Love Trumps Hate: The Hope Edition

Sorry to get sort of political for a minute, but hey, it's my blog. I am blogging while I watch the DNC and Hillary Clinton just passed the threshold needed to become the official nominee of the Democratic Party, and I admit that I am crying. As a woman who was raised to believe that I could do and be anything, I didn't think that this milestone would get me, but here I am, at work getting ready to teach and crying over my computer.

I mention this partly because the state of America has me really sad these days. My blatant liberalism aside, when did we become so negative and so divided? When did fear become the predominate emotion that we seem to feel, instead of hope and the belief that we can make the world better?

Two days after the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, I went to Museum Mile with my friend Marci. Museum Mile takes place up and down Fifth Avenue, where one night a year, all of the museums are open late and free. In addition, the street is closed and there are performers, activities, and people of all shapes, colors and sizes. It really represents the best of New York. It felt very strange to be there doing something fun in light of everything that was happening in the world, but then I noticed something...

A butterfly landed on my skirt. That has to be a good sign, right?

All up and down the street, there were buckets of chalk. And all over, messages of peace and love and hope and solidarity were covering the street, in all different languages and colors. Marci and I got in on the action, in a way that we found strangely therapeutic. Our illustrations are the first two below:

We ended up not going into any museums because the lines were so long and there was so much going on on the street. It was a lovely evening, and helpful to remember that for most people in the world, we really wish to live in a world where love can trump hate. Our children are watching us. What will it be?

The Met's Fountain

The Gugenheim

We are stronger together. Love is love.

Coatless Caroling

Here, dear readers, is something you might not know about me. Despite the fact that, I think we can all agree, I am SUPER Jewish, I also have a great love of Christmas. The trees, the lights, the music, the way everything slows down and people are a little nicer than usual-- it may very well actually be the most wonderful time of the year.

One of the things I love is a good Christmas carol. I don't sing the ones with a lot of religious overtones because those feel a little uncomfortable to me (although I do enjoy listening to them since they are so beautiful), but enough of them are ecumenical that I get to sing along. So when I heard that Gramercy Park, one of the snottiest places in the city, opens its gates for an hour once a year for caroling, Sarah and I decided to go.

Here's what I have to say about Gramercy Park: not much. It's a park. It's not very interesting. Their trees was pretty, but I was less than impressed when the caroling ending and they basically told us to get out. Oh well.

Here's what I have to say about the caroling: It was fun! The spirit was good, the crowd mixed, and the band and choir pretty good. I liked that they gave us song sheets and encouraged us to sing along. Plus, as you can see, I was wearing no tights and no coat because even though it was Christmas Eve, it was in the 60s. So it was nice to be outside, if also disconcerting and vaguely terrifying if I thought too much about it. Instead, I focused on White Christmas, which is one of my favorites. Those Jews sure know how to write good carols.

I ended up walking home, which was a little insane because it's about five miles, but I wanted to see the store windows and it was a lovely evening. Here are some of the sights I saw along the way, including a red and green Empire State Building and windows from Macy's, Lord and Taylor, and Saks. The streets were full of tourists, Christmas spirit, and people eating ice cream. Because nothing says Christmas like ice cream, right?

That's it for the blog for 2015. Happy New Year, everyone! I hope 2016 is everything you want it to be and more. See you back here next year!

What I'm wearing: Boden skirt (very old, similar here), Downeast Basics blouse (similar here), GAP Factory cardigan (similar here), Sperry for J. Crew boat shoes (similar here)

Signature Look or a Rut?

Do you ever have the feeling when you look in your closet that you basically have many versions of the same outfit?

Guys, I feel like I'm in a rut. Partly because having this blog is making me more aware of what I wear every day, but also because every day when I get up, I feel like I'm putting on the same thing. Full skirt (whether printed or solid), solid top, sandals, and maybe a belt if I'm feeling creative. On one hand, this look mostly works for me. It flatters my pear shape and keeps me comfortable. But on the other hand, shouldn't I mix it up sometimes? Granted, it is harder in the summer, when I can't do my usual compulsive layering and often find it too hot to wear pants. But still. Is it time to diversify? Is the blog getting boring?

Sarit wanted me to post this on the blog solely
because of the belt. So there you go.

I recognize that this feeling often happens at this time of year. I get tired of my summer clothes and start wanting boots and tights again (but NOT my big winter coat.) But I think this is also partly a post-summer malaise. I love summer because I get to teach and it reminds me of why grad school is worth it. But the anticipation of going back to the library (basically) full time is sometimes difficult for me. I am very spoiled that I get to learn what I love full time, but sometimes I feel like I am not out in the world doing enough. Sigh. Apparently I am introspective tonight. I'll be more fun next time, promise!

Anyway, food for thought. And if you have thoughts on ways to mix it up, please leave them in the comments!

What I'm wearing: Moon skirt via ModCloth, Target shirt (super old, similar here), random belt from Bolton's (similar here)