Listen now | I was accomplishing things I’d never imagined I could. Successful in my business, hanging with my beautiful friends, new and old, things were falling into place
Hey Nan, Loved this essay. You always impress me with the way you live life:Full On! I love your willingness to celebrate yourself. No shyness in you,from what I see!
Thanks Marguerite! I’m learning to live. It’s quite wonderful, actually. And I’m shy sometimes. My outgoing nature sometimes feels like a coping mechanism if I’m uncomfortable. But for the most part, no. I’m not what I would describe as a shy person. xoxo
Hey! Do you remember what you ate??? I loved that place. I should go to the new location. Haven't been, but I don't get to the city that often any more. Dying to hear your semi-colon story. Love you too. We have to catch up!
You're so dear, Tess! 64! And, no, I didn't have cake, but the month isn't over. It was the first time. We had Japanese food for dinner, and they made the most awful attempt at a matcha layer cake. Layers and layers of thin crepe pancakes with some strange filling in between each one. It was impressive to look at but I tasted it and passed. Oh, just describing it makes me want cake right now! We'll see. xo
Ah! I meant mathematically 63—right? Up until your 63rd birthday I was talking about your progression.
Was it a bumpy ride your first year? And when I mean bumpy, I'm only acknowledging what you've been through. What you talk about in the post above didn't feel easy. It seemed bittersweet. Bumpy can be bittersweet and positive because it is acknowledging everything.
I see I have to give you more context there!
Literally it’s 64 like the Beatles song as you mention. 😌
Bumpy is definitely bittersweet. My life right before 50 was as messy and hard as it had ever been. More to come later. 59-64. The best years of my life. Not the easiest, but the best. xo
Thanks, Elizabeth! I think I gave them to a friend who lives down the street. They were ridiculous for me. This last birthday was amazing for me. I usually love being queen for a day, the center of everything, all come and bow down to Nan. That's why I was so upset at the approach of my 50th. I didn't feel that way at all. But this year, I did almost nothing. Spent the day home, writing, met my bestie for dinner and that was it! And it was perfect because I didn't need more. I had/have everything I need. I have me. So good to get to this place. I didn't even have CAKE. That was truly the oddest and most wonderful part. And it's still March, so I may indulge if the pull is strong! xo
Oh, I can't wait for you to start recording your writing. I know your voice. You'll be fabulous, most likely you'll be my favorite! Love you, cookie. xo
When I did my tattoo post I couldn’t stop thinking of your wonderful reading out loud ability. I’m such a fumbled reader otherwise I’d love to record it, I always read my work to myself and often to my husband or dog but it’s not sensical enough to record 😆
I love doing it. I perform in storytelling events, and I love it, so I figured I’d give it a go. I read my pieces over and over to solidify them in my brain, so I rehearse, and then I record. It takes practice and the willingness to either fumble and leave it or start over (more than once!). Maybe one day you will. xo
Birthdays are just milestones along the way. But it's the journey that matters. And you know that. Thanks for another great story. (and I remember those "trendy" shoes when they came out. They really are ugly!)
Yup. I think the shoes are fun and kind of cool looking. I won't buy ugly shoes...oh, wait! I take that back. I bought Birkenstocks years ago, even though I thought they were ugly. What I found out is not only are they ugly, they're also pretty uncomfortable. And then I bought them again, 30 years later. Some of the more designer-y models aren't bad at all, but they're still iffy on my feet. Hard and they don't bend, but they give me arch support which I really need! Now you know a lot more about me...at least as far as my feet are concerned...I just thought of a foot story. Gonna write it one of these days! Thank you for indulging my brief stream of consciousness response. Oh, and there was a Crocs period, too! But that was more about the assortment of fun colors they come in. xo
Thank you, Rona! It was on the 8th, and I figured it would be fun to revive this piece. I published it last year at this time, before I had the podcast! xo
Many birthday blessings! I recently read Will Guidara’s book Unreasonable Hospitality, which talks a lot about the restaurant. How fun that you’re an alum, and that they treated you so well on that birthday.
Thank you, Mary! I hadn't heard about the book, that's wonderful. Yes, Danny Meyer, the owner of the Union Square Hospitality Group (who started with the first restaurant, USC,) is THE king of hospitality. His attention to detail, stellar customer service in a friendly way was the thing I valued. What I valued even more was that he treated his staff with the same respect and care he offered customers. Truly an inspiring man, and work experience. If you missed the piece I wrote on waiting on Julia Child, it's here: https://nantepper.com/p/if-youre-afraid-of-butter-use-cream It happened at Union Square Cafe. I hadn't seen or spoken to Danny in years, but reached out to him when I published the essay. He loved it. Oooh. I did go on, and on. Sorry! xo
Oooh, that’s very fun! Lovely piece! There’s a lot about Danny Meyer in the book, too. I love that the generous hospitality extended to the staff. As it should!
I had so many pairs of those shoes. I got them to stop me from falling so often, and they did. But I also got plantar fasciitis from walking on the concrete with no cushioning. Love you birfday girl
Hey Nan, Loved this essay. You always impress me with the way you live life:Full On! I love your willingness to celebrate yourself. No shyness in you,from what I see!
Thanks Marguerite! I’m learning to live. It’s quite wonderful, actually. And I’m shy sometimes. My outgoing nature sometimes feels like a coping mechanism if I’m uncomfortable. But for the most part, no. I’m not what I would describe as a shy person. xoxo
Definitely inspiring and ever so real, as always Nan. Thank you.
My fave meal in my WHOLE life was at the bar at Union Square Cafe. Love that we share the love of the place; so special.
And, next time we chat I'll share my semi-colon story - it's a hoot.
Much love to you my friend.
Hey! Do you remember what you ate??? I loved that place. I should go to the new location. Haven't been, but I don't get to the city that often any more. Dying to hear your semi-colon story. Love you too. We have to catch up!
Wonderful piece, Nan. I love your writing. It's so fresh and alive.
Thank you, Christina! xo
Oh! Happy Birthday again 🎂🍰🎂
I cried happy tears and with so much warmth...barber passed? Check. Wishing for clarity? Check! Wow. What a ride between 49 to 63.
Hope it was with cake—some good cake!
You're so dear, Tess! 64! And, no, I didn't have cake, but the month isn't over. It was the first time. We had Japanese food for dinner, and they made the most awful attempt at a matcha layer cake. Layers and layers of thin crepe pancakes with some strange filling in between each one. It was impressive to look at but I tasted it and passed. Oh, just describing it makes me want cake right now! We'll see. xo
And what a birthday!
(I had Japanese food too on mine, fellow Pisces!)
Ah! I meant mathematically 63—right? Up until your 63rd birthday I was talking about your progression.
Was it a bumpy ride your first year? And when I mean bumpy, I'm only acknowledging what you've been through. What you talk about in the post above didn't feel easy. It seemed bittersweet. Bumpy can be bittersweet and positive because it is acknowledging everything.
I see I have to give you more context there!
Literally it’s 64 like the Beatles song as you mention. 😌
Bumpy is definitely bittersweet. My life right before 50 was as messy and hard as it had ever been. More to come later. 59-64. The best years of my life. Not the easiest, but the best. xo
♥️
Loved this, Nan. So, what happened to the shoes? 😉
Some of my best birthdays have been the ones I planned myself, or those for which I stripped away all expectation.
Have we talked about being the same age? At least, I think so.
I’m learning!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I think I gave them to a friend who lives down the street. They were ridiculous for me. This last birthday was amazing for me. I usually love being queen for a day, the center of everything, all come and bow down to Nan. That's why I was so upset at the approach of my 50th. I didn't feel that way at all. But this year, I did almost nothing. Spent the day home, writing, met my bestie for dinner and that was it! And it was perfect because I didn't need more. I had/have everything I need. I have me. So good to get to this place. I didn't even have CAKE. That was truly the oddest and most wonderful part. And it's still March, so I may indulge if the pull is strong! xo
I love that you can give yourself permission to have it, or not! 🎂
THOSE SHOES! I love that you were so sold on them, like "Yes! These feel special".
There's something about the way you say the word "favorite" that makes me grin. You infuse it with so much sunshine.
I'm glad you're recording your past posts. I recently bought a microphone so someday I might be as cool as you are ❤️
Oh, I can't wait for you to start recording your writing. I know your voice. You'll be fabulous, most likely you'll be my favorite! Love you, cookie. xo
YOU ARE THE COOKIE 🍪
Thank you for the encouragement. Love you tooooooo. ♥️
A snickerdoodle. Unless I’m an oatmeal scotchie.
Really? I had you pegged as an Oreo girl. You're pretty fancy, you know? xo
Oh no. Oreos are work cookies and they are far too crunchy. I prefer soft middles. I have fancy cookie opinions ;)
Ah...soft middles. Good to know. xo
Can't we both be cookies? I'm chocolate chip. But in cold weather, I'm a Mallomar. What kind are you? xo
I just noticed all the semi colons in your images!
Yes to cake 🍰 always an occasion for cake.
As always thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to you 💕
Thanks, Sheila! xo
When I did my tattoo post I couldn’t stop thinking of your wonderful reading out loud ability. I’m such a fumbled reader otherwise I’d love to record it, I always read my work to myself and often to my husband or dog but it’s not sensical enough to record 😆
I love doing it. I perform in storytelling events, and I love it, so I figured I’d give it a go. I read my pieces over and over to solidify them in my brain, so I rehearse, and then I record. It takes practice and the willingness to either fumble and leave it or start over (more than once!). Maybe one day you will. xo
Oh wow, there’s a lot of work in it! I’m glad I mentioned this to hear the work you do to record this lovely dictation of your writing ✍️
Birthdays are just milestones along the way. But it's the journey that matters. And you know that. Thanks for another great story. (and I remember those "trendy" shoes when they came out. They really are ugly!)
Yup. I think the shoes are fun and kind of cool looking. I won't buy ugly shoes...oh, wait! I take that back. I bought Birkenstocks years ago, even though I thought they were ugly. What I found out is not only are they ugly, they're also pretty uncomfortable. And then I bought them again, 30 years later. Some of the more designer-y models aren't bad at all, but they're still iffy on my feet. Hard and they don't bend, but they give me arch support which I really need! Now you know a lot more about me...at least as far as my feet are concerned...I just thought of a foot story. Gonna write it one of these days! Thank you for indulging my brief stream of consciousness response. Oh, and there was a Crocs period, too! But that was more about the assortment of fun colors they come in. xo
Hope you a had a wonderful birthday
Thanks, J just J! xo
Happy belated birthday, Nan.
Thank you, Evelyn! xo
Happy birthday, dear Nan! The world is warmer and brighter with you in it.
Thank you, Rona! It was on the 8th, and I figured it would be fun to revive this piece. I published it last year at this time, before I had the podcast! xo
Many birthday blessings! I recently read Will Guidara’s book Unreasonable Hospitality, which talks a lot about the restaurant. How fun that you’re an alum, and that they treated you so well on that birthday.
Thank you, Mary! I hadn't heard about the book, that's wonderful. Yes, Danny Meyer, the owner of the Union Square Hospitality Group (who started with the first restaurant, USC,) is THE king of hospitality. His attention to detail, stellar customer service in a friendly way was the thing I valued. What I valued even more was that he treated his staff with the same respect and care he offered customers. Truly an inspiring man, and work experience. If you missed the piece I wrote on waiting on Julia Child, it's here: https://nantepper.com/p/if-youre-afraid-of-butter-use-cream It happened at Union Square Cafe. I hadn't seen or spoken to Danny in years, but reached out to him when I published the essay. He loved it. Oooh. I did go on, and on. Sorry! xo
Oooh, that’s very fun! Lovely piece! There’s a lot about Danny Meyer in the book, too. I love that the generous hospitality extended to the staff. As it should!
Happy Birthday, dear friend!!
Thank you, Betty! xo
Have a fabulous time, Nan and Happy belated birthdays (60 and 62!) HUGS!
I had so many pairs of those shoes. I got them to stop me from falling so often, and they did. But I also got plantar fasciitis from walking on the concrete with no cushioning. Love you birfday girl
Love you, back! I thought they were so cool. I think plantar fasciitis that day, wearing them for just a couple of hours. xo