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Dear Baby Sister,
As you graduate from one of the most amazing places in the entire world, the level of pride and excitement I have for you is exploding from my every being. It is such an incredible moment in time that we are celebrating tomorrow. You are graduating from New York University with a bachelor of arts in communication and a minor in production. You kicked some major internship butt at a number of amazing places and flawlessly aced tests, papers and presentations with what could be interpreted with your eyes closed. I envy every test you barely studied for, your memory surpassed mine years ago. I envy the opportunities at your doorstep. I envy the summer you will stay in the city. I envy the deep breath you will take when walking in a student and leaving a graduate.
I remember projects completed on our dining room table. There would be papers, notes, markers, glue and pencils scattered about. I remember notes and books left at the computer after a writing session. I remember deadlines and television watching being a constant battle. I remember the piano singing beautiful music as it was a more desired friend than a textbook or paper.
I wish nothing but the absolute best for you as your graduate from college and start your career. My best advice is not necessarily how to get through your first job, but things that I have learned from the city and the country, who knew I would have some of both:
- keep an extra pair of tights in your bag
- laugh at yourself
- write letters and thank you notes
- call your sister
- drink lots of water
- fold a twenty and store it in your wallet
- tip well
- call your sister
- always say please and thank you
- remember who your biggest fan is
- don’t forget that Mommy and Daddy will always be there, no matter what you do or don’t do
- call your sister
- have an alternate mode of transportation
- never say never
- trust the people who love you
- call your sister
And here are a few other pieces of advice when / if needed:
Peter Shankman’s “An open letter to the two kinds on the M-11 bus this morning“
The Washington Post’s “Advice for the Class of 2011“
Some cool famous people, “Inspirational Advice for College Graduates“
The fact is that advice isn’t necessarily going to have all the answers. You will make things happen. You will make good decisions. You will continue to be the rockstar that I know you are. You will rule the world, as we all know you will. Congratulations on your graduation, my baby sister.
I love you, I love you, I love,
Thea
“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
~ Dr. Seuss in Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
~ Dr. Seuss in Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
1. I recently made this cake for a dear friend. It was 6 layers, one for every rainbow color, and was adorned with a rainbow lotus flower and rainbows with clouds.
In the next couple of weeks I have some confections on my plate and since the kitchen is the ONLY place where my month-long stress eye twitch goes away, I’m all for spending some time there. I am gearing up for an ice cream cake for my brother-from-another-mother, baby boy cupcakes for my absolute best friend’s little sister, a dear friend’s wedding shower cupcakes, a birthday cake for my mother, a graduation cake for my nearest and dearest massage therapist and nurse grads and something extravagant for my little sister’s graduation from NYU. OMG. WTF. When did my little sister become legal to drink, get a job and rule the world. I must have blinked.
2. I am desperately awaiting the arrival of ramps.
Last year’s ramp selection, at $11.99 a pound, I used them wisely. Bacon ramp pizza, buttermilk ramp biscuits and ramp alfredo.
Perhaps what is more exciting than waiting for them to hit my local store is the 2011 Ramp Fest. The anticipation is unmanageable. Anyone else want to join me on the 30th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. I will be the girl in all my ramp glory. Smiling and taking pictures and undoubtedly getting inspired by some amazing chefs in the Hudson Valley.
3. The sun.
I know it is hiding out there somewhere and it teases me just enough to let me know it’s coming. The grey needs to go away. And the sun needs to stay longer than a day. I have faith, it will stick around eventually.
4. Over the next couple of months our lives have been and continue to be filled with music… “everyone deserves music, sweet music.” ~ Michael Franti
We recently checked out Rachel Yamagata at the Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock, the Wood Brothers at Club Helsinki in Hudson, Bob Marley Tribute at the Bearsville Theatre and Badfish at The Chance in Poughkeepsie.
And on our plates is Mountain Jam at Hunter Mountain, Mendelson Men Choir at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, Shemekia Copeland at Club Helsinki, Festival for Humanity in Vernon, and the Dave Matthews Caravan in Atlantic City.
5. It’s hard to imagine BBQs and patio time when it is so grey out, but I am sure we will get there soon. Right?
Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~ Thomas Blackburn from “An Easter Hymn”
Théa and Noel have been kookin’.
As a stellar foodie duo, we create healthful Sunday Night Dinners, holiday celebrations and food on-the-fly for our friends in the Hudson Valley. City Mouse – Thea – brings presentation, creativity and tradition and Country Mouse – Noel – brings style, expertise and vitality to the table every time. It is important that we utilize our resources responsibly to sustain local merchants, farmers and artisinal crafters.
Théa – The City Mouse
Day job: Online brand manager for an international handbag company
For fun: cooking, entertaining, writing, travel
Favorite food: Pizza
Sign: Aquarius
Nicknames: Thay, Theloniuos, Thyza Louise, Thalya
Favorite dish to make: cake (cupcake, cheesecake, ice cream cake, chocolate beet cake, etc.)
Most prized kitchen tool: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
Why am I a foodie?
When my grandfather, known by all as Pipop, passed away two years ago we taught my Nana a valuable lesson in today’s lingo. We discussed, “We’re out,” “whatup,” and even “redic.” I think one of the only things that stuck that week was, “foodie.” Defined by many as one who enjoys, makes, creates, appreciates, loves and does food.
At some point that week, after many homemade dinners, and even more deli platters and desserts, I said, “Nana, we’re foodies.” All in agreement, my entire immediate family nodded as it made perfect sense to us. I couldn’t tell you when that actually happened though. It could be the hundreds of family dinners, the dozens of holidays, countless BBQs, endless Sunday brunches or the meal that happens when there are a group of people at my parents house and there is a sudden combustion of plates, garlic and hungry mouths.
Being a child of a foodie is a big responsibility. You have to entertain like your parents do. You have to cook with your heart and not just your head. You have to do it just like them, but still in your own style. You have to know how much pasta is for 2, 4, or even 12 people. And perhaps, most importantly, you always have to be able to get back to where it all started. That table where the foodies once ate altogether.
Now that I live two hours away from my parents, I make sure to give notice and let the head-foodie-in-charge know when I will be back, for how long and if I will be there for dinner. That answer is always “yes” and “what do you want for dinner?”
What I think of my relationship with Noel!
Everything happens for a reason. Noel and I ended up at the same table in Uptown Kingston about a year ago. We shared lamb sliders, blood sausage and chocolate cristinis, huge roasted asparagus and sangria. We talked food. And not just what do you do for a living / for fun food. Real food conversations. About the earth, traditions and technique. Not being classically trained myself, I learned a lot about Noel’s culinary experience and trade. And most importantly her love for life. It matched mine.
Common ground found, friendship began and then we entered the kitchen together. Game changer. Comfort meeting healthy, local meeting mass distribution, dessert meeting vegetables and most importantly, nutrients for the soul created provided and shared.
Noel is the brightness in a dull day, the reminder of the earth we are from and the laughter that makes me spit my wine out, give a ‘lil snort and hide behind my apron.
Noel – The Country Mouse
Day job: Personal chef, community activist and childcare provider
For fun: cook with friends, read, hang with kids, garden and enjoy music
Favorite food: All dark leafy greens
Sign: Sagittarius
Nicknames: Noey, Curly Pumklin, Queen of Kale
Favorite dish(es) to make: Sauteed Greens, turkey burgers, gourmet pizza, tarts, veggie burgers, fish cakes, roasted veggies and roasted lemon chicken
Most prized kitchen tool: Personalized knife from Japan and onion goggles
Why am I a foodie?
I consider myself a foodie for a number of reasons all of which revolve around my love for people. I like to work creatively in the kitchen to share with others, what I call, “premium fuel” for the body. A good quality life containing healthful varieties of foods able to sustain, nourish and enliven others is just so awesome. Growing up with grandparents who grew and cooked most of their own food and a father who was adamant about providing well balanced meals has had an everlasting impact on how I utilize and value food. I have surrounded myself with friends who are passionate and active about the quality, health, sustainability and education of our food system. The Hudson Valley is booming with hand crafted sustainable farm to table connoisseurs and entrepreneurs, myself aiming to be an active participant.
What I think of my relationship with Théa!
Well…where to begin? When I think of Théa I always think of good times with good people, food and music. There is never a dull moment with and life is always lived to the fullest, if she has anything to do with it. I love this about Thea and I love how infectious it is on my life. Since we met, I have found my life to be more full with friends who enthusiastically sharing their passions and goals. This is important to me, because I am one who wanders through life exploring the endless possibilities to embrace. It seems there is always a door of opportunity awaiting around the corner and having encouragement and excitement from Théa is priceless . I would have to say that I think my relationship with her has been a gift so special that I shall never forget. And I endlessly thank her.
Winter is here! And baby, it’s cold outside.
The holidays tend to bring some level of randomness, excitement and dysfunction. This post will probably follow suit, as I have a few things to share.
Love love love Pacing The Panic Room’s post of the lunar eclipse.
I’ve been wanting to finish the popcorn cranberry garland for our tree. And much like le sauce, I am not that far along in the project.
Elf Yourself and the Jib Jab team is really a good idea, especially when it’s your own family.
My sister continues to be a rockstar.
Tonight is going to be a special Kundalini yoga class at Sacred Space.
I wish a smooth holiday season a happy New Year for us all.
“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaking suspicion… love actually is all around.” ~ Love Actually, 2003
My life seems to be on ff (fast forward). I would like to slow it down. I am going to work on that for the month of December.
And remembering that the last 11 months were full. Really full. And fast. Too fast.
I went to yoga for New Year’s Eve and brought 2011 in peacefully, quietly and wonderfully.
There was skiing, three 30th birthdays, gym, yoga and football.
I turned 28 in February and became a redhead.
I made homemade fortune cookies.
We saw Michael Franti and Spearhead and John Mayer at Madison Square Garden.
We celebrated Kim’s 30th in March. In Europe. With Dave. Nothing and everything was the same after that trip.
We saw Billy Joel and Elton John in Albany.
I ran the Shamrock Run. First and last race of the year.
There was yoga, birthdays, Artisnal cocktails and blind dates.
There was Team Pixie Dust dinner dance and Passover. For 20.
April brought bonfires, yoga, ACS gala, tres leche.
I took a Photoshop course, through a surprise party for my brother at Mercato and went to LA.
In May we went and met the Mendelsen men. It’s a choir. And we love them.
I got new couches, went to meditation, heard Nacirema, drank Grey Dog raspberry ice tea.
I signed a lease.
I cooked ramps.
Went on a booze cruise which lead to changing roles, rules and expectations. Thank you Universe for teaching without hurting too much.
And then I moved. In. With. A. Boy. Roommate.
Had my first and only deer encounter. “Welcome to the country,” I was told.
Went to Dave.
And Mountain Jam.
Baby showers, Relay for Life, babies, Band of Horses and painted the rest of June.
The 4th / housewarming extravaganza.
Then the summer went so fast all of our heads spun. There were concerts.
And backyard BBQs, bonfires, butterflies and sunsets.
My ridiculously fabulous sister turned 21. I remember the day she came home from the hospital. She was very little. She had a curly ‘do. She smelled new. She smirked before she smiled, screamed before she coohed and had me in the palm of her hand before she opened her big brown eyes. Apparently praying for a baby sister every night for nine months worked. Years have passed and there have been ups and downs, but she still made it with grace to the legal age. May she have 100 more birthdays just as great as this one. I will make cake for every single one.
One day two crazy gals ripped out a hot tub from the ground. And then the following weekend built a stone patio. Talk about surprising yourself.
We threw a “Hello Fall BBQ.” This was to subsidize the lack of an end of Summer BBQ. This is also when I learned that everyone doesn’t love parties as much as I do. And I also learned that the same people love me enough to have them anyway.
There was FOOTBALL. Every time we played football in the park I wanted to watch the Daria episode where she yells, “FOOTBALL.” It was my closest connection to my gut reaction in playing the sport. I just wrote playing a sport and me in the same sentence. I think we should call someone about this.
In October I sent off a dear friend to California, my wingwoman. It was sad. I made cake. And that’s all I’m gunna say about that.
There were trips to walking towns, Sunday night dinners and the change of the seasons.
We celebrated Halloween (my most favorite holiday) with a house party. There was decorations, shenanigans and lots of laughter. Please note “Party’s Here” carving stage right.
We went to Philly to cheer on my brother-from-another-mother in his second marathon.
The gaping hole in this 2010 recap will be from mid-November to mid-December. That’s when everyday seemed to be, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Throw in a 10 year high school reunion, a few mind games and a dash of depression and we’ve covered that chunk of time just fine.
On to the end of December. We bought a Christmas tree. It was a humorous experience and worth every second guess of the “perfect” tree.
Holiday cheer and snow arrived around the same time.
Here we are. Prepping for New Year’s Eve again. How did that happen?
Wishing you all the best for 2011. Thank you for being here and allowing my creative outlet to invade your screen. I have a lot of faith that the best is yet to come. A lot.
There seems to be a lot of insanity going on in my life right now. I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do where I live, but this city mouse is freaking out in the country.
As my mother would say, “You have the tools to get through this.” Well, I am digging DEEP into the toolbox this week. The simple things are painful, the complex things unbearable, the surprise things are startling. One of my best pieces of advice that I dole out regularly to friends and loved ones is a gratitude journal. You spend a full month writing down three things you are thankful for each day. It changes your perspective, maybe even your life. It creates appreciation when there seems to be none. It makes you be positive in a world of negativity.
In starting my gratitude journal, I realized this was going to be manageable for me. Despite the miserableness that I have been walking around with the moments come quick when I have my pen out. I thought I would share my first few days and encourage you, yes you out there, to do the same.
December 1st
1. phone call with Nana, “Love you my darling.”
2. roommate to light the first night of candles with
3. phone call with Kim, seeing her comes soon
December 2nd
1. cleaning ladies
2. shopping with Toddly and Roomie for sheets, gosh they are funny
3. payday being tomorrow
Dcember 3rd
1. TGIF
2. lobster malabar
3. knowing that home is safe and your sweatpants live there
December 4th
1. Toni wanting to see me even when she has to study
2. Winning the door prize at the Creekside Adorning‘s Holiday Showcase
3. Koz
December 5th
1. gathering around the table
2. the ability to cook deliciousness
3. the smell of Noel’s tree
May you all find joy in the “little things.” Like chopping onions, silk scarves, cooking like a farm wife, and breathing.
“A natural expression of a loving heart,
The power of gratitude recharges our souls,
In giving thanks we help heal the world
And increase our abundance of blessings unknown.”
~ Katherine Scherer
My department at work hosts themed lunches. We have tackled comfort food (mac n’ cheese, pork and potato casserole, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, Mexican chicken soup, veggie chili with cornbread bake), Mexican food (Mexican pot pie, veggie chimichangas, fresh salsa and chips, lemon tart and Tequila ice box pie), Irish food for St. Patty’s (corn beef, rye bread, cabbage, spicy mustard, Irish soda bread (with and without raisins), potatoes, cupcakes, cakeballs and broccoli casserole) and Spanish food (homemade pastelitos, arroz con pollo, tres leche cake and arroz con frijoles). These lunches are manageable and special since it is the five of us. And it just shows you that a graphic designer, the head of sales, a sales assistant, a marketing specialist and the online communicator can make delicious meals together. Food really is the universal language.
Tomorrow we are celebrating Thanksgiving. Our own little Thanksgiving dinner for lunch. I knew that we would all be celebrating with our families soon enough, but I wanted to make sure we did it as a department. Having a workday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and spending more time there than in our “other” lives, makes you appreciate the people who get the work done. Ultimately, appreciating your coworkers makes your day better and allows you to leave each day with comfort and returning in the morning with relief.
The other thing preparing for the Thanksgiving lunch did was push me to start my “what I am thankful for” list. We are currently promoting the very concept through our Facebook and Twitter sites at work. We asked our customers, “What are you thankful for?” The post qualifies them for the chance to win a Healthy Back Bag and Baglett. Reading the entries has reminded me of the amazing people who are out there. These are people I don’t know personally, but believe in the same product I do. The common tie is allowing us to share thanks.
I hope each and every person I know, will know one day or is connected to me in some way, shape or form is preparing to give thanks this holiday season. As a community we have a responsibility to be appreciative of what we have. There are so many with out.
I am thankful for the ability to give thanks, the people who have shaped me to who I am today, the quality that magnetizes people to me, the love I feel everyday, potential and strength. And that’s on the short list.
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
12 years ago today I was told I was in “remission.”
It was a Wednesday afternoon when the phone rang at the house.
I picked up in the kitchen on the second ring.
Dr. Rifkin was happy to report that the LIJ Schneider Children’s Hospital tumor board had agreed my cancer was gone. The chemotherapy had worked. The cell invasion had ceased.
And that is when we started counting years.
The first milestone was the one-year anniversary.
The next major marker was the five-year “cured” mark.
The next was ten years cancer free and no longer needing to report to an oncologist.
Every year was celebrated as if it was my birthday. Sometimes it was just the four of us. Sometimes it was friends and family, too. Never was it forgotten or minimized. This date, October 7, has been and will always be acknowledged by the people who were impacted the most by my cancer. It was a family disease and continues to be a family celebration of life.
Being a 16-year-old cancer patient is complicated and exhausting. It’s a different rollercoaster everyday and you aren’t sure if it’s you, the cancer or your hormones talking. There was a baldhead, a lack of control and cut skin. There was also a strong casted web of determination and love.
Last week, when I found out my parents and sister were driving up on a Thursday night for a celebratory dinner, I realized it doesn’t matter where I live, the city, the country or the moon. It just matters that we remember the gift that was given to us 12 years ago.
The Dave Matthews Band song that became my anthem was and continues to be “Lie in Our Graves.” The lyrics question why would we lie in our graves wondering what would or could have been. I recently came across this choreographed piece:
And then just because I heart him:
| “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”~ Abraham Lincoln |
My aunt Randi is celebrating her 50th birthday tonight with the girls and is my inspiration for this post. She is a firey red-head who has an impeccable fashion style. Her outfits often were a one-color theme, whether it was a red on red on red ensemble or a teal blue dress, shoe, pants and bracelets. A counselor by day AND a full-time mom of two rambunctious boys, Randi makes time for her family and friends. She creates fine pearl jewelry, delicious confections and personalized gifts for the ones she loves. She has kind way of talking to you about the most important of things, she is the one who can tell you what’s going on with who and she is the first person to extend a touch and kiss saying hello, good-bye or hello again. As she reaches her 50th year, may she always replicate the love she has been able to share. May she achieve all that she sets out to do. May she continue to listen to the voice within. Happy Birthday Aunt Randi, sending long distance love, hugs and kisses.
My aunt Wendi is Randi’s sister and from the Magic Mommy line. She is my most level of aunts, which is a great feat, especially when we are all together. Wendi has her hands full of hours and hours at Saltbox, being one of the best moms in the world to my boy cousin Justin and my girl cousin Cassie. She is strong and shows little fear to the outside world. Wendi has conquered the running, gyming and boxing world of the Upper West Side. In fact, I’d say she is looking damn good lately… She is also another of one the “Jewish Mafia,” making amazing foods and holidays. She creates the Magic Mommy way. The way you cook when there is heart and soul in the bowls, dishes and pots. Wendi has a soft voice and a direct message. We are the lucky ones that can hear it on a regular basis.
My aunt Deanna is my “little crazy Italian aunt.” She is married to my most favorite person, my Uncle Koz. They have two kids that are phasing out of direct parenting, being of the late teen and early twenties ages. Deanna creates the magical food and comfort daily. She has channeled her crazy Italian aunts and grandmothers to create homemade pasta, artichokes, stocks, stews, glazes and cuts of meat that melt in your mouth. The richness and sweetness of her dishes bring you to a happy place. Where you sit is rustic and antique all at the same time. Running a private hidden kitchen, creating magical events and feeding the soul is on the top of Dee’s to-do list. She also has a great passion for sharing the ways of the Slow Food movement, the teachings of Vandana Siva and how you can sustain nutrition in your community. There is a lot to learn from the spitfire.
My aunt Pattie is one of the kindest people I have ever met in my entire life. She is another fine example of a working mom in the real estate industry. She is also the ultimate cheerleader for everyone around her, whether it is a sibling, her husband or the people she cares about. Pattie makes sure to look at you when she is talking. She supports her local animal shelter and has dedicated hours and hours to breast cancer awareness and fundraising. She is gearing up for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer as we speak. Coming for an “extended” family tree line, I am blessed to have this “aunt” around for the last 20+ years of my life.
My aunt Ann is my biological father’s sister. The only women in that group of siblings, Ann has always held her own. She has been a strong single mother of my most beautiful and spirited cousin for as long as I can remember. Ann continues to be one of the great links to my Syracuse family. Her home is always open to me, her ear just a call away and her support unconditional. My fondest memories of her are mornings after sleepover at their house. We are around the table planning, skiing, shopping and other “upstate” adventures. I also remember when she lived in “the city” and how much fun it was to visit her apartment and office in the Empire State Building. I am also beyond thankful that she cares for my grandmother and looks in on her. Their relationship is a wonderful example of dedication and love between a mother and daughter. I know Ann will always be a straight shooter and a consistent part of my entire life, regardless of circumstance.
My aunts Carol, Michelle, Cheryl and Susan are also on that side of the family. They are bright and spirited women who have made me apart of the largest tree limb on my family tree. Marrying into this dynamic and strong family has brought them all together. Holidays, birthdays and reunions are spent catching up and keeping tabs. Like most women in my life, these aunts are strong and dynamic people who run businesses, homes and children (there are ten between them).
My aunt Judy is my mother’s older sister. She is the one out of all my aunts that has the most childhood memories attached to her. Holidays and birthdays were always a BIG deal. Judy made hand painted faced dolls, dollhouses and vanity sets all throughout my childhood years. Another foodie, Judy creates sweet treats and rich goodness for the people around her. She was proud of me for as long as I can remember. Her large heart is shared with those she councils, her two beautiful girls and her community. She has dedicated time to the Unitarian Church and encourages others to do so as well. I will always remember the possibility of someone new living at Judy’s house. As her couch was open to anyone in need for as long as they needed it.
My aunt Poppy is my mother’s oldest sister. And she is new, having only connected with our family in the last five years. Not knowing Poppy my entire life, she has taken a short few years to enter our hearts. My favorite qualities of hers are those that remind me of my Nana. She passed twelve years ago and I miss her all the time. So when Poppy reaches for a cabinet in the kitchen or makes a certain look of approval, I see my Nana. That is a great gift that she does not even know she is doing. Poppy is the mother of my Maine cousins, who are frequently brought, shuffled, and traveled for sports and school outings. She is a caretaker and counselor to others, making people’s lives easier to live. She runs with force, skis with spirit and says, “I love you” and means it.
My sister and I have known my aunt Linda as “Titi” for many years. She watched me after school from the time I was five and on and off for years later. She admired my non-picky eating as a child, let me in on secrets of the lettuce was really spinach, taught me to make her butter cookie and pasta fagioli recipes and cared for bumps and bruises. I stayed at her house when my sister was born twenty-one years ago. It was her late husband that picked me up from school on Friday’s because Steven (their son four months my junior) had been well-behaved and was being rewarded with a comic book. As the years passed, Linda became another one of my cheerleaders, keeping interest in my schoolwork, friends and jobs. At the last family gathering Linda said I looked beautiful. It was an important moment, as I knew she meant it.
“Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend.” ~ Spanish Proverb
This year has been INSANE. I don’t know how else to explain it. There are no words that could explain what happens when you take your life, dumb it upside down and inside out, move from the city to the country, start a new job, make new friends, make mistakes, travel, make things happen and lose yourself in an evolution of major change.
It is the time of year that we are faced with Yom Kippur. Since I already celebrated my one-year in the country, I feel that this is another anniversary of sorts. Marked by the year passing, what has transpired and what will be. By definition Yom Kippur is known as the Day of Atonement, one of the holiest days of the year. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. The holiday is observed by fasting and going to services. It also concludes the High Holy Days, the Days of Awe.
Appropriately, I will be dividing myself between the country and the city. Attending services the first night at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation (Kehillat Lev Shalem) with my wonderful extended family and then the next day I will go to services with my immediate family at Romemu. Having multiple places to worship is an interesting concept. To think it was not that long ago that people had to hide their religious preferences. And not too long before that when people were not allowed to even have a preference.
We have been throwing around the phrase “clean slate” around lately. Not sure I really want to start over though. I was thinking that I would like to continue this year with perhaps a lil more jazz. A lil more funk. And a lil more adventure. After all, it is the adventures that bring the greatest moments of discovery. I will not wish for anything though. Instead I am going to just ride the wave, pray for easy bumps and more time in between should I must have one.
May we all have the opportunity to start over whenever we like. Whether it be a designated holiday or when you know you have to.
Children bowing the shofar to ring in the New Year.
