The Search For Everything

As a notebook lover, I carry one everywhere I go, to jot things down (ideas, things to do, reminders, etc), but there’s a particular notebook that reminds me of the life I imagined, the hopes and dreams, the person I aspire to be (well, nothing much, cos you can’t make yourself stop dreaming who or what you’re dreaming of).

And now I’m day-dreaming about New York….  // Baby It’s Cold Outside – Norah Jones

Rainy Sunday morning, walking around Manhattan, down the lane searching for a place to have my late brunch. No surprise to where I was heading, just unsure of the way to get there. A lady was kind enough to give me a brief direction, “Head to Lower East Side, about six blocks away from Chinatown, along Bowery, turn right into Rivington Street, and then a quick left, you’ll find it at the end of the little alley”. Tricky as there were a few entrance to Rivington, but along the way it was filled with many street arts, cafes, pop-up stores, such a hip scene. And there it was, the hidden gem, Freemans. The restaurant was packed as it was a weekend, waited for a table while I observe the setting, lovely environment and amazing decor though. The friendly staff assisted me to a shared table. Looking at the menu – Full english breakfast, lamb stew, crab benedict, such sophisticated menu but I settled for something uncomplicated (and also my favourite) –  french toast and a cuppa latte.

Sitting at a table with a group of gossip girls -, eavesdropping to every conversation.
“I really shouldn’t tell you this but Emma is breaking up”
“No way”
“They’re perfect for each other”
AHA yeah, yeah whatever – and a gay couple (or so I thought) next to me, they were gazing at each other, asking weird questions, sharing experiences, obviously they have just met and were getting to know one another.

“I never stole, cheated, betrayed and yet I feel that I have not been honest to myself, not even to my friends and family”
“What I wish for now is no longer happiness, not even love, but to be aware and be true to myself”
Now this is definitely going somewhere. For two people who barely knew each other in a temporal sense, they seemed to know each other’s soul deeply. The kind of relationship that is rare and must always be cherished. French toast was excellent and it exceeded my expectation, somehow I can only find this specialty in America. Disappointed with the latte though, it doesn’t taste as good as home. I tipped the lovely staff, smiled and left.

Wandered around the streets to find more beautiful arts, absolutely love this quiet area, took out my brand new Sony a7, although Leica is much preferred but I had to make a decision based on a budget constraint. Also, I do not think I deserve a high-end timeless masterpiece because I am not that good in photography. I have lost my mojo after I met Ed. He’s an amazing underrated photographer which made me question my skills, he too never showed interest in my photos, and ever since that, I doubt myself and gave up (and became the subject). Now back at it again, I was feeling inspired by the constant energy and liveliness of this dynamic city.

I made my way to the nearest subway station, then I remembered there’s a stationery store that I’ve always wanted to go nearby, took a detour into Mulberry and found it – Goods For The Study. Notebooks, greeting cards, pens placed nicely on imported office desks. Met one of the owners, Sarah who just flew back from Japan and told me she got some new notebooks in store from Itoya (another heaven). Took my time there, how I wish I could have my own stationery store too. Bought a few cards anyway, and some Paperways notepads, and a notebook by Postalco. Maybe I should write to someone :

Dear Josh

I am here in New York, it’s raining and I can’t stop thinking about you, as always,
of your friendship, loyalty, sincerity, and your funny laugh
I miss you

Audrey

Oh well nope, considering the current situation, maybe not. There’s so many questions, how, what, why but I don’t think it matters..

Or will it?

// Rachael Yamagata – Be Be Your Love

…. to be continued

 

Photo by William Bout

Featured Photo by Thomas Habr