trying to harvest

"But that's just the thing," I told him, "you don't exist in a vacuum." And from the bottom of my heart I hope the sentiment resonated.

You may have heard "people come into your life for a reason"? Well, I'd argue that's too romantic a notion. Perhaps we're simply fortunate to be able to connect at all; to cross paths in this life and in this universe; to grow through our encounters with others; to know that we can learn from each other, and in the space between two flawed human beings, we can even find support, understanding, hope, maybe love. It's a powerful privilege and responsibility, which makes disregard so hurtful.

My roommate hosted a viewing party for 13th—a chillingly powerful documentary by Ava DuVernay—a few weeks ago. The premise was based at the cross-section of slavery, our criminal justice system, and the evolving yet all the while inaccurate and negative characterization of African Americans... mostly by white men in power, and then reiterated by everyone else. Much of the film is disturbing in its familiar truth; and it is so well done. I highly recommend you seek out 13th on Netflix if you haven't already.

As you may be able to infer, I was heartbroken by the presidential election results. All those hateful comments and policies had been embraced, or worse yet, overlooked; and so much of who I am and what I believe in felt under attack. How, after all this time and progress, did we still live in a world of bigotry, racism, sexism, and bullying? And yet we do. Inequality and resentment are rampant. It's probably awfully appealing to find comfort in prejudice. There's just something about having someone else, the Other to blame.

So, what now? Dave Chapelle encouraged us to give him a chance, John Oliver reminded us that accepting our democratic process should not equate to normalizing his behavior, but what I find to be the most encouraging advice is to counteract with more not less support for each another—listen; stay engaged; give more kindness, empathy, time/money to places like Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights and the International Women's Health Coalition; the NRDC; the International Refugee Assistance Project and IRC; the NAACP, Southern Poverty Law Center, and ACLU; The Trevor Project; MALDEF and American Friends Service Committee; the Anti-Defamation League, Facing History and Ourselves. (More to add? Please comments below.)

It has been a lovely fall season (in New York especially—see above!), and Thanksgiving is coming up quickly, and I'm blogging from Europe where I'll soon be visiting my brother and reconnecting with friends. Let us please take stock of our blessings now and exercise our individual agency to promote good in this world through thought and spoken word and movement. It is as much our privilege as it is our responsibility. As far as I can tell, we need each other more than ever before.

a dovetail

I was nervous. Before coming home, I mean. Not because of all the lovely familiarities, of course, but because he was meeting me there. I'd be reuniting with everyone and everything while introducing him to all of it. Up until now, he's merely been a representative figure of my other life in Paris, one that my loved ones have only heard about over Skype calls or through email. This mesh of a visit made it all the more real... perhaps to me as much as to them. And, let's not forget, to him, too.

But, it was amazing. He fit in at the wedding, at my parents' dining room table, and at more than one happy hour. Everyone adored him. He appreciated everyone that means home to me. Merci beaucoup, ma chou! I dropped him off at the airport this morning. Now, I have a few quiet days with family before venturing to the Cape to celebrate July 4th, and then, I'll fly back to Paris as well. Looking forward to giving you a glimpse into our wonderfully full week in New York beforehand.

Photo from Bear Mountain

2012 by the numbers

I do not like odd numbers, like, at all... so you can imagine my disdain dissatisfaction with bidding adieu to 2012 in order to ring in 2013. Boo, thirteen. In order to distract myself from the inevitable new year ;) I've decided to (once again) reflect on the take-aways from this past year...

Ten outstanding eateries recommended: Le Colonial for French-Vietnamese, Maya for modern Mexican, Barboncino for Brooklyn pizza, Kaia Wine Bar for South African, Chiboust for Mediterranean, Lava at the Blue Lagoon for sophisticated Icelandic, L'Auberge Rouge for traditional French, Le Negus for Ethiopian, Semilla for neo-French market-driven bistro fare, Le Camion Qui Fume for American burgers & fries. Bon appétit!

Nine reminders (of many) of how blessed I am to have true friendships. When I spent another Valentine's Day single, I reveled it in with four Valentines. When I sought nostalgia, college friends welcomed me back with open arms. When I was anxious about leaving New York, Catherine and Nihara met me for seafood (and shots). When I needed to get out of the house, Debra and others invited me for concrete and greenery. When my 4th of July plans fell through, Leslie and Amanda provided last-minute memories. When I had doubts about making new friends, these ladies reminded me about serendipitous community. When I was frustrated about a boy, Elaine made the evening more bubbly. When I was terrified to say goodbye, my favorite Oklahoman surprised me with a spontaneous visit and Stephanie and more reminded me I'll always have a home to come back to. Now, there are even more amies to keep me company whenever I feel home sick.

Eight healthy decisions made. While it may seem as though the focus on personal health has been put on the back-burner (in favor of more wine and beer), I've actually grown into a more balanced life than I've ever lived before. By gaining perspective on my worries, I've been able to sleep more soundly. By celebrating other's accomplishments, I found enough trust in myself to take a chance on bigger intellectual pursuits. By recognizing the healing powers of the great outdoors, I've turned to walks in the park no matter where I am as a physical and emotional therapy of sorts. Through mindful recognition of prejudice and discrimination, I've prioritized simply being kinder. By eliminating vacation guilt, I traveled abroad by myself for the first time, and appreciated it in every way possible. By listening to my body, I incorporated more meat into my diet. By visiting a Buddhist monestary, I found spiritual peace at especially emotional time. And in incorporating American habits into my French lifestyle, I found a healthful, pleasurable equilibrium (while losing weight).

Seven noteworthy brunches enjoyed in New York. One of the many things I love about Catherine (a sorority sister, friend from college, and former New York City roommate) is her ability to host a perfect brunch. She couldn't possibly do so every weekend though :) so I had the pleasure of finding my favorite neighborhood brunch spots, in addition to exploring more located in the East Village, on the Lower East Side, and at South Street Seaport. I was even able to discover a great place for Friday brunch that's vegan, too.

Six flights climbed to my new home. As expected, carving out a new life in Paris was challenging. Though less gritty than New York, she's one intimidating place. All at once I was living alone for the first time with a full graduate course load, practically no kitchen, and a very limited budget. Yet once I settled in, I found myself geeking out with homework and spending my free time wandering through the city and enjoying the nightlife. Then a few hiccups of homesickness hit with tragedy at home. Thankfully, in the midst of it all, I regained my footing. Great weeks and even better weekends passed quickly. I miss it even while home for the holidays. From now on I can say with certainty: Paris is always a good idea. Two weeks until I'm back!

Five weekend getaways made in the company of friends: Katie, Anna and I roadtripped to the Berkshires; Anna hosted Leslie, Shayne, Sofia and I at her family's home in Long Pond; Stephanie and I visited friends in Boston; Rachael, Lorelei, myself, and more networked in London; and Lara and I escaped to a festive Prague.

Four trips taken with family. About a month following my family's New Year in Mexico (and my mom's 50th birthday), my great-grandmother passed. It was sad, as expected, but it was also heartwarming to see family members come together from near and far. My cousin and I became even closer. My grandmother introduced me to Colombia. Once reunited with the French exchange student I'd hosted who I consider a sister, we spent my fall break in Brittany. And although my immediate family faced a challenging few months, we managed to vacation in in Virginia last summer and had our most harmonious Christmas holiday this year.

Three reasons to really "get fancy". Although the Romeo & Juliet Masquerade Ball was intended for young patrons of the New York City Ballet, my college roommate turned grant writer generously invited myself and Elaine. An East River boat cruise was the best way to kick off summer. Even though I don't exactly love throwing nor hosting parties, my Bon Voyage was and always will be an unforgettable night. Oh là là.

Two visitors hosted in Paris. My mom, sister, and I celebrated a Parisian Thanksgiving, took a magical tour of the city in rain, enjoyed real Italian pasta (much to Deanna's delight), had an elegant brunch and not-so-elegant laundry day, spent a cultural 24-hours with Marie, dined in courses while savoring views, and got one last glimpse of Paris from Montmartre. It was so wonderful to introduce them to my new home.

One heartbreak recovered from with grace. It certainly took long enough! With a leap of faith I mustered together all my strength to finally break those lines of communication. I went on a few first dates, had a couple flirty encounters, and then took a break all together because I knew I needed to. I fell for someone else a few months later. I guess I needed to know that I could in order for the real thing to be possible again.

Looking back on the culmination of a year is a satisfying exercise. So many things can happen to us in 12 months, and often do; and yet I feel as though my most tremendous moments have been those in which I've taken an active role in making happen. I've worked hard to be living in Paris, studying for a masters degree, improving my French, and embracing another cultural experience. The new friends and romance are just a few of countless benefits to having made today that someday. Amazing, isn't it? And yet, as a result, l admit I'm intimidated by the year to come. How will I manage to grow even more--personally and professionally--while eating well, traveling often, and spending quality time with the people who matter most... again? Honestly, I don't know. What I do know is that 2013 is going to bring more of the unknown than ever before. So! Tomorrow I will celebrate an excellent year, hope for the best in the year to come, and most importantly, embrace the possibilities, each and every one of 'em. Wishing you the happiest and healthiest odd New Year.

how are you?

Safe, warm, and comfortable, I hope. On Tuesday morning, following Hurricane Sandy's damage to the New York metropolitan area, I sent 20+ emails with that very question to various friends and family. Each one responded, and thankfully, each one was and continues to be alright. Others have not been so fortunate. Amongst the flurry of corporate emails extending thoughts of recovery and thanking me for my patience during this time, a friend sent a personal call to action. Here is an excerpt:

The people of this community have no power, water, or gas, and because gas stations are dry, cars are destroyed, and the subway is gone, they have no way of getting anywhere that does. Food and basic supplies are running low. Looting at night is becoming a serious problem. There is no cell reception, and Con Ed says the power won't be back out there until November 10th at the earliest. Rockaway truly looks like a war zone right now...

{via pinterest}

If I were closer to home, I would make it a priority to help those in need--whether it be through contributing to Red Cross funds, volunteering at a Sandy shelter, donating to outer borough communities, or helping in any other way I could. I'm not though. By the chance that you're more able than I, I ask that you please do any of the above.

{via pinterest}

New York City is not the only area that has been affected by Hurricane Sandy, it just happens to be the place I know best and love most. I also simply miss it so; as my tweets of nostalgia have alluded to. I didn't expect that last part. Paris has been good to me and the fall break I just returned from allowed for more opportunity to explore the French countryside... and yet, at this point in time, I can't imagine not eventually returning to "the [exciting, diverse, and amazingly resilient] city." New York, je t'aime.

happy birthday, america!

As much as I'm thrilled for the next international adventure, I already know I'll miss New York and the entirety of the U.S.A., like, a whole lot. I kind of love this perfectly imperfect country, and I am so, so happy and grateful to call it home. 

And what better day to appreciate all the reasons why...

• Real breakfast foods: pancakes, breakfast burritos, NY bagels, etc.
• The college experience.
• The right to have an opinion, and to express it.
• Four beautiful seasons (in the Northeast at least).
• Thanksgiving.
• Non-smoking restaurants, bars, pools.
• Broadway. Off-broadway, too.
• Real fudge brownies.
• The ability to vote.
• Crisp local apples. And apple pie.
• Work ethic.
• The childhood belief that you can be anyone you want to be.
• Winter sleigh rides and autumn hayrides.
• American literature, and poetry, and art.
• Disneyland.
• Watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
• Oreos, now more than ever.
• Free and unlimited water at bars and restaurants.
• Independent films.
• 24-hours anything (and usually everything).
• Innovators: Nora Ephron, Julias Schmid, Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King, Jr., Margaret Sanger, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, etc.
• Family barbecues.
• Hugs.
• Road Trip USA.
• Clean streets and sidewalks.
• Authentic Mexican food, if you know where to look. 
• Music of all kinds.
• T-shirts, blue jeans, flip-flops.
• City parks with WiFi.
• Real pizza--outside of Italy, that is.
• Quality mattresses and water pressure.
• Fireworks on the Fourth of July.
• Immigrants, especially the ones who have produced the countless number of multicultural friends and family members I adore.

Wishing you a fun and festive holiday!

my belated 24th

I spent the morning of May 29, 2012 in Brazil at a chocolatier amongst other shops. I spent the evening of that same day in Bogotá, treating myself to a light dinner of hot chocolate, cheese, and bread. And four days later, I celebrated my birthday belatedly in Washingtonville, NY at Brotherhood Winery.

I'd invited my closest friends to join me at the Wine and Beer Festival, and was so glad that Stephanie, Anna, Leslie, Hannah, and Elaine could make it.

It was a bit of a commute (especially from the city) but I'd like to think it was worth it. America's Oldest Winery served at least a dozen unlimited tastings in addition to those generous pours by Yuengling, The Newburgh Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, Long Trail, Hooker, Warsteiner, Unibroue, and Sapporo.

Plus, as if that weren't enough for a ticket of only $39, Loughran's Irish Pub served some of the best barbecue ever: marinated grilled chicken, dill potato salad, caesar salad, baked beans, cornbread, pulled pork, corn on the cob. It was the perfect kind of food to last me through an afternoon of drinking sampling.

What. a. day. I hope they enjoyed themselves as much as I did, because I truly had the happiest of 24th birthdays I could have ever dreamt of.

a gem in rhinebeck

Hi darlings, hope you're enjoying your weekend so far! I hear there are good times (and some sun) to be had. Please welcome Aubrey as today's Plate from Around the World guest. She's an awesome blogger, culinary student, and all around great gal whom I was lucky enough to meet last year in San Francisco and dine with a few weeks later here in New York. Take it away, my dear...

Well hello, my name is Aubrey from i talk to food. 

I am currently finishing my last year of my bachelors degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. I adore cooking(obviously), getting my sweat on and writing all about it on my blog. 

One thing I love writing about are places that I've been lucky enough to eat. 

Hyde Park is a pretty small town 90 minutes north of New York City. It's sort of secluded other than my gorgeous school. 

There's a town close by called Rhinebeck. It is such a quaint little town that is typically quiet. Well, until the rich NYC folk come up for the weekend. 

Then there's one restaurant in Rhineck that is an adorable little gem. 

Arielle

I have built many memories at this tiny restaurant. When I discovered Arielle, I was visiting the CIA with my mom for the first time. We were driving around and spotted this tiny nook and was immediately intrigued as we walked by. 

Bibel Gilberto was playing softly, the napkins were side towels, there's only 12ish tables and the menu is French/Mediterranean. 

Upon sitting down, you're quickly given a basket of warm bread with olive oil and herbs to dip. 

We ordered sandwiches. My mom got a Curried Chicken and Grape Salad on a long baguette. I got Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese on a long baguette. We shared two cappuccinos and enjoyed our lunch for 2 hours. 

When I came back to attend school, I told everyone about Arielle. It slowly became the one restaurant we would frequent as a treat. 

They have the BEST calamari. It's served in a small colander with spicy red tomato sauce. Super crunchy and seasoned perfectly. 

We order it every. single. time. 

Another favorite we order frequently is their Crispy Artichokes with Aioli

The wine they serve is lovely. In the summer we sit outside, order wine, share calamari and order their cold gazpacho. 

Brunch is just as lovely. Omelet with roasted vegetables, reduced balsamic vinegar...heaven. 

For dessert I am obsessed with their Lemon Bar. Classic lemon curd, buttery crust and perfectly sour and sweet. 

I love having a place close by that I can count on for great wine, crispy calamari, calming music and decent prices.

Thanks for popping in to read my guest post! I adore Danielle and all of her adventures. I'm lucky to know her!

What's your favorite neighborhood gem?