Happy Mother's Day from New York City! Later-will add photos as the day progresses...

posted by Patty James @ 1:33pm, Sunday 9 May 2010.

I told a friend a bit ago that I can't quite wipe the smile off my face since I arrived in New York City from New Jersey. The driver dropped me off out front-he played a movie in the car on the way over with Polish sub-titles. It was great...

I put a few things away and headed out to..anyone want to guess? Yes, grocery stores. I went to-count 'em-5 different stores and came away with enough food to create some tasty meals. I am actually going to set up the video camera and do some cooking videos. The kitchen is about 3 feet by maybe 5 feet but it's heaven to me.

I came 'home,' put my groceries away and had wine and cheese and bread on my rooftop garden. So cool! Next I checked the internet and found an art supply store, then headed out again for a new canvas and some purple paint. I figure I can paint another painting this week in between appointments. This one is for a charity, the last one was given to the person I painted it for.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! I am so lucky that I have had my Mom in my life for as long as I have. She's 88 years old! My sister Margaret took her out for brunch today, which she loves. I decided I was in a rut with flowers and chocolates, so this year I treated her to a couple hair appointments. She liked that. I heard from Russell all the way from Afghanistan and from Olivia and David celebrating Mother's Day in Santa Cruz. They bought me a dinner at Cafe Lalo's in here NYC-very sweet. Kathryn called just as I walked in my apartment and was on the phone with me while I was walking through. Fun! I am one very lucky Mama and never take my amazing children for granted. I am trying not to take anyone in my life for granted actually.

So here are some photos.....enjoy and feel my excitement!

'My street!' 326 West 89th Street!





Groceries!


My very comfy looking bed with a down comforter and a window that opens!!



My roof-top garden. No fresh herbs..but you can't have everything...



My living room with the video camera set up ready for me to start cooking...




One of two closets. This one has my office supplies and nighties..interesting mix...


I have always wanted a brick wall....



Lunch and other groceries...

My neighborhood, from my back 'yard.'



An empty canvas is like a just-tilled piece of dirt or a cutting board, veggies and a good knife. Nothing but possibilities.

A rough sketch...



A canvas, paints, glass of wine and interesting book that was here. Almost perfect!


So, tomorrow morning I meet with Bill Telepan at his restaurant to chat about the book we talked about writing together. After that is some organizing, writing and then I need to get dolled up for a party.

More soon!!

An hour or so later...having a great time painting. I just washed my brushes and am starting to mis en place my ingredients for the pasta primavera I'm making for dinner. Deciding what music to play while I cook and video my dinner.....George Thorogood is trying to Move it on Over right now...probably not the right music...