"Would you like to drink, or could you eat anything?" ~ Jane Eyre

The irony of Wednesday night’s meeting with J. Sarah, my best friend, for cocktails – a quintessential joy of a beautiful life – was at a dark, wood paneled speakeasy-esque bar called Death and Co. The last time we sat and drank was during lunch at August a little over a month ago on the day that I was processed for my new job. We sat in the back garden of the restaurant, drinking two lavender champagne cocktails a piece and enjoying the last moments of summer.

Now, weeks later, as the air cools for autumn and drinks like margaritas and daiquiris are no longer being craved, I am immersed in the financial corporate culture, I need a drink. Or, rather, drinks and indulge with one of my favorite drinking partners.

I indulge myself en route to the bar and walk leisurely down St. Mark's Place, filled with hipsters and tourists alike, patronizing funky Asian noodle shops and cheap costume jewelry stores selling pink wigs and huge bangle bracelets. I feel a little out of place, for Wall Street is a tad stuffy, and for a moment I wish I was back in college wearing my hipster knit hat from Urban Outfitters(back when it was cool and not commonplace) thinking I could save the world. I dont look back as I walk down the street, though. I am too excited about the bar and seeing J. Sarah.

Turning down East Sixth Street, I begin to walk past all of the wonderful Indian restaurants that are housed there, stopping at each and every other one to gingerly check out the menus displayed on makeshift stands on the sidewalk. Samosa chat...biryanis of all sorts...tandoori...dal. How I would love to just spend a weekend in this neighborhood sampling Indian food with my Prince. I pass a favorite of his - Taj. We have yet to eat there together, and I really would like to go back there with him in the near future. I continue to walk and daydream about the Prince until I reach the facade of the bar.

The facade is slightly intimidating, with a big wooden door and a large metal handle. I walked into darkness and had to peel back thick, velour curtains. What I saw was exactly the image you see above...only two bartenders, both in suspenders, were behind the bar and a hostess greeted me with a smile and warmth...not exactly what I expected walking into such a place. I was the first person there of the evening, J. Sarah en route, and got a corner table where I could spread out a bit and breathe. The cocktail waitress was equally warm, and when I saw that a drink I wanted "Company Buck" was no longer on the cocktail menu (what a menu, let me tell you), she had the bartender make it special for me. It was rum, ginger beer, lime juice, and a splash of pineapple with the biggest ice cubes lined up vertically perfect in a glass with a straw and symmetrically rounded lime wedge. I sipped slowly as I waited for J. Sarah, and when she arrived I was, as always, completely happy to see my most kindred spirit.

The spirit she ordered was made with gin, of course. She is not one for sweet drinks, but I found myself sipping her cocktail anyway and enjoying it. The cocktail waitress made a big to do about the orange bitter, lighting a match on the rind and creating a small, fiery show right before it landed into the caramel colored cocktail. We ordered little bites to eat - pretzel bites with honey mustard, oysters "rock a fella" (creamed spinach in an oyster shell topped with a fried oyster), pita bites, and salmon sliders. I can think of few things I love more than the combination of my best friend, cocktails, food, and laughter all at the same time. I ordered another drink - this time one called "Black Prince" that is dark and rich and delicious.

I look forward to more nights in the city like this now that I am working here...

"I wish you joy, Miss!" ~ Jane Eyre

Readers, last night I had the priviledge of being the maid of honor for my best friend's wedding (JSarah). The past few weeks have been spent happily consumed with plans for the special occassion, and I look forward to sharing vignettes and images from this beautiful day.

I gave a toast at the end of cocktail hour, and I am reprinting it here...

E, throughout the twenty years of friendship I have shared with J, she and I have always referred to each other as kindred spirits, a term used lovingly by one of our favorite fictional heroines, Anne Shirley, to describe her bond with her best friend, Diana Barry. Tonight, as I listened to your wedding vows to J, I can only describe a revelation I had as being the commencement of another special bond. E, you and I are kindred spirits, because we both know that J is the most amazing woman to have as a best friend.

The moments I treasure the most with J are when she and I have worked together as a team. We have danced together, walked a picket line together, produced benefits together, and have even planned a wedding together. Her loving nature, passionate integrity, and inspiring strength are always prevalent in these moments of teamwork. E, how fortunate you are to have J as a partner for life.

I think my favorite moments of teamwork with J are the moments when we cook together. Whether we are cooking for each other or cooking for others, it is always special for me to witness her desire to give to others both literally and metaphorically using her hands. One of the best meals we made together as a team was for her Grandmother Rita and her Uncle Monroe many summers ago. We took over Rita’s kitchen in Sag Harbor and worked diligently to prepare bruschetta and pasta primavera. Jand I agreed that Rita and Monroe were bemused at the two little women cooking up a big meal in their honor and fussing around the kitchen to make it perfect for them. We also agreed that there is no such thing as fussing too much over family.

I know that you both will receive various pieces of advice about marriage, but I truly believe the best advice stems from our relationships with our families. As imperfect as families sometimes are, we must always forgive. You both are now a family together, and I know that in moments where imperfection may surface, you will always forgive each other.

E and J, as I sat last night at dinner with both of your families, it was evident that all of the qualities that I love about both of you are gifts passed down from your wonderful family members. The smiles of joy last night and tonight on the faces of the H-----and B------ families are the best part of this celebration for me. For those family members who are not with you tonight, mainly all of your grandparents, I believe that they too are smiling with joy down on you both.

On that note, I would like to add one more reading to tonight’s celebration. This reading is a poem by one of my favorite poets, Rita S----, written on August 2, 1944 entitled
One YearTo my husband, on the first anniversary of our engagement…

I think upon a time when there was loneliness

And the world afraid.

No light warmed me

No light to fill the emptiness

That lived inside me.

Inside me alone?

Not alone---

Upon the earth a scourge flourished.

Days and nights and fire consumed time.

Aflame the world.

Aflame my heart.

You came to me.

Upon the battlefields—new victories.

Ladies and Gentleman, please raise your glasses and toast to J and E – may your hearts always be aflame. Cheers.