Kitchen Counter Real Estate
I’m a passionate home cook trapped in an apartment with limited counter space. It’s not as bad as a NYC galley kitchen, but I don’t have much room to spare. So I’ve put a lot of thought into what items I keep out. Most make the cut because they get used almost every day (food processor, blender, toaster oven/microwave). The one exception is my beloved Kitchen Aid standing mixer, which gets a place on the counter because it’s too cumbersome to move, and I’m happy to see it! What’s hanging around on your counters?
“Unmeasured” sculpture created from scraps by Lydia Ricci
Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
When I was a kid in NYC, long before the hormones kicked in, I remember wondering whether there was a mate somewhere out there for me. Looking back, it’s crazy to realize that at such a young age, I’d already absorbed the anxiety and pressure of husband hunting. (I blame my mother and rom coms.) Where was that truth fairy when I needed her!
Cartoon by Pia Guerra
The Late, Great Philip Roth
It wasn’t until my forties that I finally got around to reading Philip Roth. I’d absorbed the buzz about his male-driven novels, and was simply in no hurry. But WOW. When I finally did, the bravura of his writing rocked me. Today, I’ve been poring through the obits. My favorite is a personal tribute by Zadie Smith. Here’s an excerpt:
“Roth always told the truth—his own, subjective truth—through language and through lies, the twin engines at the embarrassing heart of literature. Embarrassing to others, never to Roth. Second selves, fake selves, fantasy selves, replacement selves, horrifying selves, hilarious, mortifying selves—he welcomed them all.”
Elevating Dessert
The Strawberry shortcake popsicle was my go-to favorite from the Good Humor truck that toured our neighborhood to everyone’s squeals of delight. Artist Daniel Jacob has created a sculpture inspired by this beloved dessert, and topped it with thousands of multi-colored Swarovski crystals. Looks good enough to eat.
Glorious Mother of the Bride
Here’s a wonderful piece in The New Yorker about Doria Ragland. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her during the Royal Wedding. Did you tune in?
Hot Water Gratitude
Last week was filled with petty irritations. I was having car problems at the exact moment that my beloved auto mechanic closed down. My otherwise wonderful dog woke me up at 3 AM with an intestinal bug. I was grumpy and sleepy. In search of respite, I got in the shower. What I didn’t know until my hair was lathered up, was that our building was having an issue with the hot water heater. I rinsed off as quickly as possible, shivering all the way. It took 36 hours for the water heater to get repaired. And for now at least, each time I turn on the faucet, I feel grateful.
Archive for May, 2018
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