Present Joys: The Frick, Scurryfunge, Solo Mall Trips, and Heart-shaped Potatoes
Week of April 22, 2025
Overlapping Shadows
On the way to New York last week, I watched the Wim Wenders film “Perfect Days.” Towards the end of the film, a minor character conveys to the main character that he is sad that he has not been able to answer such basic questions in life such as “Do overlapping shadows get darker?” to which the main character replies something like “Let’s find out.” The two older men then play around trying to answer this question, not really answering it at all, but more so focusing on the childlike wonder trying to find out evoked. It was a really beautiful scene.
The Frick
While we were under the weather for most of our trip, we did make our scheduled visit to the Frick on its first day open to the public since its vast remodel. It blew my mind that this was someone’s home—gargantuan and poised perfectly across from Central Park on 5th Ave and E 70th. It was as much an interiors tour as a visit to a museum. I would definitely recommend a visit. Plus you might bump into a celeb…Senator Elizabeth Warren was browsing the halls like the rest of us that day.
Doting Parents
I attended my college roommate’s son’s 4th birthday on Saturday. It was cute, chaotic in the best way and featured a beauuuutiful, delicious T-Rex hazelnut chocolate cake! The amount of photos taken was incredible too. This photo of a few guests taking the same photo (with even more people behind them also taking the same photo) brought a smile to my face as I was scrolling my phone the other day. Maybe it’s because everyone’s leaning in so intently or just the number of people wanting to capture the moment, I’m not sure why it made me smile but it did. It also made me think that this was the only time I’ve ever felt so many phones around actually adding to the feeling of togetherness in celebration.
Strolling Untermyer Gardens
Our first half of the week in New York was spent with my in-laws. They always take us on a lovely walk somewhere we haven’t been. On this trip we went to Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers. The gardens were nice, set overlooking the Hudson River and particularly beautiful on a crisp but sunny Spring day. What I most appreciated most was the conversation and the time spent present with each other. It’s interesting to think that being in a new/different place, or better yet exploring said place, can prompt a certain kind of conversational curiosity that is sometimes hard to find at home. Thank you Shelley and Steve!
Scurryfunge
Pronounced sku-ree-fun-j, this is all too relatable. We’re hosting some friends this upcoming weekend for my husband’s birthday and I’m sure this will be how I will spend my Thursday night.
Eiko Ishioka
I recently watched Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, a stunningly structured film which follows Japanese author and poet Yukio Mishima on the final day of his life which culminated in his public seppuku. The film is interspersed with flashbacks of Mishima’s upbringing and stylized depictions of his novels. Director Paul Schrader brilliantly demonstrates the formative power of art and experience in telling Mishima’s story. I loved everything about this film, but I was most awestruck by Eiko Ishioka’s incredible set design (stills above). Her command of colors, creative constructions, and striking compositions are still on my mind.
Santa Anita Mall
There are certain things that inexplicably bring me back to equilibrium—one such being a routine visit to the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. I was overdue for my solo suburban mall shop, so I made my way down Huntington Drive last week to get my fix. Every visit always begins by weaving through the Nordstrom beauty counters to sample makeup (whilst simultaneously dodging aggressive salespeople–a dance I’ve mastered). From there I’ll pop into Korheim and Shibuyala to stock up on sheet masks and Korean sunscreen. Finally, I’ll walk upstairs to Kinokuniya to peruse Japanese magazines and stationery. Some days I’ll even tack on another favorite way to luxuriate with a slow grocery shop at 99 Ranch, also conveniently located in the mall. By trip’s end, I’m content and easily able to locate my car–something that can’t be said for all Westfield locations (ahem, Century City).
Festive Snack
Purchased a copy of The Beauty of Light Interviews (recommend!) from ARCHITECTURE last week and reused the bag it came in to fill with some Korean popcorn. A festive upgrade for my simple car snack.
Heart Shaped Potato
Reminded of Varda’s The Gleaners and I while rinsing potatoes. (And my inspired, unfulfilled attempt to dress up as a papier-mâché potato two Halloweens ago.)
A Really Good Salad
You know a salad is good if you text a friend about it halfway through eating it. And you know that salad is really good if said friend is already aware of said salad and exclaims her full agreement. What salad is this? Endorsed by me (and fellow salad fiend, Ella) is Fountain Grains & Greens’ Avocado Toast in a Bowl. Includes “Coleman Farms Greens, half an avocado, sprouts, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled onion, radish, za'atar dressing, and Bub & Grandma's seeded country bread croutons,” and just might be my salad ideal.
Save the Date 5/4 Present Walks
Join us for our next Present Walks on Sunday, May 4th! We’ll be doing a JUMBO walk through Koreatown–more details will be shared via Instagram and our website soon!