Somehow it’s November with daylight savings bringing a quicker end to our days. (I must say I am grateful to daylight savings for not waking up in the dark)
I used a day of PTO to get away from work as the chaos never ceases, but it’s always a good reminder to know that nothing is really so urgent and important as human souls, including our own.
The evening before your day off is such an euphoric feeling. The knowledge that you will have time to just be human rather than ticking off never ending tasks on a to-do list.
I made my plan the evening before. Because there’s so much to do in New York City, it feels wrong picking a thing or two. I decided on getting outside as much as I can to experience the fall beauty.
Friday, October 30, 2026
I woke up early to enjoy the morning quiet with a cup of tea. Mornings have such a different feeling where there isn’t a deadline of 9am.
By 9:45, I was on my way uptown to the Upper East Side. I honestly don’t spend too much time uptown, as I live in Brooklyn and work in downtown Manhattan.
First stop at 11am was Tompkins Square Bagels right across from Hunter College. It was particularly busy when I ventured in and it was about 15 minutes until I acquired my bagel. However, the bagel was delicious.
I walked to Central Park. Unfortunately for me, I don’t live in the vicinity of the park, so it’s always an intentional venture when it comes to my wandering there. I sat down for 10 minutes enjoying the gentle breeze and watching little kids in their Halloween costumes while reading my cozy mystery book, Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanna Fluke. I fear this series is like candy. Not super nutritious but so entertaining. Warning: if you do embark on the journey, just know the series does not have a proper ending.
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I really went to the park to get into the fall spirit. It felt September was utter craziness and October was mildly quiet with a sense that the craziness would come right back in again work-wise. I fear to say that November has already been a lot and the month has only begun.
I saw people on row boats, wandered over to the Ramble and the Bow Bridge. Just walked for a long while, feasting my eyes on the beauty all around me. No need for music or a podcast. The whisper of the wind was enough.
My main desire was to see as much as I could while walking from the east side of the park to the west side. I found a little patch of grass to eat my bagel and rest my legs. Though it did smell like horse manure, ‘twas Mother Nature.
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Around 1ish, I found myself outside of the park at this uptown west side coffee shop called Solid State. I found a cozy chair and took out Adeodatus by Michael D. O’Brien to read. It felt very luxurious to have some time to read uninterrupted. Most of my reading gets done on subway rides and waiting in line.
I walked away from Solid State Coffee with an iced matcha and 70 pages of my new book read. On my way to the subway station back home, I stumbled upon the best Strand I’ve ever been to. This Strand (69th Street) has a cafe and outdoor seating and just has a wonderful vibe. I debated buying a book here, but I have a new rule. I can only buy a new physical book once I finish something already on my shelves.
Later that evening, I enjoyed the night trying out a new show and eating a delicious Cobb salad.
It is the simple pleasures, truly delighting in them, that bring us the most joy.
Here’s to greater joy, friends!
Signing off,
Gigi
