Jenny Graham
Independently owned and stocked with earth-friendly one of a kind pieces, Kaight is the shop to stop in on Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue. Go ahead, decorate yourself. Stellar weekend find: Kris Nations’ heart and star earrings. At $35 a pair and delivered as a message in a bottle, they are a decorative delight. p.s. I have them on right now.
I’ve been dancing almost as long as I’ve been alive. From childhood tap class and performing with various dance companies to teaching ballet and competing in Latin ballroom, dance is sewn into me. Seeing Trisha Brown Dance Company at Brooklyn Academy of Music made me want to bring out the sewing machine. The final piece, “I’m going to toss my arms — if you catch them they’re yours,” is a long work with original music by Alvin Curran, and it was my favorite. The eight dancers offer up full moments of happiness and lightness. As Alastair Macaulay of The New York Times expressed: “The transience of this work is its beauty. Here today, gone tomorrow.”
Images via Trisha Brown Dance Company
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Image Credits: Jenny Graham
Two weeks ago, I climbed El Castillo at Xunantunich with two dear friends. We took a small plane from Ambergris Caye in the Caribbean Sea to Belize City where we met our guide, Andre, who drove with us to the ancient Mayan archaeological site in the Cayo District of Belize, near Guatemala. The Stone Lady, as locals call her, was a major ceremonial site in Mayan culture and built on a natural limestone ridge.
El Castillo stands at 130 feet above the main plaza and is known for its frieze, a banded stucco decoration representing celestial phenomena, Gods of creation, a tree of life and more. I became especially keen on learning about the Cieba tree, a tree the ancient Maya of Central America believed stood at the center of the earth, connecting the underworld, earth and the heavens.
Andre, our soulful, spirited, and knowledgeable guide, lead us to the top of it all, embracing the Mayan belief of life cycles. So many folks have been anticipating today, 12.21.2012, as the end of the world, when really, it is the beginning of a new world cycle. Today is the inspiration for the next phase of our collective humanity.
The gentlemen keeping watch were friendly and calm…and the views extraordinary, extending throughout Western Belize and into Guatemala…
Image Credits: Jenny Graham
There is nothing nicer than a personalized piece of correspondence. My Grandmother got me hooked on hand-written letters just as soon as I could spell my name with a pencil. After she passed, my aunts gave me boxes of letters I had sent to her from age 18 through 28. The extraordinary collection of crumpled letters and discolored post cards are a treasured journal of sorts. Around this time of year, it is especially fun to send and receive well wishes. I’m almost finished designing a holiday card for JBD, so if you are like me and last minute on the merry merriment of mail, consider these lovelies made by PostScript Brooklyn and sold at Park Slope’s Lion In The Sun.
Photos c/o Lion In The Sun
This photo cracks me up because it captures a version of my own childhood. Reading a book in my own space? Check. Three younger brothers always nearby? Check check. Braided rug in childhood family room? Check check check. While those good old days drove me crazy at times, the actual memories are great. They are the kind of moments that have continued through the ages, with all of us gathering at my parents’ house, sitting on the floor to play board games, only now with copious amounts of cocktails and clever jokes. What brings you comfort no matter what? From favorite movies and vacation spots to a familiar friend or family gatherings, always keep the good stuff close to you.
Image Credit: Moonrise Kingdom
The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa and The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau recently hosted a group of lifestyle bloggers and travel writers to their Caribbean oasis. The calmness of the island will soothe any soul. With a view of the Sea as well as St. Barts, it was difficult to convince me to leave the resort. But explore I did…
My first stop on the French side of St. Martin was to step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies from around the globe. La Ferme des Papillons is a must-see for the silent magic and visual beauty.
The French West Indies doesn’t disappoint. For I was able to practice my second language while at the Loterie Farm. Pierre Lenoci, Chief Operating Officer of the nature reserve, graciously greeted our group and led us to the Tree Lounge where we dined in the sky of the hidden forest. Again, magical is the only word to describe this overall experience. From the dense tropical tree environment to zip lines and an adult fly zone, you will be high on life. Save room for a sip of the local Ti Punch while you bask in Mother Nature’s glory.
Still on the French side of the island, Orient Beach in known for its clothing optional following of sun bathers. The color of the Sea is as revealing as its beach goers.
When you are ready to robe yourself, the Dutch side serves up shopping at its finest. My favorite walkway was Old Street for the classic vibe and easy-breezy architecture.
Everyone I met was incredibly engaging. The vibrant vibe is palpable. I wondered where I could see a live dance or theatre performance (the dance teacher in me is ever-curious). An island guide shared that the ‘wonderful man’, who wrote plays for years and years solely for the Island of St. Maarten, passed away a few years ago. This struck me as sad yet so special…if only every township had their very own playwright! I heard the local children and actors are preparing to perform a new work, again, soon. Another perfect reason to visit this circle of land.
Image Credits: Jenny Graham
I am on my way to an island adventure with fellow lifestyle bloggers and magazine editors. My day job keeps most moments consumed with managing the inner workings of a very public outcome for talent and big media campaigns. Like you, I’m usually balancing a ton of life balls (and taking life by the balls). It is so refreshing to create a personal reality beyond all of it and to go have some fun. The next handful of days are about an extraordinary dessert of new experiences. Anything is possible, kids. Go for it. I did…and can’t wait to share more details with you.
Vintage-inspired party wear and decor is a true delight. I’ve scored many a find via BHLDN online. Recently, as I crossed the streets of Chicago, I laid elated eyes on one of only two brick and mortar outposts. Quickly clutching my iPhone, I snapped some interior shots to satisfy the feminine whimsy in all of us. From lace, ribbons, shoes and stationery to wedding silhouettes and sexy underpinnings, everything is in the details.
Image Credits: Jenny Graham
Stores at BHLDN found here.