Apples and Babs

On a whim, I saw Barbra Streisand perform in Brooklyn at the shiny new Barclays Center. 

My fascination with Ms. Streisand came unexpectedly when I was in my tween years. I remember it was summer and I had been playing outside. Probably had pulled some old mattresses into the yard in order to create an advanced pretend game of Olympics gymnastics with the neighbor kids. We never messed around whilst playing pretend. We took that stuff seriously. I ran inside to grab some KoolAid popsicles (does anyone else remember those?) for the gang and on my way out I was stopped before I could even open the garage door by a voice...the voice. The TV had been left on in the living room and trancelike I moved slowly toward that voice, as the popsicles began to drip down my arm. "I'd rather be blue thinking of you...". It was this lady:

I'm pretty sure I ended up finishing the movie (and the popsicles) and never returning to Pretend Olympics.

Fast forward to the Barclays.

The space is magnificent, as is the voice. Still!

That same weekend I was to go apple picking. Which I also have a great fondness for.

Obviously.

I mentioned to my friend AC what a faboo weekend it was going to be since it contained Apples & Babs. She commented that the pairing would make an awesome band name.

So, I do declare: when I form a band it shall be called Apples & Babs.

This officially replaces my former band name (even though I don't have a band or any real plans to form a band), Stale Peeps.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-Rumi

I Think I Can

Sometimes when you are feeling blue, all it takes is a glimpse into the psyche of your 5 year old self to find motivation, power, and hope.

To clarify, this drawing was most likely in reference to this...

...but may be applied to so much more.

I hope you all have a brilliant week.

There may be challenges.

Which you CAN overcome.

You can.

You will!

Can't wait.

Change of Heart

A t-shirt says a lot about the wearer.

Out with the old...

...in with the new!

Vocab

Definition of cute:

I'm mesmerized.

All Aboard

Sometimes the subway is delayed.

Sometimes you have a good train karma day.

Sometimes it's annoyingly packed, sometimes it's creepily empty.

But it is consistently CRAZY.

And I never knew I could miss crazy so much. With the A Train being shut down ala Hurricane Sandy, I found myself pining for the idiosyncrasies (idiosyncrazies?) that only a subway ride could provide.

The mariachi trio that always seems to appear at the ultimate wrong time.

There is the man in white. Always. He always wears white, down to his matching cap and umbrella. We call him "El Blanco".

The senior guy doing laps, back and forth on the platform.

There he goes - did I mention he was fast?

The questionable parenting skills displayed (yes, that's an ipod).

The glimpses of other lives, other paths.

And of course, the true crazies. Facebook status January 2012:
It wouldn't be a proper NYC welcome home without your express train deciding to go local, just in time to take on an off-key singer begging for money while leaving an unmistakeable 10 years old urine smell behind. On cue, as the beggar steps off, the once-asleep crazy dude starts screaming violently at anyone in sight. Unable to switch cars due to my 60 lb suitcase, I'm ready to be the next victim only to be surprised when instead he sits down face to face with me and logically apologizes for causing "such a racket" in front of a "young lady" such as myself and lists off the reasons why he feels the need to explode at strangers. Just when I thought I couldn't get any luckier, he gets off at my stop.

Welcome back, A Train!

Making Wishes

Gee, I had a swell birthday. My big wish for my big day was to have peace and contentment. Nothing too splashy, too lavish, or too emotional. I just wanted a good day. 

And it was just that.

It didn't hurt that I got a sugary sneak preview the night before.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

We had fun rearranging those letters, scrabble style, to see what humor could come of it.

The morning was even better than the Birthday Eve, starting with my favorite delivery.

I received a thoughtful Top 10 Presents that Lucy Does Not Need for Her Birthday that made me laugh, cry, and then laugh some more. One of the non-gifts on the countdown was a Jesse Ventura Doll.

I won't make you guess which number that was.

With our bellies full (of more than just cupcakes, I promise), we jaunted slightly upstate, for some fresh air and fallen leaves.

The crunch beneath my feet was the ultimate satisfaction.

For those in the NYC area looking to tromp around, this book is a useful guide:

And what pairs well with hiking? Peanut butter + Jelly. Salt + Pepper. Kate + Allie. Arsenic + Old Lace.

Hiking + ...

Beer!

It just so happened that Captain Lawrence Brewing Company was around the corner from our outdoor adventure.  For $2, you receive a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited tastes to fill it with. Luckily for our soberness, we arrived toward closing, but we still were able to sample the brews, fill up two growlers, and munch on some gourmet hotdogs, to boot!

Still time for a great movie

(Ryan Gosling eyeing my popcorn)

and then back home for more cupcakes.

It turns out that last weekend really was the calm before the storm. We were some of the lucky ones to survive Sandy relatively unharmed, but it's shocking to see what damage has been done to such a strong city. But, it's going to be ok and I think there will be a sunny future ahead for the tristate area.

Let's all make a wish for that.

It's A Sign

There is an...interesting...establishment down the block from me which has an ugly, scrolling, LED sign advertising all sorts of debaucheries. 

BUT...

This also appears every 30 seconds.

I'm not sure what I did, but you're welcome.

My pleasure!

Party Time, Excellent

What a great party dress.

Goldleaf Cocktail Dress - Anthropologie

I'm picturing an updo, some sassy velvet heels, and friends. Lots of friends.

Bring on the Holidays!