⧉ Stranded
Welcome to the twenty-eighth issue of OVERLAP ⧉
Stranded
It’s only my third winter living in Manhattan, but my New York story started a decade ago. I was here for a couple of days in December 2009, visiting friends and attending an event at the International Center of Photography, when a blizzard turned my quick trip into an extended stay.
The storm hit New York hard, but it hit Maryland and D.C. harder — buses and trains were canceled and I couldn’t get back for a few days. The morning after the snow stopped, I met Anne in Madison Square Park for a walk to Union Square. We stomped through snowdrifts and drank Shake Shack hot cocoa and stuffed polaroids inside our shirts to keep the film warm.
But for most of the time I was stranded in the city, I wandered alone. I’d been to New York before, but had never spent so much time on the street by myself. And in those quiet moments on noisy sidewalks, I started to realize I was stuck — but not because of the snow.
It would be six years until I left my marriage and almost eight years until I left D.C. Evolution takes time, awareness, intention. But an unexpected storm, an extended stay, and an unfamiliar place were enough to spark fresh visions of a different life.
A few days ago, snowflakes were swirling in the air. This time around, I was inside looking out, feeling … settled. I can’t wait to see what the next decade will bring.
⧉
I went deep in the archives for the photos in this issue. During that snowy stroll with Anne — in addition to those bosom-incubated polaroids — I shot a roll of 35mm film in a plastic toy camera, the Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim. I’m crossing my fingers for some dramatic snow this winter.
⧉
Auntie Jess recommends:
Cranberry sauce. This refreshing and delicious side dish has value far beyond Thanksgiving dinner. I make multiple batches of a very simple recipe.
Humidifiers. Winter is much more pleasant with adequate moisture. A cheap ultrasonic humidifier makes a huge difference in my small apartment.
Seasonal scents. I can’t buy a live Christmas tree, because my cat will try to eat it. But I can have Mrs. Meyer’s Iowa Pine dish soap, which is almost as good.
⧉
Thanks for reading. Reminder: OVERLAP is going on winter break! There will be no newsletter on December 14 or 24, but you’ll hear from me again in the New Year. I won’t be totally offline; please feel welcome to reply and say hello whenever you feel like it. And you can always dip into the archives if you really miss me.
Until next time,
Jessica
⧉