Category Archives: Blog

The Sunday Drive

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

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.”

Collecting Christmas

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Years ago, along with the commitment to buying a bit of a bigger tree each year, I also began to collect ornaments from my travels. It’s a great way to capture the essence of a special place you’ve been, or a special year you’ve had, or even just a keepsake as a treasured memory of home. Christmas is a holiday you can celebrate all year, by collecting these mementos.

“One Christmas my father kept our tree up till March. He hated to see it go. I loved that.” Mo Rocca

Creating a Collection of Ornaments

Christmas is so much a celebration of joy. It brings with it nostalgia, anticipation of wonderful things to come and the warmth that comes with memories of good times with friends and family. So, the first Christmas that I woke up alone in my little studio apartment in New York was a bit disorienting. I had never imagined that I would have a Christmas morning alone. It was both startling, disconcerting and also fun in a very different way. I felt accomplished, having set up a tree, to ensure my Christmas day would start out festive and joyful.

Collect your ornaments all year long, including the wonderful places you visit!

I think that’s why having a Christmas tree every year, no matter what, became such an important thing to me. It’s a wonderful and constant companion to the holiday, no matter if you’re with friends, family or on your own. You will find yourself with plenty of time and parties to celebrate the holiday with lots of people.

But waking up to a tree dressed in the beautiful reminders of all the great places you’ve been to, or things that you’ve done, people you’ve known…that’s a really special thing that I think everyone should aim for at Christmas. You get to savor the experience every day that the tree is up, not just on Christmas morning itself. And it becomes so personal.

Bermuda!

I have ornaments from London, Paris, Nantucket, New Mexico, Arizona, Provence, Italy, and more. I have a small collection of glass bulbs from my mother’s trees. I have ornaments that friends and colleagues gifted over the years. I have a small collection of wooden ornaments, shells, a small creche. I have a beautiful collection of the 12 days of Christmas. And some that I made as a child in school. Each one has meaning.

I always try to leave some ornaments out for anyone who comes to my home over the holidays to hang. It gives me great pleasure to share my tree. I call it “honoring the tree”. And each morning leading up to Christmas, I turn on the tree lights, and sip my cup of coffee or tea while looking at it and recalling the meaning behind each treasured decoration.

Buckingham Palace London!

Playing special Christmas music. Waking up to the refreshing aroma of pine, looking at this beautiful and unique creation. All of it makes me feel so happy. It’s a gift you can give yourself, every year, a very important one I think, especially if you’re on your own.

That’s “A Table For One” exquisite celebration! Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas and Trees

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One of the most wonderful things about December is the number of Christmas trees that spring up everywhere. I love Christmas and I love the proliferation of trees!

“I know that a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania is about the most random place for a country singer to come from, but I had an awesome childhood.” Taylor Swift

I can totally identify with Taylor Swift’s description of an awesome childhood, having grown up on a Christmas tree farm. It sounds like a dream come true!

Trees line the streets!

Christmas tree shopping was a ritual in my home growing up. My Dad would pile us all into the trusty woodie wagon and we’d all head out to pick one out as a family, which was never easy! The catch, however, was that my father loved to buy “live” trees that could be planted after Christmas. This made it extra special, because you could see each Christmas tree permanently growing on our property. It was a unique and truly memorable way to celebrate.

The tree is always the highlight at Christmas!

That may be why I became enthralled with Christmas trees from childhood, onward. When I moved into New York to my first apartment, a small studio walk-up, I made a pledge to buy a Christmas tree every year, despite the tiny size of my apartment. Living on a shoestring meant that I had to start with a very small tree. I promised myself to buy a bigger one each year, until I could afford a big one, in the 6 foot + range. And that’s exactly what I did!

Tree in my building in NYC!

Now, I live in a building in NYC that celebrates Christmas with a giant tree that delights all of us. I still buy my own tree, but the ones they display surpass any height of an indoor tree that I’ve seen. It’s just delightful to come home to it every evening during December. We also have evenings with music and champagne! It always inspires me to go out and take notice of all the trees in the city and wherever I go, during December.

It’s a great way to celebrate Christmas coming with “A Table For One!”

A TABLE FOR ONE

THE ART OF "BEING" ON YOUR OWN

Category Archives: Blog

The Sunday Drive

Easter NYC

Spring

St. Patrick’s Day NYC

Transitions

Library Walk

Snowmageddon

New Year Lights

Collecting Christmas

Christmas and Trees