Thoughts

First ever cat pic.

A few months ago, I was not a cat person. Right now I'm having a lovely affair with this dude.

I love that he's very expressive of his desires. I can be in bed on my phone and he'll come in and look at me for thirty seconds, then put his paw on mine, extend just a very little claw to give grip, but not so much to hurt, then literally move my hand onto his fur. The meaning is very clear: Stroke me human. I then stroke him for a bit and go back to texting. He will then be "nope" and move my hand back for more strokes. It's super adorable.

Friends,

A few years ago, I discovered this community of people doing these things called burns. I've probably talked your ears off about it at some point and made it sound like a cult. It's something that has changed my life and brought me joy and connection. Some of them are little gatherings of around a hundred people, others are thousands coming together to make a temporary settlement based on different values found in the default world.

This list below is good, but to me it seems to be a community based on self-expression and exploration. It's a place where adults expend a lot of effort on play and humour. A community people have value in a way that capitalism doesn't always allow. And a place to learn and grow. And some of the conversations and connections are far deeper than you'll find in the everyday world.

If this sounds like your jam, hit me up.

Also #NotACult

Is there any chance anyone I know has one of those digital compact cameras )that we all used to use before smart phones) in a drawer that's not been used for years that we could have or borrow please?

My daughter is going on a school trip and is not allowed to take her phone. She is however allowed to take a digital camera. I'm loathe to go buy one as she's probably not gonna use it after the trip.

What a marvelous, but tiring day.

We took a morning walk along the Highline. And there was a moment when I said "Robyn, look over there in the sea... what's that?". And, as she saw the statue of liberty in the distance she did a little yelp of excitement. We "discovered" Little Island park, which is a coll park on organic looking stilts in the river. Next we had brunch, then a cupcake at @mollyscupcakesny

I realised as I was seeing it, that the Ghostbusters fire station was a minor bucket list item. I felt really excited seeing it in person. I can't believe that I've been to this city at least 20 times and never made the pilgrimage.

On the way to the ferry, we walked past the Wall St bull. I think this scored lowest on teenage interest-o-meter. Robyn actually was quite cold as she'd insisted on not bringing a coat and was glad to warm up on the Statten Island ferry, so she didn't come out to bag the green lady selfie with me. On Staten Island, we saw there was an outlet mall with several apparently very compelling stores. A mere ninety minutes later I managed to negotiate a departure and we got the ferry back to Manhattan.

Next we wanted the Brooklyn Bridge. And then a quick photo outside the Brooklyn 99 police precinct.

Nine Nine!!