Getting lost, getting un-lost and the sudden realization that you know your way around what was once a giant puzzle of unknown streets and neighborhoods makes you feel at home. Or is it the act of driving that is home to me? Either way, I am feeling at home in this crazy city.
August 7, 2009
Restaurant Signs I
Somewhere in Jersey they are serving up "old english" style pizza.
Be very scared.
And in Coney Island you can get all of your Pan-America del Sur food needs met under one roof:
Be very scared.
And in Coney Island you can get all of your Pan-America del Sur food needs met under one roof:
photos from my lovely phone/camera
August 6, 2009
August
The day that he left NYC I walked home slowly in the late afternoon sun and was hit with a strong feeling that the neighborhood wasn't the same one I had left behind on my way to work. In fact, morning seemed a lifetime ago and my neighborhood, our neighborhood, seemed to have lost something. Just as I had lost the rosy, romantic daydreams I once enjoyed strolling it's streets.
I spent a few weeks in this haze and then suddenly I no longer walked up the subway stairs and imagined him waiting for me on the stoop. I no longer looked out my bedroom window expecting to see him crossing the street. No longer did I anticipate his arrival and the door buzzer that would send a thrill through my body. He was gone, and the summer stretched before me.
About a month after he left there was a rather dramatic sign of the distance that was growing between us. The never ending rain in June caused the dramatic collapse of the building that housed Vespers, our favorite local bar. The bar where I realized late one night that I had forgotten my keys and would have to sleep over at his apartment. One of the oldest tricks in the book. We spent the next 12 hours in his one room, almost windowless flat. Time stood still. 12 hours of conversation, the two of us fully clothed and wrapped tightly around each other in his single bed. 12 hours that seemed to seal our friendship and determine the path we found ourselves traveling on.
But can one night really determine the course of a relationship? Can one personal really change the landscape of a neighborhood? Can one building really hold so much weight? The answer is yes (and no, in the case of the building). He was really gone, and like the building, he left nothing but debris and a fine dusting floating down from the sky. And the opportunity to rebuild.
I have found my way through this strange, rainy summer and while I have looked forward to August-and his return-it is suddenly here and I don't feel ready. As much as I have tried to push the thoughts of him away, he has remained at the back of my mind. His voice, with its funny pacific northwest inflections, his quirky way of looking at his world, his sweet chuckle. He has been back for a day now and, while I haven't seen him, I like knowing that we are once again sharing the same city. Tomorrow I will welcome him back to my neighborhood. Our first stop, checking out what remains of Vespers.
I spent a few weeks in this haze and then suddenly I no longer walked up the subway stairs and imagined him waiting for me on the stoop. I no longer looked out my bedroom window expecting to see him crossing the street. No longer did I anticipate his arrival and the door buzzer that would send a thrill through my body. He was gone, and the summer stretched before me.
About a month after he left there was a rather dramatic sign of the distance that was growing between us. The never ending rain in June caused the dramatic collapse of the building that housed Vespers, our favorite local bar. The bar where I realized late one night that I had forgotten my keys and would have to sleep over at his apartment. One of the oldest tricks in the book. We spent the next 12 hours in his one room, almost windowless flat. Time stood still. 12 hours of conversation, the two of us fully clothed and wrapped tightly around each other in his single bed. 12 hours that seemed to seal our friendship and determine the path we found ourselves traveling on.
But can one night really determine the course of a relationship? Can one personal really change the landscape of a neighborhood? Can one building really hold so much weight? The answer is yes (and no, in the case of the building). He was really gone, and like the building, he left nothing but debris and a fine dusting floating down from the sky. And the opportunity to rebuild.
I have found my way through this strange, rainy summer and while I have looked forward to August-and his return-it is suddenly here and I don't feel ready. As much as I have tried to push the thoughts of him away, he has remained at the back of my mind. His voice, with its funny pacific northwest inflections, his quirky way of looking at his world, his sweet chuckle. He has been back for a day now and, while I haven't seen him, I like knowing that we are once again sharing the same city. Tomorrow I will welcome him back to my neighborhood. Our first stop, checking out what remains of Vespers.
August 4, 2009
Things That Make Me Terribly Happy
1. Roadside Diners.
2. Sending postcards.
3. Going to the airport.
4. Freshly painted toes.
5. Reading while taking a bubble bath.
6. The sound of my lovelies laughter.
7. Collecting random pretty things.
8. Coffee with just the right amount of cream and sugar.
9. A day spent cooking in the kitchen and meals shared with friends.
10. Strangers who smile.
photo by Denise Andrade www.bohophotography.blogspot.com
3. Going to the airport.
4. Freshly painted toes.
5. Reading while taking a bubble bath.
6. The sound of my lovelies laughter.
7. Collecting random pretty things.
8. Coffee with just the right amount of cream and sugar.
9. A day spent cooking in the kitchen and meals shared with friends.
10. Strangers who smile.
photo by Denise Andrade www.bohophotography.blogspot.com
July 31, 2009
July 30, 2009
Found!
my apologies for the crappy photographs, they were taken using my phone!
July 29, 2009
All Mixed Up
Today felt like the apocalypse here in NYC. Late this afternoon the skies turned a dramatic shade of yellow and then went pitch black and then the entire sky opened up and those of us lucky enough to be outside were suddenly ankle deep in water. It didn't rain down, it rained sideways but you were too busy covering your ears from the deafening thunder to really notice the way your clothes were suddenly sticking to your body.
So, the brightspot of the day? Wednesday's are CSA pickup days and Laena always comes back with cool vegetables and fruits and fresh eggs that almost make you want to adopt a chicken. Chickens like fire-escape abodes right? I love the CSA and don't let myself read their weekly emails because I love being surprised and forced to cook with whatever arrives from the farm. Really though, the whole point of this post was to mention that last night was about 90 degrees and tonight was a nice, rain chilled 75. Last night we made pizza (and did I mention that it was 90 degrees out? it was about 900 in our apartment). You can read more about that here. Tonight I used the leftover pork and sauteed some fresh summer corn, green chilies and mushrooms (thank you CSA) for some perfect summer tacos. All of this crazy weather is obviously starting to affect my brain. Signing off from the PNW (actually I hear it's over 100 in Seattle today). I'm off to google urban chicken farming.
So, the brightspot of the day? Wednesday's are CSA pickup days and Laena always comes back with cool vegetables and fruits and fresh eggs that almost make you want to adopt a chicken. Chickens like fire-escape abodes right? I love the CSA and don't let myself read their weekly emails because I love being surprised and forced to cook with whatever arrives from the farm. Really though, the whole point of this post was to mention that last night was about 90 degrees and tonight was a nice, rain chilled 75. Last night we made pizza (and did I mention that it was 90 degrees out? it was about 900 in our apartment). You can read more about that here. Tonight I used the leftover pork and sauteed some fresh summer corn, green chilies and mushrooms (thank you CSA) for some perfect summer tacos. All of this crazy weather is obviously starting to affect my brain. Signing off from the PNW (actually I hear it's over 100 in Seattle today). I'm off to google urban chicken farming.
CSA tacos--TJ's pulled pork, sauteed summer corn, chilies and mushrooms, fresh avocado and tomatoes and yogurt (a great sour cream substitute)
July 25, 2009
Thinking
About summer. And seasons. And trying to soak it all in.
Lately my life has been busy and rewarding and full on so many levels that it leaves me stressed out about fitting everything (especially some summer fun) in. There has only been one trip to the beach so far this year and I just realized that I haven't seen Steph, my closest CA friend since April. April! Life is just rushing by, August is rapidly approaching and I'm having trouble getting it all done.
It seems that when I fall behind at one project it permeates over to other areas of my life and I begin to feel unproductive and unable to accomplish even the simplest task. Lately I have had the luxury of being able to use a car in NYC, whether I am behind the wheel or being driven. This has been an amazing, eye opening experience. What was once an hour trip on the subway to pick up canning jars is suddenly a half hour (complete with a trunk and very little sweat). This has spoiled me--one of the joys (joys?) of living in the city is that you can be completely self sufficient without a car, I must not loose sight of this.
Yes, I am going to start looking at my life as busy and full and, most of the time, a complete blast. I'm going to spend the rest of the summer relishing the small moments in an attempt to get through all of the many demands and projects. A day without rain (ha, maybe that's what feels wrong--the "summer" temperatures are completely off). But you can still find the perfect peach. Or enjoy the breeze in the park--which are all green and lush. You can glimpse an occasional firefly-even here in the city. Or one can spend an evening watching the neighbors from the front stoop, campari and soda in hand. Now that's summer.
Lately my life has been busy and rewarding and full on so many levels that it leaves me stressed out about fitting everything (especially some summer fun) in. There has only been one trip to the beach so far this year and I just realized that I haven't seen Steph, my closest CA friend since April. April! Life is just rushing by, August is rapidly approaching and I'm having trouble getting it all done.
It seems that when I fall behind at one project it permeates over to other areas of my life and I begin to feel unproductive and unable to accomplish even the simplest task. Lately I have had the luxury of being able to use a car in NYC, whether I am behind the wheel or being driven. This has been an amazing, eye opening experience. What was once an hour trip on the subway to pick up canning jars is suddenly a half hour (complete with a trunk and very little sweat). This has spoiled me--one of the joys (joys?) of living in the city is that you can be completely self sufficient without a car, I must not loose sight of this.
Yes, I am going to start looking at my life as busy and full and, most of the time, a complete blast. I'm going to spend the rest of the summer relishing the small moments in an attempt to get through all of the many demands and projects. A day without rain (ha, maybe that's what feels wrong--the "summer" temperatures are completely off). But you can still find the perfect peach. Or enjoy the breeze in the park--which are all green and lush. You can glimpse an occasional firefly-even here in the city. Or one can spend an evening watching the neighbors from the front stoop, campari and soda in hand. Now that's summer.
July 21, 2009
Found!
On my way to the subway this evening I stumbled across this playing card. Ahh, I thought, this is my Sex in the City moment. I can start collecting cards that I find on streets all over the city and maybe a full deck will lead me to a perfect pair of Manolo Blahniks (or something like that).
But, little did I know that just a few steps away there was another card..............
And then another. Seems like someone dropped their cards in a hurry.....................
The real irony of that evening became even more apparent when I arrived in Bryant Park, wine, picnic and with my own deck of cards to help us pass the two hours before Harold & Maude began I was short 3 cards (and they weren't the ones I had picked up). Good thing the people watching was epic. Happy Summer Picnics to all!
But, little did I know that just a few steps away there was another card..............
And then another. Seems like someone dropped their cards in a hurry.....................
The real irony of that evening became even more apparent when I arrived in Bryant Park, wine, picnic and with my own deck of cards to help us pass the two hours before Harold & Maude began I was short 3 cards (and they weren't the ones I had picked up). Good thing the people watching was epic. Happy Summer Picnics to all!
July 9, 2009
ZipCar Trip #1
The thrill/adrenaline rush of driving in NYC is still running through my veins--5 hours later. Getting lost in the Bronx will do that to a person!
July 7, 2009
July 2, 2009
Summer in the City
Last night was one of those perfect summer evenings. A late afternoon shower cooled things off and kept the humidity at bay. I walked the High Line (my new favorite stroll) and admired all sorts of lovely pink wildflowers (yes, wildflowers in the middle of the city!) and then found myself in the Chelsea Market where I treated myself to an ice cream cone and continued my stroll through the Meatpacking district, through the lovely shaded streets of the West Village, across Washington Square Park and over to the East Village and my old neighborhood where I paid a visit to the Strand and trolled their $1 books (picked up a copy of The Beans of Egypt Maine). Ah, summer evenings are lovely!
June 29, 2009
Thinking
Every trip back to San Diego produces a new set of emotions. This trip was marked by a wedding-a celebration of a new beginning but a day that was also wrought with strong feelings of closure. It was over the course of the day that I came to realize fully that my heart is now in NYC. I can no longer slip into SD and my past life, for although the language of America’s finest city is still in my vocabulary, its foreign. I speak of subways and slices and flats instead of heels. I check the weather report every morning before leaving the house, no more weeks on end of 70 and sunny and flip flops. That’s me with an umbrella sticking out of my bag, the forecast calls for showers this afternoon, and that’s all right with me.
June 25, 2009
Wedding Bells
Hard to believe that Shiloh's wedding is this weekend!
I just put the finishing touches on the ring-pillow. I am quite proud of how it turned out.
Off to catch my flight....................
June 23, 2009
Strawberry Fields Forever
Strawberries have always been one of my favorite treats. For my birthday breakfasts growing up I was treated to strawberry shortcake and I remember one year in particular when the strawberry fairy visited and left an entire flat of berries on my front porch. Best present-ever.
So, you can imagine how excited I was to head upstate for some strawberry pickin'. The rain that has been falling steadily for the past few weeks did not scare me, in fact we managed to time it so we were picking during a break in the clouds and the lovely wind that swept through kept us and the berries at a perfect picking temperature. The conditions were so ideal, we managed to pick over 30 lbs of berries, exciting while we were at the farm (and once we realized we could take Emma's car home and not lug 30 lbs of berries on the train and multiple subways). Not so exciting last night, when 30 lbs of berries had to be jammed. Strawberry/Balsamic, Strawberry/Rhubard, Early Glow (small, sweet berries--the most labor intensive to pick), and just plain old Strawberry Jam were all made last night. And now they are resting comfortably ("setting"). Stay tuned for more jamming adventures, this is just the beginning.................
Photos courtesy of the very talented Emma McCarthy
June 22, 2009
June 21, 2009
In Other News
June has been a VERY rainy month.
So much so, it may be the cause of this building collapse right around the corner from my apartment. I must add that this building housed one of my favorite bars in the neighborhood.
I am beginning to think that summer has been cancelled.
So much so, it may be the cause of this building collapse right around the corner from my apartment. I must add that this building housed one of my favorite bars in the neighborhood.
I am beginning to think that summer has been cancelled.
June 15, 2009
On Ferries
The wind blowing through one's hair while sitting on the top deck is almost as good as driving with the windows down on Highway 1. Almost, but I'll take it.
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