The King Arthur Cloisters

Some time has passed since I last wrote. But it was only a blink in my life, so that's alright. 

In October I visited the Cloisters in nyc. Upon arrival I was reminded that there are still places that I have not seen in the city...

Upon this walk I found a room with a small fountain. I stood over it and dropped a coin. .. I don't remember what I wished for.

As I was leaving an Asian couple, dressed in bride and groom attire, and a photographer were stopped from taking photos. There were some words about needing permission.

On route to the Cloisters

"Echo" at Madison Square Park

Although "Starbucks" is still keeping everyone awake and the Statue of Liberty never tires from holding onto her torch, change is ny's favorite pair of socks. 

Indeed shops open, shops close. Indeed, park benches and resting areas/relaxation areas are blinked into being without any post-it notes that say, "whaddya think?"   The downtown building murals keep changing... And even the homeless eventually move on.

With that said, there are two changes I would like to highlight. The current sculpture that's featured at Madison Square Park (Until August 14.) that seems like an illusion, and the "Corner Shop Cafe".

When I first saw "Echo," the sculpture by Spanish artist, Juame Plensa, I thought it was a representation of the varying cultures that can be found in New York. Then, while still there at the park I read the sculpture information which stated that "Echo" was created in the likeness of Plensa's nine year old neighbor from Spain.... I prefer that explanation rather than my own theory.  

After reading what the New York Times said about "Echo," I jotted down two lines: She is "the nyph of Greek myth, condemned by Zeus to repeat the words of others." And, "Many times we talk and talk, but we are not sure if we are talking with our own words or repeating just messages that are in the air." (Both quotes are from Plensa.) The second quote continues, but let's leave it at that for now.

The "Corner Shop Cafe" was a place that had mis-matching tables, a chandelier that was made from some poor animal's antlers, red curtains that had some sort of pattern on them, and framed pictures on the walls that didn't seem mass produced.

Although the menu is the same the "Corner Shop Cafe" is now sporting uniformed tables. Is it because "many times we talk and talk, but we are not sure if we are talking with our own words or repeating just messages that are in the air." ? There was always a wait to eat at csc, especially on Sundays for brunch. So why have we changed it?

~~~~

Nah, don't boycott. I can't stay sad for long and neither should you. The Creme Brulee French Toast is a must if you have a thing for sugar. And if you go, I have one request... Leave an unsigned note that says, "Sometimes I miss what passed."

Zigmat

Zigmat is a Spanish flavored electronic rock band that rose up out of Brooklyn. 


Their latest song is: Beautiful Takes The World. Is a song about shallow waters or about being caught up with materialistic needs. Which I'm sure that no-one can relate to. 


Although the parents of Zigmat’s lead singer and instrumentalist, Monica Lionheart wanted what everyone's parents want for their children, reasonable trousers that are usually accompanied by financial security, Monica decided to say no to beige and yes to the voice from within.

After graduating from Boston’s Berklee School of Music, Monica moved to Brooklyn where she met fellow alumni, (Whom she hadn’t met until that night.) Stephen Yonkin, a bassist who was also trying to put together a band during that period. 

For that next year Monica and Stephen combined ideas, wrote music, and made plans/goals. The result of that year proved that hard work rewards since Zigmat released their first album, Sounds of Machine in 2008, as well as being singled out by a Brazilian music producer after playing a set at an East Village bar, Nublu. “It was like from a movie,” said Monica Lionheart about that evening.

That set in the East Village lead to a school of opportunities like a contract with Brazilian record label Ultra Records, another contract with Spanish record label Actua, and a Grendene shoe commercial starring Gisele Bundchen. Along with those checks on the – I did it – list are a slew of television and radio appearances and song pickups. 

Since Zigmat became a band they went through a few members, but the two pillars that hold them together, Stephen, who produces and plays bass, and Monica who is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer have remained. When other hands and minds are needed individual musicians are invited on. 

When Monica Lionheart was asked if and how Zigmat has evolved since 2006 her response was, “We’re older now, we’re a little more sophisticated with the technical stuff and we’re aware of what matters more.” Monica also contributed her personal experience since 2006, “When we started I was the in your face girl, the girl who can’t be stopped. I still have a little debris from that chip on my shoulder, but these days I feel smoother and relaxed.”

Indeed Zigmat is currently re-visiting Brooklyn. Those who missed them at the Celebrate Brooklyn show on July 8^th can hear them at Nublu on Oct 4th or Oct. 18th. For further concert dates and locations visit their website.

Also, Monica has started a solo project, for more information on that go say hey to MonicaLionheart.

China Town, ny

I've been food shopping in China Town. 

I do it for the experience, and I guess the food as well. Hm, how to explain this. When I go to Whole Foods it's like stepping into a JCrew, everything is where it should be, it's nice. When I walk around China Town it's like spending a time at Urban Outfitters, except the quality of the products are better. (I know Urban, you've got your reasons. I'm just sayin'.)

The last trip to China Town wasn't the norm, since I've been steering away from things that start to seem like "the norm" these days. So I nosed around instead of marching straight to Sun Vin Grocery, a place that has many brands of yummy rice noodles, frozen dumplings, and spicy chili garlic sauce. 

Upon the nosing around I found this "Chinese Cake" cart on Mulberry and Canal. Holy peanut butter & jelly. There's a man selling these pancake/waffle like cakes (It isn't cake.) that taste like Madeline cookies, (Or Madeleine, there seem to be two spellings for it.) but lighter for a dollar. That is correct one dollar. 

A few paces away from that was a bald coconut table. I haven't had coconut water from the coconut since 2005. My eyes widened when I watched the teenage looking boy slice open the coconut with a large knife. He seemed so happy when he handed it to me. Or maybe that was me projecting my own feelings? 

The moral of this one? China Town: It's raw and authentic. The people there work hard, and there's something about sweat that I respect.

When there do purchase fruits and vegetables on the street. Do bring cash with you if you don't plan on spending a lot, o and the seafood markets are, "cash only." (I received this information in a severe manner.)

Harlem, ny

I'm going to write this like EU.

Today I woke up and decided to go to the Botanical Gardens cause I've never been. (It's not today anymore, I started writing this days ago.) I took the 4 all the ways to the Bedford Park stop. When I got off I went towards the diner across the way to ask which way was the Botanical. (I know I can figure this stuff out with my phone. The thing is, I like to talk to people.) (A pink rose from the Rockefeller Rose Garden from the day I returned.) 

In the diner the waitress I spoke with had no idea what I was asking her, but the guy seated at the counter who was thoughtfully eavesdropping did. He told me, "It's all the way down Bedford, you're gonna go up a hill, then down a hill... Then you'll see trees, and it's there." Some where in between this a Russian guy materialized at the counter with two Poland Spring bottles.

The Russian: "How much?"

Cashier: "$2.50"

The Russian: "If I wanna pay $2.50 I go to Manhattan. I give you $2.00."

The cashier nodded, the Russian handed over $2.00. .... And that is how things happen in the Wild West, I mean in the Bronx.

After the goodbyes I walked the  nine-ish blocks to the Botanical. (Each block equaled two.) But I got there. And when I did I walked the path all the ways to security to find out that the Botanical Gardens are closed on Mondays. (Wow, Jane you're awesome at planning things.)

Yup, I slowly walked back thinking, I guess I wasn't supposed to go to the Botanical gardens today. Then I went on to the next thing. Cupcakes. Someone told me about a place I should check out in Harlem. So off to Harlem it was.

Harlem is just like what people say about it, but better. On the way to cupcakes I passed a lone brick on the side walk, a piece of fried chicken also on the sidewalk, and a black cat lounging against a building. I stopped to say hello to the cat, as I bent down he/she stretched out it's nails as if to say, wanna dance? At that I backed away as I said, "okay Kitty, bye now."

Now onto the "better." While I walked I also had a chance to see some stupendous wall art or graffiti, a small fire hydrant themed block party, which caused me to remember the Brooklyn block parties I participated in back in my day. (I've experienced block parties in the suburbs. Yeah, it isn't the same. It's rather dull. Sigh, how I long for the days when I used to throw tomatoes at passing cars.) And yes I did over hear two separate conversations on the street that were about this person being arrested, then that person being shot. Yet, when that's the norm, it's like discussing anything really. In a whole thought or circle I found the  people friendly, I felt well received.

At the cupcake shop, I sat down to a red velvet cupcake dressed in butter cream icing. It was terrible. The cake was dry, the icing was over-powering, but thank goodness for the over-powering icing otherwise I wouldn't have been able to eat it. (Why did I eat it?)

No, I'm not telling where I had it, cause that isn't what I like to do. Why am I reporting this? Wells, when I do sing about something, there are good reasons for it. And you should know that I'm taking the assignment of finding good eats as a serious matter..... I can't tell you how cranky I become when any amount of money is spent on bad food. But, when the good food is found life is ice cream. So when I write about eats, I mean it with my whole heart.

The Alexis P. Suter Band

Last Thursday evening I was in my living room attempting to write the previous post while doing my best at avoiding the bluesy/gospel sounding music below. (I live across the way from Wagner Park, where there are free concerts every Thursday night.) 

My technique of ignoring the music went a little like this: Jane hops on her bed to stare down at the ant like people below, she wonders how much fun they're having, she paces around on her bed, she then returns to her computer in the living room, and repeat. Yips I did that until I realized, O yeah this isn't going to work if I force it. (Note to self: Nothing ever works when you force it.) So I went downstairs with Baby, (My dog.) in bag since Wagner Park doesn't allow dogs. 

When I got to Wagner there were more people there than what the view from my window reported. I took a spot ten or so feet behind the sound table right near a pair of deserted shoes and a thrown over walker. There was some serious positive energy going on there... When the band went on to their next song, I started to move to the music. How can you not move to lyrics like: "Don't have to move your head....Don't have to move your lips, just move your hips..Do the hip shake baby." And before this was sang, Alexis P. Suter, of the Alexis P. Suter Band said into the mic, "Shake your hips cuz I'm tired, and I don't feel like breaking the stage." Ah, how glorious is that? 

When the concert was over I headed towards the stage without a plan. I knew I had to find something out. But I wasn't sure how to go about it.

While I was taking a photo of a poster that was attached to the stage, I was approached by this guy who introduced himself, and who asked if I followed the band. I told him no, that I lived close by and I couldn't fight the sound that traveled up. He then communicated that he used to play with the band. Then he asked if I would like to meet them. (! What?) 

What I learned when I met Ray Grappone (The drummer/percussionist.)  was that he was Brooklyn born and raised, that the band writes their own songs, and that, "I used to tour with  Chorus Line." When I looked Ray up I learned that he performed in over 20 off and on Broadway productions, that Ray played at places like the Lincoln Center, the New York State Opera, and Madison Square Garden. He's done more, but the reason I'm highlighting accomplishments is cuz he barely spoke about himself. There's something to that. 

When I shook hands with Alexis I noticed that she wasn't wearing any shoes. She was in her socks. She wore a button up dress shirt, and her voice.. Her voice sounded like what producers do when tweaking other person's voices when at the studio. This woman could sing opera if she chose to. But let's leave her voice in the waiting room for a sec and focus on her presence. She didn't seem like a woman. She seemed like a passion. .. I've never seen anyone so entirely drenched with what they're doing. She isn't doing, she is the music. And it isn't for the money, it's more of a -- this is how I feel alive -- thing... I met a man from Whales on my rooftop a week ago...He said, "If you do what makes you happy money will come." I hope that's true world. And moving along..(Alexis can sort of be seen here.)

When I spoke to Alexis I asked the dumbest question evah, "How did your voice get like that?" Alexis explained that she's a bass/baritone. Then she mentioned something about smoking a lot of Marlboro Reds. .. I followed that question with: "When did you start singing, have you always pursued it?" The response: Alexis started singing at three, her mother was a singer, who sang with Mahalia Jackson and Harry Belafonte. Alexis then expressed that she started out singing in choirs, and that she never stopped. 

Afterwards, I acknowledged the New York City moment, then I went up stairs and looked up the Alexis P. Suter Band. A Myspace Page came up and I listened to, "In The City." Yeah, sometimes I feel that way. But not on that day. 

The Alexis P. Suter Band will be back playing with B.B. King this month. I suggest you check her out cuz there aren't many people like her around. 

I'm still sending you good vibes!

Broadway At Bryant

Thursday afternoon i got myself to Bryant Park for Broadway at Bryant.

 I got there on time which was late for Broadway since there were already bodies in the closest seats. (I was glad I made it more than anything period)

The first three songs were from The Lion King. Although I've seen the LK in theater, those songs gave me the chills. Which left me a bit astonished that I was able to detach myself from the heat and the crowd enough to experience that moment. I guess that means I'm back on track and that, that show is bloody good.

Then the The Addams Family went on. The song that struck me as solid was, 'Just Around The Corner.' What of it?  It's a song about how evident death is, and it was sung and danced to as if this were a wonderful message...The Addams Family humor, is so not like Aladdin. (Robin Williams did a great job at making me laugh with that. I like that type of laughter too.)

I couldn't really hear what was going on with Next To Normal (The third performance of the four.) due to the two ladies behind me who were catching up on old times. That was precious. (Wednesday Addams humor.)

Thankfully the chattery women left before I lost my zen, and before Wicked went on..... Um, I think I have to go see Wicked now? I got emotional when I heard, 'For Good,' the song that the Wicked Witch of the West sang with Glinda the Good Witch. When I saw those two get along I felt hopeful. That's what Broadway is supposed to do, right? It makes you feel.

Point being? (Although I already wrote about Bryant a lot.) I was able to have a taste of three and a half Broadway shows by simply showing up at the park for an hour. There are two weeks left of Broadway at Bryant.... And yis, I get that it's at a weird time (12:30 - 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays.) for workers who wear blue or beige, but there's always lunch and long coffee breaks.

High Line Park

The High Line Park

 Whether the theme for a park calls for relaxation or activity the end result that persons aim for when constructing a park is happiness and balance. This is why I'm drawn to parks. And yips, I agree with the H&M T-shirt I bought a few weeks ago that says, "The best things in life are free." (Is it ironic that I bought it?) I'm almost sure that nature is a major source of happiness.

Near the 17th Street entrance there is a sitting area or an observatory nest that permits the public to   people watch & to experience the motions of NYC.

The flowers that are planted among railroad tracks are incredible when compared to the past. The trains that previously moved along those tracks were used to transport produce, milk, and meat across the Avenues directly into factories. Yet, something tells me the primary transported goods were meat, hence the meat packing district.


Underneath the bridge there is a window exhibit which we can thank artist, Spencer Finch for. The windows vary in color because Finch documented how the sun changed the hues of the Hudson River for 700 minutes, each minute has its own color. This reminds me how nothing is one color. It also reminds me that we are forever changing.

Also underneath the bridge, one can hear bells that are associated to New York. (Church bells diner bells, & bike bells.) A different bell sounds at every minute that passes due to Stephen Vitiello.

Another interesting factor about the High Line are the movable wooden benches that are connected to the tracks.

(View High Line's Event Page for future happenings.)  

Vesey & North End

When walking along the water at Battery Park, I found this pond with lily pads, ducks, fish, and a small water fall. Or maybe it's a fountain?

At the left rim (when facing the water.) of this pond there was a plaque that read, "The Continuous Life By Mark Strand." What followed the title was a poem by Strand. I was going to re-type it here, but I would rather you read it there while listening to the sounds of that spot. The sounds of the water fall, the cars honking, and the West Side Highway.

But I will say something about the poem.... You know when you just get it? And the reason why you get it is cuz you think it or thought it, but you haven't pieced it together in a sentence yet. And while those thoughts are sitting around munching on coffee cake, you're met by words you can run your fingers over, words that aren't yours, words that have originated from another who thinks the same things. Then, when you read those words, all that can be said is: I know.

That is what felt in words at then.

After then, I scooped up my dog and head to the stone structure just beyond the pond. When I got close enough I asked a man with a broom, What is this place? His response: the Irish Hunger Memorial. I said thanks then proceeded.

Along the entrance-way walls there are various quotes that survived the famine, as well as other quotes that are connected to hunger. The two that stuck with me are:

"I was then but four and a half years old; I have a distinct remembrance of that morning's scene: The remnant of our household furniture flung about the road: The roof of the house falling in and the thatch taking fire; My Mother and Father looking on with four young children." (Michael Davitt 1850)

And: "We all live in each other's shadow." (Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland)

After reading the walls I sat on the ground nearest the stone pathway to listen to the audio recording that was repetitively playing... While hearing sections from memoirs of Holocaust victims, I looked down at my panting dog. I was glad he couldn't understand.

When I was sure I heard each story I hiked up the hill. Dear New York, or Dear Battery Park City: Could you take care of the green area in a more caring manner? It looks haunted by what it could be, or was. I'm sure it was spectacular when the memorial was introduced to the neighborhood in 2002.

Yet, regardless of the memorial's up-keep there are details that surpass the physical state of things. The green, the grass and the flowers were transported from various llocals from Ireland. The landscape walls are built with stones from each Irish county in Ireland. And that the cottage which was brought over from Ireland was donated by the Slack family who emigrated to the US generations ago. (Those flowers seem to be a type of vine. When I touched, it felt spongy. I wouldn't mind sleeping on them.) 

The Irish Hunger Memorial (Which was designed by artist, Brian Tolle and landscape architect, Gail Wittwer-Laird.) is at Vesey St. and North End Ave. in Battery Park City.....Maybe you could go there and think about something that matters. I'm not only saying this to you, I say it to myself all the time.

Catriona Herd: 'Nature: Catching the Colour'

Catriona Herd

‘Nature: Catching the Colour’ Exhibition

During my Pace days I took two journalism classes: Features and News. (I did well with Features. And perhaps my writing was too whimsical for News.) Anyhow, the professor who taught those classes is Mark McSherry. Yeah, I guess he’s a “big hat” in journalism, and when you put that accomplishment out there on it’s own, it’s impressive. Then, when ya factor in that McSherry’s wife, Catriona Herd, the internationally known painter, I can’t help but think, what an awesome pair. 

 So, when I got word that Catriona was having an exhibition at the Broom Street Gallery, there was no decision, there was just, I have to go to that.  (I love when different aspects of life connect or overlap.)

At the exhibition I learned that Catriona studied at Scotland’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. At Duncan Catriona learned how to exact color, meaning, when Catriona looks at a sunset, she doesn’t see orange, she sees the 23 variations of orange. Hence the title of the exhibition. Also another reason why color is so important is because, "Scottish painters tend to use color since it's grey a lot of the time. You don't get color there.” (McSherry) (And that was a -- that is so logical I didn't think it -- moment.)

What Catriona primarily tends to paint are figures (portraits) and landscapes. But, due to this spring’s blossoms in Brooklyn, Catriona was inspired to create a series of flowers in bloom paintings. And as for the technique, all paintings are based off of plein air sketches. (Plein air sketching: When Catriona puts a painting of a lake frozen over on display that means she sat outside in the cold until she was pleased with a sketch. Honestly I think each painting should be sold with a few pages of what was experienced for the work.)

Now wanna hear the romantic part about all this? Catriona (And family) travel for sketches. According to McSherry, “If she runs out of sketches she gets really grumpy, so we have to make a trip. Fortunately her Scottish friends tend to live in Portugal, or France, and we go to visit, and when she's there she does a lot of sketches.”    So when you see a painting of an old house in Portugal, it’s cuz Catriona found an old house in Portugal that said something to her. I can’t really explain how happy that makes me without getting whimsical about it. It’s like living a dream..But is it still a dream when you’re living it?

Yeah, I’m really glad that I went and saw. Unfortunately you won’t be able to see it as I did, but if you wanna take a look, or go shopping I'm inviting you to visit Catriona's Website.

Pier 66 Maritime

The Frying Pan . I was supposed to participate in a first date there last September, but it rained that day.

Yeah, I've been meaning to head over there since then. It can be an easy place to forget due to that "out of sight, out of mind," expression. But I did it. I went! I went last Friday to wish a friend merry birthday. (You may have previously read about this person on here.)

When I got to pier 66a at West 26th, I took in the sculptures at the entrance, the old railroad car, the three boats tied alongside the barge, the main floor, the up-top terrace, and thought, "Yup, I need a nap." I kid you not, I turned back and took a nap on the grass under the shade of a tree out front. The things I saw, it would have all gone to waste if I had gone in on empty. (Day one of no coffee. I am now drinking half a cup, I don't think my body was happy about the cold turkey situation.)

Since my phone had died that day, (Jane can't take picture without phone.) I had no choice but to stop and enjoy the company around me. Damn. I had to watch the sunlight reflect off the water. Damn....The end result? A great day...But I knew I had to return if I wanted ta tell you about it.

At the second visit I learned that the boat closest to the entrance is the Frying Pan, the boat further past that is the John J. Harvey boat, and that the barge is a barge. (The John J. Harvey is a fireboat that assisted firemen for 80 hours during 9/11.) (And the Frying Pan has a it sunk twice history.) What? I have do bore you a little. I also learned that the schooner (sail boat) that was also tied to the barge belonged to Reid Stowe, the man who sailed a thousand plus days to sea, and that a party was thrown for him at the Frying Pan the previous evening. I really didn't know what to do with that information when I heard it, so I left it on the stove with a low flame to continue the exploring.

There's a VIP section at the edge of the barge...I just walked back there like I knew what I was doing and snapped snapped snapped pictures of the view and of the art work by Argentine artist, Raul Farco. The Pan is currently featuring Raul. (With a x number of exceptions,  local Nyc artists are featured at the Pan.)...My favorite was the mutant/fairy /angel or what ever it's intended to be. Can you see the bump at the lower back? It's missing a wing, or spike, which is why I like it....That spot, the edge of the barge, that may be a good place to think about something clearly.

Did I go on the Frying Pan? Yips. I got some awesome shots of barge setup, and I went up into the helm area, where much hasn't changed since the 1950s, as it shouldn't in this case. After mental noting those observations I head down to the Captain's quarters, where an old cot and radio filled up the room. If you go down there try to take notice of the old, cuz it's like taking a trip in a time machine.

The food. I've had the salmon and jerk chicken salads, and their burger. (Wells, I took a bite of a friend's burger to form an opinion.) Of the three, my fav was the burger.

Now, we go back to Reid Stowe and what happened there. I knew I had to speak with him. Yet, I didn't have anything prepared, I also didn't have that thing called a plan. Actually, the plan was get close enough to talk to the persons on schooner, so I climbed onto John J. and did that. Once close enough I asked, "Which man here sailed 1000 days at sea?" The man I directed the question to said, "That's me." (That was an o gosh moment.) I asked if he was busy. He said yes. I asked for one question. He said yes. I asked...."Why?" What he gave me was that voyaging/adventuring was how he grew up. After this I stayed true to one question, expressed my thanks and turned to leave.

When leaving I thought, what are you doing, wrong decision. So I paused to ask this man who was also on the John J. if he knew how long Reid would be docked there. After I heard the following day, he introduced himself as Wave, Reid's brother. When I gave him my name, he then told me how Reid had just finished saying that he wanted to move to New York so that he could network, and meet a Jane, that Reid pulled my name out of the air. Then I met him, and said, "Hello my name is Jane."

That's a sign right?... We'll see. 

The Frying Pan: Head over there between noon and four for a burger and seasoned fries. It's more like the color of sky blue then. (Calming) You can enjoy what I just wrote then. Ands if you're not up for the quiet, yes the Pan is a happening place from sunset on.

p.s. I didn't post any pictures of the whole setup cuz it'll be so much better when you see it for yourself.

Bryant Park Completed

I bet you thought I was done talking about Bryant Park....Nope, not done yet. 

 Last Thursday I went over to the chess area to see what was going on. I didn't find any of the regular chess guys, but I did find a fellow player, Peter, who showed up for the same reason I did.

 Peter was a History Professor at Pace University. Unfortunately, I didn't say anything like, "O my gosh I graduated from there!" I think I said something like, "e-huh." This was not a funny matter, I was attempting to concentrate.... In fin, I lost. Concentrating? What was I thinking! That never works for me. After the game we shook hands, I paid the fifty cents for the use of the board and left in a fury. (He didn't know I was furious. But I felt like one of those goalies that just let one slip by.) 

What else does Bryant Park have to offer? 

There are movie showings on Monday evenings at 5 p.m. I know, everyone has that info. But have you all gone, knowing and doing are two different animals. (Bonnie And Clyde. I'll see you there.)

On Tuesday mornings you can meet Terry who houses twenty-something tropical birds. She brings different ones in each week so that they all get a chance to socialize.

There are free knitting, yoga, and fencing classes. (Fencing is on my list.) Since the 21st of June sixty pianos were donated and placed in various parks of Nyc. Do you know how happy this makes me? There is a piano at 5th Ave. behind the Nyc library by the Bryant Park restaurant. And anyone can play it. Well you can't play during the scheduled performances, but it's yours when the keys are unoccupied. (A WitchCraft peanut butter cookie, this is a yes.)

And are you ready for this? There are poetry and book readings on Tuesday evenings. I know, holy chocolate bars.

For more details on times and days have a look at Bryant Park's Event Calender.

Yoga at Bryant Park

Thank You lululemon for bringing free yoga to Bryant park on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.

I learned of this free yoga as I watched people assemble on the lawn with their mats while eating an obligatory (WitchCraft) peanut butter cookie. (It isn't obligatory anymore, I was going through a good phase.) Once the cookie was no longer my main concern in life I felt, this is something to write about.

Yet, since this blog is my take on experiential journalism I signed a waiver form for the following class. I've got to eat the cake so I can tell you about it, right?

This past Tuesday morning I brought my yoga mat to Bryant Park, where I took a spot in the shade. Throughout the class we were asked to visit and revisit the basic moves of yoga. (The Downward Facing Dog, warriors I and II, etc.) Although there were a few wild cards thrown at us. (Head-stands, and some leg stretchy-thing. Yeah, I'm not there yet.)

The class t'was relaxing, once becoming accustomed with the twenty or so onlookers with cameras. But that's one way of looking at it. The other being, I became an attraction of New York within that hour. Cool, no?  In regard to the class, it was kept at a steady and natural motion. The instructor, Rima Rabbath, said lovely things like, "Life is good." And when I couldn't hear her words clearly due to my spot in the shade I turned my eyes to this graceful woman. There's no other way to explain her, she was like a bird, she was like a bird that knew what we were doing at all times. (The person in the headstand position is the graceful lady, Lindsey Boylan. I'll be interviewing her next week. O, the happiness.)

When class was over I walked my jello-self over to the instructor, Rima to say thanks and to exchange info. so I could find out a little more about her.

That night I sent her a few questions via e-mail and this is what I got back.

How did you start yoga? "A colleague at Colgate-Palmolive (Where I used to work for 8 years.) mentioned that I should check out Jivamukti Yoga. It took me six months to act on her suggestion. When I walked into my very first class, an evening class, there were over 60 students in that class, mat to mat. The way I like it now, but at that time it was quite overwhelming... Anyway, the teacher, the method, how hard I had to work without being self-conscious, got to me. Something resonated with me. I did not have to explain it to myself. I loved it. I kept going back, over and over again."

What has yoga done for you? "It made me realize how powerful our thoughts can be. How strong we can be from the inside. It made me discover that part of myself that is perfect and pure, not polluted, not constricted. That part that can be so expressive because expression is how we connect with each other and with ourselves." (Rima.)

While at Bryant, Rima told me she is leaving for India in two weeks...Are you going to India to study yoga? "I am going to Mysore, India. That's where my teachers have gone for the past twenty-five years. It's like following in their footsteps. They laid it all out for me so how can I not go and study...."

How could she not? I guess that's how things happen....by just doing them. So, go do them!

Unfortunately you won't be able to have Rima as an instructor since she's going to India, and no instructor teaches twice over at Bryant Park, but this means no class is alike. Isn't that the point of New York?
"Breath deeply & appreciate the moment. Living in the moment could be the meaning of life." -lululemon's card, grab one and read it before you go to bed. It's a good read.

p.s...On Tuesdays classes are by the Bryant Park Grill, and on Thursdays classes are held on the grass.

Maria Bonita

My Mother, "And what are you going to do with your hair? Me, "Omgosh, you're killing me." Yips, I've been busy lately with living and writing. I wasn't giving graduation much thought. Or was I trying not to think about it?

Any how, for the past four birthdays Maria Bonita has done my hair. (Party or no party, I think it's important to appreciate one's self.) At past arrivals at Maria Bonita I've said things like, "Okay this is what I wanna do...Can you do it?" And they have. They have brought a number of my visions to life...They have also talked me away from some very un-flattering ideas. The good stylists will do that. When we look sharp, so do they.  

When the hair question came up, I knew that I wanted Maria Bonita because I know I can count on them, and I guess I was being a little sentimental about it...So I called to find out what their opening hour was. 10 a.m. they said, and at that I concluded that it wouldn't work, since graduation was scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.   

A few days after that I went to Soho, Maria Bonita's neighborhood, to meet a friend. On the way to this friend I thought, go over there and explain. So, that's what I did. I told them of my time predicament. And if someone felt like coming in early, great. If not, I would be sad, but I had to try.

A few hours later I received a voicemail from Maria Bonita with a request for me to confirm an 8:30 a.m. appointment for Wednesday morning. After disconnecting I cried. (I've been happy crying a lot lately. If you see me crying on a park bench some where, I just want you to know that I'm happy.)

At 8:20 a.m. I was greeted by Nonato Santo, or Raymond Santo (Or just Ray.) at the salon. At this greeting I expressed my gratitude. Cuz who volunteers to come into work an hour and a half early? When I got into the chair Ray went to it, because a ton of time is something I didn't have. Although, I was oddly relaxed about the whole thing.

When we got to talking I learned that Ray has been cutting hair for twenty-seven years. (Bravo.) And that he is Brazilian, which I guess adds up since Maria Bonita is a Brazilian salon. If you're Brazilian, or if you're well acquainted with one, then you would know that taking care of the body is a very serious matter. I have a Brazilian mother, believe me, I know this to be true.

While we were talking a woman entered the shop to ask if she could get an early morning appointment for the following day. Ray amiably told her that she would have to call and ask since they opened at 10 a.m.... I don't think she was super content about that since she asked why I was there before 10. Ray responded, "Well, she's a special customer." Then she left. And I thought, huh, how cool, and haha. Common, she was impolite. (My hair from a previous birthday.)

When Ray finished blow drying my hair straight he asked how we were on time. I think I said something like, "we have plenty of time." Which really didn't make any sense at all, which he knew because he kept rushing.

At 9:24 a.m. Ray did the finishing touches of putting some type of glaze in my hair. The only thing left to do after that was to take a few shots of the salon, then it was time to depart. During the go process Ray told me to "run," as he handed me my coffee that I would have deserted there. For a person who was supposed to be in a rush, I was not rushing very much?

Was I pleased with the end result? I have never left Maria with a -- well, I guess it's okay -- feeling. Eleven out of eleven times, I've walked out of there feeling like I should be starring in an action film. (That means six stars.)

~

A side note about the dress. Yes, this is the Roni dress. Instead of the belt I ran to a fabric shop for ribbon.

~
Final thought on this story. Obrigado Nonato. Siento especial.