Riding the Wave

Sanctuary T, Lower Manhattan, NYC.

My goodness, what a past few days it has been, and I really have no idea where to start. For those of you who follow me on Instagram (@cafechild), I posted a very "feels" type caption under this exact same photo talking about how I was "crying so much, but out of joy."

So, this past weekend, I got a chance to have brunch with some amazing people, and have a casual hangout to just talk and get to know eachother, for those of us who were meeting for the first time. Later on, we all parted different ways, and I was able to have a more intimate time with one or two of them. From there my emotions started to get the best of me, because in that intimate time, it felt like I was spending time with family, being fully transparent, and not being judged for the person that I am, in all my brokenness and my quirks.

Recently, I've been coming to terms with this new season of life that I'm entering into, and I'm no longer in that cocoon anymore. It may be uncomfortable, but it's been time to get out of the comfort of that shell. It all sounds a bit vague right now, but it'll be clearer later on when things are more fleshed out. And until then, I hope you all can continue to support me, and keep me in your prayers. Riding the wave of life, and trying to figure things out at the same time, is not always so easy. But here's to an interesting ride ahead.

Photo by Kyle.

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Spring Cleaning - Part I

Home, Queens, NYC.

The weather has been fluctuating a lot lately, and my goodness, I'm sure we're all really tired of it. Mother nature needs to stop being so indecisive. But, in lieu of this changing season, and in hopes of it getting warmer, I've started doing some ritual spring cleaning.

I normally am a pretty organized person, so I don't find that I actually need to clean any of my things that much, but I've decided that it's time for me to create my own space and let my younger sister have her own room. That means, moving out of our shared bedroom, and taking up majority of the living room area. We don't have a working television, so if anyone is ever in the living room, it's just to use a computer.

It's an exciting change that I'm looking forward to, because I really want to be able to invite more people over, and have conversations over coffee or tea, in my own space. I usually never invite people over, because I didn't ever have my own personal space to let people be at here. So, being able to move things around and create my own area will really make a difference for me.

Soon, I'll be able to invite some of you over for brunch, or just to talk over drinks, and it'll be great. I'll keep you guys updated during this process!

Photo by Kyle.

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Cafes | Nourish Kitchen + Table

Nourish Kitchen + Table, West Village, NYC.

I actually found this place while leaving Press Tea one day, and as I was walking around with a friend, I was writing down a few places that caught my eye to visit one day; this was one of them. The more you explore the West Village, the more you find these lovely little places everywhere to experience and see what they offer.

I noticed that this place had more customer turnover as a take-away service, But, I wanted to see what it would be like sitting in and taking in the place on my first visit.

See more photos and read more about my experience, after the jump!

Vulnerable

Greecologies, Little Italy, NYC.

I've been home for the past few days, left to my own devices and thoughts, and I thought that I'd try to be a little vulnerable with you all. It's nice having time away from people, but sometimes it's hard to shake this small sense of loneliness. There's this love-hate relationship with social media, especially when modern society loves being constantly connected and "plugged-in," but at the same time, you can't help but feel like you're missing out on so many things.

A lot of my close friends know that I really like being alone, but it doesn't mean that I want to be alone all of the time. The reality is that everyone has their own schedules and responsibilities they need to tend to, and it's difficult sometimes when you try your hardest to make time for others, when it doesn't seem like they do the same. But, I have to remind myself that it's alright. Life is a thing, and it happens, to all of us. As painful as it is sometimes, to just sit at home while you watch your friends have fun together, moments spent by yourself should be cherished.

On a day like this, the rain and the clouds will be with me, conversing with me through every droplet. The birds will sing songs that cut through the silence. And the natural light will let me know that springtime always comes in the end.

Photo by Vincent Crabeo (@alohacrabs).

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Cafes | Greecologies

Greecologies, Little Italy, NYC.

In my last post, I mentioned how I love when a cafe has nice open windows to let in the natural light, and this place has that, amongst other things.This cafe is in an area that houses a whole bunch of nice places, and although they don't have a huge, colourful sign that tells you where it is, it does not disappoint once you walk inside.

I think it's a place worth looking for.

See more photos and read more about my experience, after the jump!

Afternoons

Cafe la Cerra, Murray Hill, NYC.

It's finally starting to get warmer, which means a lot more afternoon light, iced drinks, and outdoor seating areas. Also, those are not my sunglasses, but I should get a pair real soon.

I absolutely love when a cafe has really open spaced windows, like this place, to let all the natural light in. It's not only great for photos, but also to just naturally take in the warmth of life that the sun gives off. As someone who prefers being indoors, these open spaced windows are great because the sunlight is not as intense as it would be if I were to stand outside. It's already mid-April, and summer is just around the corner, so I'm going to treasure this nice breezy weather while I can, and pray for cool summer nights.

I've been seeing flowers budding and blooming all over the place as I casually walk around the city, and I love it so much. Even the trees near my house are producing colour.

If you ever feel the weight of life coming back down again, step outside and get some fresh air. There's a lot out there, and new experiences to be had.

Photo by Kyle.

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Explore | The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York, NYC.

Recently I got a chance to revisit the MET, and I'm really glad I did. Although, the walk there was terrible (walking half of Central Park in heels is not so fun), the exhibits made up for it. The area where this photo was taken was really open and had nice spots to sit and recuperate, which is what my feet definitely needed.

Sometimes we're so focused on doing so many things, we don't get the chance to appreciate everything that's around us, and everything we have access to. Walking around an art museum not only helps me unwind, but it also reminds me that so many things have already happened on this earth, and so many things are going to happen in the future. It's kind of like we're all waiting in anticipation for what's to come; it's exciting, and frightening all at the same time.

Don't lose yourself in the process, lose yourself in the creative journey of finding yourself.

See more photos that I took while I was there, after the jump!

Insecurity

Brooklyn Waterfront, Williamsburg, NYC.

Hey everyone, it's been such a while, and I'm so sorry for that. But I've gotten a chance to settle myself, sit down, and write a new post.

Today I just want to put some of my current thoughts out there. I've gotten a chance to meet even more people this passed week, and I'm so grateful for them. These people are teaching me what it means to venture out, even if it's just simple conversations over coffee. There's life outside the walls of my own insecurity, and I feel myself climbing over that wall more and more as I put myself out there and simply talk to people.

This journey is always about the never-ending process of learning more about yourself, and about the people who are with you, and I'm definitely feeling that in this season.

I love you all so much, and appreciate you. Don't let anything bring you down, because it's all just a part of the process.

Photo by Kyle.
Model - @yngdew.

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I Eat | WILD Brooklyn

WILD Brooklyn, Williamsburg, NYC.

As some of you may know from my last post, I went to another Instameet where we ended up walking to Williamsburg, via the Williamsburg Bridge.

After exiting the bridge, a lot of us were really hungry and wanted to find a place to eat. We all walked around, until we stumbled upon this darling place. And my goodness, how beautiful it was on the inside. The doors were a bit odd and small, but once you get around that, everything else makes you forget about the not-so-spacious entryway.

They had an inner and outer dining area, and of course we sat where the lighting was best, at the outer greenhouse area. The whole environment of the place was so nice and the outer back area was so spacious and beautiful. It definitely looks like a place to hold a party or a nice gathering.

In addition to the nice view we were having, the staff were very hospitable as well. They took great care of us, even as the semi-big group we were. I shared the "Traditional Gnocchi" and a plate of fries with one of my friends and, as simple as the meal was, it did our stomachs well.

Overall, I'll definitely be coming back once the weather gets warmer, and I'll bring some friends with me.

See another photo of the back greenhouse area, after the jump!