Happy Friday!

“Great calm, generous detachment, selfless love, disinterested effort: these are what make for success in life. If you can find peace in yourself and can spread comfort around you, you will be happier than an empress.” 
― Rabindranath Tagore

Happy Spring

“If someone smells a flower and says he does not understand, the reply to him is: there is nothing to understand, it is only a scent. If he persists, saying: that I know, but what does it all mean? Then one has either to change the subject, or make it more abstruse by saying that the scent is the shape which the universal joy takes in the flower.” 
― Rabindranath Tagore, My Reminiscences

What have you done for yourself lately?

On Friday after work, I had some time before meeting a friend at her upper west side apartment, so I got off the subway at 103rd street and walked into Central Park, intending to find a nice spot to have myself a private little picnic dinner.  Upon entering this area of the park, I noticed immense hilliness.  To my left, the path led uphill and was overgrown with vegetation, and to my right it went steeply downhill, leading to a glimmering pond below.  I gambled and turned left, and began walking up a narrow curving path.  The plants grew heavier and wilder with each step.  They were so unruly that they scared me a little, so I was glad to see a few people sitting on the grass and a few others walking by.  New Yorkers are very lucky to have access to such a park.  While I was looking for a nice spot, an orange-bellied bird perching on a fence caught my eye, and I noticed that the fence was at the entrance to another passage, to the left.   I walked on by at first, but then decided to turn back and check it out.  I had to duck my head a little to enter, and then I stepped into a clearing with a big, shimmery, black rock and more grassy field and gardens beyond.  The sun was shining from the west through the tree branches, and the rock was wide and seemed like a welcoming place to sit.  I stepped up onto the rock and immediately noticed that I was not alone.  A man and a dog were sitting on the grass under a shade tree farther up the hill, and to my left there was someone else, also on the grass.  I stood for a moment, observing, making sure that I truly wanted to be here and that I would not be disturbing anyone.  However, the rock was all mine at the moment.  I carefully and quietly climbed to the top with slow deliberate steps, trying not to slip or otherwise reveal myself to those who were nearby.  Success!  Facing southeast, I sat and stretched my legs out in front of me and got comfortable.  I breathed deeply, and exhaled the stresses of the day from the office. I let the sun light my face and the heat from the rock warm my tush.  Ahh yes, a perfect spot for my Japanese dinner: three onigiri and a hot cup of miso soup.

After a while, I lay down on the sun-heated rock and, using my backpack as a pillow, I watched the blue sky, the wind blowing through the leaves, and the birds riding the air. I was moved to take the photo below with my iPhone.

What the rock sees from the Great Hill.

I had purchased the onigiri (squeezed rice with goodies in the middle) that morning at Sunrise Mart in SoHo.  The "goodies" inside were three of my many favorites: grilled salmon, simmered bonito, and seasoned seaweed with sesame seeds.  The miso soup, however, I purchased at Pret-a-Manger in Midtown, after finishing my work errands, just before taking the uptown subway ride.  How brilliantly convenient was that?  I <3 NYC.

A Letter to Susana

Aloha,

It is Sunday morning, and I just got on the bus to go home. It is 8:30 a.m., and I am missing a quality breakfast. I will make some when I get home to share with J. I stopped by Au Bon Pain, but none of their breads looked happy, so I didn't buy any.

I'd like to find a good bakery by one of the subway stops, between 135th and 42nd St, along central park west. I just love freshly baked bread! The warmth, the fragrance!!! Mmm, deep comfort.

I stayed over night at 208. I brought my own sleeping bag, and a pillow case. I slept as well as I could in a place I slept for a first time. Next time I would probably sleep better. A said he wished more people would do that. In Seattle there are overnighters. I would surely enjoy company. A slumber party would be best!! Staying alone, I felt safe enough and warm, but I didn't like going downstairs to the bathroom. I don't like going downstairs even during class, with lonely corners and closed doors and curtains. I must mention this to A, maybe he can do something about it.

I woke up with sunrise, packed up my sleeping bag and other belongings, tidied up the cushions and chairs, picked up trash, and basically left the place neater than I found it. Respect to the
spirits there.

I am home soon. Yummy breakfast awaits!

Hugs & Laughter,

C.

Words on the Street

When ever I'm near the Library Way (41st st and 5th ave) I like to take a small detour and walk east to visit one of the Japanese shops on that street. Along the way, I am captivated by these embedded plaques on the side walk. Here are few I liked very much today.

Le Jour Et La Nuit

by George Braque

I thought, yeah, truth really do resonate like it simply exists. Like a certain sense of 'of course, and I always knew that somehow' feeling. On contrary, falsehood is busy and distracting and unsettling. We humans feel this, everyone senses this in various degrees. Everyday, I am exposed to so much junk in the world once I step out of the house. Be it objects or opinions, it's a constant filtering and it's tiring. So when my eyes lead to this, I felt supported in my efforts to keep filtering out the negativity and junk.

The Awakening

by Kate Chopin

This one reminded me of my friend Susana L., who has recently returned to Aotearoa for a job assignment. She's doing well and soaring, like the bird here which expands its wings beyond the edge of the frame this plaque was given.

"Why Some People Be Mad At Me Sometimes"

by Lucille Clifton

Isn't this a cute and darling quote? I thought so, maybe because I really can relate. Not that people are mad at me everywhere, but it reminded me of those moments as I am telling my story that these thoughts rise in back of my head. 'Is she interested in listening to this at all?' 'Darn, did I just cut him off?' Well, in my defense, I will quote Tavi here and say 'I blame you, because you wasted your own time!' LOL~!! She's so cute, have you seen her blog?

"1212"

by Emily Dickinson

Now, I've never heard that 'a word is dead, when it is said', but I do believe that it 'begins to live that day'. I believe a word, or words are energetically powerful. It also depends on perspective or choosing to receive it or rejecting it, too. You can take someone's word to heart, or brush it off. Words have so much affect on people. Written words aside, recited words are magnificent in that it combines with sound vibrations and can expand infinitely into the universe. Prayers, mantras, affirmations, poems, wishes, and even spells, they live from the moment they are said. So watch out people, be careful what you wish for!

New York Look

A Walk to the Bus Stop.

After the Rain

A Mini Parade!?

Morning Bus Ride

George Washingtom Bridge

One Early Morning on Crosby Street

SoHo

SoHo Art

SoHo Finds

SoHo Art

School of the Future