Literary City Guide: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

Photo by Max Flatow

Photo by Max Flatow

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.” 
― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I love this quote because it reminds me that approaching familiar streets with fresh eyes can reveal their beauty and charm, even if you've lived nearby your entire life. It's especially fitting for today's addition to Literary City Guides, because tour guide Sylvie Morgan Brown is a Brooklyn native who knows Carroll Gardens like the back of her hand. Also, anyone who recommends an Italian restaurant that serves fluffy, fried chickpea fritters smeared with ricotta is trustworthy in my book!

In a city as large as New York, neighborhood tours make a big, overwhelming metropolis feel more accessible and familiar. Our first was Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and today Carroll Gardens debuts. (Basically, you need to be exploring Brooklyn if you aren't already.) 

Carroll Gardens has all the trappings of an idyllic neighborhood, like an old-fashioned soda shop where the wait-staff wears paper hats, tree-lined streets, and and several bookstores to get lost in, so stop by to welcome our latest edition to Literary City Guides! 

National Poetry Month: Part 1

I tend to think of April as the month that belongs to me. It's the month that my husband and I celebrate our anniversary, for one thing. It's also National Poetry Month, so being that I write a blog devoted to the craft, spring comes bellowing out of the sky with a loud knock at my door. Every year, I'd like to answer with a resounding cry.  I'll blog every day in April! I'll do book reviews! I'll write long, thought-provoking essays on why poetry matters. I'll do even more poetry and recipe pairings! I'll read more!

In truth, I didn't have anything planned this year, but when I was wandering the shelves at the library during my lunch break on April 1st, I decided to post a poem I found on Instagram. Then, I decided to post another one on April 2nd, and April 3rd. You get the idea.

So to celebrate National Poetry Month, I'm posting a poem a day on Instagram and Facebook. If you're so inclined, upload your own favorite poems on Instagram and hashtag #eatthispoem so I can repin!

I'm also aiming to publish a recap here on the blog, so you can find the weekly offerings all in one place. I hope you enjoy the selections from Week 1.

Day 1: "Spring" by Charles Simic | Day 2: "Two Rains" by Jane Hirshfield | Day 3: "Getting it Right" by Jack Gilbert | Day 4: "Waking at Night" by Jack Gilbert | Day 5: "Travel" by Edna St. Vincent Millay | Day 6: "A Noiseless Patient Spider" by Walt Whitman | Day 7: "Sight" by W.S. Merwin

 

Literary City Guides: Glasgow and Barcelona

Literary City Guides are jetting back to Europe today, and welcoming two new countries to the mix! 

When I was in Scotland many years ago, Glasgow was one of the pass-through cities. We spent only one night there, and my one memory is of the sun setting over the river near our hotel. I saw most of the city through from behind a tour bus, and didn't venture out at all the way I would today. Luckily, Utah-based Rosie Liljenquist used to call the city home, and her recommendations will have Glasgow charming its way to your hearts.

I've been to Spain also, but not to Barcelona (sadly). The three days I spent there were based in Madrid, with a train ride to Seville in between. Camila Loew lived in Barcelona since 1998, and recently moved to the Bay Area. She recently moved to the Bay Area by way of Barcelona, and her local perspective is one to rely on during your next visit. There are plenty of good bookstores, cafes for tea and coffee lovers alike, and more pastry shops than you probably need. Luckily, Barcelona is a walkable city, so all will balance out.