Kindred spirits

It’s been interesting watching Milo watch Parker these past few weeks. He’s curious yet aloof; aware and needy, but giving us and her a wide berth. I’m not sure if he’s displeased to be bounced from his throne, or is looking out for the new family member.

One thing for sure: their body language and daily routines are strikingly similar. 

L'Update

I’m absolutely loving the profiles for the new guard of expat bloggers in Paris. Each woman is so cool in her own right, but you can see how they’re all linked by a light, adventurous spirit, an appreciation for food and friends, and deep gratitude. It’s just wonderful to relive the excitement of living in Paris.

I’m going to continue the profiles (next up, Milsters of Little Pieces of Light!) but wanted to squeeze in an update while I had the time. ‘Cause there’s BIG NEWS.

I’m leaving my job! Woot woot! And I got an apartment! Hallelujah!

I’ve been pretty miserable in my job for some time. It’s not so much the projects or the hours, but it’s been working for two toxic bosses who taint the whole experience. We spend too much time at work to feel crummy about it, so I’ve been looking and thinking about what I want and finally connected with an agency that I’m really excited about: Spring Studios. I can’t wait for a new chapter and to feel good about going to work again.

And within 24 hours of receiving my offer letter, we got the signed contract for our new home in Prospect Heights. It’s a lovely two-bedroom, near Prospect Park. 

The amazing architecture and leafy, green streets, plus stellar restaurants…

….makes this one of the coolest neighborhoods in Brooklyn and worth the five months of crazy apartment-hunting.

I’ve been eating some healthy, some not.

I finished Culinary Intelligence and All That Is (loved them) and just started Penelope Lively’s How It All Began (and excitedly saving Wild and Yes, Chef for our week-long beach vacation on Cape Cod this summer).

I’ve had friends from LA, Paris and Hershey passing through town, bringing me to such places at the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, the Bohemian Beer Garden for belly dancing performances, and the Gramercy Hotel for rainy night jazz.

I haven’t tried the city’s new bike share program yet, but am looking forward to scooting around on the bright blue bicycles...

(albeit on a weekend morning, when there is very little traffic. Velib’ing around Paris was one thing, but the Indy 500-style taxi driving in New York makes me nervous).

I also have not gotten my hand on a cronut yet. 

Milo is getting very chubby, but he's as cute as ever.

I love, love summer

This sign from Homemade in Red Hook pretty much says it all. It's been a great week. 

From the beauty of hiking in the Colorado Rockies...

... to the fun and pleasure of staying at the Stanley Hotel...

 From heavenly food and a Sofia and Thomas sighting at Alimentari e Vineria...

 ... to one of my best friend's most charming wedding...

 ... (which included a day reconnecting with old friends.)

 From a morning of digging in the dirt at the beyond-cool Added Value community farm in Red Hook...

 ... and then walking around the inspiring neighborhood and indulging in one of the best brunches in the city...

 

The Olympics, foreign movies, urban strolls, dancing to 80s music, smooching on street corners,  reading great books, cracking up at Milo, rooftop drinks... there's nothing better than summer.