the view from yesterday afternoon
This week, I’m heading out to Rough Draft in Kingston to talk with Drew Broussard, the host of the Lit Hub Podcast and Rough Draft’s bookstore manager. I’ll talk with him about cozy books and cozy corners in which to read them, so let me know if there’s anything you’d like to hear from him!
Also: in the last few newsletter issues, I asked you how frequently you’d like to get The Jiffy (every week or every other week), and 83.33% and of you voted for every week. So that is what I shall do! This will be a Monday newsletter, sharing the podcast episodes, videos, posts, photos, or other things from the week before! Thank you for voting!!
OK, on to this issue:
The Backstory:
Sometimes things get too stressful here at The Jiffy, as well as at the related James Cave Instagram Feed. And sometimes it’s stressful because of the Instagram feed.
Sleep Hikes are when I lace up my hiking boots, pull out the microphone, and invite listeners of my podcast to calmly recline back into their favorite surface – whether that’s a sofa, chaise longue, or floor – kick off their boots, and put on their headphones as I guide us on a meditative hike through some of New York’s most scenic trails.
So far, we’ve hiked tranquilly through Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, where we saw the overlook lawn gently undulating. Later, we slept-hiked through Mud Creek near Hudson and contemplated the topics that Jay Shetty shares with this audience of 17.9 million followers: The wrong person. The perfect person. And aging backwards.
I felt these were restorative experiences, but I've been told that my methods could use some training. So in this week’s episode of my podcast, we visit Anna Yang and Alex Artymiak, trained sound meditation guides and the co-founders of Empty Space in Old Chatham, New York.
We hear them play ancient singing bowls, gongs, sansulas, harps, and more, and hopefully, finally, walk away from this Sleep Hike feeling more in charge of ourselves. And I walk away with some advice to think about related to talking less.
It’s in the podcast feed this week – just click the image above to listen.
And links I’m saving
The Trump administration told states that they must "immediately undo" any actions to provide full food stamp benefits to low-income families: The Agriculture Dept. threatened to "impose harsh financial penalties on states that did not 'comply' quickly with the new federal orders." (NYT, gift link)
Ulster SPCA braces for an increase in surrendered pets as a result of SNAP chaos: The Ulster SPCA director says rehoming requests, already increasing with inflation, may continue to rise. (The Overlook)
The Columbia Paper compiled a list of places stocking up their pantries: Including the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, Salvation Army, the Columbia Kitchen, and more. (The Columbia Paper)
I produced an interactive map of food pantries and free fridges throughout Columbia and Greene counties: This list (including pet food banks) is made with information from the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and shared with their permission. Reply to this email if you know of a location that I should add. (The Jiffy)
a short selection of local events that look interesting!!
Fri., 11/14: The Albany Institute of History and Art invites you to enjoy An Artful Evening, their "fabulous and festive cocktail party" with an open bar, as you’re surrounded by their collection of art from the Hudson River School and snacking on elevated bites from Nicole’s Catering. They say this usually sells out. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $145-$185.
Sat., 11/15 - Sun., 11/16: The Bard orchestra, TŌN, will perform the "Jurassic Park in Concert," featuring the film played in HD. All proceeds support TŌN’s graduate program to offer students a full-tuition fellowship and stipend. Tickets start at $31.50.
Sun., 11/16: Builder Angela Robins and Eco Toolshed will host a hands-on workshop that will teach you how to hang anything on your walls – shelves, artwork, mirrors – without having to ask anyone for help. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 6 Frederick St., Hudson. $50, $60, $80 (sliding scale).
Mon., 11/17: The lively Ulster County Archivist, photographer, vintage base ball athlete (featured in my recent episode on the Kingston Guards), and self-described delicate flower Jonathan Palmer will present Pints and the Past. Jon will tell stories of Kinston’s colorful past while people imbibe the colorful pints of Rough Draft in Kingston.
6 p.m. Suggested donation: $10.Sat., 11/22: The very cozy Deer Mountain Inn is holding Holiday Market at the Inn, with vendors including Catskill Candle Studio, Studio Minimale, ceramicist Shannon Sturgis, and more. 12-4 p.m.
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