Bleecker Street at night in the rain...window shopping, post-coffee and cannoli's. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
A juicy green new aloe plant in a vibrant orange ceramic jar for the kitchen counter. (One in a fushia ceramic jar for the chef's desk as well.)
A chunky robin feasting on worms in my new backyard while I watch and drink my hot Indian tea. (Still waking up with the world.)
Recycling fashion from my closet for fun and to save money...using Glamour magazine as a guide. (It seems everything I have is still fashionable, we'll just mix and match looks much differently now. Such fun!)
I will listen to Bob Marley and the Fugees while I prepare tonight's simple meal of fish stew, an aromatic blending of chunky white fish (haddock) and fresh tomatoes, chick peas, coriander and cumin. Mouthwateringly delicious when sopped up with crusty bread and accompanied by a tall glass of cold Sicilian Lemon Italian soda.
Saying a gentle "no" when necessary.
Appreciating today by not criticizing the brow furrow, and being gladdened by it (for it means I'm still here writing poetry and photographing my world around me.)
Loving the unpacking process and finding new homes for our treasures...a fat book about Katherine Hepburn, an antique vase, a Moroccan wedding blanket.
Thanking the Universe for uber-talented friends on the internet who concoct the best list-making games, for who doesn't love the joyous simplicity of gratitudes listed on a page?
*You can join in too. It's simple. :)
Visit Christina's link above to let her know where your post is.
coming out of lurking to wave hello and say that i love everything about this post. i love seeing nyc from another's eye and also, cannolis. veniero's on east 11th street is my favorite cannoli in the city. also the ricotta cheesecake.
Posted by: kristen | July 08, 2009 at 09:05 AM
A very delicious post... thank you for sharing your simple, happy things! I find myself here via Christina's event. You have a beautiful blog!
Posted by: Tracy | July 08, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Hi Friend,
You are a great example of a person that embraces ALL of life's simple pleasures! A gentle no! Yes to that too.
Happy day to you Gillian!
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | July 08, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Wonderful catching up with you beautiful world here. Summer is a perfect time for a move...slowly unpacking and feeling out your new home. So sorry to hear of your grandfather and what a lovely sign to find his photo smiling out at you.
happy summer!
x..x
steph
Posted by: Stephanie | July 08, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Seriously- Bob Marley, Fugees, white fish??? That's So what's up! Amazing combo!
I must say that that evening shot is just gorgeous!! The wet street, the people, the street light reflections. Sheer, love.
xo
Posted by: Christina | July 08, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Oh, I wish I were having dinner at your house! Such lovely things here, as always. And your philosophy about aging is the best! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | July 08, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Love the new look of your blog! Simple things are the best... Now I am singing, "Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free..."
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | July 08, 2009 at 11:25 AM
I am distracted by the thought of a wraparound front porch and a yellow door. *happy sigh*
that evening shot is absolutely gorgeous. street lights and colors look even better when it's raining.
I loved your list!
Posted by: elizabeth | July 08, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Beautiful photos Gill. Seriously girl, you leave me hanging every day. Making me want to come back and visit.
A gentle no? I am still struggling with being able to do that. I have way too much Catholic guilt that I can't let go of. Kudos to you for doing so.
Can't wait to see more photos of your NYC trip!
xo
Posted by: lisa | July 08, 2009 at 02:41 PM
I too am curious about gentle no's. Is this in relation to self? I'm a bit lost on that one, but you sound very happy.
Posted by: Mary T. | July 08, 2009 at 05:50 PM
This may sound a bit forward, but I want some of that wonderful fish stew! Yum. I love your list! Thanks so much for sharing it. Your blog is a delight.
Posted by: Gigi | July 08, 2009 at 06:39 PM
everything about you is always so simply sweet, and my god, delicious!!! mouth watering here, Gillian.
love to you!
Posted by: Graciel @ Evenstar Art | July 08, 2009 at 06:59 PM
Hi Mary! :)
The gentle "no" is exactly that. It is self directed, because I am a YES girl who tries to make the world happy.
No's are very empowering. :)
Posted by: gillian | July 08, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Sigh, the fish stew must happen tomorrow. Today turned out to be rushed none-the-less so we feasted on pizza and ceasar salad. It was good too however. :)
Posted by: gillian | July 08, 2009 at 08:26 PM