How I am Romanticizing My Life in Upstate New York

I have been spending a lot of time on Threads, a place where the intellectuals and humorist come to play. On one particular February day, I posted “some days i question whether i made the right choice moving to upstate NY.” The responses were a combination of invitations to meet for coffee, recommendations of places to visit, people expressing their love for being here and transplants like myself being left to wonder if this dubious crisis is a rite of passage. Hundreds of responses later, I was able to connect with a few people and also made the decision that I will start romanticizing my life here in Upstate NY.

Viewing even the mundane activities as worth romanticizing has led me to document beautiful experiences both indoor and outdoor. Here are some of the things I have done lately to truly indulge in my life here.

Bake bread. It seems like spring isn’t fighting back, and we have been bombarded with snow here in the northeast. One of the best ways I pass time is baking bread. I love baking primarily desserts, but I have come to enjoy baking bread lately. As much as it is time consuming and tedious, I enjoy the end result of one of the foods that truly crosses borders. This baguette recipe has been an instant hit lately and we bake a batch every few days. I don’t think I will ever have store bought bread again.

Check out my bread making experience

Baking baguettes on a random Saturday

Visit Fun Coffee/Tea Shops. I love a good coffee/tea shop. Such an expression of culture and flavors in a warm and cozy environment. If they serve food, it is an added bonus for me. I recently visited this awesome tea shop in Troy, NY in a neighborhood that quite reminds me of Brooklyn. I enjoy supporting local business, so I stick to mom and pop shops over chain stores. I appreciate the authenticity and the effort put into meeting the needs of the community. Furthermore, I get to do a little people watching, one of my favorite activities.

The Whistling Kettle

This was my most recent visit to The Whistling Kettle in Troy, NY. The drinks and food were great.

Morning Walks. My weekend morning walks have become something of a ritual. No matter what season, I make time to get outside for at least 15 minutes a day, and a little longer on weekends. I particularly enjoy my quiet walks on my own, because it gives me the solitude I need. With all our many roles, we all need some self-care, and this is one I find that brings me great joy. On my walks, I take the time to observe everything around me, from how they look, sound and how they make me feel. From the sunlight, to the snow, the streams, the swaying of the trees. I allow myself to interact with my surroundings on a deeper level. In these moments, I know I wouldn’t trade this for a thing.

Walking through my neighborhood on a sunny day.

Library Visits. Libraries have been a staple in my life. It is a place of peace and enlightenment from my childhood into adulthood and motherhood. My children were at the library as little babies, even before they could crawl, because I wanted to also make this beautiful place feel like home. My neighborhood library hosts a range of activities for every age group. Bi-weekly, I attend a sit and stitch group with a wonderful group of women who are working on their knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint. In my earbuds is my ratchet playlist, while I stay present in conversation. There is so much inspiration and creativity in that room and I enjoy every part of it.

Crocheting and studying at my local library

Photograph corners of your home that bring joy. There are moments when I sit in my home and think of how beautiful a space I have managed to create. Even though it is a work in progress, I am proud of space. Every piece of artwork was made by me, every plant nurtured by me, and every book read by me to myself or my children. I bring life into a space that would otherwise be four walls. I infuse color and character where memories will be created. So even though this space is temporary, in the quietness, the stillness and the chaos, I appreciate it.

Capture making food. I enjoy being in my kitchen. It is one of my favorite places to create and experiment. This particular morning, I documented me making pink crêpes—pink crêpes, by special requests. I enjoy making one of our favorite breakfast dishes and being in the moment. I get to pass along my culinary skills, as well as expose my children to varying foods from different cultures. I get them to appreciate what we all have to contribute to this world. That is indeed something to romanticize.

My crepe making experience

View Video: Making crêpes on a snowy morning

As the season changes, I look forward to many more adventures. I will be taking pictures, journaling and documenting my experiences and I encourage you to do the same, because even life’s small events are worth celebrating.

How are you romanticizing your life?