Tag Archives: wander

Go To The Beach!

Why not treat yourself to a day at the beach alone? Beach days shared with good friends and family are wonderful. But it’s easy to forget how enjoyable a beach day can be, even when you’re on your own. Give yourself the chance to connect with your soul and take a rest from the formal activities that fill most of your days. Go!

“I have the world’s largest collection of seashells. I keep it on all the beaches of the world…perhaps you’ve seen it.” Steven Wright

Going solo to the beach is a miraculous experience. A day well spent on the beach, can be filled with wonder, relaxation and discovery. It’s like a week of vacation when you’re out there on your own! Unplug. Leave your devices at home.

Toes in the sand!

The first step is to go early, before the hot afternoon sun bakes down, creating a fiery, scorching bed of sand against your bare feet. Drop the sandals, opt for a really great foot scrub of sand and shells and just feel the sand in your toes. Feet feel happy, when freed up and let loose. And one of the only places left where bare feet can still happen safely, is on a beach!

Choose your sweet spot!

Next, carve out a spot that’s yours. Claim your space and set yourself up with a beach chair and umbrella, big towels, a floppy hat, great book, a sandwich, fruit and a large bottle of ice cold water to last the day. Plan to spend your time slipping the day well into a late afternoon of total rest and relaxation. Listen closely to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Bring along a notebook and pen, to write your thoughts. No devices here.

Take a swim as frequently as possible. Enjoy drying off by taking a nice walk along the shore. Pick up a few shells and colorful rocks to display on a shelf when you get home. It will help to remind you how delicious a day at the beach alone can be. Next time you find yourself with a free day in spring, summer or fall, consider gifting yourself with the super indulgence of a beautiful day at the beach! That’s A Table For One!

Make the Familiar New!

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I have come to believe that there’s always something fun going on somewhere nearby. Something you may not necessarily think of doing, if you’re on your own. This very unique antique car show on Nantucket happens every spring.

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” John Barrymore

It’s a great celebration and lots of friends, families and tourists come out to celebrate it. This year, I found myself on island alone. Friends weren’t able to join me. And so I debated on whether I would go. There are always so many things to get done on the “to-do” list.

I love a parade!

If you’re like me, you’ll sometimes use the fact that you’re alone, to pass on an opportunity to enjoy an event anyway. This time, something drew me to put down my work and go explore the show on Main Street. Take a break and explore. And so off I went.

Surprise yourself!

I’ve always enjoyed this particular spring ritual. But I’m usually with friends. It still surprises me when I discover that I can experience just as much pleasure on my own at an event I’m accustomed to attending with friends. This is why I recommend pushing yourself a bit, to get out and try it. …although in a very different way.

Happy cars!

When you’re on your own, you may miss having someone to share your observations at first. But, on the other hand, I think you’re also likely to see things differently. And enjoy them in an entirely unique way. The familiar suddenly is new! Being free to linger where I want, respond to my own timeline, drink in the surroundings and thoroughly enjoy myself without worrying about others is fun. Try it. Seek out events in your own backyard and venture out and about on your own. You may just discover it’s uplifting and will make you feel happy! And that’s what “A Table For One” is all about.

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

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At the top of New York’s “Museum Mile”, between 104th and 105th Street on Fifth Avenue sits Central Park’s gorgeous Conservatory Garden. Six acres of beauty, divided into 3 smaller gardens, representing Italian, French and English traditional gardens are a sight to behold.

“How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking of gardens and gardening.” Alexander Smith

The Vanderbilt family built these gardens and the majestic gates leading into them is well known as “The Vanderbilt Gate”. Made in Paris in 1894, the gates originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th St. A magnificent, welcoming entrance for all.

The Vanderbilt Gate leading to the magnificent Conservatory Garden in Central Park

The Vanderbilt Gate to The Conservatory Garden, Central Park

This particular gathering place in Central Park is a “Quiet Zone”. Meant to invite meditation, calm and inspiration, the various gardens evoke a special sort of spiritual energy. When traveling on my own, I always love to explore the parks and gardens that populate so many cities. They provide a respite from the noise and hustle that make up city life.

Stunning pink and greens, in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

Sundays are the most perfect day of the week for these kinds of explorations. On the classic “day of rest”, I always feel free to wander and pick up on a spontaneous whim and go wherever it leads me. Like the Sunday Drive, a good long walk on a Sunday is a luxurious indulgence.

City Gardens, islands of beauty and rest in the city

The memory of that day inspired my recent Sunday outing to the Conservatory Garden, here in New York. A late afternoon stroll was a balm to the soul. I think that we frequently overlook the things that are right in front of us. Sometimes, I try to apply my travel habits to my own home turf and set out on a Sunday afternoon as a “tourist”.

It’s the perfect way to revel in a Sunday afternoon adventure. “A Table For One”.

The Sunday Drive

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Sundays are a great day to indulge in a whim. Growing up, we frequently went on a “Sunday Drive”. My father would announce the recurring event as a question: “who’d like to go for a Sunday Drive?” Of course we all wanted to!

“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week”. Joseph Addison

The Sunday Drive was an exercise in meandering and discovery. The whole point was to simply get in the car, go out on the road, enjoy the scenery and find yourself wherever the day’s whimsy took you. There was no plan. No calculated purpose. That was the whole point.

My Sunday Driver Chariot!

I love to name things. It all started with my first car, a Volkswagen square back which I named “Pod” after the Dad in a book called “The Borrowers”. Now, I’ve got a lovely old 2003 Audi station wagon that I call “My Audee”. Since my family nickname is Dee, it’s a perfect play on the brand name. I love my license plate and it’s a real conversation starter wherever I go. I was never a fan of “vanity plates” until I imagined this one. It creates a lot of fun interactions!

This way to Island Drive!

So on a recent Sunday, I took “My Audee” out for a drive. Inspired by my Dad’s wonderful inspiration to just go for a drive and see where it takes you. I ended up in Rye, N.Y. where I grew up, on Island Drive, North Manuring Island. It was a fabulously beautiful day. Perfect for wandering.

The rewards of a “Sunday Drive”

Just down the road from the island is another breathtaking setting. “Jake’s Boatyard”. On the inlet side of North Manursing Island, Jake’s factors in as the gateway to what was once home. Just a wonderful setting and perfect for a spontaneous “Sunday Drive”. So fulfilling, inspirational and charming.

When you wake up alone on a beautiful Sunday morning, take a “Sunday Drive”. You may discover a place, a memory, an inspiration you didn’t even know you were looking for. Just wander and see where it takes you. That’s “A Table For One” moment.

Library Walk

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I was walking yesterday in New York along a very familiar street in midtown. For some reason, I looked down, as well as up and discovered something entirely new. The street I was walking along had been named “Library Way”. I’ve walked these blocks in New York so many times, but never noticed this delightful tribute to the iconic New York Public Library.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust

Library Way

I know it’s not just me. It seems many of us are always in a rush, coming and going. When you’re out and about on your own, no matter where it is, you have a great opportunity to take the time and really look at your surroundings. Try to notice things that have always been there “hiding plain sight”. You may amaze yourself, as I sometimes do, as to what you see.

Sidewalk Inspirations

In addition to the street signs, looking up, I discovered an entire series of amazing and inspirational sidewalk plaques lining “Library Way” starting on 41st St. and Park Avenue, all the way over to Fifth Avenue. You could easily spend a good 1/2 hour or more meandering down this “Library Way”, reading each of the plaques that honor great authors of many centuries.

Wonderful thoughts along the “Library Way”

Of course, this wonderful pathway leads to the iconic mid-town New York City Library itself. An architectural beauty with rich history and a bountiful offering of treasured books for the reading.

Beautiful New York Public Library

Love this fascinating transformation of an ordinary NYC sidewalk into a magical pathway leading to an NYC landmark. And to think it’s been there all this time unnoticed by me as I rush from one meeting to another. I’m so happy I took the time to look up and look down! I’m going to do this more often now. And I hope you do too! That’s “A Table For One” delight!

New Year Lights

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This year, I stayed in New York for New Year’s Eve. I’ve visited lots of different places on New Years, hosted wonderful dinner parties on Nantucket and rung in most “new” with great friends.

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, It will be happier.” Alfred Lord Tennyson

I love the start of a new year. And celebrating at home means cooking the best recipes of the year, serving the best champagne I can find and watching the famous ball drop in Times Square. I never tire of the midnight toasts and warm embraces of loved ones and friends.

But, like most holidays, I love to extend the celebration and make it last as long as possible. In New York City, that’s easy. In the days following New Year’s, a walk through the city at night presents a perfect opportunity to continue the holiday, by observing the beautiful street lights.

Holiday Street Lights in New York

Taking an evening stroll through the city, brightens the early-dark-nights of the New Year. I always make a point of exploring the side streets and avenues without a specific plan. I love all kinds of walks, but the purpose of this one is simply to wander and observe.

Park Avenue’s Holiday Light Displays

It can be very rejuvenating to begin the new year by observing all of the beauty around you, no matter where you are. Extend the bright hopes of a new year beyond the traditional New Year’s eve midnight celebrations!

Colorful City Lights NYC

Open your heart and mind to the hope that the year ahead will be filled with joy and the anticipation of all things possible. And be sure to use any time on your own to explore, wander and enjoy every moment with all of your senses recharged! That’s what starts a New Year right at “A Table For One.”

Halloween

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You don’t have to have a crowd to celebrate holidays. If you find yourself on your own, for a holiday that you’re accustomed to sharing with lots of other folks, go ahead and explore the new and endless possibilities to enjoy it alone.

“Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative.” Judy Gold

Ghoulish Gang of Ghosts Gather to celebrate Halloween in NYC!

Halloween is a great example of a holiday that you can enjoy, regardless of who you may or may not be with. Hang a sign on your door indicating that you’re open for Trick or Treaters. Spend some time selecting special treats, other than the usual bags of candy. Wear a costume to answer the door. Make a note of the best-dressed costumes. Take photos.

NYC Townhouse wrapped in police tape “lockdown” for Halloween!

Or go out yourself, to explore and enjoy the activities that abound. If you’re in a city, it’s great to photograph all the decorations that folks set out on their doorsteps, for special attention. For example, in New York, the variations are endless and wonderfully creative. Every year yields more intrigue and imagination than the one before. It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment, so go wander and revel in the fun.

Trick or Treat!

Here’s a great “brainy doorbell” I rang this Halloween at a townhouse on the Upper East side that was wrapped tight in police tape (as a joke). Of course, no-one answered…that’s part of the spookiness of Halloween delight! Trick or Treat…”A Table For One!”

Start Easy

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Great Walk…at The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in New York City.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Central Park, New York City

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters” Audrey Hepburn

My advice is to start small, but do it “big”. For example, plan a walk at a particular time and in a particular place that is new and different. Not for exercise, not for distance. Simply for your own enjoyment. This is the easiest way to begin, I think. The purpose of your first planned walk should just be to enjoy yourself. Try to go without any devices. Notice everything around you. Sounds, sights, the air. Try to memorize all of the scenery and just let your thoughts wander wherever they want to go. Relax and allow yourself to breathe easy. This will be the start of your many upcoming “A Table For One” events! Enjoy every minute of it. You’re celebrating you!

A TABLE FOR ONE

THE ART OF "BEING" ON YOUR OWN

Tag Archives: wander

Go To The Beach!

Make the Familiar New!

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

The Sunday Drive

Library Walk

New Year Lights

Halloween

Start Easy