Reflections on nature as a source of perspective, creativity, and influence on work and environment. Just take a minute to relax.
In this captivating image, we can see the stunning skyline of a bustling city. A testament to the energy and vibrancy of metropolitan life, obscured by smoke. Although this image was taken during the devastating fires in Canada in 2023, it serves as a hopeful reminder of how the current climate crisis has caused natural disasters. This city, like all others, has a story to tell and we are fortunate to witness just a small part of it. #skyline #firesincanada2023 #nyc
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This past summer, we took our annual summer trip to the North Fork of Long Island—also known as NOFO. Long story short, for the last eight years we’ve been going to the North Fork for Angel’s best friend’s birthday. Every year, a group of us—all close friends, all couples—make the trip out en masse, looking forward to a summer week on the beach with good company, good wine, and good (sea)food. In August, we stayed for five days, rented a house in Greenport—a historic seaside town—and lived life. Slow and unhurried, appreciating every lull and lapping wave at our leisure.
The house we rented was an Air B&B in a community with its own private, residents-only beach. It was a typical stony beach on the northern shore, interspersed with a little bit of sand, not directly on the Sound. I certainly spent some time exploring its expanse, taking in the sight of the crystal-clear water, breathing in the salt.
Each time we’re here, we patronize a few tried-and-true wineries as well as search out new restaurants in Greenport. The first night of our trip was an outing to one of our favorite wineries, McCall Wines. They have a farm on the property and raise grass-fed beef. Because of COVID, this year they set up an outside trailer where you could sip wine and order burgers. The burgers were cooked perfectly and came with a side of crispy fries.
The second new restaurant we went to has had a few restaurants come and go on its premises. A few facelifts, if you will. Now it’s a restaurant called Anchor—a combination of a restaurant with a nice upstairs patio and a fish market upfront by the entrance, where you could buy shrimp, fresh-caught fish, and oysters. That night, we sat upstairs and had some oysters and wine. We’re crossing our fingers that Anchor is an iteration that’ll stay around for a couple of years. If so, we’ll be frequenting again next year.
For years now, I’ve been angling to visit one of the vineyards that specialize in sparkling wine. This year, we finally went and paired our sparkling wine and champagne with a side of caviar served with wafers, crème fraiche, and potato chips.
Toward the end of our trip, at one of our favorite wineries to go to, we got attacked by bees. Nobody was stung! But it did seem a whole colony had descended upon us, trying to get to our food. Good to know there are still bees buzzing around, pollinating where needed—although their collective presence did prove challenging when trying to eat! The charcuterie was great—the bees certainly thought so—and the wine never disappoints.
The rest of the trip unfolded at the same leisurely pace. One day we went to the bookstore in Greenpoint that Angel loves. The next was spent on a dock, in the company of margaritas, looking over the water. Overall, it was another relaxing trip for the books. Happy birthday, Steven!
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This summer, I thought up a recurring photo series—a thorough examination of the textures and materials on my balcony. After the recent outdoor renovation we did, I’ve been thinking a lot of the elements that make up tactile surfaces. In the summer, we all tend to be outside in the warm weather and sunshine, and I’m no exception. When I’m on my balcony, I find myself pondering how everything has its own physical fabric in this world, and begin to eagerly examine and study the textures I see.
There’s something artistic about all the finishes that come together to form my balcony. From the rough stuccoed ceramic of the pots that hold the plants, the wood grain in the furniture, the weave and textile of the cushions, to the painstaking pattern and braiding of the area rug; all these textures come together to form my own outdoor oasis. A place of respite, escape, and fresh air—surrounded in nature and the textures that comprise it.
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After the long winter, I have returned to tend to the garden kept on the balcony of my apartment. At my husband’s request, I went to find new plants to nurture among our many others. I brought an Italian lavender tree and a green Japanese maple into the garden to join our existing potted and propagated menagerie. I’ve learned that come fall, the maple’s leaves will change somewhat with the seasons to a shade of orange.
My garden continues to grow in size and age with each passing year. While cultivating new plants, I also care for my old ones. Two plants in particular I’ve fostered for five years. They’ve moved along with me to and from four separate apartments. Each time, they made everywhere I’ve lived feel like home.
All of my snake plants in my garden aren’t only found family, they’re actually related. Propagated from just one snake plant purchased six years ago, as its grown I’ve cut off stems to grow many more since. That one snake plant has roots and relatives everywhere; I’ve given my parents and a couple friends its proliferated offspring.
This past weekend, I’ve made new cuttings to create even more baby plants! Maybe I’ll give out some as gifts, or even start selling them locally. As the warm weather sets in and the days lengthen, it’s been an enriching breath of fresh air to be able to tend to my garden again, and bring out new trees and shrubs to further grow it.
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My company, ZAMARTZ, sponsors the local farmer’s market in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania—or King of Prussia, as it’s known to the locals. As part of this sponsorship, I have a booth at the farmer’s market. Recently, my long-time best friend, Hannah Biddle, came to visit me at my booth.
Hannah’s about to make a big life change and move to another state. In the meantime, we’re trying to find time to spend together amidst our respective busy schedules and the state of the world. Anyway, she came that day to give me a book she’d found: Water, Woods & Wild Things, a memoir by American writer Hannah Kirshner that recounts her excursion to a Japanese mountain town and her introduction to its culture, craftsmanship and community.
Angel and I are both Japanophiles, as I’ve attested to before, and Hannah knows our interests well. This book was a great way for us to get into the spirit of our balcony and its verdant garden. Hannah didn’t even know I’d just gotten my green Japanese maple when she gave me the book! And my garden, Japanese maple and all, is just the right, serene setting for me to sit down, do some weekend reading, and get into the mindset of the Japanese and their slower way of life.
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My apartment window was the perfect place to witness how frosty weather transforms the Hudson River. It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of winter when you’re indoors, and far away from the cold. This is a portrait of one of the snowiest days this year, and I saw it for more than what it was.
As the snow fell, the barge that was floating in the distance became barely visible. I was reminded that once I move, memories of this apartment will become obscure and distant, much like the barge. This time next year, I will no longer have this view. But with a change of scenery, comes a change of perspective.
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There is always a point in the day where the Hudson River is calm and still. And in those moments, a reflection of the sky is painted in the water. This body of water is constantly moving, flowing, going, yet takes a pause every now and then.
Taking the time to witness this put things into perspective. Out of all the busy days in this busy life of mine, I deserve a moment to just…be. That way, whenever the tide begins to turn, I will be ready to ride the wave.
When my Philips Hue bulb’s Tropical Twilight setting turned on, I was transported to the vacation that I didn’t know I needed. The contrast between the deep blue, sunset sky outside and the sweet, sherbet-colored lighting in my room looked like a scene from an A24 film, one that won multiple awards in the “Best Cinematography” category. Who knew that a simple light setting could completely transform a space?
It was a dark, cold, and dreary winter night in New York. Nowhere near the tropics, or any sort of warmth for that matter. From the months of November through February, most days are that way in the “Yonks.” In control of my own environment (my bedroom), I had it reflect what I need — in this case it was warmth, beauty, and brightness.
There are a set of birds that constantly visit the Hudson River Palisades across from my apartment. Their favorite spot is the railing right outside my window. Over time, I have gotten to know their little quirks and habits.
I know that these birds are not wasteful. They did not hesitate to eat the seeds from my mums once they started to die. I have also learned that they are resilient. One of the birds dove into my patio furniture, got right back up, and flew away.
As fascinated as I am with these birds, they appear to feel the same way about me. One bird stared at me through my window for about an hour while I worked. Now that we have gotten to know one another, it is safe to say that we are friends.
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Right after a rainstorm, the Hudson River and surrounding nature look as vibrant as ever. There was a great contrast between the slightly gloomy sky and refreshed rust-colored trees. Even the barge passing through added beauty to this scene.
Just as the storm settled, the sun began to set. The barge’s bold, red paint reflected the remaining brightness from the sun. Its coat also complemented the various hues of autumn. Each barge has numbers on the side that indicate its origin. It is always interesting to discover how far one has traveled before it reaches the Hudson River.
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Back in October, while the weather was still bearable, my family and I took part in the Gettysburg Battlefield Tour. We wanted to have a mini vacation that was mostly outdoors because of COVID. The area we visited was beautiful, but the story about the land was tragic. So many people died on those grounds fighting for our freedom.
During the tour, we learned so much about how our country came to be. Recognizing that our country only exists as it does today because of those who sacrificed their lives all those years ago, was a humbling experience. Within our tour group, there were people who wanted a new experience (like me and my family), history buffs, and right-winged patriots – quite the interesting mix.
Side note: my family and I were annoyed because President-elect Joe Biden was scheduled to visit the day we were leaving – missed him by just a few hours. Seeing him in person would have made the trip even better, nonetheless we had a great time.
Taking care of plants is incredibly wholesome and rewarding. I discovered my green thumb a few years ago when I began growing this [plant name in picture]. Three apartments later, it is still thriving!
I currently have nine other plants throughout my home. Nothing is more beautiful than looking around a space and seeing signs of life everywhere. Each one of my plant babies gets an equal amount of love and care. Maybe I can find room for a few more…
