NYC Discoveries: The High Line

During my recent trip to New York City, my friend Jen suggested we visit the High Line. I had heard about it long ago but did not know the details. Apparently, the good people of Manhattan decided to turn an abandoned set of 1930s-era, raised railroad tracks into a skinny, walkable park. Parts of it are still under construction, but we climbed up at West 20th Street and strolled down to 14th, where we climbed down and explored parts of the Meatpacking District. The weather was beautiful that day, and it was nice to see the the city and the Hudson River from up there. A concrete pathway meanders through natural plants and grasses on the High Line, a very modern design.

food. food. food.

In my very glamorous life as a SAHM and freelancer (ahem), I'd almost forgotten about one of my favorite local blogs. In fact, I hadn't read it in so long that I feel behind the times. The folks over at D magazine have a blog called SideDish, and if you're a lover of all gastronomy and a foodie at heart and you live in Dallas, then it's the blog for you. Check it out. Yum.

autumn in the northeast

Fall is officially here, and I am giddy and happy per usual this time of year. This fall is more exciting than normal because 1) Harper turns 1 next week, 2) I spent last weekend in New York (more on that soon), 3) Harper will get to experience her first State Fair EVER, 4) my brother is getting married next weekend, and 5) we are going back to New England next month. This time it will be the Berkshires in Massachusetts, upstate New York, southwestern Vermont, and perhaps a little northern Connecticut thrown in if we have time. It was a last-minute decision to take this trip, and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see the leaves, taste the cider and squash, and curl up by the fire in our condo.

I'm thinking of going to Whole Foods to purchase some Cinderella pumpkins just because. I tend to feel much better with a gourd on my porch.

*Photo above is Amherst, Mass.

coastal views

The travel bug has hit me hard this week. It might have something to do with the travel writing I'm doing for Ehow.com (see here and here). It might have something to do with the fact that I'm not working a full-time job, so the vacation possibilities seem endless. It might have something to do with it almost being fall and my obsession for New England fall foliage. Or it could have something to do with my discovery of this article , "America's Most Beautiful Coastal Views." I now want to travel to Cape Cod or Maine or somewhere equally gorgeous and New English. During our trip to Maine in 2006, I remember thinking, "I want to buy a vacation home up here somewhere." I love, love, love it there.

how to be alone

I am in love with this video:

5 trips i want to take RIGHT NOW

Driving the California coast from San Diego to Eureka:

Ireland Roadtrip:

Iceland:

Savannah and Charleston:

Banff and Glacier National Parks:

heartache? here? on this blog?

Before you have a baby, everyone tells you it will be the best thing that ever happens to you, which is true. You don't believe it until you experience it, but watching your baby become a little person is the most incredible feeling. However, there is one feeling that parents don't seem to mention: fear.

This past week I've struggled with a paralyzing fear that was initiated by this heartbreaking story. I did not know this family and never had the pleasure to meet their beautiful baby girl. But she reminds me of Harper in so many ways. I have never been so affected by the death of someone I had never met. I found myself crying daily, every time I would think about it. If you are feeling kind, consider making a donation to Children's Medical Center, here, in the name of Margot Miller.