I grew up pouring over paperback ghost stories, eating fruit rollups after school, and reading Anne Frank’s diary in bed. I remember telling myself that I really needed to write in my journal because it would be very important to other 11 year olds in the future. In elementary school, I used to write in huge block characters, in Korean. It was serious business! Case in point, I wrote this particular entry when I was 8 years old, and it’s all about how I had missed some days of writing in my journal but that I was determined to keep it up in the future:
I told myself I’d give up most things I couldn’t carry to New York, but I couldn’t quite throw away my old journals or other little knickknacks. So I have a couple boxes on its way to be stored in the west coast. I joked to Taurin that I needed the “I left my heart in San Francisco” t-shirt. I’m excited about planning our California wedding–a grand reunion of things/people I love. It’d be nice to have something like these beds, a big open kitchen, a place for all my books, and lots of house plants. One day!
Until then, I’m focusing on New York: indulging myself in simple pleasures (or occasional over-consumption) and spending time with new and old friends. I’ve also learned to cook small meals for myself, very much inspired by Ai’s mantra: you are what you eat. Tomorrow, my friends and I headed off to Queens for a day of eating. And before it gets too cold, I’m hoping to organize a pie picnic on Central Park. I’m starting to really love autumn in New York!
Koreatown soondubu soup + little pastries.
Baking challah from scratch with Adrianne and Stefanie for Jewish new year.
I just really like this photo.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard.
A beautiful abandoned house in Brooklyn, near the Navy Yard.
My home institution and old-fashioned card catalog.
Learning to be a historian and digital-storyteller!
Photo after a work meeting and evening outing with friends.
I was going to grow my hair out, I swear, but I couldn’t say no to hair modeling for Nick Arrojo!
“A certain darkness is needed to see the stars.” – Osho.
oh my, your old diary is the sweetest thing
i used to keep all mine, but one day something happened inside my head and i got rid of them all (and they were several!). i burned them or cutted them into pieces, i can’t be sure. i don’t know why, it was such a drastic thing to do.
more positive things – a pie picnic in central park seems amazing, i’d be so into it, and your hair looks just stunning
hugs! <3
I’ve definitely had that feeling before, though I don’t think I ever went through with getting rid of the old diaries. I hope I’m not a hoarder of memories! I know I’ve been thinking about that picnic and it’s time to make it happen.
I really adore these pictures and you have such a way with words that these instagram (?) photos are so much more engaging to how I usually present them. I love the sound of your Californian wedding but also have major food envy too – you eat the most wonderful food!
I need to get back into taking out my camera more, but I’m becoming attached to carrying small things like my phone and my lca film camera these days. P.S. I feel likewise about your food instagrams!
Oh my god I miss NY so much – love these photos!
lovely pictures as always
Thank you, Christian.
Sewon the photo of the abandon house in Brooklyn is amazing. Also I have added you onto my paper swap and I will send out your partner info soon. So exciting!!
Thank you for adding me to the swap list. I’m so excited to finally participate!
Hi SeWon!
Glad to see you’re enjoying your New York indulgence!
As I’ve mentioned before, New York would be the one the best places to visit for a food vacation.
I don’t think I could bring myself to throw away my old diaries either!
I would love to look back on the past and read through them. But I think most of them have already been trashed by a younger and embarrassed me. ),:
But I’ve started keeping a journal again, for my Japanese. I try to write in Japanese, mostly, so I can practice vocabulary and penmanship.
Oh, A California wedding! You must be so excited. Can’t wait to see what you’re planning : )
Take care!
xo
ps, I still have some little gifts for you! ; )
Hi Rina, and yes, New York is a wonderful city for eaters, but not so friendly on the pocketbook… Keep a diary in different languages is such a good idea. Lately I’ve been thinking about how my languages are slipping away due to lack of practice. P.S. Let’s do that swap we’ve been talking about for ages!
Long time lurker, but I thought I’d post a comment for once to tell you I’ve always admired your photography! That shot with the woman on the couch is great!
Thanks, Sarita!
i love the photos of your journals! and i’m so glad you’re enjoying ny! i would go crazy with so many food options!, hehe.