GABRIELA YARELIZ

Hearing Atoms

“Let us record the atoms as they fall upon the mind in the order in which they fall, let us trace the pattern, however disconnected and incoherent in appearance, which each sight or incident scores upon the consciousness. Let us not take it for granted that life exists more fully in what is commonly thought big than in what is commonly thought small.” Virginia Woolf

By: Gabriela Yareliz

The Wood Between the Worlds was the pond-filled forest in The Magician’s Nephew, the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia. This wood was my favorite place to visit, not only in the book but in my mind. It was a sleepy place of in-between, where the light glowed softly; where you could jump into a pool that was a portal into an entirely different world. The wood was empty, intensely green, and so quiet you could hear the trees growing in it (or at least this is how I remember it in my imagination).

Shhhh. Listen. Can you hear the atoms as they fall? Do you take the time to hear the bubbles form, the grass growing against the wind, the water in its noisy stillness. Do you hear the moon’s whispers and the sun’s drowsy song? Do you draw close to the ants in their march of solidarity and the birds in their chipper conversation? As a society, we would do well to teach people how to listen in the same ways we teach them math and science. It’s a skill we all need if we will be any good at this life. Skills require practice and refinement. I think people hear a lot of things and adopt them as their own, but we don’t listen for the intricacies and details that make all the difference.

It may not be that we don’t want to but that we don’t know how. The first lesson in the course of listening is the first required step– to stop and find a singular focus.

We all either have a physical list of things to accomplish or the one that floats around in the back of our minds and weirdly makes a ~~fun~~ appearance when it’s time to sleep. We multitask and rush.

One of my intentions this year is to take time to listen. Really listen. I want to find myself in the Wood Between the Worlds, again. This means, in many ways, taking the time to stop and quiet the mind. And I don’t just want to listen to people, but I want pay attention when the floor creaks, when the water does its drip-drip and the little clinks in the radiator. I want to make sure I don’t miss the words unsaid. There is a poetry in the world around us that we often miss. I don’t want to miss it.

Another world opens up to us only when we take the time to seek it out. It takes courage to go through the portal that leads to a new experience. I want to fix my ears, I muse, as I take my screwdriver out of my backpack. When we fix our ears, we can fix our world.

Freedom

By: Gabriela Yareliz

“Deep down we all know that freedom is a choice, yet so many of us don’t feel that truth.” Beth Kempton, Freedom Seeker: Live More. Worry Less. Do What You Love.

This season is made for reflection. As the year 2020 was ending yesterday, I saw an overview of the year that was truly heartbreaking. Sobering. (Thank you, ABC News). While it can be a heavy thing to look back, it can lead to freedom. I wonder what the world would look like if we stopped and thought about our history, as humanity. How would the world be different if we talked to our veterans more; if we discussed and sat with eras where our countries faced conflict, war and anguish; if we thought about those we have lost and what their lives can teach us; if we read things of value— what would this world look like? What would the world look like if we could see beyond the present moment that absorbs us and our own reflections?

Lastly, what if we saw each decision we make and we weighed it thinking, Will this bring me closer to freedom? In Freedom Seeker, Beth Kempton discusses how every decision, every dollar spent, every minute of awareness and focus— all these choices either take us closer to or farther away from being free.

Focus. Be aware. Reflect. Let’s choose to listen. Let’s choose lessons. Let’s choose freedom.

“Freedom is found within, in the shape of our laughter and the way we love, in the truths that we live by and the stories we become.” Beth Kempton, Freedom Seeker: Live More. Worry Less. Do What You Love.

Il faut oser!

Photo belongs to artist Audrey Leighton, who often shares her art through @audrey.leighton.vintage

By: Gabriela Yareliz

We tend to tiptoe around things. If we don’t stomp or get all trippy, there’s less of a chance we will trip in our rubber sandals and smash our toes against the floor (true story). If we don’t wear the lipstick under the mask, we won’t get it all over our teeth, and if we don’t wear the glitter on our eyes, we don’t have pixie dust on our cheeks. We don’t like winds that rock the boats we sit in because no one needs it to flip. Or do we?

In one of my favorite competition shows, Les Reines du Shopping, five women compete in a styling-shopping match, as they try to outdo one another with their choices for a theme that is imposed on them by the master stylist and mannequin [model], Cristina Cordula.

The last competition I saw was one where they had to include a piece of lingerie in their outfit with elegance and nuance. It was fun to watch. It’s certainly harder than it looks. The competitors who scored poorly were because of two factors: they either got cheap in their selection or they didn’t dare. “One needs to dare” was a common theme throughout the week. Il faut oser!

Dare:

to have the courage to do something;
to defy or challenge someone to do something;
take the risk; brave.

Daring takes risk. The whole scheme may fall flat on its face, and you may look stupid (like me, with lipstick on my teeth). Today, I was reminded of a certain situation where several of us chose to keep someone accountable. It was going to be a grueling process of retelling uncomforatable experiences and remembering things we would all much rather forget than remember. We faced retaliation and attitude.

Sometimes, our thought process is, Why bother? Nothing will come of it. But what if something does? We don’t always get what we want or think the situation merits, but we can be a part of change, even if it’s small. What many of us fail to realize is change comes at high cost– one few are willing to pay. We’re mousy, these days. We don’t like what change costs– we get cheap (this is how you lose, remember?). Further, at times, it’s not even fear but resignation that paralyzes us; resignation that things will continue as they have always been– or worse, we fear that no one cares.

There are victories to be won in daring. Perhaps they are small or seemingly insignificant to others, but that’s the thing about daring– it’s not about the other contestants in this game show of life. It’s about whether you are in it to win it. Don’t be cheap, and remember, il faut oser!

My Favorite Things in 2020

By: Gabriela Yareliz

We spent a lot more time at home this year– that’s for sure. Here is a list of things that made the day-to-day better. (I’m including links, but nothing here is sponsored. The links are just included to share the good stuff with you).

HOME

Sleep eye mask: I started using a black eye mask that has the eye part hallowed out, therefore it doesn’t touch my eyelid, and I can open my eyes while wearing the mask (that sounds weird, but it can be very useful– and less wrinkles!). This helped improve my sleep. I was having some sleepless nights, at one point this year.
Candles: My boyfriend gets me the most amazing candles. I often work with just window, natural light, but on a dark or rainy day, I will light a candle for a bit for cozy vibes. One of my favorite ones that I burned this year was Santal by Brooklyn Candle Studio.

BEAUTY

Anuket: Anuket is a small business run by a fellow University of Florida graduate, the lovely Ashlee Dozier. I love their natural oils that you can roll on. It’s a nice pick-me-up on a day when you need a little something something. I am big on fragrances. I think they have a lot of power on our moods and dispositions. If you are looking for something natural and want to support a small business, check them out.
Violette_FR: Queen of self-expression and being yourself. I love that to Violette, makeup is not a mask but a whole mood of expressing who you are. True to the French philosophy, she teaches tips and tricks to look vavavoom and wear stars on your eyes– literally.
Kosas cream blush: I used this every day. Clean beauty for the win. I love their “8th Muse” and “Tropic Equinox” colors.
Vitamin E: There was a day when I went out and swore the wind burned my lips, despite me wearing a mask. It was windy and raining. Not sure what happened in the interval of time when I was fighting with my umbrella on the corner against the rain, but I knew what I needed– vitamin e. Vitamin e heals lip and skin ailments. I love popping the capsules and doing a direct application of the oil.

FASHION

White boots: I get things dirty easily, so I am not one who usually wears white. This year was different. I wore white t-shirts on summer walks and white boots. I am partial to the Nasty Gal boot, and they often run some fab sales, so you can get them pretty discounted (and they are comfortable!). I was inspired by Camille Charriere.

2. Cocobeautea: Hannah Desai’s videos are soothing but also an example and free lesson in timeless elegance. Congrats to this beauty on her recent engagement!

3. (Old) Man Repeller: I am forever a fan of Leandra Medine Cohen’s bold eccentricity. A maximalist when it’s right. #spiritanimal

KITCHEN

Milk Frother: I used my milk frother almost every day (if not every day). This is the perfect way to take your tea and/or coffee to the next level. I also got real bold (my version of bold) and would throw hot chocolate or matcha powder in there and just let it blend. No clumps. Amazing.
Toaster Oven: This was a lifesaver during the months when my building had no gas (yup– classic NYC mess-around). I recommend every household have one. I just got this cute one here and retired the one that worked overtime this summer/fall.

FOOD

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars: My boyfriend gave me some (to his detriment), and now I am hooked. A perfect snack. He is my fig bar dealer. I am very lucky.
WelleCo’s The Super Elixir: The perfect supplement. It’s complete with preboitics and probiotics, anti-inflammatories and iron. Been taking it now for years, but it was extra helpful in strengthening immunity in the middle of the pandemic.
Orecchiette Pancetta recipe from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table Volume 2. It’s supernatural. Page 199. You’re welcome.
Vital ProteinsxPoosh Matcha Latte Collagen Vibes: It has collagen, and it’s the best tasting matcha.

INSPIRATION

Battle Ready Podcast: This was my favorite podcast, hands down. The most provocative dialogue of 2020. Father and son are hilarious and so genuine. It’s a treat. The topics run the gamut.
Books: My favorite books this year were Me by Elton John, Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, and The Barbarian Way and Wide Awake by Erwin McManus.
Show: I watched The Office for the first time this year, and it warmed my heart. The quirky characters grew on me, especially Michael Scott. My boyfriend got me an awesome mug that says “Dunder Mifflin”, and it always makes me smile.

DESK

New Yorker Cartoons: These always make me smile. They brightened many a day, and some of the cartoons were eerily too real.
Letters: It was the year that brought back snail mail. Nothing beats the little rush of opening the mailbox and seeing that letter addressed to you. My favorite stationery was the Sugar PaperxTarget collab, and I brought back gel pens with sparkles.
Horacio Printing Planner: This year, I used the Horacio Planner to plan out my days and weeks. We got stuff done. I also loved their printing of Amy Brady’s A Way in a Manger Christmas/Advent devotional. If you watch closely, they will release very discounted planners that have defects. This is how I got mine. (I still don’t know what is wrong with it).

BODY

Yoga with Adriene: When quarantine started, I did the 30-day yoga challenge, and it helped me move and increase flexibility. I then canceled my other workout subscription when it was time to renew, and I signed on with Adriene’s digital platform. She is great and has so much variety in her videos. There is an authenticity to her work that was lacking in the platform I was using before. The platform I was using before felt a bit anxious, insecure and spastic– it’s interesting how people transmit their energy. Adriene is very grounded, humble, funny and calm. It’s about moving and doing the best you can. Her breath 30-day journey starts soon.

TECH

Kindle: It helps me read my many books and live like a human without piles and piles of books everywhere (even though that sounds like a dream, right?). It is one of my favorite gifts I have received. Books are my vice.
FitBit: It always makes me smile when I check my step count. The app also keeps me accountable with my workout schedule. Another one of those awesome gifts received.

A new year is starting, and I am sure many of these things will be carried over. Additionally, new adventures will be had, with new discoveries made. Let’s do this 2021. What things brought you joy, gratitude and kept you sane?

A Gift is Arriving

By: Gabriela Yareliz

One can’t help but wonder where 2021 will take us. Many of us are still tracking 2020 packages and wondering where the time went, this holiday season. Time was a finicky thing, this year. I am always fascinated by the passage of time. When it feels fast; when it feels slow.

The truth is, those of us who are entering 2021 are receiving a gift of more time (and this gift isn’t getting lost by USPS– it comes, ready or not). And then the question remains, what will we do with this gift alloted to each of us? I hope we each take the time to intentionally create our worlds. To create things, moments, environments that bring joy and life. Time is a weighty responsibility.

Erwin McManus writes in his book Wide Awake, “The question is not whether someone will lead the way in creating humanity’s future. The question is, will you be among them? It would be tragic if only those with the worst intentions believe they could affect the future of humanity. What would happen if those who believed in love, hope, peace and the value of the human spirit also believed they could effect change in the world? We must embrace the creative process as our birthright.” That is part of my motto for 2021.

I want to keep exploring the depth of the responsibility toward humanity that is attached to the time we receive. I want to maximize the keys of this deep mysterious science of time. Twenty-twenty was a sobering year. It has left us with a lot on our minds, sitting on a sunny lake dock on the edge of a million possibilities. Creating humanity’s future– it’s what we have the power to do every day, whether we realize it or not.

RIP Eateries

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I mean, we all knew it was bad, but yesterday, I saw with my own eyes a Greenwich Village that was vacant and closed down. Such a depressing sight to see. Many eateries that marked special moments, whether it was where I ate with my mom when I first moved here for law school (Nanoosh), where I ate with my love after hours of walking (Sammy’s Noodle Shop and Grill) or places we would visit for a treat after final exams— all were closed and gone.

You can find here a running list of the restaurants that have shuttered in NYC, due to COVID-19. We will miss the vegetable dumplings, creamy lentil soups and delicious rice. Change is a constant. A reminder that all we have are the experiences and memories we make with those we love.

Praying for everyone who lost employment and dreams. NYC won’t be the same without you.

How To Get Festive When You Aren’t Feeling It

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Wishing you all a merry merry Christmas Eve from my little candle-lit apartment to your home and heart. It has been a year that we have survived together, and I don’t blame you if you aren’t in a very festive mood tonight, or tomorrow or on New Year’s Eve. We’ve been on a journey. We’ve lost a lot, stressed a lot and many of us are far from traditions and family. This post just has some little things to seek out that may brighten your night or the next few days as we close out the festive season.

Personally, I spent the morning cooking, FaceTiming, doing a facemask and wrapping some last stragglers. I’m settling in this evening with a Mosaic Christmas Eve service, with a message from Erwin McManus. I’ll read a bit from Luke 2, and then spend some more time on my phone. Here is to celebrating all that we do have and the peace and love that came down.

Little things that may brighten your spirit:

Watch an old familiar movie

A familiar movie has an element of nostalgia to it. I love the Santa Claus movies with Tim Allen, Christmas with the Kranks and The Holiday. These films always make me smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside. You can also watch a film with a loved one who is far.

Find the lights

My boyfriend and I walked to all the bright and festive spots in the city and our immediate surroundings. There is something about little lights in the darkness that is magical. A reminder of God’s light that pierces through our darkness, even on the darkest night.

Find a good blanket

My mom gifted me a deliciously soft blanket. I have a pile of about four blankets on my bed alone, at any given time. I am partial to blankets. They make me feel cozy, and a good one feels almost like an embrace (physical touch is my love language). Bust out your fuzzy blankets, your wool blankets and the heated ones, too. Maybe it’s time for a blanket fort? (I used to live in these, as a kid).

Make several servings of a good meal

All meals are not created equal. I recently made Joanna Gaines’ Sweet Pea Orecchiette receipe (vegetarian version). I loved it. It’s flavorful and buttery; sweet and savory. I spent the morning making more. Pick a meal that you could eat for five days straight, and make it so you have for several sittings. It will make you smile when it comes time to warm it up and dig in.

Revisit old memories with family

It’s important to remember better times and important to connect with those you love. Take some time to make some Zoom or FaceTime calls. It’s good for the soul.

Give

I am not telling you anything you don’t know in this post, but these are simply reminders. It is certainly better to give than to receive. This time of year is all about the greatest gift given to us, the gift of God Himself. May we always pour ourselves out as He did. Find a family in need; find a food pantry or shelter accepting donations. Take good things to donate (not leftover junk)– things you would use. Maybe include a little note with the item explaining how to use or cook it. It may seem basic to you, but to someone else, it may make a very lasting memory or impression.

Froth your milk

Guys, your hot chocolates, coffee, and teas will never be the same. If you want a small luxury in your every day, froth your milk. It elevates everything. And personally, it brings me joy. The more foam, the better. For some yummy vegan drink options, check out RainbowPlantLife’s recipes here.

Stop tracking packages

This year, every type of shipping service has left us scrambling and with packages out in the ether. Here’s a tip: let it go, and stop refreshing all your tracking tabs. So we’ll have 12 days of Christmas post-Christmas. It’s cool. Let’s focus on what we can give and the gift of presence. In the end, that’s all that matters.

Review the past year and plan for the next

It’s important to be self-aware and review, and it’s important to make plans and seek clarity. It’s important to start now, if you can. Proverbs 29 says people perish without vision. May we seek the dreams He has for our lives and be willing to chase after them, empowered.

Music makes the vibe

There is something special about music. I have noticed more and more how when one enters a space with the right music, it’s a whole vibe. If you can, open Pandora or iHeartradio or get your Alexa going. Play something that brings the vibe you want to create in your space. Music is so powerful, and it affects our attitude and disposition. Let’s use it to elevate the season.

Take time to pause, and as Erwin McManus is reminding us tonight, make sure you don’t miss what God is doing all around you. Take time to create spaces to reflect, connect, give and feel joy.

May you feel His peace and embrace, tonight and always.

Ciao amici,

2020 People

By: Gabriela Yareliz

The other night, I was at the window searching for that Christmas star situation. Hand gripping the window sill that was probably painted over for the hundredth time in 1992, twisting my neck to see if I could catch a glimpse of anything behind the thick ceiling of gray clouds that reflect city light back onto us city dweller earthlings. Nothing. What a year.

We stayed indoors and grew pale this year (though I had my many-a-mile walks with my love in the later half of the year). That said, we all searched for inspiration in different things. I read, I mulled over things and also discovered some new people (and saw how people I already knew evolved). Below are some of the people who caught my eye in 2020. Sometimes, it was just their aesthetic or general vibe— but still— they inspired something. Let’s go!

Nausheen Shah

Pakistani jewelry entrepreneur, designer and stylist taking the world by storm. I don’t wear jewelry, but she caught my eye because she is a bold boss. Her work is bold, unique, and she is a multi-hyphenate person who isn’t afraid to stand out. Lesson: Be fearlessly bold.

Heather McMahan

McMahan continued to make us laugh. She did big things, quarantined in Canada for filming, moved out of NYC and went back south, and she took us all along for the ride. Also, just this week she married her Italian Stallion (Jeff). I have a feeling she will continue to bring us laughs. Lesson: Never stop finding the humor in the absurdities of life.

Chiara Ferragni and Fedez

Fedez and Chiara receiving the Ambrogino d’Oro, the highest honor in Milan, for their gifts and service to the community.

Chiara and Fedez kept me sane at the beginning of quarantine. I would tune into their live concerts they would do on their balcony in Italy during the lockdown. When they did it with Andrea Bocelli— I cried like a child that day. I will never forget that shared experience of humanity, grief and the solace we were all seeking in the midst of uncertainty. Apart from being a wickedly funny couple, her an entrepreneur and him a favorite Italian rapper, they are very involved and adorable parents. They show that being a parent is the greatest joy and you are still cool. Life is not over after kids. They raised millions for a COVID-19 hospital. They have poured themselves out for their community and beyond. It’s clear to me they know exactly what matters in life. Lesson: Serve, even if it breaks you. Cry with your people. Give to your people. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for it.

Fedez and Chiara honored in Vanity Fair Italia

Chrissy Teigen

This year, Chrissy very publicly suffered a miscarriage. She posted that photo few of us will forget of her weeping in her hospital bed. She is forever real. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to show your pain; you’ll find out it’s not yours alone.

Tina Sadri

She grew up in Iran seeing the US in movies. Now, she is a boss mom, has her own therapy practice in California and helps her community. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to dream, and when you’ve made it, always give back. Never forget where you came from.

Audrey Leighton

Artist, photographer, writer and lady. Lesson: Be unapologetic, feminine and strong. We are the protagonists of our own stories. Leading ladies.

Leandra Medine Cohen

After allegations of discrimination being part of the work culture at Repeller (né Man Repeller), Leandra stepped down and was publicly held accountable. I knew Repeller wouldn’t last long without her. It was voiceless. With all due respect to the other writers and editors on staff, Leandra was Man Repeller. It was a brand she embodied. Repeller was shuttered. I truly think she is one of the most brilliant voices in fashion writing and writing in general. She stands alone. She is doing the work and growing, as we all are. I know she will be back. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to do the work. Grow. Make amends. Keep moving forward.

Bordel

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Sometimes, I wonder if we all have a suspicion that this all ends like a Cédric Klapisch film. Does it? Does it end in bordel?

Are we too quick to forget Jane Austen didn’t get a Jane Austin ending to her story? Are we better off to forget facts like these and move on?

We are all at a table, calculating our courage and placing bets, eyes wide shut.

Two Years at a Bank

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I was chewing on a pretzel and catching glimpses of my acne-stained cheeks in the reflection of the changing screen on my computer when his LinkedIn update appeared where the reflection of my face had been a split second ago.

Two years working at a bank, it said. I looked at his face and smiled. It was a much grown up version of the face I had met years ago on a flight to Paris. He told me about his life in Hawaii and all of his dreams. I had a head full of ambition, and in my hand had been a little notebook filled with itineraries, addresses and phone numbers. Plans. Dreams. Youth.

I stared at his photo on my computer screen and smiled. “Two years working at a bank,” I said out loud, not caring what neighbors heard me in the hallway. “What happened to our free spirits, remember?” I thought of our 18-year-old sparkly eyes. I paused and remembered my own very non-free spirit profession of “attorney” and smiled. I let out an exhale. “I get it man, I get it.”

I hope you are still dreaming, man. I certainly know I am. I am still a free spirit— don’t let my LinkedIn fool you.