New York Times Metropolitan Diary - Stooping
My love for New York is now etched in print.
As a long-time fan of the Metropolitan Diary section of The New York Times, I submitted stories for months, hoping to land a coveted spot in the column. I wondered if my words dissolved into an abandoned inbox until one day—a reply: "We are considering using your item in the Metropolitan Diary."
Alone at my desk, I screamed out loud. I immediately called my husband, Michael, to share this validation of my writing.
Here is my published Metropolitan Diary entry titled "Stooping," complete with a charming illustration by Agnes Lee. You can read it by clicking this link (no subscription required). I’d love for you to comment on the The New York Times site with your thoughts about the piece.
I'm grateful to Charles Bock, who holds space for me and other writers in his 6am daily writing group. I drafted this piece during one of his early morning sessions. Special thanks also to Ruthie Ackerman, whose guidance during one of her writing workshops elevated this story.
As I write my memoir (with a thread about my love affair with New York City), publishing my writing in the iconic Metropolitan Diary section of The New York Times feels like a milestone. Thank you for being here to celebrate it with me.
The Ultimate Stoop Giveaway!
I stumbled upon this iron wine rack in a trash pile on Park Avenue in January. I knew it would be gone when I returned from walking Carolina to school. I moved it to the side of the building and told a nearby doorman my plan—I’d be back for it in 15 minutes. He chuckled and said, “Are you sure? It’s heavy.” I was sure I wanted it but unsure what I would do with it. Four months later, it’s still largely empty (we’re not wine collectors) and needs a good home. If you’re in/around NYC and want it (and can pick it up—keeping the doorman’s warning in mind), it’s all yours! Just reply to this newsletter. The first person to claim it can have it.
This is not just any wine rack; it's a 67-bottle beauty manufactured by Shaver Howard in the 1970s. It stands tall at 72" H x 17” W x 12 3/8” D, a unique piece that could be the perfect addition to your home. The same ones sell for up to $2500 online. Act fast!
Words of the Week:
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”
-Mark Twain
Our community-building contest is in full swing! It runs from now through May 17th. Please share the Fly Bravely newsletter or this link with anyone who would enjoy the content. You'll earn one entry in the contest for each new subscriber you refer. The subscriber who drives the most new sign-ups gets to choose from one of nine fantastic prizes made or sourced by me :)
I made a wacky sculpture from glass and ceramic pieces collected at a Brooklyn beach where debris from a landfill capped in the 1950s washes ashore.
You’ll learn more about Dead Horse Bay in an upcoming newsletter. On the underside of this piece is the marking Made in Occupied Japan. This indicates that the pottery was made in Japan after the Second World War, sometime between 1945 and 1952.
The contest winner will be announced on May 20th. The prize ships free to your doorstep (within the United States). Tell us who you've shared Fly Bravely with by replying to this email so we can track your entry.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fly Bravely. If you’re not already a subscriber, type your email below to receive free weekly emails.
I would love to claim the wine rack! I'm a stooper myself and loved this story
This is so lovely, Lia! What a thrill to hit this milestone. Most of all, I love that you’ve taken the time to celebrate it and let us all celebrate with you! And I had so much fun commenting on the Times post. As a part of your celebration, you gifted me a fun writing exercise in the invitation! Thank you!