#LocalNYC

[wormsinprocess]

Moving to New York Tips from Locals // Local Adventurer Ready to become a true New Yorker? Follow the advice of seasoned locals and dive into the mesmerizing world of NYC, one tip at a time.

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 12

Today started bright and early with a Landmark Commission Public Hearing.  There were 10 locations on the agenda.  The first one was the Kimlau War Memorial.  The minute I heard the name, I was like I know that memorial.  It brought me right back to Day 4.  I got to hear more history about the memorial, but it was nice to hear people talk about the impact the memorial has on them.  I heard individual stories from people reflecting on how their families migrated to the States for the American Dream, while others shared how representation matters to them and how they show up in community.  If was clear that the  memorial’s presence impacts them and adds immense value to the community.  Now my memory of the that area is infused with their stories.  The Landmark Commission will convene again on June 15th to make a decision.  I hope it gets approved. 

Next, I was supposed to head over to the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging.  NYCares partners up with them to deliver meals to seniors.  I called to let them know I was running late, but I was informed that they already distributed all the food and didn’t need any more volunteers.  Dang that was quick.  I asked what was their schedule for delivering food.  I was told Tuesdays and Thursday.  I said thanks.  In my mind, I made a mental note to let Abbie know what happened and try to get this back on my schedule.  Sad I missed it, but the day still had much to offer me.  Next stop, Prospect Park.

I’ve been to Prospect Park a few times, but had no idea how nice the park was.  If I was going to an event, that was exactly what I did.  I would beeline my way to the event’s location, not paying any true attention to my surroundings.  Nor did I think to look up what was actually in the park.  So my trip today was a scavenger hunt to find the Camperdown Elm (tree) and the Quaker cemetery, all while staying open to whatever else I discovered.  Early on in my walk to these places, I walked under this gorgeous underpass.  I couldn’t help myself, I just had to take a pic.  I didn’t think it was possible, but I think walking through it was some sort of time travel because I look even younger.  Forty where? (Not in my face, but in my knees. lol)  The Camperdown Elm was located a few steps away from the underpass.  It looks like something out of a fairytale.  It gave me Chronicles of Narnia vibes.  Mr. Tumnus, are you there?  If you get the reference, know that I love you.  Anyhoo, the Camperdown Elm is special because its branches grow parallel to the ground.  Its branches are really do majestic.  I was definitely getting Ferngully vibes. (I love that movie! Avatar is like the people version to me.)  It was almost cut down, but through the efforts of an artist/poet, Marianne Moore, the elm was saved.  The poem she wrote about the tree is renowned.  Not to far from the elm is the boathouse. There was a bride getting professional pictures taken and I could see why.  Absolutely gorgeous!  I could have stayed by the water for much longer than I did.  I watched the momma swan and her babies, and the turtles sunbathing on a log further out.  The moment was serene and tranquil and much more.  Abbie called me back and we caught up.  We sorted everything out with my schedule for the remainder of my time.  Thursday, I would go deliver food to the seniors and Abbie said finally get to kayaking.  I mentioned since I had a gap in my schedule and the weather was clear, I would try today.  She said go for it.  I continued on my walk until I got to the Quaker cemetery.  It’s closed to the public and it made think that maybe they was silence in death as well.  Doesn’t look like there will be any music clubs happening here.  En route back to the train station, I passed by the boathouse again and you won’t believe what I saw.  A Black-crowned Night Heron!!!  You already know that I took a picture.  I immediately thought about Marlys and how she is going to love hearing about this.  For me to see this bird again (in a different park), what were the odds?  I just had to look up the symbolism of the heron.  Here are some clips of what I found:

  “Heron symbolism is important because the heron meaning refers to tranquility and stillness for us humans. We need to understand these two elements well if we wish to recognize the opportunities in life... Primarily, the bird is a symbol of beauty because it prospers and flourishes in the majestic realm where the land and shore dance in a symphony. The result is a wondrous spectacle. The marriage of the two elegant energies of water and land is included in the meaning of herons. The heron shows us the abundance of life in the sea, for when we see the peace, contentment, and tranquility that the heron finds at the edge of the waters, we are assured of the plethora of life present inside the waters.”

The link says so much more that resonates with this moment, where I am in my life and what the future holds for me.  God, Universe, Ancestors, Lwas and other deities, I hear you and I receive it.  Thank you Prospect Park.  Now I really want to go to the water.  Kayaking here I come.  Unfortunately, my excitement to be on the water was met with a closed gate.  How sway?  No rain and still no kayaking.  At least, I tried.  It was disappointing for sure.  I’ve kayaked on the Hudson before, but it was so long ago.  I was really looking forward to doing again.  The Sunset Mediation was exactly what I needed to settle this day.

Socrates is my park homie.  My sister actually moved to Astoria about 4 years ago.  Once she got her dog, we frequented the park more often.  However, never have I ever participated in mediation in the park.  There was a decent size group in the park.  As per the name, the sun was setting and that meant the temperature was dropping.  The facilitator had a mic, but they were barely audible.  To be honest, it didn’t matter because we were there to be still and mediate.  The coolness of the grass sent electricity through my body and then, there was calm.  My calm did get interrupted with some of the city sounds.  Yet, after the city listening exercise, I was able to incorporate some, not all, of the sounds into my mediation.  The session ends at the same time as the park, so with about 20 mins remaining, the park attendant started to announce that the park was closing soon.  He did so again 10 minutes later.  With the remaining time, the facilitator asked that we turn to our neighbors and chat for a bit through intros and reflections on how we went.  The folks next to me paired off really quickly, but two women called me over to join them.  There names were Morgan and Jenna.  They were nice folks from the neighborhood.  We shared what brought us to meditation.  I told about the residency, but not my art.  lol.  It was a good mini convo.  We left each other saying that we may see each other again.  Calm and coldish, I headed on my way and that was the end of my day.  

[sebastiengrey]

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B-52 cherry bomber Come by and toast to all military personnel with our Veterans Day cocktail. The B-52 is the most powerful bomber plane the US has ever produced. The B-52 has been in service since 1955 and has been strategic in every major military event until present day. We airdrop black cherries into the glass and deglaze the cherry shrapnel with the acidity of the cola. To offset the sweetness of the cherries we use GUS soda which isn't as sweet as regular soda and then heavy hand four roses bourbon. We hope to see you today, but if not then KMAGYOYO! Happy Veterans Day 🇺🇸🎗 #sebastiengrey #veteransday #veteran #america #whiskey #usa #fourhorsemen #fourroses #fourrosesbourbon #bourbon #menswear #mensweardaily #menswearfashion #local #shoplocal #localnyc #nyclocal #bespoke #gq #gqstyle #esquire #esquiremagazine #relix #relixmag #cocktail #friday #suits #style #mensfashion @gq @gqinsiderdaily @gq_guys @gqstyle @esquire @esquiregrooming @newyorkerphoto @newyorkermag @newyorkpulse @humansofny @nymag (at Sebastien Grey Clothiers)

[venusinorbit]

🎧 #WildThoughts 🎧 #WeekendVibes courtesy of @badgalriri @sacsix at #30x40 #Streeart show curated by @sr.lasso at @thelocalhostels LIC, Queens. Have a great weekend everyone! 💖😘✌️🌟😍👊 #rihanna #sacsix #localnyc #srlasso #streetartnyc #lic #queens (at The Local NYC)

[elboqueronviajero]

Otro de los puentes preciosos de Brooklyn 😍 #brooklyn #nyc #autenticony #localnyc #newyorkcity #williamsburg #williamsburgbridge #nycbridge #igdaily (at Williamsburg Bridge)

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 1

Where do I even begin?  Day 1 is off to a great start.  A sweet welcome note from Ann (previous fellow) and a warm greeting from Abbie in the space I will call home for the next two weeks. Here’s the run down:

- I learned about stone fruits.  Fruits that we eat that have seeds/pits aka stone in them.  I learned about peaches and plums, and how they got to this land. Two fun facts about peaches: 1) they are a member of the rose family and 2) they are a symbol of immortality and friendship. mentioned names of peaches and plums that I have never even heard of.  I also found out that there is a biodiversity library that speaks in even more depth.

- I took my first maiden voyage on a Circle Line Tour.  I know, I know.  I have lived in NYC all my life and haven’t been until now.  This is not to say that I don’t partake in all endless activities that NYC has to offer.  (Let’s not go down that tangent because that will be a whole other blog.)  I had to take a pic of the boat because a little known fact about me is that I was actually born in Corona, Queens.  My parents moved to The Bronx when I was three.  So I rep my borough #BronxAllDayEveryday.  The pic of the Intrepid may seem a bit out of place, but it is not.  Things related to space intrigue me.  With Gemini/Bday season starting today, it was all too fitting to take a picture of the Gemini 3 spacecraft.  What can I say?  The stars were in alignment.

- I attended a ASL SLAM hosted by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.  This was a virtual event, but I would love to go to this live.  I have to admit that when I first logged on, I asked myself “where is the sound?”  I quickly autocorrected myself with a hearty DUH (insert slap forehead emoji).  ASL as in American Sign Language.  The reality is that I defaulted to what my body knows.  However, it didn’t me that I was open to what I witnessed.  I had no clue what some folks were saying, but the gestures were oh so familiar.  I have seen ASL in the past and it was very methodical.  There was none of that tonight.  I was being drawn in and I was here for all of it.  I found my body moving in harmony to some of the performers, guided by their hands and flowing with their spirits.  This was truly a reminder that we don’t need words to communicate.  Additionally, I walked away learning how to say rainbow, change and thank you in ASL.  

Day 1 down and 13 more to go.  I am running on 3 hours of sleep and I have an early start tomorrow.  So that means...Nite Nite and off to bed I go!

[vedazzlingac]

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood 💫💛🏖 ° ° ° Pick up your @hbbk2013 tote using code: BEACH for 20% all beach accessories •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #localbeach #localnyc #beachtotes #beachaccessories #funlooks #beachlife #lifeatthebeach #blackdesigner #blackdesigners #totes #happypeople #accessories #blackownedbusiness #nycboutique #luxurybeachtote #resortwear #resortaccessories #hbbk #vedazzlingaccessories (at Long Beach, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtgM1Qp118/?igshid=tmtgdym69r05

[elboqueronviajero]

Siempre es una buena idea comer un #pretzel en #nuevayork #nyc #washingtonsquare #localnyc #soloennyc #thisisnyc #lovenyc #nyu #icapture_nyc #nycfood (at Washington Square Park)

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Pre-Day 1

I can’t believe I’m moving in today.  I am ready, but I am not at the same time. Suitcase is open with nothing in it but my speaker.  Oh this is my life.  Yesterday was a busy day. Trip to the city to pick up a new planter, then a quick ride to take a pic in front of the building, then a curatorial panel, another train ride to the city to see the besties, and quick dash back to my apt to show my homegirl how to water my plants. Again this is my life.  Packing always happens late in the game, but I get it done. My heart, mind and soul are so ready to go!!    

[apexart-journal]

Ann Quintano in NYC, Day 13

Early morning headed out to “the Beautiful block” before day activities begin.This is what the tourist guide book calls it. Pretty block but rivaled elsewhere in the city. I did like seeing the building where Ash Can painter George Bellows lived. Pass Pete’s Tavern made famous by O. Henry (and where my sister and I had our first Moscow Mules!) Went through winding pathways of enormous Peter Stuyvesant Village to the Greenway which runs along the rivers and encircles the entire isle of Manhattan. Parts under construction but I did get to see the flowers planted for the Monarch butterfly migration and a unexpected make shift memorial for a mama duck who was found dead and because her chicks couldn’t survive without her they were euthanized. There was a candle and flowers at the site. I exited at 18th Street by a homeless encampment. There are more than 60,000 people who are homeless in one oft the richest cities in the world. As I headed back to join the Quaker Meeting (virtual) I passed one of the actual Friend’s meeting houses. The city coming awake now.

No preaching, no dogma, no confession of faith simply being present in silence to God, Holy Spirit, the Light however you choose to name. If anyone feels moved to speak during our hour’s silence, they briefly do when feeling prompted by the Light. After the hour concerns for others are held in the Light and new people are introduced and then a time for pertinent announcements. It was a rich quiet, calming, thoughtful and an unusual moment to share the silence with so many others. I’ll probably go back again.

Took L to Bedford and walked through North Williamsburg into South Williamsburg...from hipster to hasidim. Frieda is a warm, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide. To make it easy she had ear buds for all of us hooked up to her mic which helped a lot. It was less intrusive in the neighborhood...she didn’t have to yell. The Satmar Hasidic community was bustling shopping for flowers and sweet dairy treats with which to celebrate the holiday of Shavout: the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. There are some 100,000 Hasidim here. We learned a great deal about the culture. It was a fascinating tour and I highly recommend it. Frieda brought us to candy shop and bakery (Gottlieb for pastrami sandwiches closed early for the holiday) and there she treated us to bags of treats. We went to a playground to share some more and have Challah bread and cinnamon rolls.

I would have taken the ferry back but the South Williamsburg and Dumbo ferry are both not running for a while, so I walked back through the various flow of changes of people and buildings to the subway.

Tomorrow’s my last day. I’m feeling very sad. This has been an incredible experience that will take a long time to fully process and will be forever integrated into who I am. I can’t thank apexart enough. Bye for now...

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé

From May 21 - June 4, apexart is pleased to welcome Tasha Dougé as a Local NYC Fellow.

Tasha Dougé is a Bronx-based, Haitian-infused artist, artivist and cultural vigilante. Her body of work activates conversations around women empowerment, health advocacy, sexual education, societal "norms," identity and Black community pride. Through conceptual art, teaching, and performance, Dougé devotedly strives to empower and to forge broad understanding of the contributions of Black people, declaring that her "voice is the first tool within my art arsenal."

For more information, please visit Tasha’s Fellowship Page.

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 14

We made it!!  Day 14.  I definitely did a lot, but it still feels like it went by oh so fast.  Like many of the other days, the festivities started nice and early.  At the strike of 10am, I was plugged in and listening to Experiments in Opera.  They have an opera podcast called Aqua Net & Funyuns.  I listened to Beauty Shot Acts I, II & III.  To my surprise, I was cracking up.  At first, I was confused by what I was hearing.  Think SNL but in Opera voices.  I know, exactly what I was thinking.  By the time I got to Act II, I was sold and going with the flow.  Listening to someone talk about why they didn’t want their friend’s husband in an opera voice is my kind of quirky.  Now imagine them saying his breath smelled bad and he would fart too much.  It was a riot.  The opera-flavored shade was an added bonus.  Take my word for it.  Nothing like laughter to start my morning.  I’m up and feeling good.  Off to deliver some meals.

I made sure that I wasn’t going to be late.  There was no way I was going to miss this twice.  On time and ready to work, the distribution system was quite simple.  The manager of the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging took down my name, asked my mode of transportation and then shortly after, came back with a slip of paper with two names and addresses.  I was given two bags, one for each person, and then off on my merry way I went.  The location wasn’t too far at all.  It was a reminder that small gestures go a long way.  That part of the day ended fairly quickly.  Next on the agenda...kayaking.  

I know.  Why not give up on this?  Well, the first time the rain was pouring down.  The second time, the weather was warmer, but it was still overcast.  Today, I threw in the towel because they were closed AGAIN!   At least the last time, there was a kayak on the dock.  This time, it was completely barren!!   Simply put, I have no words.  Needless to say, I won’t be kayaking at Pier 84. 

Frustrated and annoyed, I was pleased to have an opportunity to sit.  I was instructed to visit Bella Abzug Park (at 36th & 10th).  While in the park, I listened to some of her speeches.  She was the daughter of Russian immigrants, Jewish, and a fellow Bronxite.  She was doing her own thang early in her life.  She was delivering speeches starting at 13.  She was passionate about activism and was a prominent leader in the women’s movement.  Her passion and intensity were very apparent in her speeches and it was inspiring.  I was given a prompt to reflect on while in the park.  It asked if I felt the park reflected her.  My answer is NO.  Surrounded by tall buildings and construction, it felt small and overlooked.  Nothing really spoke to her tenacity and flare.  Makes me wonder, if someone made a park after me, what would it look like?  Hmmmmm.

The time came to go back where it all started, the Circle Line Tour.  The difference was this time, I was seeing the city in the evening.  Interestingly enough, I was on the same boat and sat in the same seat as the first go around.  An unfortunate replay was that they weren’t going to head to The Bronx.  One word...RUDE.  Last time, the tide was too high.  This time, I had no clue.  At this point, I just rolled with the punches.  Before the boat fully left the dock, guess what?  One, two, then four and five...DROPS of rain!  Seriously, how many times does a girl have to get wet?  As it was coming down, I didn’t budge.  I conceded because the rain was obviously winning.  Eventually the rain stopped and the overcast skies darkened to become the hue of the familiar night sky.  The pause didn’t last long and the down pour returned and with that, I went indoors.  I took some last pictures for the Harbor Lights and said thank you my city.

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 13

I can’t believe I have one more day left of this residency.  The same way, I can’t believe I am off to Jersey.  Haha, that made me laugh.  In all seriousness, I can’t recall the last time I was in Jersey.  I mean I drove through Jersey to get to Philly.  That obviously doesn’t count.  Yet, I am ready to give Jersey some Tasha love.  Too bad old habits and the MTA weren’t down for the plan.  As I was swiping to get in the subway, I saw that a train was coming.  I dashed past the turnstile and flew (this is subjective) down the stairs and with much relief, I smiled when the train doors closed.  That smile quickly turned upside down when I realized I was on an uptown train (old habits) instead of a downtown train.  The 4 is express and that means the next stop was 42nd, when I was only a stop away from Brooklyn Bridge.  I already knew that this was going to shift things, just didn’t know how much.  I get to 42nd, made the quick crossover and now I’m back on track.  I get to Brookfield Place ferry terminal (memories of Bday mini golf/Day 3), went to the window to buy my ticket to Paulus Hook only for the attendant to tell me that the last ferry was the one that was currently leaving the dock.  Ferries don’t resume until 4pm.  WHAT!!!  What did this mean?  Was my whole day up like the ferry horn?  Nooooo!  I guess the attendant sensed the internal dialogue that was going on in my head and offered me an alternative.  He told me there’s a yellow tugboat that goes to Jersey, which leaves at 10:45am.  Yes he did say tugboat.  The price is about the same, I would have to pay on board and that is was a 15 min walk from that stop to Paulus Hook.  I told him thank you and had to laugh.  This was just another example of my life. There had to be some sh*ts and giggles somewhere.  10:45 came and what docked was not a tugboat.  Lolz are warranted for the attendant’s exaggeration.  In less than 15 mins, I am in Jersey.  

My walk from Warren St to Paulus Hook was actually quite nice.  I came across a Korean War memorial.  I was surprised and excited to see Tanda Francis’ Adorn Me (2018) along the way.  I first saw her work at... Socrates Park!!!  It was a few years ago, but look at the serendipity of this moment.  I was just in Socrates last night.  Imma leave that right there.  I also had to pleasure of encountering a piece titled On Boundaries.  The artist is Marta Blair.  In this piece the artist “asks about the blended dynamics of borders themselves.  It intends to explore the duality at the very heart of the word ‘border.’  No front and back, no here and there, no good side versus bad side.  It’s rather a connecting element that emerges from that unexplored area between the two sides of things, pushing the idea behind a borderline and our multiple imaginary or real boundaries, whether they are voluntary or imposed, intangible or concrete, they determine our way to live and interact.”  I felt that piece was a nice and poignant accompaniment to my apexart journey and apexart’s mission (hence why I bolded unexplored area).  Like Jermaine Spivey said in the dance workshop, there are no mistakes.  There was a reason for me to take the yellow “tugboat.”  And that was made abundantly clear when I finally reached Paulus Hook.  It was absolutely lackluster.  The pier was blah and drab.  No vibrant colors or food trucks in site.  Just buildings.  Well God came through because I got to see two friends that I haven’t seen for over two years!  We had lunch, caught up and shared plenty laughs.  That was just what I needed and right on time for me to have my second session with Nancy.  It was another thoughtful and rich conversation.  I recapped my visit to the Church of Scientology and worship with the Quakers.  It was affirming to hear that Nancy was able to fully see me and my autonomy from my blog entries.  It truly was a pleasure having dialogue with a mental wellness professional.  Not only is this her line of work, she also understands artists.   Since it was so easy to share with her, I know that this will not be our last session.  I foreshadow friendly check-ins in our future. 

Unfortunately, the fermented ice cream & popsicle online class got canceled.  So my final destination shifted to a Boathouse Jam at the Gowanus Boathouse.  Sounded like a cool impromptu concert where folks could join in with their own instruments.  When I arrived, the musicians were gathered in a circle and jamming out.  I noticed the cello, violin, guitar, ukulele, and a harmonica.  I had no idea that you could rock out with a ukulele.  It was highly impressive. Nothing like a jam session to end the day.  Tomorrow, Day 14.

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 4

7:30am.  Normally that is the time that I wake up.  Today was a bit different.  Today at 7:30am, you could’ve found me at the Fountain Terrace in Bryant Park.  Why, you ask?  I was supposed to be taking a Tai Chi class, but that was not the case at all.  Tai Chi was a Tai BUST!  Not a class in sight.  Scott, who works for the park, told me that sometimes they workout on the other side of the park.  After two laps around Bryant Park, I finally conceded.  Since I was already in Bryant Park, I decided to move to the next item on my itinerary.

FIGHTING THE DARK audio tour was created by my homeboy Kamau Ware, founder and visionary of the Black Gotham Experience.  We actually go back a few years.  I debuted my word, blackrooting, in his space.  Gosh, I have so many fond memories there.  Let me not digress.  I was mad hype to see one of his tours on my list of things-to-do for the day.  The tour was dope, just as I expected.  Rich with Black stories and highly informative, Kamau’s voice guided me through the city, opening up doors to ancestors and histories I didn’t know.  Many of the spaces were familiar and foreign at the same damn time.  All while some others were hidden in plain sight.  In my photo, I highlighted the Colored Orphan Asylum (no longer there due to Race Riots of 1863), statue of Horace Greeley, David Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, African Burial Ground, Triumph of the Human Spirit (statue), Grand Army Plaza and Weeksville Heritage Center.  I learned so much, but the Triumph of the Human Spirit stood out the most for me because I have been in Foley Square many times.  Mainly as a meetup site before I did Improv Everywhere’s No Pants Subway ride and other times, I was at a protest.  In either circumstance, I had no clue what the statue was, let alone what it meant.  I would tell, but I want you to experience this tour and statue for yourself.  This space is forever changed due to the persistence and efforts of people like Kamau.  The Ancestors are proud and I am super grateful. 

Next was Chinatown.  I learned that there are three Chinatowns in NYC.  They are in Flushing (Queens), Sunset Park (Brooklyn) and the Chinatown that we all think about in Manhattan.  I had some fried and boiled dumplings from Tasty Dumplings.  Then I went across the street to Columbus park.  I watched an intense game of ping-pong between two men and two women.  The women were kissing A_ _ and I loved watching it.  Next to me, two gentlemen were playing what looked like a checkers/chess combo.  Two other men soon came over to watch.  To be honest, as some points, it felt weird to be in the park.  It was as if I crashed what I would call the “family BBQ.”  The crowd in the park was like 90% homogeneous and clearly I was sticking out.  Truly, no one really paid me any mind.  However when I started talking pictures, I felt like a creeper who got caught creeping.  So I didn’t stay much longer and headed over to the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA).  I got more context about the Chinese community and its history.  Surprisingly, I saw a familiar face in the window exhibition.  It belonged to Ran Yan, Executive Director of the Lewis Latimer House Museum.  We know each other because I was part of an exhibition there.  What a small world.

Last stop on the agenda was going to the Film Forum.  I saw There Is No Evil and... WOW!!  This was my first time back inside a movie theater since lockdown.  They were not playing.  No more than 1-2 people in a single row and we were spread out with assigned seats.  One word for the film comprised of four shorts... POWERFUL!!  What are choices when you are forced to make them?  Just one of the questions that went through my mind during and after the film.  I had many more and I would love to talk to anyone else that has seen it.  Going to the Film Forum reminded me of times I went to the Angelika and that I do enjoy watching independent films.  Day 4 complete.  Up next...

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 3

Day 3 started with me blogging about Day 2.  As most of us know, time flies when we are having fun even when you are writing about.  So before I knew it, it was almost time for me to dash out the door.  On top of that, the days are all mushed into one in my head.  Sunday usually means a day of rest-ish, until I remember that means the ferry is on a rest-ish schedule too.  That shifted the 8:30am time on my itinerary to a realistic 9am ferry.  I have never been to Staten Island, except for one time.  I was driving home from the beach with some friends.  The story or joke was so funny/distracting that I laughed myself right off the wrong exit on the BQE  and onto the Verrazano bridge.  (I swear that bridge is a dollar for every minute it takes to get across.)  Let me not digress because today was new day.

I get to SI by 9:25am.  I was dashing to find my bus.  There were about 3 lanes and I have to find the S40.  The bus schedule said that there was a 9:20 and the next was for 9:50.  Thank goodness a bus rolled right up around 9:30.  YES!!  My bus driver was zooming.  Zooming so fast, I almost missed my stop.  I get off and ask for directions to the Chinese Scholar Garden.  The person’s name was Jessica.  She told me to follow her since she was going to same way.  Turns out the garden is part of Snug Harbor.  There is so much to see there that I have to come back.  Jessica and I parted ways and I headed over to the garden.  I was the second person there.  Success!  The park rangers came about 10 mins later and the group assembled.  We do a little restoration work before going into the garden.  My body was like “more manual labor,” my toes were like “we are exposed and not ready for this,” but my spirit was ready to go.  (Don’t judge my body.  We still have more than enough residual sheltering-in-place effects that we have to shake off.)  I was quickly transported to a time when I galvanized some friends and community members to clean up our local park.  It was a great memory to ground me in the moment.  It felt great to aesthetically and spiritually clear out debris from the cobblestone culverts making way for the water to flow.  We were doing this work in the Healing Garden that was dedicated to the 267 Staten Islanders who perished on September 11, 2001.

Next, we headed over to the Chinese Scholar Garden for a guided tour by the rangers.  It was breathtaking.  We walked through a bamboo forest and there was water everywhere.  There is so much to say about the garden, but I will narrow it down.  The space was built with not one nail or any glue. Yep, that’s right.  Not a SINGLE nail.  This is the second structure that I have come across where the same is true.  If you are ever in Thailand, check out the Sanctuary of Truth.  You can thank me later.  The garden is so serene and peaceful.  Yes, it is picturesque too.  More so, I was touched my the intentionality and symbolism imbued into everything.  I chose to highlight the stair bridge because the steps are so small to remind us to take our time in life.  Such a poignant reminder for all of us, especially in this moment.  However, the tour ran over 30 mins and taking my “time” ran out the window.

I get back at to the ferry bus terminal roughly by 1pm (minus 5mins or so).  According to google maps, my journey to the next destination is about an hour.  The event starts at 2pm.  Yikes!  As I am waiting on the bus, I get approached by a couple visiting from Columbia.  The gentleman spoke little english, but I could gather that they wanted to go the historical Richmond town area.  Remember, I have never been to S.I., but they needed help.  I googled the location and tell them the take the S74. I noticed that they went to the wrong stop.  I went after them because it turns out we could both take the S74.  I got their attention and I told them to follow me.  We dashed across the bus lanes to just catch the next bus.  It turned out that their stop was the next one after mine.  We rode on the bus for about 40 or so mins.  I am convinced that all S.I. bus drivers are aspiring or retired NASCAR drivers.  Hour commute where?  I informed the bus driver where they were going and said farewell to the Columbian couple.

Google said that my destination was a 9 min walk from the bus stop.  9 minutes for whom?  The picture doesn’t do that hill justice and the temperature was over 80 degrees.  Nonetheless, off I went.  A sidewalk made a cameo appearance like twice.  The houses are huge and gorgeous.  But where was I and did google lie?  I clearly was in residential area, but I was supposed to be headed to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art.  I continued to let the blue dot guide my way as cars drove by me on the non-sidewalk/shoulder road.  Despite my disbelief, the space exists!  Google didn’t lie!  I followed a woman down some stairs to where I would be attending a singing bowl mediation led by Leslee Penny.  I signed in with Frank at the front desk.  The meditation was exactly what the doctor ordered.  My body immediately responded the C bowl, which is associated with the root chakra.  During the session, I felt sensations happening in the back of my arms, lower back and throat.  After the session, I was still feeling all the vibrations.  I was tempted to purchased a singing bowl, but Leslee was honest about what to look for in a bowl.  It was a C bowl, but she advised me to find a bowl where I could play the rim.  I said my thank yous and before I could leave, the same woman that I had followed into the space asked if I wanted a ride.  She saw me walking up the non-sidewalk/shoulder road earlier, felt for me, but hesitated because she didn’t know where I was going.  As per her words, we just participated in something spiritual and now felt comfortable to ask me about the ride.  I graciously accepted.

Christine and I had a great conversation during our ride back to the ferry.  She was originally from Brooklyn and moved to SI either 20 or 28 years ago.  She told me that there was tons of farmland up until the early 80s.  She used to commute to the city and it would be a total of three hours per day.  Ufff.  I could never.  I told her that was similar to my Dad’s commute to Jersey (pre-COVID).  We laughed about my trip over the Verrazano bridge and how the toll guy had no sympathy for me when I tried to get out of paying the toll.  I mean it was an accident.  She said the same thing happened to her.  Yes in the era of COVID, people can show up for community and do so safely.  Christine, thank you.  Your gesture is another reminder that humanity still exists. Grateful and blessed for another day.  Thanks Staten Island.  I will be back.  Ready for Day 4.

- tasha

[apexart-journal]

Tasha Dougé, Day 2

Good Morning!!  Yep this Day 2 report is coming to you on... Day 3.  This sista girl crashed last night and it was warranted.  So here’s the rundown.

- I get up bright and early to catch the staff ferry to get to Governor’s Island. I meet some of the members of the Earth Matters apprenticeship program. They seemed friendly, but eventually got caught up in their conversations and I followed a little behind taking in the sights.  As we approached the space, Tai realized they kind of forgot about me and introduced herself.  I also meet June.  After things settled, everyone introduced themselves and shared an early memory around farming, gardening and/or planting.  In the circle, I found myself in the midst of two familiar experiences; the person to my left was from the Bronx and the person to my right was from the Dominican side of Hispaniola.  Marissa and Elena (pronouned Ellen-ah) went over the agenda and what to expect for the day and upcoming events.  There was a task board and I signed up to help with the seed planting starter kits.  Before lunch, we got a lesson how to make bokashi.  Bokashi means fermented organic matter in Japanese.  We learned that it is an old farming practice and it is used to add nutrients to soil and improve its texture.  We made some using wheat bran and another batch using coffee chaff.  When it came to adding the EM1 and molasses to the water to create the mixture, I told everyone that I don’t do math and ratio conversions before 12 noon.  We had some laughs.

- Before I could head over to the food truck, I was told that Chelsea had made some knishes and June brought some dumplings.  With bag of hot sauce added to the spread, I have to say lunch was good.

- Now it is go time.  The groups are here.  One group came from Brooklyn and the other was a bike group called Uptown Boogie. I sifted some components to our magic soil mix with Ursula, another woman from the Bronx.  She asked what seeds we had and I told her red meat radishes.  (I was thinking would vegan get upset about this name, but I digress.)  She shared that she attempted to grow radishes last year, but that it didn’t work out.  We chatted some more and two of her comrades joined us.  We made the planter kits while listening to Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin.  She shared plant stories as well.  They were a good time.

- As we know she does, nature called and I asked where to go.  That is when I found out about the... THE COMPOST BATHROOM!!!  I am all about experiences, so when given the choice I went with compost.  En route to the CB, we pasted the chicken coop.  That is where I met one of the newer chickens named Nugget.  Nugget walked on my shoulders, but when it came time for the photo op, she showed her ass.  Literally.  lol.  Back to the CB, I hav to tell ya that it wasn’t bad at all.  Actually it was better that most porter potties.  And they had me at the home-like decor.  I am SOLD.  I don’t know if it is the one soup of sawdust “per action” that does it, but there really isn’t a smell at all.  #MindBlown

- Later in the day, I took a brief rest on the red swing, plucked some weeds and continued chatting the folx on the team.  It was a great time. I did some reflecting on wheelbarrow because once the public comes, it is extremely hard to get access to the hammocks.  

- Since there were no hammocks, food was obviously the next choice.  So I had a jerk chicken gyro.  Yes, you read right.  All I will say is that I ate that with no problems. 

Reflection:  I was hard for me to divorce myself from saying that I was an artist.  I didn’t say much about my art, but when someone asked me if I was, I thought he was psychic.  I responded with yes and how did you know that.  He was like you said it in your intro.  (insert slap on forehead/duh moment)  Note to self, I will do better next time. Now off I go for Day 3.

P.S. The optional event was nixed for the option of my bed.