David J. Goodwin
Plants & America: A July 4th Reflection
Every summer, near the Fourth of July, I try to read a history of the American Revolution or a biography of a founding father. This period has long captivated my imagination: Enlightenment thinkers led a young nation discovering its identity.
A Lorillard Sighting
While recently visiting cultural and historic institutions in the East Village in New York, I noticed a plaque outside the storied St. Mark’s Church In-The-Bowery. The plaque noted that St. Mark’s is the oldest physical site of worship in New York, dating back to the days of New Amsterdam. Additionally, it listed some of the more…
A Pencil Shop on Orchard Street
While walking through the Lower East Side in Manhattan on a recent Saturday afternoon, I happened upon CW Pencil Enterprise. The shop window read “Purveyors of Superior Graphite.” As a writer with very specific preferences in writing implements, I couldn’t resist.
A Local Seed Library
While returning several slightly overdue books–yes, I resemble the stereotypical book hoarder–at the Mid-Manhattan Library of the New York Public Library on a recent afternoon, I noticed a flyer promoting a seed library. Any library member could request up to three packets of non-GMO vegetable, flower, or herb seeds. My interest was piqued.
Washington Irving in a Neighborhood Cafe
On May 19, 2019, I presented my talk, “Washington Irving: A Knickerbocker in New Jersey,” on behalf of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy at my favorite neighborhood cafe, Froth on Franklin.
A Late Spring Break
Due to a few upcoming speaking engagements and an ongoing research project, I’ll be taking a short break from the blog. I should return within a week or two. In the meantime, feel free to peruse older posts.
My Spring Bookshelf
Although I’m deep into a research project, I still find myself reading during my leisure time. I just can’t keep away from printed matter. As the weather improves and the days grow longer, I hope to spend many hours with a book in hand. Preferably outside.
Trees Grow in Brooklyn
Last week, I ventured from my cozy nest in Jersey City to Brooklyn, the epicenter of the contemporary creative world in New York. I didn’t seek out live music, funky cafes, eclectic bookshops, or farm-to-table restaurants. I rode the subway to Brooklyn to enjoy nature. Yes, nature.
A Spring Ritual
In recent past posts, I’ve reflected upon nature and the arrival of spring. This season of renewal has captured my private thoughts as well. The physical, imaginative, and spiritual worlds seem refreshed and expectant.
Oases in the City: Looking to One Future
While deep in my research at the New York Public Library on a undisclosed topic, I recently came across the 1923 edition of New York Walk Book, a hiking guide for the metropolitan area. The book provides itineraries, guides, and maps for both urban flaneurs and nature lovers. This wonderful volume inflamed my imagination.