One of my favorite quotes comes from the novel Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse. Hesse was a frail, spectacled little German man who sat down one day to write the story of a rich prince named Siddhartha. “Sidd” (my nickname, not Hesse’s) casts off all his wealthy possessions and gives the proverbial middle finger to his giant palace inheritance. He sets out to wander the world, seeking the true meaning of existence. It was kind of the original “go backpacking and find yourself” situation. Sidd ends up meeting The Buddha … and a whole cast of other enlightening characters. Hesse goes on to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. I’ve gone on to read this book five times. Which is approximately three more times than I’ve read any other book. There’s something so beautifully calming in the prose. It’s verbal valium when life starts flicking me in the forehead.

The quote that’s stayed with me from Siddhartha more than any other is this:

“We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.”

Like I said … Verbal Valium. Calm down little ones, says Hesse. Every day is progress … even when it seems like you are chasing your own tail.

I spent these last six days in Alabama, catching up with family, eating peanut butter fudge, petting the dog, napping on the sofa and watching reruns of Parks & Recreation. It was glorious. It was a chance to slow down, stay in and snuggle-spoon my exhausted brain. I landed at 1 a.m. night before last, refreshed and excited to see my city. In honor of our planet celebrating it’s own birthday next week, I thought I’d post a few photos of New York situations that made my year. The best times always involve some combination of People, Food, Music & Rooftops. If you haven’t read Siddhartha, I highly recommend it. If you have, I recommend picking it back up for a second go round. Or, in my case, a sixth.

May you all have a wonderful last week in 2013 and may 2014 find you farther up the spiral staircase. I hear at the top of that thing, there’s cool people, music, food … and a bitchin’ view of life’s purpose on the horizon.

The Food Moments in 2013 …

Puerto Rican Red Beans & Rice when you miss New Orleans on a Monday. Achieve it at Casa Adela in the East Village
Puerto Rican Red Beans & Rice when you miss New Orleans on a Monday. Achieve it at Casa Adela in the East Village
the-wayland-east-village-oyster-shooter-buddha-drinks-fanta-
The Oyster Shooters at The Wayland in the East Village. Your single bivalve comes with an ounce of tequila and a back of house-made sangria rimmed with smoked chili salt
maharlika-food-chicken-waffles-brunch-buddha-drinks-fanta-2
Chicken & Waffles at Maharlika on 1st Ave. at 7th Street
Kipsey's fires up a rotisserie daily, then shreds that crispy buttered bird on top of the best Caesar Salad you'll ever eat
Kipsey’s fires up a rotisserie daily, then shreds that crispy buttered bird on top of the best Caesar Salad you’ll ever eat

A Few People of 2013 

casa-adela-east-village-chicken-buddha-drinks-fanta-0269
The lovely Adela, of Casa Adela
Moi ... and my best friend Stefany Cesari
Moi … and my best friend Stefany Cesari
Will Horowitz tosses knives at a food event in Red Hook, while a band I can't recall takes a break on a Brooklyn rooftop
Duck’s Eatery Chef Will Horowitz tosses knives at a food event in Red Hook, while a band I can’t recall takes a break on a Brooklyn rooftopD

The Music of 2013

Reverend Vince & The Love Choir play a free show every Monday night at Union Pool
Reverend Vince & The Love Choir play a free show every Monday night at Union Pool
Sometimes ... all you need is Spotify and some speakers
Sometimes … all you need is Spotify and some speakers

So long 2013 … we loved you. Thanks for the perspective

jenny-adams-freelance-brooklyn-friends-buddha-drinks-fanta-7013