New Yorkers are from all around the world. We come together quickly, even on days when our individuality shines through. In times like these, the perseverance is incredible. If you are able to donate, give it a go right here. Being a Brooklyn girl, I keep gravitating toward this song. Be aware of the shape some folks are in and lend a hand if you can…

Image Credit: Jenny Graham

Do you like the company you keep? I do hope the answer is yes! My recent interview with the founder of Out of Print got me to thinking about my own favorite books. These read-more-than-once tomes are like old friends, a comfort coupled with keen advice. Persuasion by Jane Austen fell into this category around age 13, and I have since kept a copy on my bookshelf. So, when I wandered into a neighborhood stationery shop over the weekend, I was delighted to come across Jane-a-Day, a journal with Ms. Austen’s wonderful witticisms.

Cheers to keeping good company today and always…

Image Credits: The Jane Austen Society of North America & Pinterest

In the moment, I caught the words: PRAY FOR THOSE. It was a breezy day in Brooklyn. The sun was strong, strong enough to keep a cardigan in hand and off the shoulders. Faith or science, science or faith.  Don’t we all share knowledge?  Doesn’t sharing knowledge maintain a version of immortality? Tend to what is truly important: your enjoyment of the experiences in your life.

Image Credit: Jenny Graham

I grew up in a close-knit small town. All the kids rode bicycles after school and built tree forts near the school bus stop. Life moved along and so did I. City to city, continent to continent, I landed in Brooklyn two years ago. The neighborhood vibe changed my version of New York City in the most grand way. I can pop over to Avi‘s shop and have a chat while he repairs my favorite ring (from my klutzy self), Simon will dry clean my dress same-day-service if I really need it, and yoga with Margaret or Sophie will release me from a Manhattan-Hollywood job in one swift asana. The brownstones are beautiful and trees abound. Open the door to Brooklyn, it is time for your meet-cute.

All Images by Jenny Graham / Doorways from Park Slope, Prospect Heights and Fort Greene

The posts have been on hiatus as I have been under the weather. With an intense day job and a tendency to push myself, well, I hit a limit. Finally, after a couple days of rest, the cloud seems to be lifting. If you learn anything from me today, please take away the gem of advice to listen to yourself…nurture what you need so you may give the world the best version of you. Sometimes that means calling out sick, kicking up your feet or taking a trip. Whatever it is, put your beautiful self first.

xx, Jenny

Behind the lines and beyond dark moments, light will follow. I believe the beauty of life is in the small details. I hope you are all having a lovely weekend. Take a moment to breathe in the air.

Image Credit: Jenny Graham

As earlier posts have declared, I recently returned to the island of Manhattan by way of the Caribbean Sea. During my petit voyage, I hopped aboard the Lady Lynsey for her sunset sail where Captain Frank greeted me with a glass of champagne and tales of the local high seas. The views were brilliant and the moment even inspired me to take a wind-surfing lesson the following day…

Inspiration also came in the form of maritime-inspired shopping. A few key pieces are keeping my nautical desires at bay while walking the streets of the Big Apple.

Image Credits: 1, 2 & 3: Jenny Graham  4: Ring  5: Scarf  6: Dress

I am back from the U.S. Virgin Islands. About three hours into my journey, as I relaxed on the beach of  The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, I realized I was on my very own honeymoon. I quickly became known as the party of one: the girl  who plays tennis with the tennis pro because no partner abounds, the lady who sails the Lady Lynsey amongst couples galore, the girl with the big toothy smile who enjoys the island drink of the day, the gal named Jenny who is writing a book. I collected  friends like seashells. Swimming in the sea soothed my soul. Listening to Bert the bartender’s story of true love calmed my heart. Connecting with Erin, a mother-of-three-world-traveler-wife-and-cool-chick reminded me of the good fortune of making new friends. I sat in the white sand with the blazing sun above my body and thought about the unwrinkled future about to be birthed. It is Monday and everything is happening.

Image Credits: Jenny Graham

A note to let you know I will be away the rest of this week. Life is so funny and unpredictable. You never know who you will meet until you meet them. Worlds become one after having been two parts for so long. I am taking an extended solo vacation. While I have had mini-journeys alone, here and there, I have never actually booked a flight and a hotel for a week-long stay, as a party of one. In a last minute gut decision, I chose two islands in the warmth of the Caribbean. This choice is made at a time of wild happiness and peace. Ah, the irony. Love life, kids, for it is a short little diddy. Have you been on vacation by yourself? JBD would love to hear more…

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. — Ferris Bueller

I am L.A. bound. The trip is all business, but truth be told, going back to my former home isn’t just work, of course. I’ll get to see one of my younger brothers for the first time in nine months! He is back from his second deployment and prepping for the next move. A little sunshine never hurt anyone, either.  Wishes for a whimsical Tuesday…

Image Credit: Swimsuit featured here.