Easy And Effortless

Sunday marked the beginning of a new week, and I’m hopeful this one will be just as amiable, if not better, as the last. I feel as though I am having a super-sized holiday with a barrage of invites that have been nonstop.

It’s nice to be thought of, and I’m appreciative to the many who’ve extended invitations to me for holiday celebrations, trips to New York, impromptu dinner parties and, of course, those fabulous happy hours where everything is easy and effortless, and there’s just no way not to have a good time.

Yesterday was pretty exciting and chockfull of entertainment, and I was quick to indulge. However, I also recognized my need for a little “me” time. I like setting aside time to do things on my own, which often includes a hike on a trail, reading in a park, people-watching from a bench or taking a stroll through a museum, which is just what I did Sunday afternoon before heading to the Mayor’s Annual Christmas parade.

I initially was invited to a Hanukkah party, but opted for the latter. Thank you, Sharon, for the invitation. I heard it was a wonderful gathering. Maybe I can tag along with you and Brian the next time you guys are out and about.

My time at the Baltimore Museum of Art was just what I was looking for and is always time well spent. I love perusing the main collection, especially the European Art. I’m never bored, that’s for sure!

I love portraiture, especially that of Emilia Pia da Montefeltre by Raphael. I like how her expression is guarded, but the eyes are telling. Another favorite of mine is Venus and Adonis by Cornelis Corneliszoon van Haarlem. It’s a very symbolic piece.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Warhol’s later works on display (The Last Decade). I can’t say I’m a fan, but respect his contribution and appreciate his metaphors. His pop culture images from the 60’s are predictable, but nostalgic. No matter what, you’ve got to love an artist.

I enjoyed my walk over to Hampden, stopping by Sweet Sin Cafe in Remington for a gluten-free cupcake, and then picking up a hot chocolate to keep my bones warm. It really was a cold afternoon.

I’ve never been to the Mayor’s Christmas Parade, but the feedback I’ve received from friends over the years has always been good, thus my decision to check it out this year. I only stayed for an hour, but was pleasantly surprised. It was a nice crowd, and it was wonderful seeing families together participating (smiling, clapping, laughing and singing too). I couldn’t help feel a bit nostalgic, reminiscing of parades past. My childhood was filled with many, and we always attended them as a family.

I couldn’t leave Hampden without doing a little window-shopping. There are some beautifully decorated windows, and I enjoy seeing them year after year, especially at In Watermelon Sugar. No, they’re not like the ones in New York City (all glam), but they do make you smile and help nurture your holiday spirit along. (They do help nurture mine anyway!)

There are days when the cold agrees with me, and this was one of those days so I forfeited taking the bus and opted for a walk. I’m glad I did because I saw a few friends from my old neighborhood of Charles Village. We had a small conversation, but it was meaningful and ended with a hug. I also ran into a former patient who participated in one of the research trials I coordinated at the Johns Hopkins University. She was thoughtful to remember me after all these years and was kind enough to say I hadn’t changed much, that I was still funny and silly, a quality she admired.

My “me” time was over, and I was ready to join the world again, which had me hanging out with a few friends I haven’t seen in a month. As always, we picked up where we left off, laughing often. I had a great time last night, Kevin. You are far from boring – LOL. We really do have a gift for gab. Don’t you agree? I think silly is our middle name.

My time yesterday was well spent, and I’m thankful to all who enhanced my day making it that much sweeter.

Today it was back to the daily grind – posting resumes and looking for a job, getting a few chores done around the house that I like to put off to the last minute, and even spending a few hours cooking in the kitchen, making split pea soup and a new dish, brussels sprouts with sweet sausage. It’s something I created off the top of my head, and it is delicious. (I posted the recipe on my Celiac Blog.)

As always, dear reader, I hope you are making the most of your holiday. There is still much to do on my list… Seeing the Poinsettias at Longwood Gardens, ice-skating, walking through the neighborhoods in my area to see how people have decorated their homes for the holiday, going to concerts and much more. This time of year makes me appreciate the small things in life that are easy and effortless, for they bring me the most joy. Allow them to do the same for you. Cheers! - paerki