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tea & sympathy

Tea and Sympathy www.teaandsympathynewyork.com is a tiny place, a very cozy place, located at 108-110 Greenwich Avenue in Manhattan. Have you guessed that it’s an “english restaurant”? If you decide to go, be prepared to wait. Remember, waiting is fine. The service is friendly and efficient. I’m at a loss as to how to describe its interior. You’ll have to see for yourself. Suffice it to say that it’s charming and informal.

When my daughter Sumi and I decided to meet one chilly sunny Sunday, it was for a salad. We were being good with that suggestion. But then, after meandering along the streets, Sumi suggested we try Tea and Sympathy. I’d not been there in awhile, and I always got a special feeling at the thought of going there — so off we went, two in agreement. The menu is definitely interesting, the food is tasty, the customers always seem in a good mood, even though space is tight. It’s almost like dining at the small home of an obliging relative who’s invited too many guests and everyone is determined to be comfortable no matter what. There are lots of choices on the menu: Soup, Salads, Starters, Side Dishes, Entrees, Puddings, Sandwiches, Desserts, Daily Specials, Sunday Special, Tea Time and Teas.

To be more specific, you’ll find a variety of good salads like stilton and walnut, smoked trout with horseradish sauce, fresh beetroot salad, there’s shepherd’s pie, tweed kettle pie, bangers, lentil dishes, steak and kidney pie, steak and guinness pie, welsh rarebit, sussex chicken, etc. There are scones with clotted cream and jam, good selection of teas with everyone having their own different appealing teapot. Beware, the desserts will gently call to you, Order me! Order me! They seem to be saying. Or is that my imagination? Next door there’s a “Take Away Menu.”

It’s really nice; it’s really enjoyable. You might really like it.

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patrick mooney, unlearning

After reading a few mind-grabbing articles in Namaste Magazine www.namastepublishing.co.uk , I turned a page and came upon an article by Patrick Mooney, and at the end of it was the heading “Whose Life are You Living?”. Wouldn’t that have caught your attention, too? Patrick Mooney is “an aspiring author, documentary filmmaker, lecturer and creator of the Institute of Unlearning.”

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“We arrive at truth, not by reason only, but also by the heart.” -Blaine Pascal

“If you don’t like where you are, change what you are.” – Henry Knight Miller

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ayahuasca

When I visited Ecuador in 2004, I stayed at a charming spa located two hours north of Quito. Big old bookcases stood in the corners of two sitting rooms, and a few large thick candles were held by wrought iron candle stands, and two large laughing Buddha statues were pure delight. Come to think of it, all the things in the two rooms were large and beautiful and inviting, and all spelled serenity. Most of the books in the old bookcases were left by travelers. I took one and brought it to a comfortable leather chair, sat back and began reading. It was about the ayahuasca plant, also called “the vine of the soul” and “the mother of the jungle” and “the teacher of teachers.” It grows in the Amazon jungle. The book was old and reading it was not easy, but I was enthralled with it.

Then a week after returning to the States I saw the words, “Mystical Healing in the Amazon” on a magazine cover. The December 2004 issue of Spirituality&Health magazine www.spiritualityhealth.com had a thoroughly-researched article about the ayahuasca vine written by Louise Danielle Palmer. She wrote that in Washington, DC she had attended a conference in indigenous healing traditions. It was there that she met Dr. Jacques Mabit, who left France in 1980 and worked for Doctors without Borders www.doctorswithoutborders.org in a small Peruvian village in the Andes. And it was there that he became acquainted with a very different way of healing people using ayahuasca and other plants. Eventually he opened a rehabilitation center in the town of Tarapoto in Peru for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.

Ayahuasca is an amazing healing plant as the writer of the article discovered when she traveled to Peru, spoke at length with Dr. Mabit, and took part in the ceremony at his center, Takiwasi www.takiwasi.com . She said, “Ayahuasca is most often mixed with the leaf of the chacruna plant and the tea is ingested only during ceremonies led by an ayahuasquero.” Those who have studied and used it have a deep reverence for its power to heal body and mind and connect one to the divine. Ms. Palmer said that for millennia the plant was used by tribes in the Amazon basin from Colombia, and Brazil to Peru and Suriname.

Ayahuasca and other healing plants are used by those who see things differently. I like to think of this special vine as one of Life’s beautiful gifts.

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mitch, thoughts of a man well-loved

His name was Lucien J. Michaud. He was dad to Judy and Norman, Pep to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and Mitch to other family members and friends. He died at 90 on 28 February 2006-well-loved. He had beautiful twinkling blue eyes. He gave the most wonderful bear hugs. He was a tall man, and a strong man with a delightful French Canadian accent. He loved to sing. Long ago he was in a band. Perhaps some people are not meant to take their talent public. Instead they entertain groups of family and friends. He could liven up any room with his voice, and he did-with all his heart.

He was a manager of J.F. McElwain Shoe Co. working for 43 years in one of the mills that lined the banks of the Amoskeag River in Manchester, NH. It was a time when many French Canadians left Canada to settle in New England. A book was written about those mills. He enjoyed reading that book. He was a cross country skier, mechanic, belonged to a snowmobile club and chopped wood. For many, chopping wood is part of life in NH. He chopped wood for family and friends until last year. Germaine was his wife for 68 years. It was a good marriage. The love and memories from that marriage will be cherished and passed on for many years to come.

“The best portions of a good man’s life,
His little, nameless, unremembered acts,
Of Kindness and love.” -William Wordsworth

“Four centuries have passed since Saint Teresa of Avila, the great Spanish mystic and reformer, committed to writing the experiences which brought her to the highest degree of sanctity in the Catholic Church. Near the end of her life, she wrote, ” ‘The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.’ ” -P.M.H. Atwater, Lh.D. Future Memory: How Those Who “See the Future” Shed New Light on the Workings of the Human Mind

“He Alone is great who turns the voice of the wind into a song made sweeter by his own loving.” -Kahil Gibran

“Let us be kinder to one another.” -Aldous Huxley, on his deathbed

“We can think of no better symbol of man’s earthly life than that of the seed planted in the darkness of the earth in order that it may grow into the perfect flower. The perfect flower, the archetypal flower, is created first in the mind of God, and then the seed is planted in the earth to grow to fullness. So is it with you, who are as seeds planted in physical form to grow towards the light until you become perfect sons and daughters of God-the perfect archetypal God-man which God held in His mind in the beginning.” -White Eagle, Spiritual Unfoldment 1: How to Discover the Invisible Worlds and Find the Source of Healing

” We are above the skies and more than angels. . .
Although we have descended here, let us speed back
what place is this?” -Rumi

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waiting

Waiting can be a good thing, if we let it. I’ve read that when we’re waiting, we should simply be where we are, and not be anxious; that we should train ourselves to be in present time and observe the happenings around us, and not think of where we want to be, or the slowness of the line, or wanting to complain.

Recently I was uptown waiting for someone. No book or magazine in hand- nothing to dilute the moment- simply waiting and observing. A bus pulled up. People were standing inside the bus, and those who’d been at the stop got on and found a place in the bus. The bus was now crowded. But people were still waving their arms, running toward the bus, while carrying stuffed grocery bags, or heavy backpacks on their shoulders. Everyone who wanted to be on the bus was now on and off it went. As soon as it left, another bus came along; it was going in the same direction. The three passengers sitting in that bus looked quite comfortable. A mental note to self: before thinking of boarding a crowded bus, look around.

I’ve noticed lately that similar scenes happen in cafes and restaurants. A person walks into a favorite place for lunch. It looks so busy – really hopping – and s/he thinks there’s no way of getting a table. A few minutes later customers get up. leave, and suddenly there’s a choice as to where to sit. And the one wanting a table rushed out in a flash, looking for another place to have lunch. Ah, the rhythm of life. From observing and waiting a different way of doing things emerges.

“Dare yourself to “play games” with your day: watch, wait, listen; allow things to happen.” -Rolf Potts www.rolfpotts.com

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artificial sweeteners

I’ve been trying to get a handle on all the artificial sweeteners being used by consumers who think they’re merely using sugar substitutes. After reading ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS by Janet Starr Hull, Ph.D., C.N. Total Health Magazine www.totalhealthmagazine.com Volume 27, No. 1, and INDUSTRY DESPERATE TO PUT OUT THE ASPARTAME FIRE New Mexico, USA Could be First to BAN ASPARTAME by Dr Betty Martini, D. Hum Namaste Magazine www.namastepublishing.co.uk Vol. 8 Issue 3, and Dr. William Douglass’ Real Health Breakthroughs Newsletters, I understand what’s going on, and what’s going on doesn’t look pretty. If you value your health, you’ll want to know the complete story of artificial sweeteners .

Total Health Magazine gives a breakdown of “Which Artificial Sweeteners Should You Avoid?” and “What Are Safe Natural Sweeteners?” The Namaste article is excellent. Perhaps you’ll pick up an issue. Oftentimes we have to look outside the box to get the facts and understand what’s really going on. It’s been written, over and over, that artificial sweeteners are causing a big list of health problems, and that the list of victim complaints, (about Aspartame) “named 92 symptoms including seizures and death.” The EIB, Environment Improvement Board has been out there telling the whole fascinating Aspartame story, and doing something about it. It reads like a novel – politics, power, greed. It’s our life and it’s our amazing world, too. Let’s be responsible and enjoy it to the fullest. To read list of complaints: www.wnho.net/eibturner.htm

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the el quijote restaurant in manhattan

Have you been to El Quijote Restaurant at 226 West 23rd Street in Manhattan? It’s one of those places I’ve walked by many times, and had l not called my daughter Sumi to suggest dinner, it would have remained that way. Choosing a restaurant is always a matter of hmm, what will it be tonight, as your mind charges up and down Manhattan streets, attempting to remember the places you’ve been to, and all the restaurants you’ve read or heard about. This time was no different, except that when Sumi mentioned El Quijote, an instant message said, “El Quijote? Of course, why not.”

On entering to join the waiting line we felt the old world charm. You cannot make reservations for two, however, the wait was not long, and it gave us a chance to look at the take-out menu and observe the restaurant. The menu says, “This eatery is a place of dining history that dates back to 1930, the oldest Spanish Restaurant in New York City.” And that the owner, Manny Ramirez, “. . . was the first to establish his own fishing boats along the coast of Maine so as to offer generous portions with the emphasis always on FRESH.” And it was fresh; it was fun. The service and ambiance was pleasant and good. Perhaps you’ll want to try it, too. You might like it. Phone number: 212-929-1855 ~ Spanish, Seafood, Tapas

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the new haven line

Everything is different outside of Manhattan. But you know that. I wanted to go to Harrison, Rye, Hartsdale White Plains and other towns along the way to check out possibilities, sort of a quest to find the right place. I took the New Haven Line at Grand Central. A friend of a friend met me at the Harrison train station. We drove around Harrison and Rye and had lunch at her lovely home in White Plains. Over Jarlsberg and smoked mozzarella, turkey, tuna, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and a good cup of coffee, we discussed the possibilities of the walking towns. After lunch we took off and drove up and down streets, to the downtown areas, checking out the feel of these places, always slipping easily into the next town. The towns were charming, clean, but I didn’t see any fruit and vegetable markets with all the produce hanging onto the sidewalks. Every town had lots and lots of restaurants. Where are the wonderful markets I’ve become so used to? I asked myself

We went to White Plains www.whiteplainsny.com . I’d never been there. Nice place with a very alive feeling. Lots of development going on. It’s a good size city and offers Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and many other fine shops. There’s a residential building by Trump and many rentals and co-op buildings all within walking distance of the train station. And, of course, there are lots and lots of restaurants. We drove through rather quickly since time was limited; I’ll return to walk in the near future since White Plains is definitely a walking city. The towns, they were clean and had all the right things for good living. It’s the feel of a place; the connection, that I’m looking for, and that’s different for everyone. So, when someone asks, “Well, how was it?” it’s difficult to say because when you’ve found it, you know, it’s that simple and cannot be explained so easily.

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the hudson river towns

Yesterday a friend and I took the Metro-North Hudson Line at Grand Central. Garrison, NY was the destination to check out rental possibilities. We asked the conductor if he knew of Garrison. He said, “There’s lots of trees there.” That didn’t help much. However, a stranger sitting across from us with a love of the Hudson River towns picked up on our conversation with the conductor. She began telling us a little about the history of Peekskill, Garrison, Cold Spring www.coldspring.com , and Beacon www.escapemaker.com/ny/beacon/beacon.html . She said that since 9/11 more and more people have moved to the river towns. There’s a lot of creativity, many artists live there, and new galleries are opening up all the time. And she said that she’s been thinking of selling her Manhattan apartment and moving to Beacon and then traveling. I always perk up when I hear the word travel. It’s a magic word to me. You, too?

The stranger’s name is Mary. And Mary with a delightful way about her, gave us a new way of looking at the river towns. She was on her cell phone for awhile; I didn’t know she was gathering more information until she handed me a card with names to call if Garrison was the place of choice. Nice! As we continued to talk about the towns, the day’s itinerary got shifted. Garrison, it was noted by Mary and the conductor, was not a place to be without a car. Final talk about Garrison ended with, “It’s a beautiful place if it’s the lifestyle desired.” Thoughts of Garrison were eliminated. We would get off at Cold Spring or Beacon. Some semblance of a plan was forming thanks to Mary in the know.

We decided to get off at Cold Spring. Beacon was a stop away should we want to see it later in the day. Cold Spring is a charming town with very friendly and helpful people. We asked a lot of questions from people we met while walking along the streets, and they freely gave their time to answer. I was beginning to feel like a reporter. People from Manhattan never quite get over the friendliness and helpfulness of people in other areas. This is not to say Manhattan is not a friendly place, it’s just to say it’s not as friendly. However, there are big exceptions, Mary being one of them.

Cold Spring has lots of large houses, antique shops, craft places, restaurants, a library, a bookstore, a lovely inn, and whatever is needed for a cozy lifestyle. It’s a quiet town; it’s a clean town, and we were told that on weekends it’s a town busy with tourists. Going to new places makes you think of new possibilities and the many different lifestyle choices. Thank you to those people who shared their experiences yesterday. It was most pleasant. And a big thank you to Mary who I’m sure goes through life helping strangers along the way.

“Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me, the long brown path leading wherever I choose.” – Walt Whitman

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city bakery

If I had an eating establishment, I’d want it to be City Bakery in Manhattan – just as it is – not a thing would I change. City Bakery opened its doors for the first time on 16th Street near Union Square quite a few years ago. It was a small, narrow, cozy place. Its loyal customers waited patiently to get to the food and the cashier. Then it moved to 3 West 18th Street, Union Square, Ph.No:212-366-1414, and is bigger and better than ever. www.thecitybakery.com

This is a place for people who want lots of tasty, fresh vegetables prepared by chefs who know how to cook them, it’s a place for dessert lovers, and chocoholics, hence the small Chocolate Room downstairs, and to the right of the Chocolate Room is the perfect machine for whipping up a delicious cup of hot chocolate. In the back is the salad bar and cooked veggies, big platters of fish, big platters of chicken, sandwiches, soups, homemade pizza, a fruit bar, and there’s more, all prepared with the best ingredients, and with a little twist on what you’d expect from the way food is prepared elsewhere. Whatever comes out of City Bakery’s kitchen is excellent. And the coffee is very good.

It’s a busy place. And now it’s a big place with lots of seating upstairs and downstairs. If it looks crowded with no place to sit, look again, someone is usually just getting up to leave. Not to worry. I’d find this place wherever it is; it’s too good to miss.

Have a happy Valentine’s Day. It’s a sunny day. Enjoy.