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Victoria’s Secrets: A perfect Sunday

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Hudson at the ferry pier in Williamsburg

The winds were blowing fiercely as I made my way to visit my grandchildren in the canyon of 30- and 50-story buildings on Williamsburg’s waterfront.

It was Sunday and a chance to have one-on-one time with 4-year-old Hudson and turning 2, Sloane.

They are bundles of energy and were my sunshine on the cloud-covered day.

As I made my way from Long Island to Brooklyn on the LIE, I was grateful that, at 11 a.m., there were only pockets of traffic jams. So I was on track to get to Williamsburg before Sloane’s nap time. I had planned to cross over the newly opened Kosciuszko Bridge but the backup of traffic on the BQE made me switch plans. Instead, I took the little-known alternative bridge, the J.J. Byrne Memorial Bridge that is parallel to the Kosciuszko. On weekends, it is a little-used commercial route that on weekdays is loaded with trucks. On Sunday, though, there was scarcely a car to be seen.

Sloane, having fun
Sloane, having fun

I brought each of them a container of Silly Putty and I was amazed how entranced and engaged they were with this eternally popular toy. When Sloane had her nap, Hudson and I and dad Josh went down to the ferry pier to blow bubbles. What joy it was to watch him chasing bubbles by the waterfront.

I sadly said goodbye as they left to go to a christening.

Hudson at the ferry pier in Williamsburg
Hudson at the ferry
pier in Williamsburg

Since the LIC Flea and Food Market is only minutes from their home, I decided to pay a visit to my favorite shopping hole.

The skies were still cloud-covered and the day was gray, but for me the sunshine came out being at the Flea.

This day, I found one of my favorite vendors, Vivian, a former assistant principal who specializes in vintage clothing sold at the market under her brand LadyV. But today we talked about her becoming certified by Louise Hay, who is the award-winning author of “You Can Heal Your Life.”

She is a metaphysical speaker and trainer and Vivian had gone to her classes. I bought the book she brought back called “Love Your Body.” More to come …

Vivian aka Lady Val
Vivian aka Lady Val

Then I found a couple selling handmade craft accessories from Colombia. They were gorgeous and I couldn’t resist buying beaded earrings for $5 and a colorful beaded necklace for $30. The next time, I’m buying one of their creative, unique bracelets.

Colombian Crafts
Colombian Crafts

As I walked down the aisles, I found an artist /teacher Elaine Jensen Steele, who brought her collection of fish paintings using wood that her cabinetmaker brother had left over from his many jobs! Her work made me smile and since I had four children, I bought her painting of four fish! I know just where I will hang them but then another painting of the beach, ocean and cloud-filled sky caught my eye. It’s the scene I visualize every night before I go to sleep. Now, it’s in my bedroom. Before the purchase, it was a mind photo. Now I have a painting before my eyes.

Artist Elaine Steele
Artist Elaine Steele

Of course, no visit to the Flea is complete without a drink at the beer and wine bar and food from a vendor to have with the drinks. I chose barbecue smoked chicken from Miss Holly’s Smokehouse with cole slaw and cornbread. I added roasted corn from another vendor and I was in Pig’s Heaven!

I bumped into Daily News CEO Bill Holiber who was visiting the Flea with his wife and artist son who lives nearby. A great surprise and a bonus! What a great way to finish a delightful day!

Tune in because this coming weekend HGTV’s Flea Market Flip is planning to film at the market. A great buying opportunity. Enjoy!