tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122884832024-03-07T21:45:08.571-05:00Taking Tea with CatherineThe Tea Life
Mission:To find the cozy in and out of my comfort zone...Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-68865699180789403552021-04-18T11:52:00.000-04:002021-04-18T11:52:18.316-04:00Still Here!<p> Tomorrow is the 16th anniversary of my first post on this blog. I still consider this a living site, and hope to update here regularly again. For now I thought I'd dash off this post just to remind myself that this is a place I really liked to be, and probably will continue to feel this way.</p>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-21627932237444525682019-10-30T12:30:00.000-04:002019-10-30T16:37:32.221-04:00Something Different<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thought I'd share a few images from my recent trip to California, in no particular order.</div>
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For as long as I can remember I'd had people encouraging me to go to California - usually to either San Francisco or San Diego. I knew it had to be a worthwhile trip, despite the earthquakes, wildfires, need of a car, and other things that set my anxiety to astronomic levels. I did want to go. But when I had only a couple of vacation weeks I didn't want to 'waste' my time, not to mention my tiny travel budget. Plus, I'm a bit obsessed with London, if you haven't noticed, and try to get there as often as possible. I knew a few people who lived in different parts of California, and would love to see them, but again, limited time and money. When my friend Cathy (Bathy) moved to San Diego earlier this year, though, I had a feeling I'd find my way to the West Coast.</div>
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Bathy and I had intended to go back to London in September, but our plans didn't seem to work. Too many little obstacles. But I'd had the week off scheduled, and realized this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. </div>
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Thankfully, California met my expectations, and sometimes exceeded them. San Diego surprised me in that it was much more walkable than expected. Plus, add good weather, happy dogs everywhere (and two friendly neighborhood cats), and a proliferation of Little Free Libraries, and I could probably live there. But no rush.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCteH2yCKJO0j3XnjxLaGU8mmSt3dLbng-PrwawlilEnWRLaMlefEJenAyBQLNma5_YBfrKKCdEJvfVu_8OJi-azaLUTG8Dd-n0TdA4-V7o-RGnkFaJqHZluveGn0MEqoE7KFVhw/s1600/20190926_212414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCteH2yCKJO0j3XnjxLaGU8mmSt3dLbng-PrwawlilEnWRLaMlefEJenAyBQLNma5_YBfrKKCdEJvfVu_8OJi-azaLUTG8Dd-n0TdA4-V7o-RGnkFaJqHZluveGn0MEqoE7KFVhw/s320/20190926_212414.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Blackmarket Bakery, where I had breakfast (and tea) a few times. You're nearly always guaranteed outside seating weather.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Jolla Cove - some of their best residents.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDxMUlbl0s-ZN2qjPB77RMFcpvufPd5YLNmhJx1L3yU1olRQrCU0ztNbs9AfVg4jvxvOp9Ocpyia_aPwJtC7m9uQgW0LcJlWkCENvjWaE44zZzqfVVaKRjQ0IdWznk70YE5V4Zg/s1600/20190925_130750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDxMUlbl0s-ZN2qjPB77RMFcpvufPd5YLNmhJx1L3yU1olRQrCU0ztNbs9AfVg4jvxvOp9Ocpyia_aPwJtC7m9uQgW0LcJlWkCENvjWaE44zZzqfVVaKRjQ0IdWznk70YE5V4Zg/s320/20190925_130750.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Surfrider - the best way to get to LA!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSXQ_XtT13VVNkQkbWh6vyaS4V9K0l6ZWrqBuvRX1IoFn1ELH51JW4l3RqO_L0o6lHIA1TaPdXoJoMr-u7bNGB0VO6ZHncyiFtJ656AzouLmSVwBrc1N0v459ku0bWBjHduvgDg/s1600/20190924_152652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSXQ_XtT13VVNkQkbWh6vyaS4V9K0l6ZWrqBuvRX1IoFn1ELH51JW4l3RqO_L0o6lHIA1TaPdXoJoMr-u7bNGB0VO6ZHncyiFtJ656AzouLmSVwBrc1N0v459ku0bWBjHduvgDg/s320/20190924_152652.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccR2JBRJIXsEVZsTmphOg4M1gEhb6190Cc3fGUbhUtW9dIwQOpqh2oQQHt-AaEedbH24Bott-NdjygvV4sq-S5uCbFtsWC06FIeBnX37Lot_Hb465sm_uAUzpqtTo7mrwCKpRRQ/s1600/20190924_170945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccR2JBRJIXsEVZsTmphOg4M1gEhb6190Cc3fGUbhUtW9dIwQOpqh2oQQHt-AaEedbH24Bott-NdjygvV4sq-S5uCbFtsWC06FIeBnX37Lot_Hb465sm_uAUzpqtTo7mrwCKpRRQ/s320/20190924_170945.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitchoun! near The Last Bookstore. Excellent break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean, at least one duckie! (Balboa Park)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhfrPwP6Dkpc8HQTSCpwEsgcUMUOiVIq1bZvAU6XodSjdP-dPYrHECms5e9QFRNu2nzoqcqEzV6LRwvNdxWRHqkbqlnr1EXOEl9gq_xQdjU_d8vyjV3vA4-lGpnii_oeNZPc2rg/s1600/20190923_144231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhfrPwP6Dkpc8HQTSCpwEsgcUMUOiVIq1bZvAU6XodSjdP-dPYrHECms5e9QFRNu2nzoqcqEzV6LRwvNdxWRHqkbqlnr1EXOEl9gq_xQdjU_d8vyjV3vA4-lGpnii_oeNZPc2rg/s320/20190923_144231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Del Coronado. Legendary.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoNDDAfw7P1x6Wd4Q5d5j570Q4lh7vtY12r8xpLokKRgPrX5HkqpmraCUhd3AJSHb1iScpxyVuax0X3t8D79QHSp_uo_oHE_RadPCfAyaen2fEh7U9FKoqYkX6JeF8XGLccQUmQ/s1600/20190922_171049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoNDDAfw7P1x6Wd4Q5d5j570Q4lh7vtY12r8xpLokKRgPrX5HkqpmraCUhd3AJSHb1iScpxyVuax0X3t8D79QHSp_uo_oHE_RadPCfAyaen2fEh7U9FKoqYkX6JeF8XGLccQUmQ/s320/20190922_171049.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-2970457760266518702019-10-29T12:30:00.000-04:002019-10-29T13:45:17.816-04:00Don't You Fly to California to Shop For Books?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made it to California at last! </div>
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Honestly, I never thought it was going to happen. It's not like I didn't want to see the West Coast, and I've heard good things about San Diego for years (and San Francisco; but perhaps another time.) So it's been on my travel "bucket" list, but I am the reigning queen of travel procrastination. However, when my friend Bathy moved to San Diego, and opportunity presented itself that was too good to pass up: the chance to take a nice trip and visit someone I've missed quite a lot!</div>
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Now, even this staunch New Yorker/indoor girl had some fun in the sunshine, and I'll be sure to share some of those experiences. However, true to character, I had to see some of the more bookish offerings, and Bathy loves a good bookshop roam, so we fitted in time to do just that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdA5IjRfmHzHstq28TbQY4jQgSPW0tcWwrPUbT2q9oqzbyWwGbXUQr5UGA9avNZ4obwxKbcKziPHmtAzriAzK8aAFhHIVx4utiGN_DX_AhI5h4dSTS7YKkEqC-jWOEuxiXM79_A/s1600/20190925_182715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdA5IjRfmHzHstq28TbQY4jQgSPW0tcWwrPUbT2q9oqzbyWwGbXUQr5UGA9avNZ4obwxKbcKziPHmtAzriAzK8aAFhHIVx4utiGN_DX_AhI5h4dSTS7YKkEqC-jWOEuxiXM79_A/s320/20190925_182715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Verbatim Books was a beautiful place in the North Park neighborhood. One side of the shop is shelves and shelves of reasonably priced books in all genres - I spotted tons of Doctor Who books, but didn't get any <i>this time...</i></div>
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The other side looked like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPcmhyphenhyphenhVjm8wvjoNVG0Sn-JTkboKZGfm3oYG1GTfIiXMm3oYY9qk51oU2Mirg5zljrZciNrgN3FhAoDV0PUj54jMXklcQCx5CEqyouBT-rT6Q7SzJGRntdTvwDbvlhS8V8xihtQ/s1600/20190925_181319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPcmhyphenhyphenhVjm8wvjoNVG0Sn-JTkboKZGfm3oYG1GTfIiXMm3oYY9qk51oU2Mirg5zljrZciNrgN3FhAoDV0PUj54jMXklcQCx5CEqyouBT-rT6Q7SzJGRntdTvwDbvlhS8V8xihtQ/s320/20190925_181319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Imagine the events! I'd love to attend a reading here. Or sing some Phantom of the Opera music. That chandelier!</div>
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I've never had a strong desire to visit Los Angeles, but the train ride up the coast makes it worthwhile in itself. Of course we had to go to The Last Bookstore.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQYJ2BdILL9PM6OgbEmKZRW2-hB2usxPzZwX2pxjPwqhhblSey17zTTzoUrGwQbb8c5sJolhwYdQ4t3FVeAxyLkbwdvOWEuEKCOV6Y4d2ih3jks9TlgiRbYqXC1jY6ajtpKixuw/s1600/20190924_183429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQYJ2BdILL9PM6OgbEmKZRW2-hB2usxPzZwX2pxjPwqhhblSey17zTTzoUrGwQbb8c5sJolhwYdQ4t3FVeAxyLkbwdvOWEuEKCOV6Y4d2ih3jks9TlgiRbYqXC1jY6ajtpKixuw/s320/20190924_183429.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was everything I'd dreamed it would be and more! Endless shelves of books, and like Verbatim, quite good discounts. The building was a large one, so there were rooms with galleries and shops, a guy walking around playing guitar, that kind of thing. Books arranged into tunnels (the most crowded part, of course, because it's Instaworthy, and there were records for sale, and did I mention books? Just a joy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmYrFTLH0CWWu0nnekL63GGCnBcX32oQF8Z5ElH3ZUA5djMpM7dKD-MpSLInelXmFxqNfmf9HCADxwhB9TfSoPpJUTT-DIW-vx_J-iUoL7JaDiozIXNONFQ2i4u9xc8CAZySH5g/s1600/IMG_41591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmYrFTLH0CWWu0nnekL63GGCnBcX32oQF8Z5ElH3ZUA5djMpM7dKD-MpSLInelXmFxqNfmf9HCADxwhB9TfSoPpJUTT-DIW-vx_J-iUoL7JaDiozIXNONFQ2i4u9xc8CAZySH5g/s320/IMG_41591.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-VsEQ3ybVAHZWSBTlIcEs-ga5vA0psGcUpupRdTJOlnzLTS-dAGdVYRl8i-p2och1h-9n-Rl7gnLMVWdHwMna1Dikrv0LibQhOF8RdYZPYcrJ8xQSjv18YzvbfoIgt5iYLgWqQ/s1600/IMG_41581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-VsEQ3ybVAHZWSBTlIcEs-ga5vA0psGcUpupRdTJOlnzLTS-dAGdVYRl8i-p2och1h-9n-Rl7gnLMVWdHwMna1Dikrv0LibQhOF8RdYZPYcrJ8xQSjv18YzvbfoIgt5iYLgWqQ/s320/IMG_41581.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I would have liked one or both of these shops to have a cat and/or a cafe, thus satisfying the Catherine Trifecta, but really they were complete in and of themselves.</div>
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If you're in Southern California, go! These places need to be supported.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-32273856075529795502019-06-25T13:40:00.001-04:002019-06-25T13:40:56.668-04:00An Ideal Day: Park Slopeish, May 2019<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not every day is a bad day, but we must carve out better ones for ourselves from time to time. Sometimes we find the ideal far away from home, but this doesn't have the be the case. It helps when the weather works out, though.</div>
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Honestly, a day at home with the cats, tea, my books, and maybe a favorite TV show is what I usually prescribe for myself. But if the temperature is mild, and my health is looking up, I feel almost forced to take a walk. I get bored at times with Astoria, so if I know I have some free time coming up, I'll plan something slightly farther away.</div>
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When spring hit its peak pleasantness (so rare), I planned a day before a long, crowded weekend event (an event that I look forward to but still entertain some misgivings because of my intense anxiety around crowds) to prance around Brooklyn for the afternoon. This gave me a chance to have a quiet morning while still having enough time to get around.</div>
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I don't get out to Park Slope very often. I think I only blogged about the area once, when I went to a long-departed <a href="http://blog.takingteawithcatherine.com/2006/04/gata-spend-more-time-in-brooklyn-or.html" target="_blank">Tea Lounge</a> on Seventh Avenue. That was 2006. Of course I've been nearby - the Brooklyn Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the Way Station are all places I'm happy to return to - but I needed to look slightly...south? I think south.</div>
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I have a few different kinds of solo-outing themes, and I usually lean toward finding The Perfect Tea Spot, but this time I decided to go for Quintessential New York Diner/Coffee Shop for lunch. I chose Purity Diner, which was your standard, though thankfully not too crowded, cozy lunch spot. My only gripe is they didn't leave the tomatoes out of my cheeseburger deluxe. I need to go around wearing a pin that says "NO TOMATOES!". Everyone was so pleasant that I didn't make a fuss - not that I'm one for making a fuss at restaurants. Not unless something really gets my goat....like a few tea rooms I'm still on the outs with...</div>
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Now, I've not officially set out to do this, but if it happens I'd be happy to have accomplished it: I would love to visit every bookshop in New York City. Maybe not if they are super specialized, like religious books, snobby by-appointment rare booksellers, or a shop selling only owner's manuals, but as many shops as I can would be nice. Let me just say, I've come mighty close, particularly in Manhattan and Queens. A bookshop with a resident cat is top on my list, so obviously I had to go to Community Bookstore. I (of course) follow their kitty, Tiny the Usurper, on Instagram, but I wasn't sure if he would be friendly. When I saw him napping behind the counter I said hi, and he immediately roused himself and came meowing up to me for head scratches. Glad it turned out that way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAErnSlg5ZuJzDGTdfuXVLg0yeeKIXGiscx1pfo6YpgpiGr3IFz8tpX6NpF7ZkWpWM9u21U4dm9uq_WJzcOEdhO_KZNoUeg0xlgYIgGBCU1YXByAxDtthXezVquaSrEMCjmDEZ6Q/s1600/20190516_132609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAErnSlg5ZuJzDGTdfuXVLg0yeeKIXGiscx1pfo6YpgpiGr3IFz8tpX6NpF7ZkWpWM9u21U4dm9uq_WJzcOEdhO_KZNoUeg0xlgYIgGBCU1YXByAxDtthXezVquaSrEMCjmDEZ6Q/s320/20190516_132609.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1poze1oj3rJPasVJhzbrUPjtWRdEaV52Ro8dnGnjevh_fbhpxR0QsUtY4q12h9ycU4sNmgkV9ydagjByzVBmnOvWMIWp-uK8LxS3w9I8yFxBhm_xYUvlshYAmSto3gxN1oItxJA/s1600/20190516_132207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1poze1oj3rJPasVJhzbrUPjtWRdEaV52Ro8dnGnjevh_fbhpxR0QsUtY4q12h9ycU4sNmgkV9ydagjByzVBmnOvWMIWp-uK8LxS3w9I8yFxBhm_xYUvlshYAmSto3gxN1oItxJA/s320/20190516_132207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The selection of the bookshop was quite decent, and there's a little outdoor seating area that wasn't open when I was there, but I didn't care as I had park plans. I ended up getting the latest copy of Poetry Magazine, and having a good sniff around. Good neighborhood bookshop. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipI_elpbT2bqB38tVcxkxSrA3sMrYdtL-5YoAMG1HyY81lLLfGKNnctDBU7ONITurePWuDo7gZsAO7Yp6umMGCxzLr0gitqH56fiGKiLmS_EIDmEmgyZT8WdqqDVr5DInLSz46Q/s1600/20190516_141238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipI_elpbT2bqB38tVcxkxSrA3sMrYdtL-5YoAMG1HyY81lLLfGKNnctDBU7ONITurePWuDo7gZsAO7Yp6umMGCxzLr0gitqH56fiGKiLmS_EIDmEmgyZT8WdqqDVr5DInLSz46Q/s320/20190516_141238.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park Slope is colorful!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewfxPxJQ_hZ4RUTVlmgZR0zI2YuFmclgXskZAkVzKLt_HDsVihQAnXJZXJxpiuAUzJ_eeNvDZJWZXZ6lmiKNgYf6BjSm0eLMa3RrQxzulRYxaTc1e5sJZCMZ1kn7I0bboN240Jg/s1600/20190516_141055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewfxPxJQ_hZ4RUTVlmgZR0zI2YuFmclgXskZAkVzKLt_HDsVihQAnXJZXJxpiuAUzJ_eeNvDZJWZXZ6lmiKNgYf6BjSm0eLMa3RrQxzulRYxaTc1e5sJZCMZ1kn7I0bboN240Jg/s320/20190516_141055.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I picked up an iced tea and banana bread from nearby Muse Cafe. It looked like a nice place to sit for a while, but I didn't want to stay indoors on a fine spring day, so off I went. </div>
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Like the bookshops of New York City, I'd love to spend time at every park I can reach, but at the very least I need to hit the big ones. Now I've been on the outer bits of the park, but never dived in the way I do with Central Park. I found a quiet, but not too isolated, spot by a tree close to a pond and was able to read, scribble, and take my tea in peace. I can't overemphasize the importance of having some quiet outdoor time, especially surrounded by grass. I didn't get a chance to visit the waterfowl, but I can do that on another occasion. All I know is I need to return, as there is so much more of this park to explore! Finding the time to do so is another matter.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can never pull off a "relaxed" look...it's more like "indigestion face"...</td></tr>
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The rest of the day was a little iffy, as I went to a used bookshop in Prospect Heights that made me feel anxious, and then dealt with a gum snapper on the subway. I did get to hop over to the Strand for a short time, and later rewarded myself for doing 'nothing' with pizza. I found myself in reasonable shape early the next morning, so I think I did well with most of my itinerary.</div>
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There really is no perfect day this side of the timeline, but it was still close to ideal for me. Please, if you're feeling overwhelmed and can budget even an afternoon, take the time and do your version of this day. It's not selfish, it's necessary, if you're going to be in any shape to do anything.</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-59118068826163354732019-06-14T11:51:00.002-04:002019-06-14T11:52:21.746-04:00The Cameras Got Smaller: Adventures in Booktubing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When, after years of school and paid internships I was working my first proper full-time job, I found myself in a somewhat comfortable situation. Nothing luxurious - the job didn't pay that well. However, I was living at home and had few expenses, and I actually had some disposable income for the first time in my life. Travel was discounted because of said job, I didn't drive and I didn't need a car. Should I have been saving money? Sure, but who said I was practical? While I didn't go crazy spending, I did buy the one thing I'd always wanted: a camcorder. It was a JVC VHS, and much smaller than the 80s camcorders. I loved this thing. My friend Marie and I spent hours making videos for our amusement, and I learned that while I am socially awkward, I wasn't necessarily camera shy. I can say with certainty that I dissolved into fits of giggles far fewer times than Jimmy Fallon, who arrived on SNL around the same time.</div>
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Marie had a 'makeup tutorial' that, while satirical, anticipated the future by close to a decade. I had a thing called 'Taking Tea With Catherine', surprise surprise, which was basically about tea, but with the persona of an exaggerated prim and proper lady most of the time. None of this went beyond friends and family, because none of it could. If we wanted to show someone our videos, they would have to watch it with us (because I wasn't about to lend my tapes to anyone! Overtaping was a dreaded reality).</div>
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My camcorder never broke down, though the tape door became loose and had to be secured with rubber bands. In a short time DVD camcorders were more popular, followed by digital. I mean to digitize all those tapes, mainly because I'd like to see the recordings of my Dad and the old cats, and the time when I met Brian May and didn't take any photos.</div>
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Within a year of starting this blog (it is getting to be vintage at this point) I was made aware of the fascinating rabbit hole that is YouTube. One of my first thoughts was that I was glad it didn't exist in the days when I was making videos, because what kind of silliness would I have shared with the masses? Occasionally I ended up posting a video, mostly badly lit videos of my cats, and looking back it was nice to see Moofer in action once again (well, basically just being a cuddle smoosh, but who's complaining?) I rarely subscribed to any YouTube channels, up until a year or so ago, when I started following a couple of language channels, a fountain pen expert, and of course a few cats. </div>
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One day, I was seriously missing my walks in London, particularly to the different bookshops, and I found posts of booktubers going around to some of the same shops as well as some I wasn't familiar with. This stoked my curiosity, so I began lurking on these booktubers' channels and eventually following quite a few. At first it was mainly channels from the UK, and then some from the US and Canada, and perhaps one from India? Of course I was drawn to those who read books that I liked or was interested in - some of the others that I'd started with were mainly into YA (young adult), which I rarely read.</div>
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Sometimes when you read a lot, you feel moved to write your own material. I started feeling that way about Booktube, but I hesitated. I don't have any professional equipment, let alone editing software. I have this blog and only update it once or twice a month: why commit to something else? Who has time for this nonsense? Who would watch it? I'm older than most of the booktubers out there: won't I seem out of touch or something?</div>
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Then I realized something, and that was: who cares? I'm going to make a few videos, and have fun with it. I'll talk about the things I like to talk about, and what's more, I'm going to keep it in the theme of my blog. I'll look into editing at some point, but only if I enjoy making videos. So I made the leap, and here are the first two posts:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VqnVUGufV5M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VqnVUGufV5M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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An unhaul, because catharsis</div>
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A haul, because Catherine</div>
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What I've learned so far from the experience is that editing would help. I have to run straight through without breaking at this point. Angling is important, because the chins that disappeared from my daily life find their way back on camera. Also, I knew this already, but it's even more obvious: I cannot sit still. If there was a drinking game that revolved around how many times I pushed my glasses up, folks would be blaming me for their morning hangover! </div>
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I may keep this going, at least for the different themes I have in mind. I'd welcome any advice, especially regarding the technicalities. </div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-71910884341263580252019-05-08T12:05:00.000-04:002019-05-08T15:54:37.006-04:00InstannoyingWarning: rant ahead<br />
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I have Instagram, and quite a few other social networking/media accounts, and spend more time looking through these than I care to admit. So I'm not here to denounce the entire idea of it all, but to whine a bit about some of the more irritating side effects.</div>
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Let me get a related rant out of the way first. I don't drive, but I know there's laws in place for people who text and drive, or basically for anyone who is distracted by their phones instead of concentrating on the road. This is good, but what about pedestrian hazards? It's rude to walk while writing on and scrolling through your phone. We all do it to a point, and it'd be impossible to police everyone doing so. But while crossing a street it is downright dangerous. I have to dodge bikes (and sometimes cars) that blow through red lights, only to find someone in the zebra crossing too engrossed in whatever's on their screen to care about who is in their path. This is all bad enough, but I don't take it personally - not until it interferes with my tea enjoyment!</div>
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This brings us to a situation that occurred recently. It was an unseasonably warm weekend day, and I found myself near the Flatiron District. I've always liked that area, because it's busy enough without being Midtown crazy (usually). I decided to go to Cha Cha Matcha, as I've been trying to get there for a while. I was worried I might not find a seat once inside, but surprisingly one became quickly available. I'd planned to try their Matcha Latte, but as it was warm and I'd seen someone sitting with ice cream, I decided to go for that (matcha banana swirl, very good.) I took a quick and not very quality picture of my ice cream for the Instagrams, and dug in. Because, like I said, I'm not against sharing some of my minutia.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeAI8Dgcah4oaDQBxY2w4kMS3OjaE1vqxhwgVKOcG12EbtetfztVq_kJEmQU4YqQalK0jQ5mQevpmbIhsSvAhzzIRcWhSjIk12aitS0HrCrqBf8mVsOC9PCbvymwUN3smh5MNgQ/s1600/20190413_144655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeAI8Dgcah4oaDQBxY2w4kMS3OjaE1vqxhwgVKOcG12EbtetfztVq_kJEmQU4YqQalK0jQ5mQevpmbIhsSvAhzzIRcWhSjIk12aitS0HrCrqBf8mVsOC9PCbvymwUN3smh5MNgQ/s320/20190413_144655.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad lighting, good ice cream!</td></tr>
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However. </div>
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There were two girls sitting to my right, who both had beverages that looked amazing, and otherwise weren't dressed up (t-shirts, jeans, maybe more makeup than necessary but no let's not judge), who spent the entire time there taking pictures of each other and their drinks using their phones. If they had expensive camera equipment I would theorize that they were doing an important photo shoot, though that didn't make much sense on a busy Saturday. All I know is that they barely said a word to each other, just posed and posed. I would not have cared - I see that sort of thing in Central Park all the time - but one of the girls had her back to me and kept leaning back until her hair nearly touched my ice cream. </div>
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<i>Can't I catch a break in these places already?</i></div>
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Otherwise, aside from the loud music, I liked Cha Cha Matcha, as I think most people would. It's festive with its pinks and greens, and if the ice cream was any indication, the latte is probably good too. I would like to go back, so this is no criticism of the place itself. I simply don't understand the need to document everything in such a way that any actual appreciation is ignored in favor of "likes". The girls were probably, at least in their estimation, "influencers". Now I know some people build entire careers around the ability to recommend products and look attractive doing so. Fine, if there's a market for it. But I cannot see what exactly came out of taking a billion pictures of some beverages...and that's <i>me</i> talking!</div>
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If anything, please try to strike a balance. I go to tea rooms and bookshops (the main things I like to write about), and while I'm there I often take a few notes and pictures in plans to blog later. Then, I get on with the business of living a little. If I'm with someone else, I try to use my limited attention span to be present with that person, because we all need flesh and blood connection. Some people go to tourist sites merely to buy souvenirs from the gift shop. Others visit the gift shop on the way out to buy gifts for others and a memento for themselves to solidify what they've seen. I prefer to be the latter.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-4106615273100765572019-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:002019-05-01T15:51:23.026-04:00Taking Floral Teas<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just in time for May, it's time to talk about something near and dear to my heart, in which love I am certainly not alone: flowers! And not just flowers, but the kind you infuse either alone or with its good friend, tea.</div>
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Not everyone likes floral scented or infused tea. That's okay, the world is full of differing opinions and tastes. Honestly, if made too strong, it can be a bit like drinking perfume heated and served in a pretty cup. Done just right, which for me means subtly, it can be a treat to smell and taste. Today I will go through the floral teas I like, and then the ones I don't like as much.</div>
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Rose: An old favorite in some black tea, and a good complement to other flowers and herbs. As flowers go, they're not my favorite; probably because I associate them with funerals. but sprinkled in tea, I am far from mourning.</div>
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Violet: I'm one of those people who like those violet candies, and I like violet just as much in black tea. I'd had it before, but after having a cup with my Victoria sponge cake in Lovecrumbs, Edinburgh, I had renewed appreciation for its delicate beauty. Now I'm rarely without some in my tea cupboard. I also have a Violet Rose tea from Simpson and Vail, and it's tastygorgeous!</div>
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Lavender: This features more in my herbal tea collection. I love lavender: the smell, the taste, its clean, calming qualities; and if you're about to comment on its "old lady" associations, there's the door! I have a Lavender Lime tea from Celestial Seasonings which is an odd but good pairing! And there is nothing quite like a London Fog Latte when they remember the lavender.</div>
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Jasmine: And I......., will always love yoooouuuuu...Seriously, I don't crave this every day, but it is a classic, and it may be a good way to coax someone into drinking green tea. For some reason I find it gets me more jittery than other ways of drinking green tea (matcha lattes are a close second), so I limit my intake.</div>
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Hibiscus: Very nice hot, full of healthy properties, and a pleasure iced. A good alternative to Sweet Tea in the (American) South. It can be kind of tart, so use care in how strong you make it!</div>
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Chamomile: I don't drink this for pleasure, but as a calming infusion, and an aid to digestion. Love the tiny daisy look of the flower, dislike the scent. Well mixed with other herbs, as it is in Sleepytime (hello again, Celestial Seasonings!), and I'm sold.</div>
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Lilac: I have a pouch of lilac black tea from Simpson and Vail, and it's my least favorite of their floral teas. I don't hate it, but, meh.</div>
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I found a place in the East Village that shares my love for all things tea and flowers: JQK Floral Tea. It features hot and iced teas and lattes with most of the above flowers, and additionally Osmanthus and Chrysanthemum. I'm pretty sure I've had chrysanthemums in my tea at some point, but not enough to make a commentary. So adventures awaits! It's a nice space, not huge but not hole in the wall tiny. I had a Rose Hojicha iced tea when I stopped by, and based on this I will return. Maybe on one of my Flower Fridays!</div>
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What are your favorite floral teas? </div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-80717337474508987812019-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:002019-04-26T14:58:09.452-04:00The Magic of Bookshops <div style="text-align: justify;">
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If you love to read, and love physical books, you know the feeling of walking into a great bookshop. It's home, it's a treat, it's heavenly...it's magical. I make it a point to get to as many as I can, and to go back to the old favorites. It never gets old - and on a theoretical date, I'd much prefer a bookshop over a loud venue.</div>
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Not every bookshop is my favorite, though I don't believe I've ever hated any bookshop. There are a few shops in Queens (a very few, but these are appreciated). but of these only Astoria Bookshop has my heart so far. The rest are good - I refuse to be negative about any bookshop in Queens, unless of course the walls were bleeding or something - but Astoria has added coziness - it rarely feels crowded, but it's not empty either, and it's not that big, but I could spend time there comfortably. </div>
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Brooklyn boasts a few more offerings - and two whole Barnes and Noble shops to boot - but I had grown quite fond of Book Court, and thought it tragic when they closed down. I'd read that its sort-of natural successor, Books Are Magic, had appeared in Cobble Hill, but when do I get down there? Apparently sometimes, because I found myself browsing its shelves contentedly of an afternoon or two recently.</div>
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Let me first get one thing out of the way: it is Instagrammable. I intend to devote a whole post ranting about Instagrammability, but I too have Instagram, and I update it regularly, and can see the appeal of the outside mural and the gorgeous shelves and the friendly but not overwrought children's section for one's instaposts. (A micro-rant: some bookshops I've been to have children's sections that were nice...but certainly not big enough for a proper children's event. I found this out by stopping by in the midst of a children's event, and it was impossible to have a good browse, or even a quick shop. It's hard, because you don't want to begrudge a bookish experience for the kids, but you don't want to scare people away, either. I think Books Are Magic could pull of kids' events, though I'm not about to find out any time soon.)</div>
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Anyway, back to raving. A weekday afternoon may not be the perfect gauge, but I found the shop not crowded. No tumbleweeds, just the feeling that I could look around without bumping into anyone. Plus, I didn't feel exposed. Some places I've visited have a setup where I feel like the employees/owners are <i>watching me - </i>even if they're not. It's a design flaw that I sense, but would not know how to correct. Books Are Magic doesn't feel that way. Had the whole space been littered with cameras I'd still feel the privacy that I don't elsewhere. </div>
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There's sections for everything, though nothing particularly specialized from what I can tell. But wait! there's a whole set of shelving devoted to New York Review Books. I could have spent hours just browsing that area; that is, if I had the hours. Woe is me! In the end, I selected <a href="https://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/how-poetry-can-change-your-heart.html" target="_blank">How Poetry Can Change Your Heart</a>, which I can't wait to delve into (and so appropriate for Poetry Month!) It's as pink as <a href="http://blog.takingteawithcatherine.com/2017/09/peggy-porschen-cakesa-study-in-pink.html" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen</a>, so now I have a hankering for cake. </div>
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Which reminds me: I passed quite a few bakeries and cafes on the way to Books Are Magic, and if I get that elusive chunk of time, would love to come back and explore places to curl up with new bookish acquisitions.</div>
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Subway Directions: F/G to Bergen Street. You could take the 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall or the R to Court Street if you don't mind a walk: and let's face it, on a beautiful day, an extra walk to a bookshop can be a delight.</div>
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Tomorrow is Independent Bookstore Day, so it might be a good time to pass by if you're around - or to visit any independent bookshop you have nearby. The world would be an even darker place without them.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpTnKPZbP1SryN7oMPpBzpojHSFGNRZfaC8dNGWSxpy_G7wyrklqoeo1u7CE1N4gs6gz_qrcDJK4Jnnl6tCekjCe3GG5IRXhyphenhyphenA8ChRP7GV5XvvdL7PYodzdYom8NX0Xg-7A9d2g/s1600/20190417_123643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpTnKPZbP1SryN7oMPpBzpojHSFGNRZfaC8dNGWSxpy_G7wyrklqoeo1u7CE1N4gs6gz_qrcDJK4Jnnl6tCekjCe3GG5IRXhyphenhyphenA8ChRP7GV5XvvdL7PYodzdYom8NX0Xg-7A9d2g/s320/20190417_123643.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It just pulls you in...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browse away!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel like hanging out yet?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqig3cHM1vo18QlsWzWUQUmFXrr5F6L9Br8t7TO-TsHgyL5KJ3rjXETDHXdSdqHeDTq8XS3nBj6WvzkRSGm4Dyu9HZlZnNALIshuvEZ3MhbpnyHbyIQ9PVoWGC8Q7JGnGvWjYtKQ/s1600/20190417_123804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqig3cHM1vo18QlsWzWUQUmFXrr5F6L9Br8t7TO-TsHgyL5KJ3rjXETDHXdSdqHeDTq8XS3nBj6WvzkRSGm4Dyu9HZlZnNALIshuvEZ3MhbpnyHbyIQ9PVoWGC8Q7JGnGvWjYtKQ/s320/20190417_123804.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the kiddies, or anyone who could sit on a bean bag and still be able to stand up again...</td></tr>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-75258575930309812622019-02-28T13:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T15:36:12.575-05:00The Movies<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't think I've ever been identified as a cinephile. Sure, if I like a film I will talk about it, and possibly analyze it, but it's not a deep passion, not the way books and certain TV shows are for me. Still, as a child, going to the movies was one of life's greatest pleasures. We had a theater just two blocks away, so it wasn't a hassle to get there, and when I was a little older and IMAX type, stadium seating developed, it meant a fun trip to the city or maybe Forest Hills, each of which was a little different, and really it didn't take much to get excited about even the most mediocre movie.</div>
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In the past decade I rarely go to the movie theater. I didn't suddenly fall out of love with the experience, but I find there's so many reasons to stay away, and wait for its release on the streaming sites. That actually leads to the first reason:</div>
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Shorter wait: When Titanic came out at the end of 1997 I saw it four times in the theater. I never do that anymore. It played in the theater for months, and then it came out on VHS in September of 1998. I remember this specifically because I held on the receipt for sentimental reasons: I purchased the video in the Borders located in the World Trade Center. I'll never let go of that receipt! The point is that if I didn't see the movie in the theaters, I would have had to wait 9 months to see it, and if I hadn't bought it, I would have probably have had to wait til I could get it at Blockbuster, which could take forever. The only film I saw last year in the theater was Bohemian Rhapsody. It was available digitally less than three months after its theater release date. Hence, I normally just wait.</div>
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But what about spoilers? you may ask. Yes, what about them? When the last Avengers movie came out, it was released first in the UK. I was checking a group I follow on Facebook, one that has nothing to do with movies, and before I realized what I was reading, some lovely person had posted all the spoilers for that movie. Now I didn't want to bother spending the money. That brings us to point 2:</div>
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Is It Worth It? The price of a ticket locally is $16.40. Ouch. What if I didn't like the movie? There's no refund. And that's not counting snacks or dinner afterward. As a single person that's enough of an expense, but imagine paying for a family? I know that box office earnings influence marketing and future film making, but I can't fork over cash to help a statistic. If I wait a few months, the movie, whether I like it or not, will likely be available on one of the streaming sites I subscribe to...</div>
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Stream Away: I subscribe to a number of services that offer enough movies, new and old, to satisfy my viewing needs. It's too much, and I know I spend enough time watching stuff, but it's still a better value.</div>
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Crowds!!! I admit that sometimes, watching a superhero movie with an audience, and hearing their reaction along with my own, can be fun. Overall, though, I don't care for sitting in crowds, and prefer to sit on an aisle, which is normally not the best angle, and not guaranteed in a popular movie. When I saw Bohemian Rhapsody I picked a theater that had reserved seating, which is a good idea, until you find that someone is sitting in your seat. Somehow I had the courage (foolhardiness?) to ask the guy to move, but even that action took away some of the enjoyment. Then there's the other noises that are unwelcome - like conversation, chewing, babies crying, that as I get older bring out the crabby in me to a higher degree. It's a shame. </div>
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Leaving the house: This can work for and against going to the movies. On a rainy day off, it's nice to make a pillow fort and catch up on some Netflix, rather than sitting a soggy self on a carpeted chair, placing umbrella on a sticky floor. BUT it can also be fun to use the movies as an excuse to get out of the house. This depends on one's current mood.</div>
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Ah! But what about the 'surround sound', the huge screens, the special effects and 3D? Yes, it's cool, but I also think these can be overwhelming. Again, that's me. I have sensory issues. I'm still not sure if the migraine I got the day after seeing Avatar in 3D came from the movie or the cheap champagne I tried later on. I don't care for 3D because it costs extra, and I don't like putting glasses on top of my glasses. No, I don't want to put on contact lenses so I can look cute in the dark!</div>
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To bring this around to my central theme of tea - it's terribly awkward to take tea in a theater. There's also the matter of not being able to pause for the inevitable bathroom break. We need intermissions, like they have in Bollywood films. </div>
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I'm obviously not anti-theater, but I prefer to limit my visits to absolute must-sees (or a free ticket, but sometimes not even then if I'm not in the mood.) I can compare my preferences to going to the beach. I like it, but once or twice a year is more than enough for me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTw9rHRpXi_oOnivfiN0lJJOkoMo0Qs9o3tcJo7p2bv_RFy8_iHdLbb_065lPDAZrpd1Qpli4Yvm2sS8WwroglIruOouriq2eVrLut23jpiyQQigqfe9DaD4CHPdgPLmIeetEvA/s1600/20190217_083536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTw9rHRpXi_oOnivfiN0lJJOkoMo0Qs9o3tcJo7p2bv_RFy8_iHdLbb_065lPDAZrpd1Qpli4Yvm2sS8WwroglIruOouriq2eVrLut23jpiyQQigqfe9DaD4CHPdgPLmIeetEvA/s320/20190217_083536.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viewing is better when there's a cat atop oneself.</td></tr>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-75686563305362358182019-02-26T07:00:00.000-05:002019-02-26T12:07:53.305-05:00Taking Coffee With Catherine: Anxiety Woman Goes to Bird & Branch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pTkXH7zzj0_U4yHYtEPIrr3ZDbTQXgzxfSTiKg5uVHIbL_dJeHME2Uu_I5iPqxqMRrWqaRmA3FWc6f2h43QmHteqTyGVNXnyppcirKX9ES9SdUTLr6WarlWiGLfXjrIl8Dsu6A/s1600/20190219_181422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pTkXH7zzj0_U4yHYtEPIrr3ZDbTQXgzxfSTiKg5uVHIbL_dJeHME2Uu_I5iPqxqMRrWqaRmA3FWc6f2h43QmHteqTyGVNXnyppcirKX9ES9SdUTLr6WarlWiGLfXjrIl8Dsu6A/s320/20190219_181422.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I must have expressed on this blog, at least once, my disdain for Times Square. I didn't mind it so much when I was younger, but it gets all the more irritating to pass as I live on. I cannot control myself from saying "Nope,", and "I don't want to be here", when I find myself passing the area. It's an artificially lit outdoor crowded circus: what's to like? And I mean the clown kind of circus, not the Piccadilly kind, though I've gone off Piccadilly Circus nowadays as well. IF I'm seeing a Broadway show, I must go there as a necessary evil, but even then I'd rather not linger outdoors.</div>
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There are a few side streets off Times Square that I can tolerate, because side streets in general are usually by nature quieter, even with theatergoer spillage. So, to find a cafe right in "Hell's Kitchen" that is not (yet) a chain, and had welcoming space to sit and relax and have my cheat coffee, was a life bonus. Welcome to <a href="https://www.birdandbranchnyc.com/" target="_blank">Bird & Branch</a>!<br />
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I think I've mentioned my cheat coffee days before. Though I love tea, sometimes I crave coffee, but it rarely agrees with me. I try to have a latte of some sort once a month, so the craving is settled, but my health isn't destroyed. On this occasion, I was suffering from the remains of another cold - the gross kind where dairy is out of the question. So I chose a Blackbird, a signature drink of theirs that contains macadamia milk and blackberry syrup. It was gorgeous, though I will say you have to be in the mood for that blackberry flavor.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me, a fox. and a bird living in harmony.</td></tr>
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When I arrived, there were a few people on one side of the shop, and an empty table that could sit four people comfortably. As always, I prefer to sit in a less populated spot, and with my need to blow my nose grossly, I thought a slight quarantine would be best.</div>
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I felt as if I were far removed from the busiest part of Midtown. Got some writing done, felt like I was on a mini-vacation...until a man and his daughter? came and sat down at my table without asking. Why do people do this? There was at least one other table open, but they had to just plop down during non-rush hour and spoil my peace. Without asking.</div>
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Do I expect too much? Possibly, but it just took me out of my happy mood. I just don't get why people can't even ask. It's making my efforts to find nice cafes in New York nearly impossible. How do they know I'm not contagious? (I might have been, the cold was a few days old at that point.) Also, what if I'm meeting someone? I just don't understand the lack of courtesy. I never will.</div>
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I do want to return, to try their pastries which looked amazing, and their tea because I must. I'll just have to get one of the smaller tables or learn how to give Zenobia-like looks of death (not that that deters Freddie, so never mind.)</div>
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If you're not a complete neurotic like me, or even if you are, do visit Bird & Branch if you're in the area. The name itself makes it worth it, as does its menu.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love planty plants in my cafes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty and pristine at once.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YOU CAN BUY STUFF!</td></tr>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-71290588543676022019-02-07T06:00:00.000-05:002019-02-26T11:29:05.473-05:00Snug<div style="text-align: justify;">
As y'all now by now, my sister Bonnie lives in Texas. Surprisingly (to me, anyway) there are many, many coffee destinations, which also tends to translate to tea destinations. That's because these places likely carry decent brands of tea, so although they may focus on the coffee, you can be like me and get a nice herbal blend, or even a decent Breakfast blend, and a pastry, and curl up with a book to pass the time. </div>
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My sister knows how much I love this, and even more so, she knows how much I love places that aren't overwhelming. So when she texted me about a new spot she visited, she said "they have a good tea selection too and some real cozy nooks", I nearly booked a ticket right then and there.</div>
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She's not the only one who knows how to lure me. My good friend in Florida shared a picture from Instagram of a cafe with walls full of books. That and being tired of the winter sorely tempted me to check my miles (which are much lower than they should be.)</div>
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I'm not really in the mood for travel at the moment, though. I've had some changes at work recently, which I haven't come to terms with mentally. Did I mention I don't like change? The cats at home are still not best friends, so I don't want anyone else to have to deal with them yet. My finances are pretty sad, and though a No-Spend month/year has proven difficult to carry out, I've cut down on quite a lot of unnecessary shopping. Food and cat items are enough to knock my budget senseless! Even so, I'm desperate for warm, cozy, snug, relaxed moments, and though I get a few of these at home when the kitties are both napping, I find a decided lack outdoors.</div>
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I get that I live in one of the busiest cities in the world. It doesn't make for easy locating of snug hole-in-the-wall cafes. I keep looking. Note I said snug, not smug. That I can find in spades.</div>
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Madame Sou Sou is not a bad choice. It's a little pastry cafe two blocks from the Astoria Bookshop, but each time I've stopped by, despite it nearly always being the weekend, I manage to find a nice table in the corner. Even when there are plenty of people there, it doesn't feel oppressive. And so far I've liked everything I ordered from there. I'm afraid to devote a whole post on this cafe, because if it catches on too much it'll become...the dreaded word...<i>packed.</i></div>
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So I'll whine on.</div>
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Some people love a bustling cafe. Lots of chatter, people to and fro, and caffeine! For me, this is the recipe for a panic attack. I hate loud voices, chewing noises, and blaring music. I firmly dislike being brushed against as I'm trying to read or write. It's bad enough I have to deal with this on my commute. The problem is that this is almost inescapable in New York. If you've found a quiet table, someone will want to share the table with you. If you're reading, the guy at the next table will want to talk about what you're reading. Though I can't say I've never initiated a conversation out of doors, it's often not what I'm after when I'm on my own.<br />
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Of course, some of this problem is down to real estate, because what else is new? It is difficult to open and maintain a business profitably because most businesses rent, and rent in New York is ridiculously high, both for residences and shops. So a cafe, for example, can't always offer the luxury of opening a place full of tables with their own elbow space, and cozy enclaves. I get that. I don't like it, but I get it. Recently I tried out Ateaz in the Upper East Side. Its widest appeal for me was that it had a decent amount of stretching room, and tables by the window where you could both people watch and be away from actual people. I visited in the evening, which means it may be more populated at different times, but this at least was a plus for them. I didn't care for their spinach pie, but I'm from Astoria, so the bar is set high for me (spanakopita!)</div>
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This is not something affecting my daily quality of life, but it would be just fantastic if I could map out more tea/coffee spots that are friendly to my senses. Bonnie has done this for me in San Antonio - everything is bigger in Texas, but in spacing things out you end up finding privacy - but the struggle continues in New York. It's not always easy in London, either, and I wouldn't mind having ample opportunity to find some real cozy nooks there! Alas, the budget.<br />
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Suggestions are welcome.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big advantage of San Antonio is bigness.</td></tr>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-250471027457551962019-01-10T13:42:00.001-05:002019-01-10T13:42:46.518-05:00Freddie Purrcury <div style="text-align: justify;">
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When I envision an ideal living situation, it's usually in a cute cottage surrounded by a manageable garden and some wildflower space. The cottage has a baking-friendly kitchen, is stuffed with books and cozy reading nooks (at least one window seat), and there's at least three cats in residence.</div>
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I have the books in my railroad apartment in Astoria, plants that tend to die, and have had up to three cats at once in the past. I also have mild allergies and a budget. So I've been down to Zenobia for five years now.</div>
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It wasn't a bad arrangement. Zenobia is friendly (to me), and playful for her age. I'm sure she would be fine with keeping it just the two of us. But lately I was drawn to the idea of having another kitty, preferably a boy, but not a kitten. I'd also never had the chance to adopt a cat from a shelter. So I took to the internet, and found a local spot that didn't make you give blood in order to adopt.</div>
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There are always adoptable dogs and cats in shelters, but a match is not always easy to find. For instance, on my first visit there were some bonded pairs, which basically means you have to adopt them together. I think that's wonderful, but I'm not up to having three cats at the moment. It was okay with Bubuck and Moofer back in the day, but that's because Zenobia was young and she'd already met them both. I didn't want to overwhelm her (or my above-mentioned allergies and budget). </div>
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I didn't find my match on my first visit, but I didn't give up. On my second try, upon entering the cat room, the first kitty I spotted was not in one of the cages, but a little room near the kitten area. As soon as I saw the big ginger lounging behind the glass, I asked about him. The volunteer said 'that's Frederico', and I had to know more. So she took me inside.</div>
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'Frederico' shared the room with two other kitties names Sylvester and Tweety. Neither of them seemed interested in me, but Frederico approached straightaway. And sparks flew. No, literally. It was cold out, and I gave the poor guy a little shock as he went to sniff my finger. But he was obviously social, and I fell in love. The volunteer read his history: he was an owner surrender, which was all I knew about his previous life. That and he had ingested dental floss a few years ago and had to have it surgically removed. And he was seven years old. That was a little older than I'd expected, but I figured he'd be much calmer than a kitten, and Zenobia would appreciate that. He also had a slightly scrunched left ear, but there weren't any health issues related to that. I wanted to hear his voice, but all he managed were the little <i>rrrrp </i>and <i>mrrr</i> sound effects, which probably sealed the deal. Any cat who simultaneously reminded me of <a href="http://blog.takingteawithcatherine.com/2006/01/cinnamon-sino-1993-2006.html" target="_blank">Cinnamon</a> and <a href="http://blog.takingteawithcatherine.com/2013/09/moofer-2001-2013.html" target="_blank">Moofer</a> was okay by me.</div>
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The adoption process takes time, so I had to return the next day. I arrived at opening time with my carrying case, and after some consultation and paperwork, we were off! I took him on the bus, which I thought would be an easy ride as it was midday. I was wrong, but I was also impressed by how quiet he was. Zenobia would have been in an uproar! (not that I'm comparing...)</div>
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I'd hoped to get him into the front rooms without any fuss, and keep the two cats separated for a few days, but before I could take my coat off, Zenobia was at the carrying case sniffing, then hissing, then wheezing dramatically. I spirited him off to the front rooms, shut the doors, and let him sniff around. </div>
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The first day and night I had a quiet boy who hid under the bed and had a normal appetite, and was cuddly when I came to visit him. I still spent as much time as possible with Zenobia, as I wanted her to feel like I hadn't forgotten her in favor of a younger model. I was starting to regret my new name for him: Freddie Purrcury. I thought it would be an easy change from Frederico, and a chance to finally name someone after my favorite singer. With the ear and the ginger fur he could have been Vincent Van Gogh, but that didn't roll off my tongue.</div>
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By the second day Freddie had found his voice. And he used it! He was no longer satisfied with two rooms (bigger than quite a few New York apartments, but after all, his namesake had lived in a mansion in Kensington. Now, I like the sound of little kitty mews, and the occasional howl, but I also suffer from a mild but nagging case of misophonia, and persistent yowling and door scratching was interrupting my beauty sleep. So I did what has always worked when faced (or eared?) with a snoring roommate: kept the TV on full blast. It's loud, but it's my choice, and I was able to rest somewhat.</div>
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After a couple of days, I brought the kitties together. Zenobia's first response was a repeat performance of wheeze-fest. Then the hissing commenced. This was not a love match. In fact, it was a crisis. She stopped eating for a couple of days, lost weight, and found herself back at the vet. She will be okay (for now), but I reminded her she was a century too late to protest for women's votes, and got her all her favorite canned food. And I let her tell me where <i>she</i> wants to eat. Yes, she's spoiled, but she's earned it - and at last she has the evil sound effects to complement her resting death glare. </div>
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As soon as Freddie had a chance to explore the whole apartment, I learned that he truly is a combination of many of the boy cats I've known: he has the high jump of Cinnamon (and the sudden poofy tail), the little grunts and love bites of Moofer, the ability to find and tear through any package of cat food, cat nip, or treats that is not put away under lock and key, like Moofer and Bubuck, and the weird face licking of Chubby (my fur "nephew" of old). Maybe girl cats do these thing too, but not the ones I've known. Zenobia scratches furniture (and Freddie scratches the furniture Zenobia doesn't bother with, like my swivel chairs), but she's never been terribly curious about every space in existence. She's not even a window cat. Freddie is, which I wouldn't mind, except he nearly ended the household by turning one of the stove knobs on his way to a kitchen window. It's a good thing I have a sensitive nose! So I'm on my toes.</div>
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Freddie has been part of the family for nearly a month now. Aside from learning to deal with his active nature and morning caterwauling, and Zenobia's demonic noises (they get more and more creative), I've loved having another kitty at home. Now I just need the cottage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfI6Nd0h3Q6FKhu94F7ITbKofTAhgy3pEyvjT0aht4mXYiFieCqn0oKRKB3JSCPoji0ODZftwNjXUz6_UXoca4vSTWIkAEo33PTpyFGB5I9-Z-7mLQMXaEJaphAdGfDVSfncTKA/s1600/20181220_211110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfI6Nd0h3Q6FKhu94F7ITbKofTAhgy3pEyvjT0aht4mXYiFieCqn0oKRKB3JSCPoji0ODZftwNjXUz6_UXoca4vSTWIkAEo33PTpyFGB5I9-Z-7mLQMXaEJaphAdGfDVSfncTKA/s320/20181220_211110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closest she'll get to him</td></tr>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-2524062474293252372018-12-07T07:30:00.000-05:002018-12-07T14:22:20.650-05:00Brew's Lee Tea<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm still amazed at how I can squeeze new tea experiences out of every visit to San Antonio. It's not a Tea Destination, at least not at first glance. </div>
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I remember when Bonnie first moved to Texas, one of her personal challenges was finding decent bubble tea (or Boba, your choice). Even quirky Austin was disappointing on that score. Things have changed in five years!</div>
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Enter <a href="https://www.brewsleetea.com/" target="_blank">Brew's Lee</a>. Well, entered over a year ago now - but last November it had <i>just</i> opened so I couldn't make it. It's a fun, 'Instagrammable' shop with celebrity pillows and selfie opportunities throughout, and ample seating which always helps. Thankfully, that's not <i>all </i>it is. Atmosphere is important, but <i>quality</i> is vital.</div>
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The families of the owners grow tea in Taiwan, so there's some serious Oolong going on here. The drinks are usually sweetened (at varying levels), which normally takes away somewhat from the genuine Oolong flavor, but in this case, and with iced tea, it just works. Plus, we're talking Texas here. They just love their sweet tea!</div>
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As I usually don't go to the same place twice during each San Antonio visit, I knew I wasn't going to be able to try all the flavors. I was impressed by the Split Cup. You get two flavors - the best of both worlds! So I had an Oolong Milk Tea, and a Glowing Tea (herbal concoction). I was still kinda hyped up on caffeine, but only to the point that I was Chatty Cathy. </div>
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There are snacks (I had a donut), but I probably won't go for food food there, because when I'm in Texas I need to eat as everywhere as possible, within my own diet restrictions (they vary).</div>
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Please give this place a try if you're nearby! Boba abounds nowadays, but quality to this extent is rare indeed.</div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-36393685141248211172018-07-19T06:00:00.000-04:002018-07-19T12:10:56.076-04:00Shakespeare all over The Park<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a rare year: I've already seen two live Shakespeare performances, and within a month of each other. Both are plays I'm more than familiar with, though they're both not really my favorites. I had a good time each time, though they were pretty different experiences.</div>
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When you say 'Shakespeare in the Park' to a New Yorker, the first thing that may spring to mind is the post-Memorial Day performances at Delacorte theater, beautifully situated near Belvedere Castle and one of my favorite haunts, the Shakespeare Garden. And it is an evening I recommend 100%, once you're in. There are lotteries and lines to endure before you have that (free) ticket in your hand. I'm grateful that both times I've seen a play here, someone else got a ticket for me. Once you have a seat, which are basic stadium seats in terms of comfort, all you have to worry about is if the weather will hold up. It did for my group! </div>
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We were there for Othello, which is a Shakespeare play I don't necessarily care for, mainly because it's all tragic misunderstandings. It was well done, though, and I was surprised to see, for both performances I'm speaking of here, that they kept to Shakespearean period costume. Usually the productions dress for a different era, like the 1940s. I'm okay with that, but it's been ages since I've seen a Bard-era costume choice. </div>
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What made this night fun for me was also the raccoon that stole the show; occasionally these guys find their way to the stage and streak across to thunderous applause. I think they do it on purpose. At one point some ducks flew overhead. You won't forget entirely that you're in Central Park.</div>
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Soon after Othello, I was able to see the <i>other </i>Shakespeare in the park - which was a production of Romeo and Juliet, by the New York Classical Theater. It's sometimes called 'Shakespeare on the Run', because everyone meets up at a designated spot in the park, and then follows the actors for a change of scenery at another spot. It's fun because you can meet up early and have a little picnic (though one you can easily carry is recommendable), and if you're not crazy about your view, it will change in a scene or two. Also, the actors tend to interact with the audience: the 'balcony scene' had Juliet further away and Romeo standing <i>right behind me</i>. As R&J is not my favorite Shakespeare play, I feel it needs to be shaken up a bit to be palatable. There's also the matter of it being a small company, and most of the actors play at least two roles, so the quick changes are pretty fun. The only negative I can see is that getting up and down from a spot on the grass is not as easy for your joints if you're over 25.</div>
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Like siblings, it's hard to pick a favorite. Both are easy on the wallet - in the NYCT production, you can contribute afterwards, but if your budget is tight, you're still allowed in either way. Be warned that if you're in the mood for a selfie, you'll have to refrain at Delacorte, as staff will FIND YOU. Photography is also frowned on by the NYCT. Just live in the moment!</div>
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Definitely try at least one of these experiences if you're in New York in the summertime. NYCT moves out to different venues further down the calendar (like Battery Park, which starts in Castle Clinton), but I try for Central Park when possible. And bring the kids! They always seem to have the best time. Just make sure the bathroom needs are attended to prior to the show, and this goes for both productions. </div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-43945959668610796292018-05-10T12:53:00.000-04:002018-05-10T13:13:32.778-04:00This Time, It's Personal<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't always like to talk about personal things here, beyond my occasional cranky mutterings about an overpriced scone. Sometimes, though, I feel like I need to explain something about myself, without worrying about being interrupted. More on that later.</div>
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So today I'd like to feature the wonderful world of my social anxiety disorder. It's a bit tea-related, as too much caffeine ups the problem, and also taking tea is often a social activity. I have other anxiety-related disorders, but this one screws up my life the most.</div>
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When I tell people who've known me more than five minutes that I have social anxiety, I'm usually met with an incredulous response. Yes, I've held a job that requires interacting with humans for over a decade. Yes, I do public speaking - I've read my own poems in front of strangers, I have speaking assignments in my congregation, and in a language that I can just about pronounce at that. I <i>sing</i> in front of others at karaoke with minimal shyness. I wear bright colors that could attract attention. Occasionally I've shared writing works-in-progress at workshops and lived to tell the tale. I can't be that badly off if I'm capable of all this?</div>
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So maybe I don't have <i>the worst</i> case of social anxiety. But it's real, and it's painful, and it has messed up my life.</div>
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One way is my extreme difficulty in approaching others, particularly to ask for something. This could be a stranger, a co-worker, a family member, even a best friend. I immediately anticipate rejection, and the thought that I may be seen as being a problem. When I'm told "just ask", it's like being told to JUST jump off a cliff. Sure. That's fine. </div>
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In my college Precalculus class, the final exam was a group project - I chose to do it on my own, and obviously failed the exam and the class because my mathematical abilities are not stellar. But all I had to do was find a group and approach them. They wouldn't mind, would they? Then I had a flashback of being picked to be in a team in gym class during junior high school, hearing the entire group of girls exclaim "No!!!" as I went to join them, and that was that. I've imprinted that moment in my life and stuck it onto another crucial moment, and that feeling never faded away. Now if I need a ride, a travel companion, the bill at a restaurant, I freeze up and just hope someone offers. On a good day, I can text someone with a request. IF I've asked you for something recently, know that this was a big day for me. If you said no, I've probably been set back and won't do it again. And now I've made you feel guilty, and I'm angry at myself for doing that. I've also lived through it, though, so maybe you've helped me after all.</div>
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Even more difficult than physically approaching someone is calling them. Phone anxiety is pretty common nowadays, but knowing I'm not alone in this does not make it easier. Since I was a kid I hated making phone calls, and leaving voicemails is only marginally better. Making appointments is a nightmare for me: for years I kept going to a hair salon that I was not crazy about because I could make appointments online. Even now I'd prefer going into the salon to make the appointment rather than phoning them. (If a friend offers to make the calls for me, I feel ridiculous.) Receiving calls is just as bad. I keep my phone on silent or vibrate, and often feel a cold sweat come upon me, even if it's a familiar number. Websites like Seamless have been a miracle for me - I get to order takeout with almost no human interaction? Wonderful! - unless the restaurant has run out of my order, and phones me to ask for alternatives. The horror!</div>
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But wait? Don't I work at a place where I have to call people, and take calls, and cover reception? Yes. There's more than one reason I feel sick every morning. Sometimes I end up shooting the breeze and feeling that maybe it's not such a bad thing, and other times I stammer and say 'like' every other word, and am in tears by the end of the call (or close, because I'm also terrified of crying in public, so I get a splitting headache.) I type at a quick pace, but if someone stands over me while I type I become Typo Woman. When I was a travel agent (back in the early days of internet booking), I would bristle if a client tried to look a the screen I was working on to find a good rate. That was definitely not an ideal job for me. Ideally I should be working in a more quiet position, like data entry, or writer/reader, or with animals (because I will talk to your dog more readily than yourself), but I also need to support myself as an adult, so I power on and make myself sick. Then - oh no! - I have to call in sick. All this is not even going into the horrors of job searching. </div>
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Life needs to be lived. We are all social creatures. In my opinion, I'm not antisocial (though a bit grumpy). I want companionship like everyone else. I love a good conversation over a cup of tea, or a crazy long walk, or in a bookshop. People are fascinating, and I want to get to know (some) people. I didn't choose to be single. Unfortunately, we live in a world where a lot of interaction and getting to know someone requires being in a crowd. Movies and plays aren't too bad, because most theaters have decent sized seats, and I'm in a dark room where I can't see others (forget opening night in the MCU universe, though). Concerts are less possible for me as years go by, especially general admission. Hanging out in big groups, or any crowded, loud event is something I avoid if I can. It's not always possible.<br />
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Walking into a room full of people, even full of people I know, is daunting. I explained to someone once that often I don't see the smiles on their faces or even sense caring, all I see is a distortion. The closest thing I can compare it to is <a href="https://youtu.be/tzBTqLy7gkY" target="_blank">here</a>. Did you watch it? The whole thing? Creepy, right? Willkommen to my life! It helps if I arrive early, when wherever I'm going is still emptyish, so I try. I also look for aisle seats, so I can bolt if I need to. (The only exception to this is during train travel, as looking out a window at fields and horses is soothing. Horsies!)</div>
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The worst situation is being called out on my discomfort. If I go to a party and <i>want </i>to dance, I will. I'm not a good dancer, but I'll get to the dance floor, and I tend to feel secure in the fact that nobody's really watching me - that is the one safety of a crowd. But if someone calls to me to join the dance, and brings attention to the fact that I'm sitting, I'm done. I'm also highly sensitive, so I can't bear being squashed next to others with little movement, hearing their loud chewing noises and picking up their breath with my nearly supernatural sense of smell. I don't know if that is a part of social anxiety, but it ain't helping. When someone calls someone 'sensitive', it's usually a judgment, and social anxiety sufferers are afraid of being judged. Yay.</div>
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Only large groups? Well, this can also happen with a few people, but another problem is that I'm also soft-spoken. Like I said before, though, I like conversations, but I don't like to not be heard when I'm speaking. If I'm interrupted, I lose focus and check out mentally. But even if was able to be heard, you can be sure that later on I'll be mulling over everything I said, editing and recoiling in horror about some turn of phrase or personal revelation. </div>
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I know my fears are mostly irrational, and I know that some people "have it worse" - not that that makes me feel better, now I have guilt atop the anxiety! I don't know if anyone will actually read this through - particularly those who I've tried to explain this to, but couldn't get the words out properly, but this is not something I take lightly. I can laugh off a decent amount of issues, but not this. I won't snap out of it, and I haven't gotten better just because sometimes I am Highly Functioning. Some have been helped by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - maybe it would help me too, if I could make an appointment...</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-5178607605543621572018-04-11T07:00:00.000-04:002018-04-11T22:27:08.398-04:00I'm Not a Purist, But...<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I first became obsessed with tea, I did what I always do: read, read, read until I know as much as I can about a subject without having a degree. In the early days my reading was almost entirely from books, and mostly books I could either find at my local library or easy to reach branches, with the occasional foray into Barnes and Noble or a used bookshop. Finding tea itself took similar methods. Ordering from a catalog was a rare exception.</div>
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Nowadays I've learned so much from reading online, and am able to readily purchase from all over the world. To be honest, though, much of what I learn nowadays only reinforces what I knew before - though certain pronunciations and exact methods of preparation make more sense via video tutorials.</div>
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In the "I liked this before it was cool"beast lurking inside of my psyche, I've known the basics of matcha preparation since reading about it from a green tea book I found in the Central Library in Jamaica, Queens, but in this particular decade you can find a matcha expert, or a burgeoning one, within sneezing distance.</div>
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What about Oolong? Not as much, not yet. Sure, Twinings has carried its own bags of Oolong in grocery stores for ages, and Chinese restaurants often serve it (though I'm not finding as many of the old-school New York Chinese restaurants around), and occasionally I'll get a flavoured Oolong online but I don't know as much about it as I'd like to, and didn't pay much attention to its preparation. At one point I bought a tea set designed for its particular type of prep and serving, but rarely used it.</div>
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What I suppose I'm saying is that, though I consider myself well-versed on tea, I'm not keeping up as much as I used to. At work I tend to buy a breakfast blend, and maybe an Earl Grey or flavoured green, all in teabags. I tried the loose tea method, but it took too long, and I ended up bringing its paraphernalia home. </div>
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One recent winter's day I found out that, due to moving semantics, my work was going to close at noon for the day. Usually in such circumstances I head to Central Park, or the Met Museum, but occasionally I hit the Village, and I thought 'why not'? I'd read online about a newish place called Te Company, and as I haven't tried any new places recently (except in my own neighborhood, which hopefully I'll get to in another post, for goodness' sake), I went to the West Village for a stroll. </div>
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I needed to eat, so first I had lunch at Tea and Sympathy (because why not), and then had a browse at Three Lives & Company bookshop (highly recommend), and that was only down the block from <a href="https://www.te-nyc.com/" target="_blank">Te Company</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsJy85r3DtjXhIPDPoq1XJvFeQCu7gE3HuMA6yzs_zco8ppQetWPTnCx2IkgqjsarnbByGo2toY6RUSKWxNn6YFZvTEt-o98bwIArtrIcvrR6sORVTZI_IA4WCinesiYfOkmUNA/s1600/tecompany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsJy85r3DtjXhIPDPoq1XJvFeQCu7gE3HuMA6yzs_zco8ppQetWPTnCx2IkgqjsarnbByGo2toY6RUSKWxNn6YFZvTEt-o98bwIArtrIcvrR6sORVTZI_IA4WCinesiYfOkmUNA/s320/tecompany.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I immediately took to the location, as it wasn't in a typical storefront, but it felt as if I was welcome in someone's clean, tea-filled townhouse apartment. I arrived during a quiet period, which put me in a good mood right away. It started to fill up gradually, but in such a way that did not disturb my highly-caffeinated (for me) self.</div>
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A brief detour into my crankiness: sometimes I become irritated when staff tries to "educate" me on their product, especially if it's something I know a bit about, but in this case the lady who helped me was understated but immensely helpful. And not at all smug. That's important.</div>
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There's a WAY to make proper Oolong tea, and it means the right water temperature and steeping time (and quality of water, if attainable). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwR9cky244yPgio9ZQzmg8S-w6NqpGLtsKKcMNQBvaH-3zAD5FLilIUfbnmmG4B2zXvtCUT6QTgTeoPLSHeS3Gtp_yvqnRjMTUIVY9Ga-ZQtn9oU2c4lIn68TleQXeCvwF2MQLg/s1600/20180118_142401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwR9cky244yPgio9ZQzmg8S-w6NqpGLtsKKcMNQBvaH-3zAD5FLilIUfbnmmG4B2zXvtCUT6QTgTeoPLSHeS3Gtp_yvqnRjMTUIVY9Ga-ZQtn9oU2c4lIn68TleQXeCvwF2MQLg/s320/20180118_142401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The tea is steeped in a warmed tiny teapot, and then transferred to a pitcher, from whence you can pour into the tiny teacup (my hands feel sizable using these cups), et voila! Full flavour of love! I strongly advise everyone to dispense with sweeteners in this kind of situation - I don't remember being offered any, and even if I were, I wouldn't hear of it. This isn't your workaday cuppa, it's the Full Experience. You wouldn't add sugar to a glass of wine, would you? WOULD YOU? You animal!</div>
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I had a pineapple linzer cookie, which surprised me with its pepper, but pleasantly so. </div>
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Now, I picked the least expensive tea I could find, as it was not budget-friendly, but I did not sacrifice flavour or enjoyment whatsoever. Frankly, this was my gateway back into Tea Appreciation. That sounds odd, because I appreciate my morning Yorkshire Gold in my mug (albeit a pretty mug) with a splash of milk at work: it's a good friend that wakes me up gently but firmly. But I'd lost track of the slowdown, breathe, savour part of life. Obviously there's a lot to do in our day-to-day life, but in the wise words of Mr. Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." I don't want to miss the finer moments of life, and only stop when I'm sleeping - and I don't stop, I have crazy action-packed dreams. </div>
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So I'm going to try that every once in a while. I will attempt to make Oolong tea right at home, and I will do what I used to do, and read up on tea sometimes. And maybe I'll blog about it more frequently than every five months...</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-88877970878045135752017-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:002017-11-07T14:20:35.239-05:00To the Future!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOrRbpI58isZ8CD587Sq8IevcdPMe90f1cWnP1pQ5hECiNqygDhsoHhMjkiFBeWPfSHDZtkLr-NEVPhrqe5R7Q0J1bJVlyYooHVqSmZ7jmW2_q2I_9f0xcAMMoz-L9jQrrYz9eA/s1600/20170903_110510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOrRbpI58isZ8CD587Sq8IevcdPMe90f1cWnP1pQ5hECiNqygDhsoHhMjkiFBeWPfSHDZtkLr-NEVPhrqe5R7Q0J1bJVlyYooHVqSmZ7jmW2_q2I_9f0xcAMMoz-L9jQrrYz9eA/s320/20170903_110510.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ten days in the UK ought to do it. My entire list should be covered. Right?</div>
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NOPE!!!</div>
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I will never, ever get everything done. Even if I kept a modest list, there are circumstances: weather, expenses, time in general, energy levels...and then there's the TBR factor. I'm referring to my To Be Read pile of books at home. Even if I managed to read everything I owned (and that'd take superhuman effort), there's always a new or new-to-me book to add. London (and now Edinburgh) are the same way. I've "accomplished" much on my past few visits, but then new discoveries peek out, clearing their throats until they catch my notice. Often it is all too late at that point. Here are two spots that will have to wait til next time:</div>
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Whittard...</div>
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wait, Whittard? I've been to many of their shops, and have the ancient tins to prove it. They're merited at least one visit every trip since 1998. The Covent Garden branch has been well darkened by my eager footsteps over the years. However, said branch only recently opened up a fully-fledged tearoom!</div>
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Thrilling though this news was to me, I only discovered it on the last full day of my trip, and I had reservations for the Sherlock Holmes afternoon tea to look forward to, so I couldn't just sit there and truly get the experience. I <i>was </i>able to sit and have a cuppa, which as you can see came with little timers in order to brew properly. Usually, I think, they have minimum requirements, but it was Sunday morning, so I guess they were lenient. It was only a taste, though, and now I want more!</div>
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During a crazy long walk on our second day in Edinburgh, we happened to pass Maison de Moggy, which from the outside looked like the cutest cat cafe imaginable. Sure, I've been to Lady Dinah's and Meow Parlour, and would go back to either in a heartbeat, <i>and </i>the Brooklyn Cat Cafe is beckoning, but I believe this is the first place I've seen a hairless cat in a cafe. That's enough motivation for me! I follow them on Instagram now, of course, and now I want to go even more as there's a cat that's looks a lot like my old Duforth.</div>
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When I go away, I don't miss home that much, except for the convenience of being home that you can't even find in fancy hotels. I'm honestly not gone long enough to miss anyone, with the exception of Zenobia. My sister Pam ends me pictures of her when she looks in on the furball, which, helps, </div>
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but I still generally ache for the floof. Going to Bon's in Texas affords me her handsome guy, Kombucha. Seeing the eponymous moggies in the window (though moggy tends to refer to non-pedigreed cats, and these guys were all somewhat fancy), was a nice holdover, but a petting session would have set me up well at that point. I also think there would be some pleasing tea and cake inside, albeit laced with cat hair - but I'm used to that! Yes, I am single and over 40. Deal with it. </div>
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The list continues. I almost made it to Leadenhall Market, but almost doesn't count...we passed the Globe theatre while a play was on, and could hear some of the performance, but I still haven't been in the audience. There are many parks in London and Edinburgh I haven't strolled in, and so many museums in Edinburgh that will have to wait, hopefully not another 23 years.</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-86572319043786046022017-11-06T07:40:00.000-05:002017-11-06T11:42:16.867-05:00Sherlock Holmes Afternoon Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A delightful pairing experience is taking place at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. No, not the Alice in Wonderland themed tea, though I'm sure that's fun (maybe a bit predictable at this point?) </div>
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I don't do Afternoon Tea as often as I used to, because if I'm honest it's a bit overwhelming sometimes: too much bread and sweet things for my sensitive system. I believe I still have Afternoon Tea more than most people, even more than the average British person, because it's generally considered a Special Occasion. For me, this certainly was special, as it was not only my last full day in London, but also my first Afternoon Tea with Abigail and Clarissa.</div>
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I'll get my one and only complaint out of the way, and it's not aimed particularly at this particular place, but at AT's in general. There's a surfeit of sweet, and only just enough savory on offer. I'm looking at you, Hound of Baskerville: roast beef to die for, little chicken pies, but just a taste and it's over! If that's my worst complaint, though, I think we're doing well.</div>
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The scones were scones, and they were wonderful. The pastries were rich, so I had to keep my consumption to a minimum - scotch infused macarons, mousse cigar, all named after a prominent character in the stories. Here's <a href="http://www.afternoontea.co.uk/uk/london/st-james's/kona-at-taj-51-buckingham-gate/offers/sherlock-holmes-afternoon-tea-in-kona-at-taj-51-buckingham-gate/" target="_blank">the menu</a>. And here's our adventures:</div>
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Scones are vital in an afternoon tea: dare I say, they are elementary?</div>
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One of the things I especially appreciated about this afternoon/evening is that it reminded me of how much I love good pairings. I've probably gone on about the childhood teatime ritual of having a spot before sitting down to Jeremy Brett's latest performance. Even though tea is not the first drink one thinks of in connection with Sherlock Holmes, it's definitely part of it, and when you're down the block from the illustrious Buckingham Palace, wearing a silly deerstalker, you can't help but talk about your favorite stories, and then the conversation progresses to other books, and one is complete.</div>
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There's a part of me that wishes I could find something like this in New York: if I did, I'd try it out, but would it be the same? Emerging fully satiated into the light evening London rain, I don't think it would compare.</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-81016208092061353112017-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:002017-10-03T14:33:11.422-04:00Lovecrumbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUht1SwNyfl6Y6KXuIGn1glSQgAV2Gr38bUqZN8Pffy6tRkkSTibP8XPQ8L5t8flldhtKMWrAhr7v-JwKzDtc0la3wwfDC9FlsojaKIREu8YGdfTyEkK1GxxRylIu2GXKBtg0HIw/s1600/20170830_102225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUht1SwNyfl6Y6KXuIGn1glSQgAV2Gr38bUqZN8Pffy6tRkkSTibP8XPQ8L5t8flldhtKMWrAhr7v-JwKzDtc0la3wwfDC9FlsojaKIREu8YGdfTyEkK1GxxRylIu2GXKBtg0HIw/s320/20170830_102225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Edinburgh is a wonderful city. I only detected one criticism, and that's the lack of restaurants with kitchens open after 9pm. I could learn to live with that, though...</div>
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My criteria for a lovable city varies, but here's some things: walkability, <i>real </i>park space, people that I love in residence, temperate weather, cozy cafes and/or pubs, history, architecture, and some form of literary community. Edinburgh has many of these, and today I'm going to focus on a cafe that stole the hearts of both myself and Bathy (especially Bathy.)</div>
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Lovecrumbs is kind of hipstery, and if you've had more than one conversation with me, you've heard my not-quite-positive views on the whole hipster thing. However, as Bathy is quick to remind me, they do coffee right. They tend to do a good job with tea as well. So I shall forgive the hipster vibe, and the shop-window seating that Bathy coveted but we couldn't snag, and focus on the best thing.</div>
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CAKE!!!!</div>
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Lovecrumbs passed the Victoria Sponge test with flying colors. In fact, on our second visit, I tried an orange variation thereof and was smitten. In subsequent perusal of reviews (why do I sound like I work at a law firm?), I found others were effusive in their Cake Praise. On that alone I shall recommend.</div>
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Bathy loved the coffee, which I think came from a company called Steampunk, but I won't expand on that as I have limited knowledge (still, try the coffee if you'd like!) I had the Violet Petal black tea, which was heavenly, if you like violet flavoring, which I do. They give you a thermos of hot water, which may not be as cute as a teapot, but it did what it needed to. Had a Lemongrass and Marigold tisane the second time, which was nice, but the violet remains my favorite.</div>
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What I liked about the cafe itself is that it was large and airy, but had cozy places to sit and people watch, read, etc., while having some CAKE! And it has WiFi, which never hurts when you're out of town, or anywhere, frankly.</div>
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I'll have to do any all-around Edinburgh post, but I thought we'd start with a favorite and work our way in. For now, I'll say it's a good thing Edinburgh is a walking town, as there is much to walk off!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice cuppa, all is well.</td></tr>
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CAKE!!!!Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-51205835253216133302017-09-14T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-14T18:58:13.173-04:00Peggy Porschen Cakes...A Study in Pink (there, I fit that in)<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I return from a trip to my beloved London, I tend to spend the next few weeks in brooding mode. That is, I brood when I have time to brood, between catching up on work, unpacking, and dealing with some awful jet lag. To cheer myself up, I try checking off places in my mental checklist - and sometimes a physical checklist, though my bullet journal has been mostly neglected since about June. So much for time management!</div>
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Here's one place I'd meant to visit for years. I'd passed Peggy Porschen Cakes on the way to Tate Britain once, and then couldn't seem to stop in during subsequent trips, mainly because I couldn't find it. When I found myself actually staying within blocks of it, I knew my time had come.</div>
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If you haven't heard of this place, you probably have not looked at too many London tags on Instagram, because my feed happens to be infested by its pinkitude. In a way, that puts me off a place, because I don't trust hype, but since I'd intended to go to here for some time, I knew I'd fit it in regardless of the crowds of pink-hued pilgrims hoping for the perfect pic. Anyway, who can blame them? It's really, really cute, and gives instant cheer to passerby, unless said passerby has the darkest, coldest heart.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing Pretty in Pink</td></tr>
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I waited for a day when it had just opened, and though there were already two girls working on the perfect angle for their cupcakes and cappuccinos, there was no line.</div>
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I never quite "matched" the shop*, and I am loathe to pay the extra fee for staying in the establishment, so I picked a day when I could take my cake out to a park for a mini-picnic. So I won't be able to comment on the quality of beverage. I've decided to assume their tea is amazing, as most of the tea I've had in London is remarkably good.</div>
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<i>*not that anyone needs to match, but you know how I am about a good pairing!</i></div>
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Now, during my entire 11th trip to London (yes), I attempted to base a bakery's quality on their Victoria Sponge Cake, if it was on the menu. Why? Well, I love it, for one thing, but also, it's quintessential Brit-Cake. It's not easy to find in New York, though Tea and Sympathy makes a sublime example. Well, I chose a beautiful slice for my enjoyment:</div>
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Gorgeous! Look at the presentation! PINKITTY PINK!!!</div>
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And it was okay. I didn't jump for joy, and I ate the whole thing (and got nauseated and had to <i>breathe, </i>and then I was better), but it was just a basically decent piece of cake. Perhaps if I'd had a nice Earl Grey, I'd have derived more love, because it was a tiny bit dry. I'm only judgy at all because of the hype, and because it was early, so any bakery item should be at its peak perfection. Oh well.</div>
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Nevertheless, I'm glad I was able to go, if only to satisfy my curiosity. And I wouldn't say no to trying a cupcake with a cuppa, given another opportunity. After all, there are many cupcakes to choose from which might be better than the sponge, so I'd still recommend going if it's on your list - or if you just love sugar and and Instagrammables and PIIIIIIIIIIIINK!!!!!!</div>
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Tube: Victoria - look for Ebury Street, and <i>pink.</i></div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-82137708480662740052017-09-11T05:00:00.000-04:002017-09-11T15:45:08.641-04:00Britophiles, Watch This Space!I've recently returned from a wonderful trip to the UK (mostly London), and have so much to write about! Only just starting to get over my jet lag, so will post soon!<br />
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-734648833082709422017-08-17T12:20:00.001-04:002017-08-17T12:20:19.289-04:00Taking Walks with Catherine: Jefferson Market Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are a few subjects that those close to me know will get my hackles up: if said subject is raised, then raiser must brace for a rant. Two such subjects are the lack of proper garden/park space beyond Central Park (especially in Manhattan and Astoria), and the loss of New York as a personality (aka gentrification/homogenization.)</div>
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The first complaint likely stems from where I am located, both residential and in place of employment. As an Astorian, one might argue Astoria Park is nice, and it is, technically in Astoria. If, however, you are in walking distance only because you're a crazy long walker, it might be a stretch. And let's not forget I don't drive. I work in Midtown, and despite finding out that the area now known as Rockefeller Center used to be botanical gardens, somehow it's not enough. Bryant Park is almost close to my office, but not quite.</div>
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I'm not a science/medical major, but I'm pretty sure being surrounded by flower, trees, and grass is good for the soul. Even though I'm not soul-satisfied on a daily basis, I am thrilled to find tiny escapes from the concrete madness that I call home.</div>
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One of my favorite walking areas in Manhattan is the West Village. Though it has lost some of its flavor to the above-mentioned homogenization, a stroll can still uncover charming, slightly old-school areas that are wonderful to visit, even if living there is long past impossible. Also, it's a good Teaborhood, which is a word I just made up and don't know if I like yet. But remember: Tea and Sympathy, McNulty's, a branch of Davids Tea, Porto Rico, Bosie Tea Parlor are just the ones that first spring to mind. I didn't think of it as a green escape though. Now I have a reason to!</div>
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I've passed the <a href="http://www.jeffersonmarketgarden.org/" target="_blank">gardens of Jefferson Market</a> often enough, but never saw it open to the public. I suppose the timing was always off, but on on recent evening, while running some errands, I passed by and it was waiting for me. </div>
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I was more shy than usual about stepping inside, at first, because I could not believe it was open to the public. It feels like a private community garden, the kind I'm rarely allowed entrance to. But I shook off my trepidation, and boy am I glad I did!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWftrcySs-rgvBa9tpWKRUsqomLF2PKCWlcATJh0syy8WtAdIwcf3iW6vIThjqSSZVSRIvD8Du56nooiGlNrrgKIYL9Y77l9jbN6uP5i4SlINsvMKU7BbYiCTwSIIkf8ixJ6fzg/s1600/20170727_174112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWftrcySs-rgvBa9tpWKRUsqomLF2PKCWlcATJh0syy8WtAdIwcf3iW6vIThjqSSZVSRIvD8Du56nooiGlNrrgKIYL9Y77l9jbN6uP5i4SlINsvMKU7BbYiCTwSIIkf8ixJ6fzg/s320/20170727_174112.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the botanical gardens, except with fewer signs and next to a gorgeous library! Oh, and free entrance...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc2bKDCDdjJjccbpB1qj4keDkqyvDGgNi40OmnaN9cenHxCMOre7Xn6ddDiolq7wLnUy1dukMvPl4OsvbzSfiZSkCoqC71lFIIvTa4KzOQpkZxoqsMhrKCLsN9Qa18IytcH_T9Q/s1600/20170727_174503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc2bKDCDdjJjccbpB1qj4keDkqyvDGgNi40OmnaN9cenHxCMOre7Xn6ddDiolq7wLnUy1dukMvPl4OsvbzSfiZSkCoqC71lFIIvTa4KzOQpkZxoqsMhrKCLsN9Qa18IytcH_T9Q/s320/20170727_174503.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to live here<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Not pictured: the benches placed out of the way, so that a visitor can relax and take in the beauty in relative peace. There is always a need for this! The only downside is that you can't bring outside food/beverage inside, so there's not taking tea in the garden. I'm fine with this, of course, as it must contribute to an easier upkeep.</div>
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The garden is beside Jefferson Market, which has served many functions historically but is now a public library, so we have a pairing right there. The tripling is tea/books/garden, and I'd add whatever your favorite animal is, but we take what we can get when it comes to real estate in New York. You could try having your tea at any of the places (see above), then strolling it off in the garden. </div>
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Jefferson Market Garden is open from April - October. Do visit if you get a chance. Your blood pressure will thank you.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-77840342970446429002017-07-10T13:00:00.000-04:002017-07-10T15:20:15.492-04:00Why Wait? A Gentle Rant<div style="text-align: justify;">
I came across a post on Tumblr (which is usually a scary way to open a conversation, but bear with me) about not waiting for Special Occasions to use the nice things, and thought I'd present my own take on this concept.</div>
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Now, it's true some things you really might not want to do on a regular basis. Wearing a cocktail dress that looks amazing on you, but you need to wear torturous slimming paraphernalia and unwalkable shoes to pull it off - yeah, I can see saving that for once a year or so. But what about the candle that smells amazing? What's holding you back?</div>
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Most homes I visited growing up had china cabinets. I'm not about to knock them, by the way, because I wouldn't mind having one myself, and I don't see them as often in the homes of people around my age. However, it occurred to me that many households would save the Good China for once-in-a-blue-moon moments, and then</div>
they'd pass it down to the next generation. Sadly, the next generation might not even care for the china, and they would either give it away or sell it on ebay. What was the point of all that care and Don't Touchitude?<br />
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Since my late teens I've been collecting teaware. I've scoured local shops and later online resources for teacups and teapots, and I have always been grateful when relatives passed on treasures to me, especially since they know I Use Them. I grew up in Queens, New York, and everything was rushed, no time for losers, hurry up and eat, pop something for indigestion, move on. Discovering the culture of Taking Tea gave me a respite from all that, a chance to stop, savor, hear myself think. Sure, I can't pull of the entire ceremony at work (usually), but if I can take a morning, or evening, and break out the delicate teacup (not always delicate; I dropped one recently and it remained intact), and <i>relax</i>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmhNAPHNItoCPMzA1xmBgmTCqQku_bm4iwhevQ4FHLbkczqVJwFO7wC5C1fje7OqkGdLsDIu4UcHrUUM7XUlHRfQbI_3cEm_uggkMUjNtA9QimsvCmIxQRPdAZTu84cCU3T-Ruw/s1600/20170710_151620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmhNAPHNItoCPMzA1xmBgmTCqQku_bm4iwhevQ4FHLbkczqVJwFO7wC5C1fje7OqkGdLsDIu4UcHrUUM7XUlHRfQbI_3cEm_uggkMUjNtA9QimsvCmIxQRPdAZTu84cCU3T-Ruw/s320/20170710_151620.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
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I do travel, though not nearly as much as many of my friends, but there were years here and there when I hardly left the city, much less the state, because my finances weren't having it. It can be awfully depressing when I based my happiness on looking forward to the next journey, and had instead a gaping hole in my calendar. How much of a relief it was to design my own mini-trip, with some cake and the best Darjeeling I could afford, and of course a good book! Even better, when my sisters or friends could come over and be my travel companions! The Special Occasion stuff does that. If I'd stashed everything away, to use maybe once a year, for an illustrious gathering, what would be the point? </div>
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A few years ago, an apartment on the top floor of my building had a fire. It was quickly put out, but there was water damage in most of the apartments. Mine was the one one that had absolutely no damage (from that day, at least). It made me think: what if I'd lost everything - would I have been glad that I'd not used the Sherlock Holmes teapot because it was Too Nice?</div>
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I have to remind myself to do this for other things, too, like makeup and jewelry, clothes I particularly like. Makeup is a big problem for me. I wear it every day, but usually stick to the same palette and brushes and concealer, etc. This is fine, but I have too many other lovely cosmetics from years of ipsy subscriptions, and even though they don't go bad as quickly as food, there has to be a point where it's gone off a bit. </div>
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Finally, journals and blank books. It's so scary to put pen to fresh page, so I have some gorgeous books that have sat around, untouched, waiting for years to be used. Shame!</div>
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Let's sum it up by saying I love to visit museums, but perhaps it's not the best practice to behave as if I live in one.</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-92067170330637283022017-06-09T08:30:00.000-04:002017-06-09T11:28:17.609-04:00Beach Reading!<div style="text-align: justify;">
When June rolls around, my first thought is to budget for air conditioning. My second thought is to figure out my summer/sweaty-ready wardrobe. </div>
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Then I start to think about the beach.</div>
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I don't think I strike anyone as a Beachgoer. I've posted <a href="http://blog.takingteawithcatherine.com/2006/05/on-my-own.html" target="_blank">here and there</a> about my beach days, but I've rarely if ever planned an entire vacation around that particular purpose. I could probably live in a place that isn't near the ocean. Still, I have a nagging voice in my head that tells me I <i>must</i> get in a beach day or two every summer.</div>
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As a kid, this meant playing in the waves, getting sand <i>everywhere, </i>and then going home. As an early adult it meant a little wave frolicking and then getting something to eat with my friends on the way home (or going to a concert at Jones Beach. That was fun. It still exists, but it's been ages for me!) At no time did it mean sunbathing. I'm fair, to say the least. I still have youthful skin for the most part, and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't even wear bathing suits most of the time, because I don't really need to for what I do these days. Now when I go the beach, an ideal visit means walking briskly along the shoreline (not romantically, but I'm open to that someday), and then sitting in the shade, watching the swimmers, and settling down with good book. </div>
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I heard someone on the news this week describe Beach Reads as something salacious, or steamy, or any s-words one could dream up. And I get it: the beach is a great place to laze out, not <i>think so much</i>...and that's their choice. I do not criticize. However, like sunbathing, it's not my thing. </div>
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So what is a Catherine Beach Read (CBR)? Well, on a practical side, it won't be a heavy book. There's enough to carry out to the sand without getting a hernia. And don't get me started on e-readers. <a href="http://blog.takingteawithcatherine.com/2016/05/an-undying-love-part-one.html" target="_blank">I don't care for them as it is</a>, and I'm nervous already about getting sand in my phone. In a nutshell (or seashell? No?), I'm most likely going to bring something akin to what I'd bring on any holiday: something not so deep it would take intense, scrutinous concentration, but not necessarily floofy either. I'm still reading the Hamilton biography. I bring this up because it <i>was </i>a beach read for <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/beach-read-to-broadway-how-lin-manuel-miranda-turned-a-history-book-into-hamilton-com-355514" target="_blank">someone</a>, and would be for me if it weren't approximately the weight of Zenobia. History is welcome, though, and historical novels even more so. Mysteries? It depends - nothing too dark. Poetry is usually something I read aloud, and that might creep people out. At least that would give me space! Speaking of space, sci-fi is all right, but I'd prefer if it's the humorous, Douglas Adams type. </div>
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I supposed there's no one type of CBR. If I were going today, and it wasn't going to be a group beach day, but the kind where I take the LIRR out and would need something to last me on my train ride back to Queens, I'd bring one of these bad boys, otherwise currently waiting on my bookshelves with hopeful glances:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigToWEY8a89ikjP9Ys0XZnkM2eBiJrs4rCcCHPrXW5I8E1aK8AeGGpd1ZLcOl1ZBIeIMOUH13KI8x0RHuxeS9M8aaUe-4uGHGOszAjiIEs6oKHraIfPRRZEEEi-2e2qItpwEilsw/s1600/bryantmay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigToWEY8a89ikjP9Ys0XZnkM2eBiJrs4rCcCHPrXW5I8E1aK8AeGGpd1ZLcOl1ZBIeIMOUH13KI8x0RHuxeS9M8aaUe-4uGHGOszAjiIEs6oKHraIfPRRZEEEi-2e2qItpwEilsw/s1600/bryantmay.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's part of a series that I like, which raises it to the top!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r5eUJfWPSmImZ1166V_yN7iGC15yIXI1rumtUfCPTABYFUFjBjpfXyaVi5zXwuuWqvud24MxhuVAnwNrfKtMyhu0BAz1EJRbSpHiFNRRO3j00jNdjBetcLKrCReRN7kyVkjjOA/s1600/funnyfarsi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r5eUJfWPSmImZ1166V_yN7iGC15yIXI1rumtUfCPTABYFUFjBjpfXyaVi5zXwuuWqvud24MxhuVAnwNrfKtMyhu0BAz1EJRbSpHiFNRRO3j00jNdjBetcLKrCReRN7kyVkjjOA/s1600/funnyfarsi.jpg" /></a></div>
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I like a good memoir, it's been recommended to me more than one, and it's described as a "quick read" and "actually funny". Ticks a lot of tickables.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sK_HAK6jrb7nFMsl46tcRFuRCvpHKzaxDSggxm-JZfaAxb3WB3bOOzct7n5q-TMvyiIXJwhbMEEfb4PjkndhcGMvJjZZJNypqsKgeHIxWxETb19Nc6krAxst8QkiyNAK6tzjrQ/s1600/kingsquescot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sK_HAK6jrb7nFMsl46tcRFuRCvpHKzaxDSggxm-JZfaAxb3WB3bOOzct7n5q-TMvyiIXJwhbMEEfb4PjkndhcGMvJjZZJNypqsKgeHIxWxETb19Nc6krAxst8QkiyNAK6tzjrQ/s1600/kingsquescot.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's history <i>and </i>paperback. Bingo! Also, spoiler alert, I plan to return to Scotland soon...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaypqrCKOFKeLJsL4vriezeVr3d9_mWkndxIW4_c6IMdgQXCPHWrDNkyLSrc2SnpGBn-BLc3erA9BiTXpvsS3Hndi-BMRkPbBZZbbar04eu2L4VtMKmRadJOzZ4dNcMlDEeWsvcg/s1600/noteating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaypqrCKOFKeLJsL4vriezeVr3d9_mWkndxIW4_c6IMdgQXCPHWrDNkyLSrc2SnpGBn-BLc3erA9BiTXpvsS3Hndi-BMRkPbBZZbbar04eu2L4VtMKmRadJOzZ4dNcMlDEeWsvcg/s1600/noteating.jpg" /></a></div>
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A travel memoir that looks like a laugh. Generally, it's easier for me to read travel books when I'm in a pretty place, as I won't get too wistful.</div>
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Please comment your beach reads: past, present, or future!</div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12288483.post-52296394266823668422017-05-30T12:30:00.000-04:002017-05-30T14:09:32.414-04:00Pairing Hygge with The Tea Life<br />
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My blog likes to focus on "The Tea Life", which can take on as many definitions as there are tea drinkers. I may eventually call it "My Tea Life". Anyway, I've used this forum to explain things that are very Taking Tea with Catherine-friendly, and for the most part this has centered on tea rooms, cafes, and books that pair well with tea. But there's quite a few other bits of life that complement The Tea Life, and here is the first, and probably the most, in my opinion.</div>
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I've never been to Scandinavia, and I hope one day to remedy this. I'm mildly perturbed by the long winters, and hence the glut of short days, that come with being so far north. However, statistically it is said that people in Denmark and Norway especially have a higher quality of life compared with other lands, so they must be doing something right! And this seems to be related to the concept of Hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga, but probably still sounding wrong coming from my mouth). </div>
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Before writing this post, I read a few books on the subject of Hygge, and found that perspectives vary on what exactly is Hygge. As a label, or a trend*, it points to cozy living with candles and friends gathering together around fires with sweaters and nature. Already this appeals to my love of "finding the cozy". But essentially the word means "well-being". I'm not going to expand further on language, because my mind is addled with Arabic right now, and I don't want to blow it up. That would not be Hygge. So I'll use the one word and intersperse it with English.</div>
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*I don't care for the fact that Hygge has become trendy, and I almost hesitated going on with a post about it. I get a little motion sickness riding the bandwagon. But principles are useful to glean. Besides, how would I know about Hygge if it hadn't breached its insularity?</div>
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There's much talk about long walks in nature, which I love, but don't have tremendous access to, so I shall translate this to hitting The Ramble in Central Park more often or Prospect Park for a change?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhikl-YvZdeq8W6_oOvqsbAhNLmo4Tqoj7Buhqm28mV82ZOGZpo2W2x_67MlCSicVJHGq_p6qzj8oSGW9J3HLFSa86wB0YOoKMIPSJP48xWBTL5zPFlgoB91wbiL3ZURG9e_zBQ/s1600/20170314_101902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhikl-YvZdeq8W6_oOvqsbAhNLmo4Tqoj7Buhqm28mV82ZOGZpo2W2x_67MlCSicVJHGq_p6qzj8oSGW9J3HLFSa86wB0YOoKMIPSJP48xWBTL5zPFlgoB91wbiL3ZURG9e_zBQ/s320/20170314_101902.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snow day's attempt at Hygge, reading <i>about </i>Hygge. Like eating a pig-in-a-blanket <i>in a blanket</i></td></tr>
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The concept of togetherness, especially around a communal meal, is encouraged. Yes, I need to be more proactive in having people over - I rarely have my nearby relatives over for a meal, and that's sad. Or - hello! - for tea? I already have more plants than I should in my apartment, which is quite a feat considering the lack of natural light and surface space (and the risk of getting a bit of flora that doesn't agree with Zenobia's biology). I finally got an umbrella tree plant for my desk at work, and it's flourishing much more than the sad excuse in my living room.</div>
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One thing I've nearly perfected is Hygge + Tea. I know the books talk about coffee and Fika more than tea, but it's nearly the same idea. I've rounded out all I've learned and decided that what works best for me is taking a little time for a cup of tea, a pastry, a book, and much less technological interference. That last part is the biggest challenge. My phone and I have a somewhat unhealthy relationship, and it would be a wonderful thing if I could keep my eyes and hands away from it even for an hour of my waking day. It's more than just Hygge, it's a mini-vacation! </div>
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you incorporate Hygge into your life (even if you've never used the term.) Soon I hope to write about other stuff I enjoy working into The Tea Life.</div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07624657515252107431noreply@blogger.com2