summer recap: performing presence

One of the most remarkable experiences of the summer was to see Marina Ambramovic in "The Artist is Present" instillation and retrospective at the MoMA. Watching her was incredibly moving. So much so that we were compelled to do some impromptu presence performancing.

summer recap: museum chic

I'm almost positive that NY knew I was coming this summer, because each museum had an exhibit that was tailored to me. At the Brooklyn Museum, I was delighted to see that Judy Chicago's "Dinner Party" filled a room. There was also an extensive instillation of fashion from the early 1800s to 1900s, including a dress worn by Queen Victoria. The MET, in conjunction with Vogue and Gap, developed "American Woman," a look at female archetypes through fashion, in the Costume Institute. And the Cooper-Hewitt museum had eco/recycled/repurposed fabrics and fashions on display, like a coat made out of plastic price tag fasteners and dresses made out of bamboo. So much glamour!

summer recap: brooklyn

This was one fantastic summer. So much to see and do that sitting in front of the computer was not a priority. Onto a brief recap beginning with my trip to New York. My wonderous friend N. was gracious enough to let me and S. come visit her and crash at her place in Brooklyn. It was great to have a tour guide that has tried every pastry, ice cream, and chocolate shop in the neighborhood so we could stop at the best ones again and again.

cache river

Today, after years of thinking about kayaking the Cache, Wendyness and I finally did. We paddled past 1,000 year old cypress trees. We had the whole river to ourselves and just when things were a little too calm and peaceful, a big golden fish would jump out of the water and flip before our eyes. Perfect day.

new friends

marvelous morels

Once a year, these scrumptious beauties come out. They are such a treat in part because of their infrequent company- you are always delighted when they come back to visit. My chef friend is also quite happy that in our region, they are relatively inexpensive when compared to larger markets. So, after cleaning seven pounds of them, she began to experiment. In the last two weeks we have tried them with butter and sherry over Iranian saffron rice. With onions and parmesan over pasta. With olive oil and garlic. With rum and marsala. I am getting used to being a guinea pig for 4-star life.

happy may day

May Day is celebrated in different ways all over the world. This year instead of baskets of candy I made scrubs for some friends. The recipe is easy, thanks to Martha Stewart.