“Today in therapy we talked about how (for those of us currently healthy and taking isolation seriously) right now we live in an infinite present. No future plans, no anticipation of travel or shows or events or celebrations. It’s an endless today, never tomorrow.”

— Helen Rosner via Twitter

oh god it’s wonderful
to get out of bed
and drink too much coffee
and smoke too many cigarettes
and love you so much

—From “Steps” by Frank O’Hara, 1960

I close my eyes, then I drift away
Into the magic night, I softly say
A silent prayer like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep to dreams, my dreams of you

Roy Orbison, In Dreams

This Too Shall Pass Pasta

A fat heirloom tomato for lunch.

Sure on this shining night
Of starmade shadows round,
Kindness must watch for me
This side the ground.

— From James Agee,  Permit Me Voyage (1934)

The best thing
about being alive,
it can happen 
at all times,
at any time.

Before COVID I spent many mornings sitting at an outside table at Clementine Bakery — writing, observing, drinking slowly. Sometimes I’d arrive early and linger while I waited for their cinnamon rolls to come out of the oven (the baker shared with me the approximate times, which felt like propriety information). It was always a place and time where I could do some lovely reflecting.

This morning I went for an early walk and ended up at Clementine. By chance they were just opening, and I was the first in line — walking out with an iced coffee and my favorite vegan cinnamon roll, once again…

And morning walks may be the key to keep me grounded.

Socially distanced stoop beers in Boerum Hill with Mignon, Alex and Adella.

Banana bread made by Mignon — Vanilla Rosemary ice cream made by Arielle.