ahh, Anne. For some reason this story just got me. I am a weepy mess ovah here in Brooklyn. I hope I am old enough soon to not give a damn and do what makes me happy. Thanks for the nudge from a fellow paisan, Mr. Pagano.
Hi A.! I was hoping it might inspire that sort of reaction, at least among a few. I want EVERYONE to at least TRY doing what they want to do in their heart.
Absolutely! Once I accepted my own mortality at age 50, I decided I better get started doing what I want (I started a flower farm). I keep a bucket list of all the things I want to achieve/do and as I check items off, my obituary improves! The BEST achievements involve spreading light and inspiration to others. I think both Anne and Mr. Pagano found the secret sauce: Do what you like while touching souls in the process.
This was just the thing to take my anxious mind off the election. We need more Mr. Paganos living life “ their” way. But that song you chose to sing with him…whew…that was complex harmony. You really pushed the duet envelope. I’m going to spend my day today looking for something unexpected. You’ve inspired me. Thanks.
So many comments today that I have liked and clicked on. I also love that little canopy of green and the way the trees (?) have entwined. In another life I am an active promoter of ‘green streets with green canopies and I just hope it doesn’t go the same way as the goldfish pond. How I hate bureaucracies and the mindless turds who do their dirty work!! Brilliant as always Anne.🐰
So if I see a vivacious blond New Yorker ordering a "grande Americano Colombian bean finely ground half caff/half decaff with creamer Pantone 727," I'll know I'm finally in the presence of Cafe Anne!
Regarding weird trash heaps - today I found the list of items my brother found when he cleaned my car 45 years ago! The four page summary includes a parking ticket, a Volvo hubcap, a right handed glove, and a rabies dog tag , a gold bracelet, and an empty envelope to long ago boy friend. My car is more archeological dig than trash heap.
That is a fantastic collection, Liza! And another reader emailed yesterday to suggest that the trash pic in this week's newsletter looks like the result of someone cleaning out their car trunk. So yes, very strong random collection of car trash vibes going on!
A great story about a man with a big heart. ♥️ If he’s not doing it for tips how does Mr. Pagano make a living? Sorry about the fish pond but the good news might be the relocation of the pond.
Charlotte, I am not sure how Tom makes a living these days. I was meaning to ask him that, actually, and I will. But he's sort of been picking up odd jobs most of his life so I imagine that continues. Also, Bruce left him the co-op and, so his living expenses are fairly low compared to most folks in NYC.
Wow. That's a one of a kind human being, there. I wonder what the people who live in the area think about that. "It's a great area, and we always go out to the country on the weekends, especially Saturday."
I'm so sad about the aquarium being paved over! I want to know who okayed that. I want to know what happened with the fish! Who killed that tiny center of joy? I hope they feel awful about it.
Justin, before the Department of Environmental Protection paved it over, the FDNY came in and flushed the hydrant. So it was a multi-departmental effort. But I believe residents were able to save some of the fish before the city did its thing.
Was quite touched by this profile of Mr. Paganos. Thank you. And also, the Pantone coffee idea is gonna make some baristas very happy for the moment of practical quirkiness during a work day.
Sarah, so funny! As I replied to Lorie, who emailed me with the pantone idea, this move might provoke a lot of eye-rolling, but at least they'd have a story about the world's fussiest customer to share with their friends, and I'd get my coffee the way I like it!
I think it will work for you with 70% of baristas because you’d present it with your friendly smile and bring them into the fun of it✨ However, 100% of baristas get an anecdote out of it!
at its core, it would be fun to see how uncomfortable the server might feel about ordering moth-wing -- based on your doctrinaire milk limitations I am surprised you are matcha-literate :)
humans love being unique I guess. I happen to like green tea and mostly use it to make iced tea. Green tea leaves are just not left in the sun to bake incessantly to turn black and make familiar tea. Regular tea seems mostly to just be well done leaves...I prefer medium rare :) -- I JUST LOOKED UP MATCHA -- sounds like unbaked tea leaves that you run through a leaf blower and shredder till it is a powder. I wonder if cinnamon would taste any different if I pulverized a cinnamon stick in my coffee grinder...sounds like a lot of work :) Maybe matcha is inspired by the bassomatic -- everything is better pulverized.
What a pleasant surprise to find a person I actually know being spotlighted as Bay Ridge's "Karaoke King"!
Tom once mentioned to me busking on the street, but I had no idea his effort was this wide ranging
As one who delights in hearing himself warble, I was tickled by your efforts and the other samples you posted. His set lists are a blast, but here's the thing: Tom in also an incredibly thoughtful, wonderful gent who is a great neighbor and friend to my brother and everyone he lives around.
Somehow, Anne, nothing really special seems to get by you, and Tom fits that category. I'll now have to make it a point to trek in from a neighboring state for the "Pagano" experience..I'm just sorry I wasn't there to see your appearance!🎤❤️👏👏👏
I was impressed with your Velvets selection (personally I might ask him to give a try to Andy Williams pop classic "Can't Get Used To Losing You" ,though I am very fond of Lou Reed & cohorts and once got Lou to actually civilly converse a bit as we both lined up backstage to express admiration to the late soul legend Howard Tate. I also spoke to Moe Tucker on the phone once, who might have been washing dishes as I ordered a quantity of one of her indie 45s for my business).
Also from the little I know about you from your newsletter, you have your own unique and wonderful spirit, and just like Mr. Pagano you bring joy and connection to others.
Dear Anne, oh my FREAKING God! This was an AMAZING issue filled with Anne Kadet-isms and your unique take on the absolute JOY of taking New Yawk one wacko at a time. Listening to Mr Pagano opened my heart and my mind and made me realize there are voices that MUST. BE. HEARD. Thank you for opening Noo Yawk to the WORLD.
ahh, Anne. For some reason this story just got me. I am a weepy mess ovah here in Brooklyn. I hope I am old enough soon to not give a damn and do what makes me happy. Thanks for the nudge from a fellow paisan, Mr. Pagano.
Hi A.! I was hoping it might inspire that sort of reaction, at least among a few. I want EVERYONE to at least TRY doing what they want to do in their heart.
Absolutely! Once I accepted my own mortality at age 50, I decided I better get started doing what I want (I started a flower farm). I keep a bucket list of all the things I want to achieve/do and as I check items off, my obituary improves! The BEST achievements involve spreading light and inspiration to others. I think both Anne and Mr. Pagano found the secret sauce: Do what you like while touching souls in the process.
FlowerGal, turning 50 is what did it for me as well. I thought, if I don't start now, then WHEN? Hence this newsletter.
Also, I love how you said, "As I check items off, my obituary improves." Fantastic.
Let us see a link to your flower farm if you have one, please!
Certainly! New Jersey native settled in Carlisle, PA with a small flower farm: https://www.speckledhenfloral.com/
Wow I love your arrangements! They look very happy and free!
This was just the thing to take my anxious mind off the election. We need more Mr. Paganos living life “ their” way. But that song you chose to sing with him…whew…that was complex harmony. You really pushed the duet envelope. I’m going to spend my day today looking for something unexpected. You’ve inspired me. Thanks.
LOL "Really pushed the duet envelope." That's one way to put it, Toni! Hope you find a fun surprise today!
Loved reading you today (as always) and for many reasons, may I say: YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION, ANNE! Thank you for what you do. Hugs!!! :)
Awww you just made my day. Thank you Dr. Ross!
My absolute pleasure! Have a lovely day. :)
So many comments today that I have liked and clicked on. I also love that little canopy of green and the way the trees (?) have entwined. In another life I am an active promoter of ‘green streets with green canopies and I just hope it doesn’t go the same way as the goldfish pond. How I hate bureaucracies and the mindless turds who do their dirty work!! Brilliant as always Anne.🐰
"Mindless turd" that's quite the put-down, aka Kevin, haha!
Thanks for your kind words!
A P.S. See Anne’s later comment. Really good news about a new home for the goldfish. I shouted off too soon.🐰
So if I see a vivacious blond New Yorker ordering a "grande Americano Colombian bean finely ground half caff/half decaff with creamer Pantone 727," I'll know I'm finally in the presence of Cafe Anne!
Yes that'd be me Michael! Although the "half-decaf" thing was circa 2019. I've been full-throttle caffeinated since then. I do hope we meet someday!
Regarding weird trash heaps - today I found the list of items my brother found when he cleaned my car 45 years ago! The four page summary includes a parking ticket, a Volvo hubcap, a right handed glove, and a rabies dog tag , a gold bracelet, and an empty envelope to long ago boy friend. My car is more archeological dig than trash heap.
That is a fantastic collection, Liza! And another reader emailed yesterday to suggest that the trash pic in this week's newsletter looks like the result of someone cleaning out their car trunk. So yes, very strong random collection of car trash vibes going on!
A great story about a man with a big heart. ♥️ If he’s not doing it for tips how does Mr. Pagano make a living? Sorry about the fish pond but the good news might be the relocation of the pond.
Charlotte, I am not sure how Tom makes a living these days. I was meaning to ask him that, actually, and I will. But he's sort of been picking up odd jobs most of his life so I imagine that continues. Also, Bruce left him the co-op and, so his living expenses are fairly low compared to most folks in NYC.
Wow. That's a one of a kind human being, there. I wonder what the people who live in the area think about that. "It's a great area, and we always go out to the country on the weekends, especially Saturday."
I'm so sad about the aquarium being paved over! I want to know who okayed that. I want to know what happened with the fish! Who killed that tiny center of joy? I hope they feel awful about it.
Justin, before the Department of Environmental Protection paved it over, the FDNY came in and flushed the hydrant. So it was a multi-departmental effort. But I believe residents were able to save some of the fish before the city did its thing.
Was quite touched by this profile of Mr. Paganos. Thank you. And also, the Pantone coffee idea is gonna make some baristas very happy for the moment of practical quirkiness during a work day.
Sarah, so funny! As I replied to Lorie, who emailed me with the pantone idea, this move might provoke a lot of eye-rolling, but at least they'd have a story about the world's fussiest customer to share with their friends, and I'd get my coffee the way I like it!
I think it will work for you with 70% of baristas because you’d present it with your friendly smile and bring them into the fun of it✨ However, 100% of baristas get an anecdote out of it!
Why not visit Sherwin-Williams and highlight the color swatch you need. While off-putting, you might actually prefer moth-wing https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/SW9174-moth-wing
There is for sure greenish tint to the moth-wing, Mr. Dolan. Like someone accidentally added little matcha to the mix.
at its core, it would be fun to see how uncomfortable the server might feel about ordering moth-wing -- based on your doctrinaire milk limitations I am surprised you are matcha-literate :)
Oh that green weirdness is EVERYWHERE I GO.
humans love being unique I guess. I happen to like green tea and mostly use it to make iced tea. Green tea leaves are just not left in the sun to bake incessantly to turn black and make familiar tea. Regular tea seems mostly to just be well done leaves...I prefer medium rare :) -- I JUST LOOKED UP MATCHA -- sounds like unbaked tea leaves that you run through a leaf blower and shredder till it is a powder. I wonder if cinnamon would taste any different if I pulverized a cinnamon stick in my coffee grinder...sounds like a lot of work :) Maybe matcha is inspired by the bassomatic -- everything is better pulverized.
What a great story ❤️
Thank you Scott, glad you enjoyed!
What a pleasant surprise to find a person I actually know being spotlighted as Bay Ridge's "Karaoke King"!
Tom once mentioned to me busking on the street, but I had no idea his effort was this wide ranging
As one who delights in hearing himself warble, I was tickled by your efforts and the other samples you posted. His set lists are a blast, but here's the thing: Tom in also an incredibly thoughtful, wonderful gent who is a great neighbor and friend to my brother and everyone he lives around.
Somehow, Anne, nothing really special seems to get by you, and Tom fits that category. I'll now have to make it a point to trek in from a neighboring state for the "Pagano" experience..I'm just sorry I wasn't there to see your appearance!🎤❤️👏👏👏
Chris, it's so great to hear a Tom Pagano testimonial like this! I'm going to quote this in my next letter.
And thanks for your kind words!
Great! He really does deserve the recognition.
I was impressed with your Velvets selection (personally I might ask him to give a try to Andy Williams pop classic "Can't Get Used To Losing You" ,though I am very fond of Lou Reed & cohorts and once got Lou to actually civilly converse a bit as we both lined up backstage to express admiration to the late soul legend Howard Tate. I also spoke to Moe Tucker on the phone once, who might have been washing dishes as I ordered a quantity of one of her indie 45s for my business).
Keep up the unique and fun work !
I'm so heartbroken that the little aquarium is now gone.
Mr Pagano has the kind of spirit I wish I had.
I'm very sad about the little aquarium too, FTF.
Also from the little I know about you from your newsletter, you have your own unique and wonderful spirit, and just like Mr. Pagano you bring joy and connection to others.
Thank you. That feels really good to hear!
Dear Anne, oh my FREAKING God! This was an AMAZING issue filled with Anne Kadet-isms and your unique take on the absolute JOY of taking New Yawk one wacko at a time. Listening to Mr Pagano opened my heart and my mind and made me realize there are voices that MUST. BE. HEARD. Thank you for opening Noo Yawk to the WORLD.
Awww thank you Therry! And I love what you said, "voices that MUST. BE. HEARD."
It's true!
Mr. Pagano's rendition of My Way made me cry. That's all I'm going to say.
It makes me teary too, B.A. Glad I'm not alone. :)
Marvelous piece Anne, thank you for bringing Mr Pagano to us!
Thank you Pooja! I am so pleased for the opportunity to do so!
Ugh, the aquarium being paved over 😔
But, Mr. Pagano ☺️
I agree Jolene, ugh, ugh, ugh!
And Mr. P 😊 😊 😊!