Monthly Archives: February 2012

“The Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner”

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“The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” is a movie from 1962, based on the short story of the same name by Adam Sillitoe.  Purposefully done in black and white, the film is thought provoking and introspective, yet emotionally stirring.  The film offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of an individual, yet leaves the viewer questioning.

In one of the opening sequences, actor Tom Courtenay is seen running along a road with the following monologue.

“It is hard to understand.
All I know is that you have got to run.
Run without knowing why through fields and woods.
And the winning boasts no end,
Even though the balmy crowds might be cheering daft.
That’s what the loneliness of the long distance feels like.”

In this scene, Director Tony Richardson, creates a beautifully symbolic scene that leaves one feeling inspired.  I feel as if this monologue can be applied to any passion or drive in one’s life.  Passion and drive are hard to explain and hard to understand.  We are all created with individual gifts, talents, and passions.  They are part of who we are.  Maybe it is not about why but instead about acknowledging the inward call and following hard after it.

May you seek after that which you love and were created to do.  May you strive to do your best, regardless of the outcome.

London’s Style Crush

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Has PETA become extinct or has fur simply managed it’s way back into the fashion scene?  Whether it’s faux fur or true fur, it’s all the rage…

While I made my way through London’s ‘vintage capital,’ Portobello Market, on a bustling Saturday morning in January, my morning latte in hand (from the mind-blowing Hummingbird Bakery in Notting Hill!), I was expecting to browse through men’s classic vintage plaid shirts, beanie hats, print leggings, lovely knit jumpers with elbow patches, and patent lace-ups.  While those were all there to be found, they were overshadowed by the obvious style obsession of the season – fur.

I found classic, full fur coats and glam fur gilets on nearly every vendor’s corner.  What’s even more, a stroll through East London’s Spitalfield Market just this past week, led me to find the same.  Whether it’s the drop in temperature or a style crush, London is sending a hint…fur is back and there’s no disguising this storm!

As Winter’s lavish trend, I admit a fur vest is next on my ‘To Purchase’ list!…Stepheny

As a new guest blogger, Stepheny is based out of England.

Countdown to Addiah.com

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The countdown has begun and addiah.com is about to launch!  This has been years in the making and it is finally here.  I wanted to say a special thank you to everyone who has contributed to the creation of the site and who have supported the efforts gone into it.

Specifically I want to thank Adam Crownoble, who designed the site.  Dr. Danny Kim, Ginger Sumerlin, and Dawn Raburn for the photography.  My family for their constant support and help.  And everyone else who has had a part in creating Addiah.com.

It is almost ready…Virginia

New York City!

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I just got back from a whirl wind trip to New York City.

Although it was a business trip full of finding all sorts of wonderful new things for the store, we did find time to enjoy the city and some wonderful food that I thought I would share with you.

Our trip began walking around the city and stumbling upon Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market.  We hit it at the end of the day, in January, and totally by chance, but it was still fun to comb through the vendors.  Although we came away empty-handed, we did find a great place to come back to for dinner, Hells Kitchen.

Meals truly are the most memorable parts of trips for me.  I remember trips more for the food and the restaurants then everything else.  (Ummm…I just love a good meal.  It makes me so happy.)  The same is true for my time in New York City.  I really think the best part of the trip was the food and the places we ate.  Our first night we ate at Hells Kitchen.  I had the Mussels Provencal with white wine, plum tomatoes, and garlic (which came with a hearty slice of baguette) along with the Mesclun Field Greens.  Delicious.  I would totally recommend.  For dessert I had the Honey Vanilla Latte Double Espresso.  I love all things honey and could not resist trying their latte.  It was a perfect ending to a delicious meal.

The second day we enjoyed a treat from Crumbs Bake Shop while sitting in Bryant Park.  If you like cupcakes, this is a great stop.  With multiple locations, it is easy to come upon one.  I love cupcakes and am always on the search for an amazing one and was definitely pleased with the one from Crumbs Bake Shop.

The highlight of the trip though had to be the last day.  We ended our trip by going to Petrossian, located on 911 Seventh Ave (between 57th and 58th St.).  My sisters found this place years ago on a trip to NYC and fell in love with it.  For the past couple of times I have visited New York I have meant to stop by for tea and croissants and just have not made it.  For this trip, I made sure that it was a must.  Their Des Steppes tea, which is an orange and vodka blend, is really delightful.  As is the Tanta Bella Tea (Ceylon and Chinese blend), which is a blueberry black tea.  Their tea is just lovely.  And they know how to serve it… with steamed milk.  If you go, make sure to order a croissant.  Both the almond and butter are fabulous.  I think finding a good croissant is possibly one of the hardest things to do…harder than finding a good cupcake or restaurant.  Petrossian knows how to make croissants.  They had a flaky crust with distinctive layers that could almost be peeled apart.  The inside was soft with just the slightest sweetness to the dough and just perfect.  Although we went intending to just have tea and croissants, we were too tempted by the menu not to get lunch.  I ordered the Heirloom Tomato and Crenshaw Melon Salad with red onion, gorgonzola cheese, basil coulis & aged balsamic.   Again absolutely delicious.

A lovely and successful trip!  ….Virginia