The Ballad of Jay-B and Fiancé Knowles

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks. After four days in Montauk and one day back at work, Justin and I set out on a bike ride along the Hudson River last Sunday evening. The plan was to go for a spin, hang out for a bit in one of the parks by the water, and then ride to din. We posted up on a grassy area and read and talked for a bit. Then we decided to get up and reposition ourselves to better see the sunset. (We’re really into sunsets these days.) I stood, but Justin didn’t… Instead he kneeled on one knee… and POPPED THE QUESTION!!! I was stunned. My heart started pounding and time seemed to stand still. (So cheesy I know but true.) I said “Oh My God” about 20 thousand times and then asked Justin to repeat his proposal. Again I replied “Oh My God.” “Is that a yes?” he asked. And of course I said, “YES.” And then he asked should we go to our party? Again I was shocked. He had arranged for a big family dinner (our parents and siblings, our nephew and niece and my grandpa all included). It was the perfect combo of an intimate private proposal and a larger-scale family celebration. I’m so excited to officially be family with my man.

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P.S. Here’s a picture of us right after the proposal - 

P.P.S. Re: the title of this post – Justin has taken to calling me his Fiancé Knowles. And it just so happens that Justin’s fam calls him JB. (His middle name is Blake.)

I Want To Ride My Bicycle

Quite hypocritically, since this post I’ve worked 9 – going on 10 – days without taking a break. The upside is that I’ll be able to go Montauk for July Fourth (and fifth and sixth and seventh). So I’m sort of practicing what I preach. I’ve also been embracing some of the more relaxing elements of NYC – like bike riding along the Hudson River.

Justin got me a bicycle for my b-day back in February. He had been humming “Bicycle Race” by Queen for days prior, but I hadn't picked up on the hint. Justin believes having a bike is a prerequisite for being a true West Villager. And really he just knows how much I love bike riding (despite being a bit scared to ride on busy city streets) (similar to how I love the beach but am scared of big waves). Anyway it was an AWESOME gift, but it was too big. We ended up getting two Biria bikes instead: his and hers, black and cream. And I souped up mine with a big basket. (I try to be a Yogi about it and travel light, but usually I fail.)

We’ve gone on some lovely voyages – to dinner at Hudson Clearwater (delicious food and wonderful ambiance) and to the Hudson River bike path on various occasions, including a sunset spin. And recently we biked halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge – it’s not an easy ride! Especially on a sweltering hot day – before returning to the Village for ice cream from this fancy ice cream truck.

I love NYC but oftentimes I miss nature. I need to break out of the concrete jungle. And it makes sense. Dr. Andrew Weil says “Insufficient contact with nature predisposes us to depression.” He advises in his book Spontaneous Happiness to “Find ways to connect with nature. Take advantage of city parks. Bring natural beauty into your living space.” I’m looking forward to finally taking a few days off and escaping to The Hamptons. And when I’m back in The City I’ll keep taking bike rides by the water. Doctor’s orders.

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