Pell Street

There are a lot of things that I will miss about living in NYC, but I think that this particular one-lane side street might take the cake. Home of the legendary Joe's Shanghai, my favorite dim sum parlor, and the best haircut you'll ever get (for under $15)... Pell Street in Chinatown. 

While walking down the tourist-shop-laden Mott Street, one might miss this unassuming looking alley. From either end, the only thing you might see is a steady queue of people waiting for their chance to indulge in soup dumplings at Joe's. I've cured many a hangover with an overloading of "brunch" at Delight 28 dim sum. The first time I stumbled across this dining hall, it took me a few months to find it again; it used to be impossible to find on Google maps, a sort of Narnia of all things delicious. 

Only blocks from my favorite watering hole, I once took a bet (from the bartender) and went to a hair salon on this street to have all of my hair cut off. All of it. Pixie on a whim. And it was amazing. 

I'm going to miss everything about this little place, this little neighborhood that made me feel as if I had a place in this anonymous labyrinth of a city. And I need to go back one more time before we leave.

Lunar

I spend the majority of winter looking forward to Chinese New Year. Although I have no genetic ties to the lunar holiday, I feel a strong tie to the traditions of family and food that it brings. Not to mention, the magpie side of me gets such a thrill from the colorful pageantry of the parades and celebrations.

It bears a strong resemblance to our American Thanksgiving holiday: parades, feasts, and family abundant. 

These two have the best seats in the house for the parade

Confetti cannons are released from all of the bystanders when the lion dance begins

Natural Beauty

It's no secret that I love to wander. New cities, new countries, new neighborhoods... If I haven't explored it yet, I soon will. On Wednesday, I happened upon another justification for my wanderings...

On a side street bordering Little Italy and Chinatown, I passed a shop window full of stunning beads, stones, statues, and trinkets. I doubled back and stepped inside Sun Wind, Inc. 

The woman standing behind the counter wasn't simply selling jewelry. She spent a good 45 minutes explaining all of the stones I inquired about, and even reading my energies and knowing my own preferences and needs. It was enlightening and exciting. 

I've always been interested in the powers and energies (not to mention the appearance) of natural stones and natural stone jewelry. In *many* previous posts and photos, you may have noticed the jade bangle and rings I permanently wear. As the most protective stone of physical health, jade is a key component and reminder of my years of battles against various health issues, all of which have more or less been overcome. 

I can't wait to return to her shop when I have more time to spend, but below are a few beautiful things I picked up to add to my existing collection.

These natural, uncut quarts earrings pictured below were irresistible to me. 

I was immediately drawn to this ring. As the woman who owns the shop explained, it is Botswana Agate, and it believed to be a sort of Evil Eye. It protects not only against spiritual evil, but also against natural disaster. As a lover of survival, and its beautiful vintage setting and look, I just had to have it.

So many gorgeous rings. It was hard to pick just one.... (for now)

I've acquired a lot of natural stone jewelry over the years. In fact, I gravitate towards it. I love the lack of "perfection" and symmetry, and the idea that every single piece is natural and unique. 

My cat, of course, wanted to be in this photo. 

My three favorite natural stone neckaces. From left to right: 

Pyrite (fools gold): Helps the wearer tap into their creativity

Lapis Lazuli: Healing and protecting the mind, & a stone native to my sign, Sagittarius

Agate: Balances yin and yang, good for artists and students

I could rant on and on about this topic all day, but I'll exercise a shred of self control.

Do you have any favorite stones that you are drawn to? 

Bonsai!

Some days, I just need to unwind. My back has felt out of order for a few weeks now, and this work week already has me on the last straw of my patience. So, where to go to relax? For me, Chinatown is my special place to slip into a peaceful groove (amidst the usually overcrowded streets. Juxtaposition, I suppose).

First, to cure my physical ailments: a much-needed massage in which knuckles and elbows released all of the knots in my back, hips, arms, legs... All the way from my toes to fingertips. Chinese massage isn't your lay-down-and-relax-with-candles massage; it's an intense pressure point experience that sometimes is almost unbearable. But, trust me, it is worth it. I feel half my age when all is said and done.

Next, my appetite: picked up some fresh vegetables and fruits from the bountiful roadside vendors. I always love to see what is fresh and in season. Today, I bought a bitter melon to experiment with. I've never eaten it before, let alone cook it. So.... We'll have to see how that turns out tomorrow.

Finally, my zen: cooking. As I mentioned last week, I have a constant supply of kale in the house. My Chinatown adventures had put my palate in an Asian mood, so I made a kale miso soup with some tiny red chilis. Spicy foods actually help you cool down in this sweltering hot weather!

Sometimes we all just need our own special ways to unwind.