I thought I was going to blog once per day this month. Ha! While I’m a pre-programmed content collector, snapping photos and noting anecdotes everywhere I go, finding the time to process and re-tell is a nightmare (and the added resentment of the entire process is even less conducive to inspiration). Today, though, I will give it the Old College Try.
I really wanted to check in today and report that I turned 27 yesterday—woah! When did that happen? Last time I checked I was turning 21 at F.I.T., waking up hungover in a dorm room full of deflated balloons in a yukata. Then suddenly I was turning 25, graduated, being serenaded by a room full of Eastern European hipsters with cake on my face, hiding in a DJ booth.
I’ve had amazing birthdays my entire life, and they only seem to get better each year. This one is no exception (though last year was tough to beat), and it started with a trip up the river…
Raffa and I met his mom at Grand Central, sleep deprived and delusional from excessive festivity the night before. We got off the train at Beacon Station and happened upon the local pumpkin festival and outdoor market across the street on the river dock, and we proceeded to kill the next two hours of our day browsing the stands, listening to live music, learning about the clean-up efforts of the Hudson river by the Clearwater Sloop Club, shopping for trinkets, and eating amazing food.
I got to hang out with my bebe, his mom, and my dad in the midst of all the amazing aromas and highly amusing, charming people wandering around the market.
Including this woman and her parrots (part of an organization called Parrots For Peace—a nature and wildlife organization). She walked around letting people hold them, but they crapped on her dress, that wasn’t cool! (I guess she’s used to it)
Raffa and his mother were thrilled to come across a fellow Peruvian selling her hand-made wares at the market as well—Raffa later gave me one of her amazing colorful ponchos for my birthday… ♡ It’s super chic, just wait until you see it.
A Mexican family was selling hand-made Dia de Los Muertos decor. I love these tiny scenes (this one amused us the most, heh heh).
Afterwards we drove about 45 minutes to Pine Bush (where I grew up) to see mom and meet Georgie, Cat, and Krystal who were driving up from the city a few hours behind.
After some hot coffee and photo ops we were off to Hurds Orchards for apple picking, hay rides, and COW TRAIN!!
Hayride with our super beautiful moms!
And then it was time for THE COW TRAIN!!
Yes, we rode this little kid’s ride about five times in a row. And it was awesome.
This little lady didn’t want to give up her big luxurious cow barrel to Georgie! Poor Georgie!
And that, my dears, was an amazing birthday.
I had two parties in the city following this excursion, but this little trip home was the highlight of the entire month. And while I would love to post pics from the other parties at Surf Bar & Miss Favela, I need to sleep! Two press previews tomorrow!