Days Are Long

...but years are short. I read that recently in The Happiness Project. I certainly feel that way. The days pile up slowly, then are gone in a flash. What did I do this summer? This year? How have I gone so long without posting?

The air feels like autumn (yet again), surrounding the sunlight in a warm haze, pulling summer gently away into the past, peeling the leaves off the the trees, sneaking in the brisk wind that brings down branches while we sleep, a dry storm. We're all hoping for a real one, though I was relieved when we arrived in SFO from JFK a few Fridays ago, from rain to moonshine, and was happy for it until I remembered that I need to wish for downpours, not be glad to have left precipitation behind.

Speaking of years, I had a birthday! M threw a party for me. I was so touched and grateful for everyone who came.

The day after the party, Felicia took us up to Coppola for lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour.





Here's the Flickr set.

Since my birthday, I've been to New York and back twice, both times for work. The first conference was at Javits Center, very large, and it took a lot out of me to attend. I was so glad M came with me. We had some fun, though, good food, seeing the Madhu Caiolas and Noah, and going to the newly reopened Cooper Hewitt.

Here is that Flickr set.

I was back again six days later for a smaller event - I tried to make the most of the time I had.



I went for a lovely walk in Central Park Sunday morning. 

On Sunday night, I went out with Monique and Gina to see Fuerza Bruta, a fun performance piece. 

I finally made the time to get down to the new home of Poets House; I volunteered there when I lived in New York, at the Spring Street location. It moved to the financial district after 9/11, and it's in River Terrace a beautiful neighborhood by the mouth of the Hudson. I attended a poetry reading and discussion with Jane Hirshfield. Very inspiring - I noted that I was one of the youngest people in the audience, and which reminded me how very niche poetry is these days. 

I had dinner with my friend Cathleen on Tuesday night. On my last night in New York, I slipped out of the conference as soon as I could and walked downtown to Union Square. I had time to wander through Fishes Eddy and the farmers market (so many memories of shopping for so many meals!) before spending a lot of time in the Barnes & Noble waiting for and then enjoying the talk and book signing for the new Humans of New York book by Brandon Stanton, released that very day.  

Check out the Flickr set.

These are the kinds of activities that remind me how incredible, vibrant, and rich New York is, and why I enjoyed living there for so long.

But Sonoma County has its charms, too. For instance, Felicia took me to see Parsons Dance Company for my birthday the week between New York trips. And I had a lovely day today, walking the Tennessee Valley trail with the PA Gals.

I have a very good life!