Minnesotanice, not Minnesota- ICE, am I right?
BTW, who was the comedian who coined that distasteful turn of phrase: “am I right” is an obnoxious way to end any statement. Am I right?
Her short story
She was passing the Psychic’s storefront. Despite the late hour, she thought of knocking on the door. Sedutto’s had closed, as it always did at 10pm, so she knew there wouldn’t be ice cream in her immediate future.
For a city that never sleeps, there weren’t many places to welcome her. Both pizza places had shut their doors. A bar had its Closed sign in the window even though she could see a half dozen patrons inside.
It wasn’t particularly quiet on the streets, however.
She greeted a furry dog who greeted her to the delight of her owner.
She welcomed the interaction which met her requirement for pet surrogate encounters. The skittish fellow with the wide open eyes and floppy haircut did not want her to pet him. Maybe next time.
The air felt fresh, washed as it had been by an earlier drizzle. Each day promises spring, which we know is near because that is how time spins on this earth.
The joy of gratitude
It has been my experience that gratitude can be liberating.
A friend recommended I try the practice, and her advice was echoed on a few occasions.
Eventually, I indulged in some form of gratefulness.
Gratitude is an attitude of mind and a turn of the will. It really is a practice, as my friend told me.
Wire structures
I am so taken with the exhibit of Ruth Asawa at MoMA that I hardly can speak of anything else.
Her work is engrossing and she was so prolific that I can be excused for my single minded focus.
There’s some Picasso. A bit of VanGogh, whose popularity put us several rows back of his masterpieces. Matisse. Monet.
All those surrealists, including some female masters I had not encountered before.
Oh, and do stop for lunch! Café on 2 and 6.
Awww
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?
That he is loved, of course. I don’t have a pet. I used to and I know I always loved them.
And same goes for these pets belonging to other people, my pets by proxy:
They are adorable and adored, not just me but by their proud pet moms and dads, of course.
Hmmm
My meals at my local Chinese eatery are pretty consistently the same. Yesterday, I chose to explore, while staying in Lunch Special territory.
I have favored Shrimp Mai Fun. Always. I especially love the tasty thin rice noodles and the mix of flavors. It’s a rich, dense lunch, a half of which comes along for the next day’s meal.
Another shrimp dish seemed like it could fill in. And one did. I thought Lemon Grass Shrimp had an exotic appeal. Spicy.
Not enough for leftovers but I got all those Lucky Numbers to take away.
Bets are open on whether I will revert to my usual next time!
Why I love HCR
The political spectacle is not a positive, of course, yet a listen to Politics Chat any given day is soothing.
In part, it’s her voice. Heather Cox Richardson has a pleasant timbre and delivers bad news so calmly that I am comforted.
HCR also speaks colorfully. Her expressions are both elevated and backyard. And she’s never coarse, avoiding all expletives unless they’re in a quote.
So, that’s today’s good news, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen.
Now, for the January 15th chat.
Specious
What is your favorite animal?
Llama? I was going to say llama, then remembered they spit. Which is not very nice.
You’re probably hoping to hear dog, or cat, puppy or kitty. These are domesticated. Pets. Homey.
Truth to say, I have to admit to liking both.
Mixing it up
The New York Irish Center kicks off its popular “Crossroads Concerts,” for 2026 this month.
We enjoyed one of these cross cultural musical dialogs last May. Can’t wait for this year’s concerts. It’s a wild concept. And it works!
Colin Harte, ethnomusicologist and educator curated the 6-concert series which will start on Thursday January 29 at 7pm and run through June.
The featured fusions are:
- Irish- Southern Italian-Sicilian (Jan 29)
- Irish-Turkish (Feb 26)
- Irish Sene-Gambian (Mar 26)
- Irish-Moroccan Gnawa (Apr 16)
- a special encore of Irish and Puerto Rican Bomba (May 28)
- Irish-Albanian (Jun 11).
All shows fall on Thursdays, and are at 7pm. Tickets, which are $25, are now on sale at www.newyorkirishcenter.org
Love is on the marquee
Near 42nd, right across the avenue from the NYPL lions, I passed a Lovello “Permanent Jewelry” store.
A little down the road, there was a Love Korean Restaurant.
At Peacefood Union Sq, I giggled at the Both sign on the restroom door, envisioning couples going in. Not the intent, I know, but isn’t it romantic?
On 4th Avenue & 12th, I find one more Love sign at a yogurt shop.
All The Best 