There are still some things keeping me in the city, but I must say I am enjoying myself because of the simple gift of time. I/’ve been photographing, writing and otherwise documenting my process of “What Nowness?” Things that bothered me before have become merely a mild annoyance and I’ve been more spontaneous and relaxed.
Recently Calvin and I were left behind in the city on a holiday weekend. We actually enjoy the city when it is quiet and people have gone away. I must admit though I have been daydreaming about a bigger adventure wishing to return to some of the cities in Europe I have never been or those that were fast in/out work trips because I had to get back for meetings and teaching. On this day we decided to walk and allow serendipity rather than Yelp find us a place for brunch.
Wandering down a street, I don’t often travel we passed a wall that opened to reveal a shady green courtyard that startled me. It was unexpected and I was a little surprised I had never come upon it before as I spend so much time downtown. Since my favorite book in the world is “The Secret Garden”, and this felt like I had just discovered one I was pulled in. We were seated (luckily without a reservation) because we were early. Given I have a pretty big imagination, it felt a little like we were having brunch in Paris. Menus appeared coffees came, we ordered, I enjoyed all the details and took some photos.
It wasn’t until I went inside that I realized I had passed the front of this place literally thousands of times thinking it was only a storefront that served pastel-colored macaroons, which most of the time was not enough to pull me in. If I had investigated further I would have found a romantic and beautifully appointed tearoom and of course my “secret garden”. I could have run away to “Paris” countless times when I wanted to before. This experience of course again got me thinking back to process and how much beauty we miss when everything is going so fast.
I think the best part of letting myself have my “What Nowness” are all the surprises and moments of pleasure. Wow, I did not realize how much I was missing when I was moving so fast. Still not there but finding so much beauty along the way.
What surprises are you finding in your “What Nowness?”
Your post came at a great moment. Wise words.
Hi
We look but we do not always se .
Thanks
My surprise was discovering how much I was missing by being too busy! Mindfulness is my new mantra… for example, during my morning walk, I now hear the birds more clearly, enjoy seeing how the light filters through the leaves on the trees, and smell the orange blossoms while passing by… thanks for your blog Lyn, love it!
Thanks for your inspiration! It keeps me motivated.
I am also finding that when I slow down, I find hidden treasures among the every day…Please, what is the name of your slice of Paris? I would love to see it next time I’m in the city…
Lyn, aee you aware that your photo is being used in a Facebook game where you aee asked to click to see what you would look like as an old lady? Different ohotos pop up for different people but my friend’s response when she clicked on the game was your photo in a dress with ruffles. I tried to copy it to show you but it wouldn’t let me. I couldn’t help but wonder if you had given your permission.
Thank you, I wasn’t I will have to look into this.
Oh how beautiful. I’m learning to slow down but…..
Lovely. Simply lovely.
Looks fabulous! Thank you for the reminder to SLOW down… Can you reveal the name of your “secret garden” for those of us that might find themselves in the area?
Laduree
What a beautiful idea to slow down be spontaneous dew Can miss so much beauty in our country
Thank you for the reminder to stop and smell , see and feel the moments we all so often pass by.
I love that you call the present moment, ‘nowness’…I’ve never heard that term – kind of like a new take on the ‘isness’ of life..love that. Although an ambassador of meditation & mindfulness, I realised recently my worrying has escalated…not without cause, but still. I have begun just concerning myself with the day ahead…not ruminating over the past or worrying about tomorrow or the future – after all, the future is shaped by a present moment, or the ‘nowness’ as you put it. It is after all the only moment there truly is. I find I notice details…sounds I wouldn’t ordinarily hear, expressions on people’s faces and places, as you have, that I have walked by before unseen and yet when slowing down appear beautiful, right before me as if somehow just appearing from nowhere…so I guess ‘nowness’ comes from ‘nowhere’ 🙂
Very interesting take on nowness.
Oh my gosh it does look so like the tiny gardens we ventured into in Paris. We walked everywhere there, stopped and ventured into secret places and it was lovely. Back home in Toronto we get caught up in the fast pace. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures
Wow! Beautiful place…romantic…oh how I wish!
Good for you!
Who is “Calvin”?
My life partner and the person who takes most of my photos.
As I get older I can cut out the noise and enjoy the present not be personally offended by smallness of people and enjoy the little things I’ve missed of my surroundings
So charming. And how true it is that we miss the serendipity moments when we are looking at our phones. Thanks for doing this blog. It is motivating me to do my own journaling.
thanks for sharing these inspiring moments. I can fully understand you, as I am also trying to slow down and enjoy the moments. I love NYC and have been there many times on private visits.
I know the feeling…. recently I revisited my hometown of 52 years to find many surprising new things…having not been back for over ten year much had changed..some for the better and some not so good..
My goal on this visit was to actually take time to reconnect with friends and to go to places ( even after living there most of my life) I had never been….to search our new adventures and to just live , as they say “In the moment “ …..to my surprise the one thing that brought such joy and happiness was to discover the the ‘Fanny Mae Candy ‘ Store was still there…what memories that brought back ….to breath in the rich smell of all that chocolate ‘ yes my opinion ‘ the best in the world !!! The simplest things can bring so much joy …. we just need to take the time to selfishly treat ourselves to them.. I went by myself…not wanting to share one moment…not wanting anyone to intrude on it… yes selfishly it was only my memories that made this moment special…to close my eyes and experience the pleasure again…how wonderful to give myself that special and selfish joy of reliving …a small special pleasure that no one else could understand
I love the word “Nowness”
I have moved from The New York City to a more rural area in another state and although I find a sense of peace roaming around orchards and seeing actual cows and sheep; I do miss the scenes you describe. I too was the grey haired Lady walking new cobbled stoned streets i’d never been before downtown or Harlem and finding that out of the way store or cafe…I miss that sometimes. Thank you for the memory.
This lady is fantastic!
Books:
Granddaughter recommendations
Yard sale finds
Goodreads friend five-star ratings
Local library’s almost-free sale shelf.
Lovely list
I totally agree, having a little curiosity and given the time to indulge (it might only be a moment) we can all discover little treasures like your ‘secret garden’. I mooched around along a collapsed wall passing a couple of metal security gates only to see over the wall into a beautifully abandoned factory yard filled with wild flowers, birds and bees. It was only a few minutes of sheer heaven in a busy town but boy was it worth it
What a lovely discovery – hiding in plain sight! I am reinventiing and have spent 5 years building this practice. It’s taken off and I’m starting to deliberately articulate my purpose, frightened of reaching more people, but excited about experiencing personal success on a level I’ve never experienced. I made this… Yikes!!
Isn’t it wonderful?
First of all, beautiful little place! And how fun to find the unexpected where you think you know what’s there. The beauty of taking time to truly look and observe and appreciate every minute. Thank you for sharing.
What a great reminder to slow down and see the beautiful world right in front of me. Thank you!
I think maybe you actually have found your destination: living in the moment and appreciating what’s around us. It’s a good lesson to remind ourselves every day.
Ah perhaps indeed.
Lyn, a lovely essay. We move too fast, miss too much.
I was told (by someone…) to learn something new every day.
Now, I think I should see something new every day. The overlooked alcove, book or even a house on a street that I’ve walked by for years!
I guess this just means, it’s time to listen. Both with ears and eyes.
In the past I’ve been criticized for my love of space. My eye wants a lot of margin and space around a page, for example, or not too many paintings on the wall. In figuring out my what next, I am trying to honor this love of space in many ways. At the grocery store today, I had a lovely interaction with the check-out woman, because I let myself relax and be interested in her experience with the customer in front of me. He’d made some complicated requests, followed by some controlling statements about what she should do. She rolled her eyes at me and I offered a face full of sympathy. When the man concluded his business, she chatted with me in such a friendly way that I am still smiling over it.
Thank you for sharing this precious moment with us. But may I ask where this secret garden is hiding so I can have a glimpse next time I visit NY? Thank you.
Laduree Soho
❤?????✌?
You are so right, I am finding beauty now in little and big things, I am seeing things nobody pay attention. I am retired now, I love beautiful things, I am trying to surround myself with beauty: my food must be beautiful, my house must be beautiful and of course I am trying to do something with my body. If you are slim and have good posture- it’s half of the battle. You need to pay attention also on how you dress. I am traveling a lot, so I am lucky to explore different life and different beauty. Not sure what “ the beauty will save the world”,but it’s saves me! Thanks for your block, dear Icon.
Love this little ‘Paris’ discovery. I I wish I lived in – or were visiting – New York. I’d have fun exploring your new cafe find.
I enjoy reading your blog and feel that you are an amazing woman. Keep doing what you are doing. The women just on the other side of middle-age (whatever age that is) get you and think you are charming.
I live in the dry high desert out West. I walk my hilly quiet neighborhood nearly every day for exercise. Until recently, my goal was to get my powerwalk done and over and move on with my day. More recently I began to notice and appreciate the sight of bright orange and deep purples of wild desert flowers mixed in with the drab beiges of sand and dirt. I was pleased to discover the fragrance of my neighbor’s roses and cloying scents of dogwood and sage. This simple daily walk is no longer just for a good cardio workout. I am also “finding beauty along the way.” Why did it take so long for me to make such a delightful discovery? It really doesn’t matter now. What matters is I am more engaged in the here and now.
I felt like I was with you on the walk from your lovely description.
How coy not to share the locale of your Secret Garden, keeping it secret for your future brunches, I’m sure.
But also how lovely. My favorite thing about my former city (NYC) and any city, town or village is the stumblings-into surprises. What an amazing reminder to ‘step away from the Yelp’ (and its kin).
Wandering is the new travel suggestion!
Lyn, yes, yes, yes!
Great line “Wow, I did not realize how much I was missing when I was moving so fast. Still not there but finding so much beauty along the way.”
And the question…what surprises are you finding in my “what Nowness?”
I journal and find asking myself the question (every morning) what was lifegiving to me from the previous day is congruent with your “Nowness” query.
So here are some words from previous days:
Serendipity (that one is from you – thank you).
Pleasure
Peer
Conspire
Mystery
Niro
Kairos
Intention
Courageous
Restoration
Flow
Lobster
Front Porch
Austria
These word all provoke memories that are bound to them…they link to memories I savor, weaving a tapestry of Nowness…
I appreciate your post.
Peace and all good to you!
jenny
This is such a wonderful idea, thank you for sharing it.
Drastic changes in my life have forced me to enter a What Nowness time. You are inspiring me to embrace this as a gift to slow down and really see what is right before my eyes that I may have rushed past. Thank you.
Beautiful little oasis
Hi Accidental Icon, I am a first time commenter and live what you call an “interesting and ordinary life”. I am up for serendipity and so loved your post. What a lovely garden you stumbled upon. I could just picture myself there. Thank you!
I love your comment “Wow, I did not realize how much I was missing when I was moving so fast.” I just wrote a book all about that called Too Busy For You? I am also in my third act, like you, with all the wisdom in the world to help women slow down and appreciate more. Thanks for being a great role model for that. And I love your secret garden surprise. You are an inspiration for all of us.
Hi
Beautiful! It looks like you are slowing down the gears and stopping to smell the roses so to speak. Sometimes lovely places and experiences are nearby if we can just slow down long enough to notice! I am retired and learning to live life at a slower pace, too. What nowness. I now have the time. Thanks for the inspiration.
What is the address of this wonderful place??
Laduree
I am thoroughly enjoying you “What Nowness” posts. It’s such a wonderful concept and way of being that I have decided to adopt it.
And, what is the name of that delightful restaurant? Your pictures drew me in and I want to experience it for myself!
Laduree.
I found a similar surprise while I was in Center City Phila. There is ton of construction going on here. So much that when you are walking it feels like an obstacle course and you are trying to keep your balance, so of course you don’t see much. During one of my runs downtown I found a new outdoor eating space, it was inside an alcove surrounded by new shops, lovely. I felt like I was in a chic space in NY. I took pictures and told a dozen people about the experience, it made my hectic day more pleasant.
A simple pleasures, bug impact.
I’m discovering how small my circle is. Not that that’s a bad thing, but, I found that the people I thought were in my life for real, were just on the perimeter, flitting in when they needed something from me, and out again when I served no purpose for them. Since my circle has gotten smaller, my emotional peace has grown. It’s really lovely not having to deal with people who suck the life out of you. I’m finding I have more time and energy to do what I want to do. Go to concerts, travel to places I never would have even thought about, whatever I want. I’ll be 62 in a few months and I feel like my life is just beginning after years of living my life for everyone but me.
Enjoying your “what nowness” adventures. I have found, since retirement, just the luxury of time is a treasure. I can spend hours in nature just enjoying the day, the breeze, the sky, the sun, whatever is happening at the moment. Listening to music, taking a nap if so inclined, walking my beloved old dog, cuddling with my especially gentle and sweet cat, just whatever happens. Yesterday I was able to help an elderly lady friend with decorating her new front entrance to her mother-in-law suite. It was divine. We then went to the local coffeehouse and enjoyed a friendly visit, a drink and shared a slice of carrot cake.
Meant to add to my comment, just love the sweater you are wearing.
I am exactly in the state of “what nowness” and it is very difficult. I moved to be closer to kids but no longer have my long time friends or other family nearby. Some days it is good but others really trying. I am constantly mulling through my mind “what is it I WANT to do” I have made some rules for my new state such as “no sitting during the day”. This stops me from some of the social things around me but will help me be healthier. Some days are amazingly filled with the joy of owning my own time but right now too many make me feel like I wasted my precious time. I have decided it is a PROCESS and I keep slugging away. I am enjoying reading your struggles and questions. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, life transitions are a process. Sometimes it is challenging to just let them happen.
It’s so beautiful and serene, so glad you found it! I’m almost ready to retire so my What now-ness is how I can create beautiful things and sell them in my spare time. Mostly because I can’t keep everything I create!
Hello,
I truly enjoy reading you! You inspire me!
Can you share the name of this “secret garden”. Would be lovely to visit one time.
Even though I became a University of Arizona Master Gardener and educator in 2004, much like you, I did not realize just how much I was missing when I was moving so fast! Slowing down the last few years has helped me to notice the tiny little, intricate and memorable details of life, like waiting for the peonies, irises and lavender to bloom after a long, cold winter. They are behind schedule in blooming because of the late February snow and frost here. ????
‘Adopt the pace of Nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
And “Look deep into Nature and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
Take time to stop, observe and smell the flowers that surround us all! ?
Wise words, your own and others.
I would love to know the name of this lovely place.
I love your style. You are soooo inspiring.
I love your post. Would love to know where your secret tea garden is. I just retired from the UN after more than 30 years living and running all over the world. Now I am enjoying slowing down and discovering places near by in NYC and the Hudson Valley where I have homes. Even in my own garden, it’s a delight to sit with a cup of coffee and a good book and watch the birds and squirrels. I must start recording the “what now” as you have. Please keep sharing.
Ah would love to hear more about the Hudson Valley. New York City is full of life but sometimes green, slow and better air quality is dreamt about. The garden is Laduree
One of my favorite books and old movies, too…The Secret Garden!
Yup that’s how I travel, mostly. I admit to also using yelp because I’ve made many mistakes.
I am finding ME in my “what nowness” and I love it. Re-booting at age 59 and now 2 years into it, an abusive marriage safely in the rear view mirror, I am thoroughly enjoying the new discoveries within myself. Some come slowly, others arrive in a moment. I take the time to smell every rose on my morning walks. I relish the small details of life that comprise our universe, my universe. I am once again happy, so once again I create art in my studio– my career for the past 33 years. I breathe and most of all, I appreciate my solitary happiness and joy in re-becoming my own best friend.
What a wonderful narrative! And the idea of becoming our own best friend is lovely.
surprises? i am finding (on the eve of my 60th birthday) that the “what nows” of this world are the most exciting.
Love your posts! What is the name of this hidden treasure?
Laduree.
Always a lovely surprise! Can you share it’s location, or, is it your secret?
Laduree, Soho
Just beautiful, and a lovely post. Thought provoking for sure. Retired, but still do to much rushing around:)
I love this, Lyn!
Amazing what life brings you when you let it come to you! I love that you are more relaxed and letting serendipity bring you pleasant surprises. I am so happy for you! I am dying to know what/where this place it — how beautiful!!!
And when are you coming to Seattle again? It’s going to be over 80 degrees and sunny and dry in Seattle for the rest of the week!
Ah I really want to come again, we had such an amazing time many thanks to you dear Suk. The garden is Laduree in Soho
I would have liked to know where that “secret garden “ is located, to possibly enjoy a visit to enjoy the amenities.
Laduree
Love LaDuree!!!
You feel as if your not in NYC…
Name of your secret garden restaurant?
Laduree
I’m painting at my pace whatever I want whenever I want. I’m not famous and never will be and I’m old and I don’t care . I’m painting for myself.
And that is when we are at our best.
Your writing on this piece is lovely. And you look stunning! One of the best pictures of you!
I bet the expression, Stop and smell the roses, has come from moments like yours. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed this (Things aren’t always what they seem.) How true that statement is!
Your insights remind me of Proust quote: it’s not about new adventures but in seeing with new eyes.
Let’s put this on our desk!
Secret gardens are a great pleasure to discover. This place does have the feel of a Parisian restaurant. If Toronto has such a place I would like to find it.
I love all your earrings!! you rock them!!!!
I absolutely loved this and The Secret Garden is my favorite for all time too. My What Nowness is suddenly finding myself in a position I never imagined or would have selected for myself – that of caregiver for my significant other, Richard. I found myself rebelling, against what, I am not certain, but soon realized that were the shoe on the other foot, he would be caring for me when I needed it, and in fact, he has done just that.
Still, when an unplanned circumstance changes your life significantly, it requires a good amount of time and discovery before you can make it fit into your life. I am in that process now. I have to find a way to care for him and at the same time not forget that I too need regular care and a way to pursue all my own goals.
I too got a degree when I was 74 and recovering from cancer in Criminal Justice. I had hoped to be a mentor/advocate for juvenile delinquents, but that did not come to pass as I had thought it would. So I am in process as you are of finding my way, my new goals and dreams and the ways to fulfill them. I saw myself once more going out into the world to work and be a valuable person in this life, and there is no doubt that I can still be a valuable person, but in a whole new context, and that is what I am seeking now. I have not lived a dull life at all, but one filled with adventures of a very different nature than most people will ever experience, and so trying to find an adventure while needing to be at home with my significant other is a genuine challenge, but one I will continue to work toward.
Anne, I am struggling with being a caregiver also. My husband and I only married 7 years ago. It is sometimes difficult not to lose yourself in the minutia of caregiving. You are not alone. My girl friends come to my house 2Xs a week to work on creating for a service project. That’s what helps me maintain my sanity. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help.
What a lovely gift from your friends! Doing something creative is life-giving.
Lovely… Just LOVELY!!!
I realized how much I love my daughters new bunny when I opened my mind to accepting a pet in my clean spotless home. I was afraid I would be neurotic about any mess or smell but changed my perspective and decided to give her a chance and wow! She’s the sweetest little thing! I’m going to miss her when my daughter takes her to college ☹️
How wonderful to discover hidden treasures. I’m glad that you had an enjoyable encounter that was totally unexpected.
Nowness! Is the key! Stay in that space! I love it!
Amazing! I read “The Secret Garden” when I was a child and was forever affected by that story. And you are so right about slowing down and making discoveries. I learned when I was a young man stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey (no longer in existence) that it was best to visit the city alone rather than having someone tag along with me. Even when I came up from Atlanta later on, if I was with a friend I wasn’t able to be on my own and explore.
Alone, I’ve driven across this beautiful country of ours several times. With no one to distract me, I found beauty and surprises around every curve of the highways. Even took the car ferry across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin from my home state of Michigan.
But now I’m stuck in a place that gives me none of the excitement in my heart and mind like the first time I set foot in NYC. I’m getting terribly restless and have to take off again on another road trip. With your inspiration, that feeling keeps getting stronger!
Bon Voyage!
Some of my best times in the city have been the product of serendipity as well. The green bar stools are to die for! Many of my colleagues are off to Europe for summer adventures; I’m left behind teaching 18th century art, which isn’t so bad. Thank you for reminding me of my old neighborhood downtown.
How lovely!
Thank you for taking me walking with you in this article to a place of splendid surprise. I have found such unexpected places also as I walk this path of turning you call, What Nowness. Places I’ve known, but did not recognize until now. What else, I wonder, might I find that I might not see otherwise.
Wonderful questions to be asking.
Lovely!
We recently visited Marrakech. Whereas I loved the frenetic and mad activity of Jemaa El Fna, the huge plaza with dervishes, snake charmers, one-man-bands and hawkers of every description, the cool, quiet peace of “Le Jardin Secret” was a soothing balm on my over-excited sensory system.
Closer to home, a small coastal village in the antipodes, I still find surprises on my walks. Enjoy your gradual rediscovery of what has been hidden in plain sight.
Yes and it is not as you suggest mutually exclusive, sometimes it is so exhilarating to move fast, and just as wonderful to go slow.
I’d love to know the name of this place so I can go there on my next visit to NY. Thanks for the post.
Laduree
Wow, this has to be my favorite post of many wonderful inspiring posts . For a blink of the eye , I was transferred to the tea garden you envisaged in your mind .
I too was there & could see & feel the serenity of the green vastness.
Love love ? love ..
Thank you, your comment helps me think I could be a writer and perhaps do a book someday.
Can you share were you where ? Would love to meet you there some day! Thank you Gayle
Laduree, Soho West Broadway.
Yes too much worrying robs us of being engaged and present. Better to problem solve!
You are right, sometimes we miss the Best of the life being focused in things that make us feel stresful.
And I guess I have found that worrying does nothing much at all except rob us of being engaged and present.
The Secret Garden is my favorite book also. Your photos took me there. What a delightful find! I had some of those experiences in southern Spain, where many of the houses have hidden courtyards. Here in the Bay Area, my secret garden is my own: the large windows give out onto garden, lagoon, houses, hills, and Mt. Tam in the distance. It is magical and contemplative. Some of my Instagram fashion photos show my garden and the water. @sheilamerle1
I found a gorgeous little Italian restaurant located in a narrow patio between two buildings in Old San Juan called La Lanterna. In the two buildings on either side are the dining room and the bar, both elegantly designed and decorated. In the middle is an outside patio. The food is superb. The wine list is great. It is a delightful experience.
Hi! I just want to tell you that since I knew of your story, my life has changed, I have a different point of view of my life and others life. I have learned how to enjoy myself of everything around me, specially of the things that make me be myself. My sincere admiration and respect.
I am very moved by your words, than you for letting me know.
I look forward to your sightings as they are so tasty & visual.
Thank you for sharing your creative spirit . I’m a visionary & you inspire me.
And in turn, my readers inspire me!
Indeed. WHAT is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare?
Love.
“What Nowness” I’m appreciating every moment at 67 & surviving 5 years after Breast Cancer. I said NO to Chemo & ALL the meds! I’m working FT with Dementia residents & Love every minute! I love getting glimpses into their pasts & sharing their “Nowness”in their journey with this horrendous disease .
I admire your ability to pull yourself together so FABULOUSLY everyday 🙂 it seems very overwhelming to me. I spend more time walking & very little shopping I continue to downsize & prioritize my Life.
Cheers to you!
Randie
and cheers to you for your bravery and service!
I must ask, I am in Manhattan from time to time, where will I find this garden.
Laduree, Soho, West Broadway.
When I was younger, before I developed my current mobility challenges I would charge about in a hurry “getting thing s done”, being busy and, as I thought, achieving stuff, but in reality getting it done without noticing much. Using a cane now is a blessing as it forces me to slow down a little and enables me to actually look and see. I related very much to this delightful post having rediscovered this fabulous capacity to meander and discover and enjoy without pressure. My new best hobbies are lurking and gawping.
This is such a glorious example of finding the good in something that challenges the status quo. This attitude towards the changes we experience will actually help us to live longer than if we have negative thoughts about it.
A very good mate of mine forwarded the link to your update, my first reaction was a big wow! Thank you fior sharing your time, passion, opinions and of course the fashion. Love it.
So happy you found your away to find creativity. With a whole-heart….. agree with slowness. Its in nature, its an inherit act that ancient people worked from. How could you find your daily food if you were rushing. We lose that ability to see the nuances in life because of all the “shoulds” we pile on ourseves!!
I have recently become very interested in how often and intensely women do the should.
Thank you for sharing your secret garden. The concept of “What Nowness” as a question is, to me, that of a seeker. My own personal definition of “now” is: Newness Of Wonder. To live in the now is to be open to the WOW factor of the Wonder of Wonders. This wonder is precipitated by the hmmmm….I wonder….type of wonder. With appreciation for your post.
With appreciation for your eloquent reponse.
I love to wander. Where is the tea place, if you are able to say. It looks delightful.
It is Laduree in Soho
I’ve definitely joined the slow movement, we’re currently on holiday in Scotland and once you’re off the main tourist bits it’s just a lovely slow enjoyment of eating, drinking, enjoying art and history as well as the beautiful countryside. Must try harder to do it when we’re back home in North Yorkshire!
That’s the trick doing it within daily life, that’s what I am working on now.
I am in my third week of retirement–and 9 days into being a grandmother. I am spending the summer in Oregon, staying very close to my daughter’s new little family. Every moment feels like an opportunity for sweetness that is brand new, especially with the baby, starting with helping my daughter through labor and cutting the cord between her and her daughter. Somehow that felt huge! Every trip to the farmer’s market, or jog through the neighborhood, or walk in the park, and about everything else feels like an opportunity to experience the new, and the now. But being a grandmother is especially full of the experience of newness!
Thanks for another lovely essay. I am living in New York vicariously through your magnificent writing. Now, I must read “The Secret Garden,” the Broadway musical production I saw back in the nineties was magical……
Never underestimate the power to change and regenerate is the message.
Love a Secret Garden. There was one right across the street from The Pod Hotel when I was there about 8 years ago. I wonder if it’s still there.
I’m going to check and see.
My “What nowness” is finding and reading your blog! You are an inspiration to all…certainly an influential role model for me. Your talents are helping change people and the world! Thank you!
Made my day!
I am starting my own blog about this transition period in our lives. Because of my experience, it will have a grief component.
I actually had written down to call a section about reinvention “what now?”!!
The blog is called State of Gray…stay tuned.
I love your blog and Instagram account. You are filled with style and substance.
Looking forward to seeing it.
This is simply stunning i really love it!
wow, you look outstanding dear. Love your outfits and your attitude.