Author Archives: Dee

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

At the top of New York’s “Museum Mile”, between 104th and 105th Street on Fifth Avenue sits Central Park’s gorgeous Conservatory Garden. Six acres of beauty, divided into 3 smaller gardens, representing Italian, French and English traditional gardens are a sight to behold.

“How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking of gardens and gardening.” Alexander Smith

The Vanderbilt family built these gardens and the majestic gates leading into them is well known as “The Vanderbilt Gate”. Made in Paris in 1894, the gates originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th St. A magnificent, welcoming entrance for all.

The Vanderbilt Gate leading to the magnificent Conservatory Garden in Central Park

The Vanderbilt Gate to The Conservatory Garden, Central Park

This particular gathering place in Central Park is a “Quiet Zone”. Meant to invite meditation, calm and inspiration, the various gardens evoke a special sort of spiritual energy. When traveling on my own, I always love to explore the parks and gardens that populate so many cities. They provide a respite from the noise and hustle that make up city life.

Stunning pink and greens, in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

Sundays are the most perfect day of the week for these kinds of explorations. On the classic “day of rest”, I always feel free to wander and pick up on a spontaneous whim and go wherever it leads me. Like the Sunday Drive, a good long walk on a Sunday is a luxurious indulgence.

City Gardens, islands of beauty and rest in the city

The memory of that day inspired my recent Sunday outing to the Conservatory Garden, here in New York. A late afternoon stroll was a balm to the soul. I think that we frequently overlook the things that are right in front of us. Sometimes, I try to apply my travel habits to my own home turf and set out on a Sunday afternoon as a “tourist”.

It’s the perfect way to revel in a Sunday afternoon adventure. “A Table For One”.

The Sunday Drive

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Sundays are a great day to indulge in a whim. Growing up, we frequently went on a “Sunday Drive”. My father would announce the recurring event as a question: “who’d like to go for a Sunday Drive?” Of course we all wanted to!

“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week”. Joseph Addison

The Sunday Drive was an exercise in meandering and discovery. The whole point was to simply get in the car, go out on the road, enjoy the scenery and find yourself wherever the day’s whimsy took you. There was no plan. No calculated purpose. That was the whole point.

My Sunday Driver Chariot!

I love to name things. It all started with my first car, a Volkswagen square back which I named “Pod” after the Dad in a book called “The Borrowers”. Now, I’ve got a lovely old 2003 Audi station wagon that I call “My Audee”. Since my family nickname is Dee, it’s a perfect play on the brand name. I love my license plate and it’s a real conversation starter wherever I go. I was never a fan of “vanity plates” until I imagined this one. It creates a lot of fun interactions!

This way to Island Drive!

So on a recent Sunday, I took “My Audee” out for a drive. Inspired by my Dad’s wonderful inspiration to just go for a drive and see where it takes you. I ended up in Rye, N.Y. where I grew up, on Island Drive, North Manuring Island. It was a fabulously beautiful day. Perfect for wandering.

The rewards of a “Sunday Drive”

Just down the road from the island is another breathtaking setting. “Jake’s Boatyard”. On the inlet side of North Manursing Island, Jake’s factors in as the gateway to what was once home. Just a wonderful setting and perfect for a spontaneous “Sunday Drive”. So fulfilling, inspirational and charming.

When you wake up alone on a beautiful Sunday morning, take a “Sunday Drive”. You may discover a place, a memory, an inspiration you didn’t even know you were looking for. Just wander and see where it takes you. That’s “A Table For One” moment.

Easter NYC

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With all the years I’ve lived in New York City, I’ve never attended the Saturday evening Easter Vigil mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For the most part, it’s because I’m usually somewhere else with friends. But this year, with Easter coming so early, I decided to stay in the city.

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Edith Wharton

Then came the inspiration, to walk down to the Cathedral for the Saturday Easter service. A spectacular celebration of The Resurrection of Christ. Renewed life. Joy. Light. In churches around the world, Easter begins with this most stunning of services on Saturday evening.

Ceremony of Light, St. Patrick’s Cathedral NYC

Since New York is a magnet for tourists, our midtown iconic destinations, like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, just across from Rockefeller Center, is constantly buzzing with people, cameras, flash bulbs and excitement. But it’s also a parish church and NY’s local citizens frequently attend mass there, as well.

My maternal grandmother attended daily mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. She was a true matriarch and lived an exciting city life at The Biltmore Hotel on East 43td St. We frequently went with her, to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for mass, so although it’s a real tourist attraction, for me it’s also home.

The celebration of light begins in darkness…

The mass begins with the cathedral cloaked in total darkness. Then, a blazing fire is ignited at the back of the church. The Cardinal begins the ceremony with readings. All of the people hold candles which are subsequently lit from the same fire. It’s breathtaking, as the church slowly illuminates by candle light and then finally the full-on brightness of every chandelier. It’s so moving and takes your breath away. I find that the pomp and circumstance of rituals like these are so stirring and special. They’re perfect too, if you’re alone on a holiday.

Easter blessings from the Cardinal

Plan your holidays, but if you find yourself alone on one, I recommend looking at your surroundings as a tourist would. Get out and explore. Do something you’ve never thought of before. Thinking like a tourist wherever you are will give you wonderful experiences to treasure. And that’s “A Table For One”.

Spring

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Spring is arriving early! Last year’s winter season seemed never ending. But this year, the winter has been relatively mild in the Northeast. And it seems to be morphing seamlessly into a March debut!

“With the coming of spring, I am calm again.” Gustav Mahler

Spring in New York City is always a very welcome sight to behold. It starts slowly, barely noticeably and then suddenly bursts out in full regalia. Although it’s only March, the daffodils are already blooming.

Daffys in the city!

In New York city, you’ll see lots of spring flowers newly planted along the streets. Although not in an entirely natural setting, they provide a happy sign of wonderful things to come. Set against the gray skies and dull street sidewalks, they pop out of their beds in a startling shock of awakening colors.

Spring sidewalk blooming beauties!

Then too, the ever-present flower stalls along Manhattan’s side streets take on an even brighter look with flowers that are specific to spring. Forsythia, tulips, daffodils, all look fresh and bright and new. An inspiration to pick out a few bouquets and bring them home to celebrate the new season!

The city flower stalls display spring flowers with cheer!

New York’s flower stalls display spring flowers with cheer!

Be sure to mark the seasons wherever you are. Go out and observe what’s changing and then incorporate what’s new into your home as well. It’s a great way to enjoy a day that doesn’t end, with “A Table For One”. Celebrate!

St. Patrick’s Day NYC

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I’ve come to think that New York City is one of the most exciting and accommodating cities in the world for Parades. New York puts its rich diversity on display every year, with a host of parades honoring many different nationalities. The St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of them and its said that on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. Certainly, in New York this is true!

“I’m Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m Italian on Columbus Day. I’m a New Yorker every day”. Tamara Tunie

New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

The Parade participants march their way up Fifth Avenue from midtown all the way up to 86th St. On display are the many counties of Ireland represented by flags, banners and people whose heritage dates back to these specific geographic areas in Ireland. Many of those observing the parade happily cheer the counties their ancestors hail from too.

Bagpipers and their stirring aires!

One of my absolute favorite things about St. Patrick’s Day is the number of bagpipers that come out in full regalia to march in the parade. All along Fifth Ave., the stirring sounds of blaring bagpipes, drums and flutes fill the air. It’s a truly unique and moving sight to see!

“Up Mayo!”

You can imagine that, with a last name of “O’Grady”, I definitely have Irish heritage. My lineage also includes ancestors from France and England as well. But I have to admit that I get a huge kick out of observing St. Patrick’s Day and attending the parade whenever possible. I especially love seeing the County Mayo contingent marching. That’s the county where my last name comes from. In Ireland, if you said you were from Mayo, the response apparently was “God Help You”, because the soil was so rocky, it was nearly impossible to grow food there.

I like to think that some of my good traits can be traced back to this wonderful county that challenged my ancestors who learned to prevail and overcome any obstacles in their way. As they say in Ireland “Up Mayo!” Take “A Table For One” moment to enjoy a parade!

Transitions

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There are times that you may find yourself alone for a myriad of different reasons. It may be brief, or it could be longer-lasting. Perhaps from the loss of a good friend or loved one. There will be profound moments in everyone’s life, and sometimes, it helps to know that there are many resources you can reach to.

“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain

I’ve found that reading is a mainstay. Yes of course, for pleasure, news and information, but in addition, a really good book can also help guide you through the more difficult times you will encounter on your life’s journey.

Transitions

William Bridge’s book, “the way of transition” is exactly that. It’s an incredibly deep and honest exploration of his own loves and losses. His perspective “embracing life’s most difficult moments” is uplifting and hopeful. By sharing his own experiences so truthfully, he manages to take you with him. At the same time, he gives you powerful ways to reflect on and accept your own individual trials and tribulations.

A good friend of mine recommended this book to me, when I was going through an especially difficult transition of my own. It was truly inspirational. And ever since that first reading, I’ve kept this book at the front of my bookshelf. Any time I feel daunted by the events happening in my own life, I reach for it!

Reading is certainly one of the best things you can do on your own. In fact, for the most part, it’s a uniquely solo activity! Reaching for a truly good book to help guide you when you feel a bit lost, yields great rewards. Don’t hesitate to do it…that’s “A Table For One” moment.

Library Walk

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I was walking yesterday in New York along a very familiar street in midtown. For some reason, I looked down, as well as up and discovered something entirely new. The street I was walking along had been named “Library Way”. I’ve walked these blocks in New York so many times, but never noticed this delightful tribute to the iconic New York Public Library.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust

Library Way

I know it’s not just me. It seems many of us are always in a rush, coming and going. When you’re out and about on your own, no matter where it is, you have a great opportunity to take the time and really look at your surroundings. Try to notice things that have always been there “hiding plain sight”. You may amaze yourself, as I sometimes do, as to what you see.

Sidewalk Inspirations

In addition to the street signs, looking up, I discovered an entire series of amazing and inspirational sidewalk plaques lining “Library Way” starting on 41st St. and Park Avenue, all the way over to Fifth Avenue. You could easily spend a good 1/2 hour or more meandering down this “Library Way”, reading each of the plaques that honor great authors of many centuries.

Wonderful thoughts along the “Library Way”

Of course, this wonderful pathway leads to the iconic mid-town New York City Library itself. An architectural beauty with rich history and a bountiful offering of treasured books for the reading.

Beautiful New York Public Library

Love this fascinating transformation of an ordinary NYC sidewalk into a magical pathway leading to an NYC landmark. And to think it’s been there all this time unnoticed by me as I rush from one meeting to another. I’m so happy I took the time to look up and look down! I’m going to do this more often now. And I hope you do too! That’s “A Table For One” delight!

Snowmageddon

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Winter storm Jason drove up the east coast, leaving his indelible mark on our Nation’s Capitol, hovering over NYC for 24+ hours and driving to destinations north over the weekend.

“The weather is like the government, always in the wrong.” Jerome K. Jerome

Winter Storm Jason

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Winter storm Jason will be traveling up the Northeast Coast of the U.S., wrecking havoc in his path this weekend. It’s the first snowstorm of the year and is promising to be a giant one!

“Don’t knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.” Kin Hubbard

This storm is big enough to warrant a name, and so I decided to spend some of my time inside, looking into why we name storms. I guess I’ve pondered this before, but never had the time or inclination to actually research it…another great opportunity when you’re spending some time alone, you can delve into a subject you’ve been curious about.

Next stop East River!

Generally speaking, this is what most people think, when gearing up against a storm the size of Jason. Panic prevails and the stores become overwhelmed by dazed customers rushing in to buy things they never thought they needed…cannned goods along with the staples including more milk and water, bread and eggs than they could possibly consume in the 24-48 hour duration of these “weather events”.

Run on Groceries as Jason’s arrival is anticipated

Not to make light of legitimate concerns over safety in any storm! Having lived on the U.S. Northeast coastline for most of my life, you learn to respect mother nature, take nothing for granted and always hedging against the worst…especially in a storm that merits a name!

Stockpiling for the Storm

So back to my findings on this particular “naming” topic. The naming of hurricane storms started in 1950. Before then, these were tracked by years and the order in which they occurred. But apparently, that frequently caused confusion when 2 or more storms were brewing near each others longitudinal and latitudinal positions ‘s at the same time. It was thought that there would be more clarity in communications, therefore, if these huge storms were instead given names.

It wasn’t until 3 years later, in 1953 that women’s names were used, in addition to men’s. Atlantic based hurricanes rotate names every 7th year, unless a particular storm was so devastating that the name is subsequently retired. There are 78 names that have been retired since 1954. 2005 holds the record for retired names within one year, having 5 taken off the roster, including Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Stan and Wilma.

Jason arriving NYC chez moi Upper East Side

But winter storms only began bearing names in 2012, when The Weather Channel thought that, like hurricanes, giving these huge storms names would help communicate better to the public when an outsized storm or blizzard was coming. It began with a November Nor’easter that The Weather Channel named “Winter Storm Athena”.

And so, as the weekend kicks off, we run to the market, shore up our pantries and hunker down for the arrival of Jason. He promises to make quite a mark on the Northeast corridor!

Be safe everyone! And if you’re on your own, be sure to enjoy “A Table For One” this weekend.

New Year Lights

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This year, I stayed in New York for New Year’s Eve. I’ve visited lots of different places on New Years, hosted wonderful dinner parties on Nantucket and rung in most “new” with great friends.

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, It will be happier.” Alfred Lord Tennyson

I love the start of a new year. And celebrating at home means cooking the best recipes of the year, serving the best champagne I can find and watching the famous ball drop in Times Square. I never tire of the midnight toasts and warm embraces of loved ones and friends.

But, like most holidays, I love to extend the celebration and make it last as long as possible. In New York City, that’s easy. In the days following New Year’s, a walk through the city at night presents a perfect opportunity to continue the holiday, by observing the beautiful street lights.

Holiday Street Lights in New York

Taking an evening stroll through the city, brightens the early-dark-nights of the New Year. I always make a point of exploring the side streets and avenues without a specific plan. I love all kinds of walks, but the purpose of this one is simply to wander and observe.

Park Avenue’s Holiday Light Displays

It can be very rejuvenating to begin the new year by observing all of the beauty around you, no matter where you are. Extend the bright hopes of a new year beyond the traditional New Year’s eve midnight celebrations!

Colorful City Lights NYC

Open your heart and mind to the hope that the year ahead will be filled with joy and the anticipation of all things possible. And be sure to use any time on your own to explore, wander and enjoy every moment with all of your senses recharged! That’s what starts a New Year right at “A Table For One.”

A TABLE FOR ONE

THE ART OF "BEING" ON YOUR OWN

Author Archives: Dee

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

The Sunday Drive

Easter NYC

Spring

St. Patrick’s Day NYC

Transitions

Library Walk

Snowmageddon

Winter Storm Jason

New Year Lights