our favorite event...

The morning was simply made for sitting in the park... sunshine, crisp air and a soft steady wisp of a breeze. Green danced in the light. Being at the front of the line was the only reason we sat, but the enjoyment of just being makes me wonder why we never take the time to just... be. I cannot get enough of this weather... I cannot keep from breathing it all in.

Two and a half hours. We talked and read and laughed and planned while the line grew long behind us. Past the tennis courts and probably around the corner.  Eleven o'clock and the activity began. Covers pulled back to reveal treasure, and the steady forward movement of the line.  At eleven-thirty the end of the line bought their tickets and joined the fun.

I snapped my photos and chose my bowl quickly, knowing almost instantly it was the one...

and then found my boys in the crowd, already filling their bowls with steamy soup.  Creamy chowders of shrimp, crab and conch. Broths chock full of herbs and noodles. And even a chili or two! All donated by the community, all to be a part of this amazing event.

The basic premise is simple: 

Potters, crafters, educators, students and volunteers work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. 

Local restaurants donate soup and bread to serve. 

Guests are invited on the 4th Saturday of January to a simple meal of soup and bread.  

  In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked

to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the 'empty bowls' in the world.

And if the day wasn't bright enough, there was a Chalk Art Festival and a serendipitous visit with my forever friend! Walking and talking with Eric and her daughter, we laughed the morning into afternoon as we strolled Fifth Avenue and admired the art...

The fourth Saturday in January is always, always, beautiful...