Recently | Vases, a mysterious hiker, a wily octopus, a photography exhibit, etc.
March comes in like a lion
We made it! February is over! Extra day and all! To celebrate, this weekend I have plans to visit my favorite Russian bath and make a cauliflower bake. I hope your March gets off to a good start. Thank you for reading, and please share if you enjoy. xx
Design Tip
I’m often asked for a lightweight way to add soul and life to a space - my answer: an interesting vase with live flowers. I’m not a houseplant person (#orchidsonly) but I find small arrangements to be mighty decorative additions. “But Lucy, flowers are expensive, they don’t last long, and I don’t know how to arrange them” - to which I say:
1. Bodega flowers, supermarket flowers, weeds on the side of the road! All cost less than this morning’s matcha latte!
2. We don’t last long! The circle of life!
3. Don’t think too much! Grab your Kitchen scissors and pretend your Ina Garten!
The trick is to invest in a few rotating vases with personality that speak to you. And when this week’s arrangement has completed it’s service? The vessels can live on their own as chic l’objet. My advice is to have fun and get out of your comfort zone - these will elevate any table or counter:
Watch
I stumbled across the true-crime documentary ‘They Called Him Mostly Harmless’ on Max and I am surprised I haven’t heard more chatter about it. After an unidentified hiker is discovered dead in the Florida wilderness, authorities quickly release a sketch to the public. Multiple hikers come forward, claiming to have crossed paths with the mysterious man. Sightings spanned thousands of miles, with photographs leaving a trail. But he never revealed his name - who was he? Why did he die? And why did he keep is his identity a secret? It would take years and the efforts of law enforcement, thousands of online sleuths, and a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough to put a name to the face. But his story - of someone who didn’t want to be found - becomes secondary. The feature becomes an exploration into our seduction by archetypes and desire to find personal meaning in others’ stories. I was shocked to see mixed reviews online; I found it fascinating and well-produced.
Read
Readers love Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and I wish I could say the same 🫠. The novel presents a charming premise: an intelligent and mischievous Pacific octopus named Marcellus strikes up an unlikely friendship with Tova, the aquarium's elderly cleaning lady. Through their bond, a interwoven tale of grief, connection and redemption unfolds. Sweet enough. Maybe my expectations were set too high given its darling ‘It Book’ status? My advice if you plan to read it: forgo hopes of elegant prose and intricate character development, except for the wonderful Marcellus (who, interestingly enough, is the only character written in first person). It’s a simple, mainstream novel, with an interesting sea creature twist - a fine beach read.
Visit
Last weekend, friends and I visited the Human / Nature: Encountering Ourselves in the Natural World exhibit at Fotografiska in New York. The show “explores the complex relationship between Earth and its human inhabitants… illuminating moments of harmony and recovery while never shying away from humankind’s tendency towards destruction.” I enjoyed it, especially the work of artists Cig Harvey and Yan Wang Preston. Fotografiska is a great museum for a Sunday afternoon - small enough to feel manageable but always featuring ever-changing, interesting collections. And the building itself is an architectural gem. Meet for brunch at Upland before going.
Eat
Insightful, witty and well- written - per usual! Love this!!