Memories from Last Spring

A warm transition into this year's Summer.

Blooming

A friend of mine was telling me recently how she wonders at the magic of the blooming season, how incredible it is to see life sprout from what could seem dead branches. I think of the incredible memory that live within plants and which allow them to produce flowers when the right conditions return.

From T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land (1922)

April is the cruellest month, breeding

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing

Memory and desire, stirring

Dull roots with spring rain.

A few images of Spring 2024:

Wisteria in London.

Bougainvillea in Mexico.

Cherry Blossom in New York.

Nostalgia

I’m drawn to nostalgia. It is a powerful feeling that gives a deeper meaning to memories, and even when it sometimes come from a sense of loss, it reconnects us to a an idea of home.

I visited the Waverly Diner in early Spring last year. I love the nostalgic vibe of New York City diners. For many years I fed on split pea soup and BLT sandwiches. Once ubiquitous in the city they’ve become a rarity. For all of us who love Patti Smith, the Waverly has an additional layer of meaning.

A framed photograph of the Waverly and its iconic neon sign still hangs on the wall:

During that trip to New York I found a dedicated bench in Central Park quoting In My Life from the Beatles. I’ve loved this song since I was a child. I connected emotionally with the nostalgia in its lyrics.

Last year we spent a full day at Alejandro’s house in San Angel. He cooked and we all engaged in long conversations. This is the picture of his kitchen. I love the linen curtains, the geraniums and the window that overlooks into the cobbled street. Alejandro moved to another city, so we won’t get to visit this kitchen again.

Places that exist defying the rules of capitalism

I’m grateful for those who invest in spaces that offer art and literature in large cities, defying the elevated costs of real estate. These cultural spaces and small businesses maintain alive the soul of our cities.

Two unique spots in London: The Poetry Society, which was founded in 1909 to promote recognition and appreciation of poetry, and Sokol Books, which specializes in books printed before and up to the mid 1600s.

And one of my favorite spots New York City. Dia Art Foundation has kept a loft in Soho with Walter de Maria’s Earth Room since 1977 at no cost for its visitors.

New light and the promise of warmth

As Spring brings the promise of warmth in the Northern Hemisphere, the light starts to change. There is something special about the quality of light during Spring (and Fall) that makes everything look beautiful. Days start to last longer but the weather is still cold enough in some places to call for indoor gatherings. It is soothing to sit by a window to receive the warmth of the sun.

Last year, Victor and I enjoyed a slow lunch at a The King's Wark Pub in Edinburgh sitting by the window.

Also last year I bought a yellow portable lamp at MoMA that has since become the perfect lightning for late lunch meals.

Indoors, 3:00 pm, San Angel, Mexico City.

#16 is related to insight, wisdom and transformation

Unknowingly, last Spring I captured two #16s that caught my eye. I asked AI for the number’s meaning and the response seemed relevant: The number 16 is often associated with spiritual insight, wisdom, and transformation. It can symbolize an awakening or a higher spiritual awareness, potentially indicating a need for inner growth and reflection.

Who knew?

Left: Belgravia, London. / Right: Portsburgh, Edinburgh.

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Postscript: Master Cromwell

While in London last year I visited many of the sights mentioned in Hillary Mantel’s books. I became such as fan of Thomas Cromwell that I wanted to follow on his footsteps at the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Austin Friars. Here is the amazing portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, produced between 1532 - 1534, and which can be viewed at the National Portrait Gallery.