Recent Scenes

 (Stabucks' new "petite treats" will be the death of me. Pictured: mini red velvet whoopie pie, chocolate caramel square and lemon bar)

 ("Miss Emma," my beautiful sister)

 (On my bulletin board since forever and a good reminder as I embark on some new personal & professional endeavors)

 (The delicious meal Emma prepared for us on her last night here: chicken marsala, roasted asparagus, french bread, salad and pinot grigio)

 (An afternoon stroll around the central park reservoir after work on Friday. It was 70 degrees and sunny: a stellar way to kick off spring break)

 (A recently thrifted brass doe making her home in the living room)

This is, quite possibly, the most random mix of photos ever, but it's a sampling of what my camera captured the past few days. I was sad to say goodbye to my sister when she left on Friday, but have a week's worth of memories to tide me over until I see her next (in late April, when we head up to Ithaca for her lead performance in the theater department's spring musical, Baby).

A particularly special highlight was her visit to my classroom. I wish I could share those photos and the instant obsession on the part of my students: they called her "Miss Emma" and were completely mesmerized by the fact that she is a singer/actress. You should have seen the awe radiate across their faces when she sang The Little Mermaid's "Part of Your World" (as requested by them). She spent the entire day, which was equally as fun for her as it was nice for me to share what I do.

I am on spring break from work these next two weeks and am feeling happy about having a more flexible schedule. I have a fair amount of writing to complete as well as various appointments and household projects, but I'm most excited about the extra downtime to enjoy long walks with my camera, elaborate breakfasts and lazy afternoons at the local coffee shop with a book. Luxurious rarities.

I'm also stoked about wearing nothing but my fluffy white bathrobe. What can I say, I live on the edge.