A Lazy Sunday

Brunch for New Yorkers isn’t a rite, but a weekend necessity. Like the ostentatious nature of Queen Elizabeth the Second’s hat collection, NYC brunching is a true constant- at least for me. It’s a highly anticipated event in which good food and friends come together-where we observe and commentate on the feats and follies of the human carnival. Forgoing a Sunday morning at Balthazar or Sarabeth’s would be crime- unless it’s in favor of some much needed rest.

Today would be one of those days. With the holiday season in full swing, my mini spa day put some things into perspective: this giraffe needs to slow the ferocious pace of her social engagements. Too many mimosas and too little beauty sleep make Petunia a very tired giraffe.

I've never quite been a morning giraffe.

I highly recommend starting your day (weekend or not) with an hour of Yoga. It’s done wonders for my overall physical and mental well being. It’s the perfect way to focus in on the daily tasks ahead… definitely handy when fighting through the shopping crowds at Saks. I’m showing more promise these days- my overall flexibility has definitely improved since last winter. My full cobra isn’t half bad:

"Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise. Be good, do good, be kind, be compassionate." - Sri Swami Sivananda

I’m famished! With holiday treats at every turn, nutrition is always the one thing to fall by the wayside. Who can say no to sugar cutouts?? Today a healthy breakfast is in order: a soft boiled egg and toast with fresh squeezed acacia juice.

And a tea, of course!

*sigh* This seven grain toast can’t hold a candle to Balthazar’s morning bread basket. Perhaps the New York Times crossword will take my mind off of my beloved croissants. It’s not often I find time to indulge intellectually, but nothing says relaxing like the Sunday crossword!

Or perhaps not….

Ollie showed up while I was in the shower.

I have to remember to lock my doors at night: these improptu visits are starting to wear on my patience. Ollie the Bison is that well-meaning neighbor who tends to drop by with your mail, only to invite himself in. Before you know it, he’s not only commandeered your television but also your refrigerator! He’s a tad absent minded. You know those artist types- can’t remember what day of the week it is, yet they can recall all of the lyrics to that forgotten Bob Dylan b-side. Still, there is something endearing about that scruffy, bohemian look he sports. I suppose I don’t really mind our weekly tête à têtes.

Ollie's noble attempt at this week's crossword

His answers need some work, but I do admire his enthusiasm. Maybe he’s right. I shouldn’t take anything too seriously on a day like today. Now might be a grand time to begin those knitting projects I’ve been putting off. Turtle necks may be a tad ambitious, but I’m sure I could knock out at least a half dozen scarves for the giraffes at the Bronx Zoo. Tis the season for giving to those less fortunate, afterall. Did you know every year, 3 in 5 giraffes suffer from bronchitis due to lack of proper neckwear? Think of all the illness that could be avoided if more animals simply wore scarves (and fashion forward ones at that!?) I thought the contrasting shades of mauve would prove to be flattering on almost any skin type. What do you think?

I've got to get smaller needles.

Ahh… this is more like it! A little Irving Berlin on the radio, accented by the subtle click of my knitting needles. I have to remember to put this project in my closet tonight so that Ollie doesn’t “help” if he stops by again tomorrow. If it’s in plain sight, I’m pretty sure I’ll have to call the fire department to come and untangle him.

I wonder what the wait’s like at Balthazar right now…