I'm in... a New York State of mind

it seems that regardless of the season, i am always finding myself getting caught up in memories of what it was like growing up in the Husdon Valley community where I was raised.... there's something about the environment there - so plush with trees (believe me, I get a lot of flack about my fondness for trees)... the river, only but a stone's throw away (or perhaps a short distance achieved by pedalling to the river's edge on my scwhinn 10-speed)... those warm (and often far too humid) days of summer... causing the backs of your legs to stick to the weaved plastic upholstery of the patio chairs... all of the windows of the house open, allowing a warm breeze to enter the rooms through the screens... the constant hum of the attic fan swirling the warm air around the house... and, no matter how hard you tried - it was simply impossible to beat the heat!

I loved summer days back in New Jersey as a young girl. Until we were old enough to be granted a driver's license, we kids relied on our bicycles for transportation during the good-weather months (giving our moms n' dads some time off from carpooling duty), as we were always finding ways to occupy our time during the dog days of summer. We'd ride our bikes everywhere! One of my favorite outings was riding up to Main Street in Nyack, New York... a small town nestled along the Hudson that looks out over the Tappanzee Bridge towards White Plains. We'd lunch at one of the local eateries... or get a slice (or two) of pizza at the corner pizzaria (which is STILL there and the pizza is STILL great!). I occassionally visit there when I'm in the area - not much has changed - I love that!

In the fall you could always count on taking a ride up to Tice Farm on the weekends to get freshly baked donuts and fresh apple cider (that came right out of a spickett!) Is there anything better? I think not! A basket of just-picked Macintosh apples was a staple in everyone's cold, damp garage during this time of year. Signs that the season was beginning to change were becoming more prevelant... not only by the leaves on the trees turning red and gold and falling from their branches, but by the sound of the football scores being announced over the P.A system from St. Joseph's High School down at the other end of the block from Tice Farm on Saturday mornings.

My dad (a true lover of history and "road trips" - which resulted in our happily visiting local historic sites - of which there are plenty in Upsate New York - George Washington slept EVERYWHERE!) would often take me and a friend up to Warwick, NY - another charming town that, on the weekends, enticed lots of tourists to it's main street that was lined with antique shops and crafter's goods... often times live music performances by "know" performers... and, dare I forget to mention really good ice cream! Actually - when it comes to ice cream - my dad and I had several "favorite" spots... and always a good excuse to visit one of any of them on a regular basis! butter pecan for dad... mint chocolate chip for me.

mi-o-mi.... why this sudden side trip down memory lane? must be the warm temperatures, the thin layer of smog and the white noise of the ventura freeway causing my mind to drift back to a more "innocent" and picturesque time... i'd better snap outtah this daze and treck on back to reality where the workpile awaits...

by th' way - i finished embellishing Side One of the felted handbag - TOTALLY DIG IT! photos will come once it's all done! can't wait to show it off!

2-dah-looo...

love . leigh

(that's me - jumpin' in Lake George.... a long-long-long time ago! Nice bathing cap... and dig that skimpy bikini! HOT!)