A generous spirit
Somehow, this apartment tour, titled “An Artist’s Collected Home Brimming with New York Character” appeared on my Youtube homepage, and it proved to be the perfect viewing antidote to a restless Monday morning. I watched a handful more videos from the Homeworthy channel, but Thomas McKean’s felt heartwarming. I’ve tried to put my finger on why it was… His collaboration with poet Ruth Pitter? His family history? His sense of humour? The fact that he made a piece of art from the cards and envelopes he received and called it a “grateful collage”? Or is it his storytelling? I’m not sure, but perhaps its the quality of generosity that stands out. He says, for example that what “makes a New Yorker, [is] somebody who’s ideally here to share the space, appreciate the history, and maybe contribute to it.”
It reminds me of having really liked an episode from the six-part documentary series on Netflix titled “My Love: Six Stories of True Love.” Among others, it featured Kinuko and Haruhei in Japan. Kinuko, who cared for Haruhei “ever since they met at the facility where he was treated for leprosy” - eventually marrying and having three children together - talks to the producer at one point, full of admiration for her husband: “In that type of difficult environment, he was a really unique individual. […] He had a very kind face. No matter what people said, he never got angry, even when the staff verbally abused him. He really talks up a storm, but he has the warmest heart.” […] “…ordinarily, a person with a severe illness like his could easily become disheartened and bitter, but he strived to do his best. He’s an impressive man. I believe that.” It’s an attitude and a relationship that has stayed in my mind ever since having watched it in 2021 (mentioned here).
Enjoying
There are still some warm afternoons for enjoying a book lounging on a chair in the backyard. Partly because I wanted to enjoy the weather, and partly because I liked the book so much, I finished The Man Who Loved Children by Christina Stead quickly, considering I started July 11th, and that it is over 500 pages. It has been my favourite from the reading list so far. I dedicated a blog post (here) to the book in appreciation.
Listening to the short podcast series “The Gaza Chef” (here, via) I felt momentarily disoriented… Which region again? Which war? These tragedies pile up. But the journalism dedicated to the individuals and the nuances is so worthwhile.
The kids are about to go back to school. I drive them to the store, then take sneaky pictures while they pick out school supplies. We even helped a mannequin who had lost his pants…
Eating
One rainy afternoon this week, I made Julia Turschen’s version of “Rascal House Stuffed Cabbage” with a Taiwanese cabbage so large, I had to steam it in sections. It’s our favourite version of cabbage roll, but the recipe isn’t available online. It’s from her 2021 cookbook titled Simply Julia (her website). Cabbage roll photos are not very aesthetic…
It’s a bit of a project (the kitchen looks more like an artist’s studio space…) but I’ve often found Nigella Lawson’s observations to be true. Years ago, while listening to the short-lived “Simple Pleasures” podcast (six episodes aired in 2018, link here) hosted by Yotam Ottolenghi, Lawson, who was a guest once, said: “People as a general rule confuse two things. They confuse time-consuming with difficult. It’s whether you’ve got the time and whether you feel like doing something like that.” (4:00) And: “The daily cooking: often I just feel, ugh, you know, exhausted, I can’t do that. But the minute I start cooking, I feel better.” (16:15) And: “The shopping can be harder than the cooking. Because unless you get your shopping organized, you can’t actually cook and cooking is relatively straightforward and simple, once you do it.” (17:47)
This time of year, when produce is abundant, I get a little disconcerted because it’s almost better to make a meal plan after visiting the market, rather than before.
Walking
This thistle has seed heads like tassels
This branch, severed from the trunk, is drying out with the prettiest shades of yellow.
Happy Sunday!