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It could be bad planning or it could be genius—probably a little of both—but traveling during some of the most furious, intense weather has only been great for my sense of disconnection, relaxation, and awe. I’ve climbed the Eiffel Tower in a blizzard, driven across Australia in 100-degree weather, worn two coats to stand near Montreal snow banks that were six feet tall, and been the only guest in Florence’s chilly Boboli Gardens. For a more local option, try the Wall Tour at St John the Divine, where you climb up the cathedral walls to the roof. While everyone else is getting back to work, it’s nice to be still frozen in time—hmm, a recurring theme!—logged off, alone, and far away from the New Year’s Resolutions.
Oct 12, 2021
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every year I dread this season but wind up finding joy and feeling energized by embracing the snow and cold. A few years ago I visited Lake Placid NY, a town that revolves around winter sports (and still has these amazing relics standing from the 1980 Winter Olympics). skiing, ice skating, sledding, hiking in the snow, or layering up and going on walks help get through the shorter and darker days. It’s kind of amazing that rain turns into layers and layers of pure white, dampening sound and temporarily covering all the intricacies of the world. It’s so quiet out there. And when you come back inside you appreciate your warm lil corner of the world even more.
Feb 17, 2024
There is something ugly and small about winter that I like. Perhaps because I was born into it. And there’s a stillness too. I feel it most when I’m back home in Nebraska leaving the bar at 2 a.m., warmed by old friends and tiny drinks. I walk to the car, snow crunching underfoot and, as soon as I’m alone, I stop. I stop and listen. I love that moment of quiet, blue desolation.
I do not handle the cold well. I am quick to shiver and my long johns don’t come off once they go on. So these moments of serenity are strange and precious. Something deep inside me quietly overpowers the elements and I feel some kind of inner peace. For this reason, I once made an igloo in our backyard and then laid inside for hours trying to fall asleep inside that feeling.
Winter birthdays are a challenge. What is there to do? This year I decided to lean in and seek snow since that’s become something of a novelty in New York. $500 and 120 miles later I had my squall. When I returned to the city for my actual birthday, it finally snowed, marking New York's first significant snowfall in 701 days. It was the perfect gift.
Jan 24, 2024
having a winter activity to look forward to like skiing has done tremendous good to my livelihood in the winter. But this was, and continues to be however financially and logistically inaccessible for a lot of people.
The default way through it is through collective communal gathering and bathe in fatigue. While it’s nurturing, how can you get the jitters out living in a city when the weather can be so alienating ?
Mar 8, 2025
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My perfect relationship with my phone is one where I can send signals but can’t receive them. I call this “going ghost mode:” I can communicate with you via obscure gestures, but you will struggle to summon me. It’s a great way to spend the weekend—phone in do not disturb, at the park talking to my dog, occasionally scrolling Instagram and The RealReal, sending a link or two to a friend but not overdoing it on screen time. It’s 85% touch grass with 15% brain rot. I understand this is somewhat antisocial, but it works for me. I’ll get back to you on Monday (probably).
May 23, 2025
I think about this album all the time and listen to it even more. Let’s start with the album art—fawn-eyed shirtless Prince with a feathered late ’70s blow out? Swoon. Every song on this album is perfect, soulful, electrifying. If “I Wanna Be Your Lover” doesn’t send a tidal shockwave through your bones, you need to find God. He’s purple.
May 23, 2025
I love Rachel Howe’s tarot deck and handbook and seek her out whenever she’s in New York—which is rare. In the times I can’t find her IRL, I visit a URL version of her deck for a daily pull. A nice way to center yourself each morning.
May 23, 2025