Navigating Motherhood and Milestones: A Day with Tarajia Morrell
Dawn's Embrace and the Symphony of Morning Routines for a Working Mother
The day commences just as dawn breaks, signaling the start of another demanding yet fulfilling day for Tarajia Morrell. Her alarm pierces the morning quiet at 6 AM, instantly shifting her focus from routine communication work to the critical promotion of her newly released memoir. As she prepares her morning coffee, a crucial component for her energy, the melodic sounds of Alice Coltrane fill her home, offering a tranquil yet stimulating backdrop. This early hour, enveloped in the quiet calm and the burgeoning light over the city, serves as a poignant reminder of her good fortune, reinforcing her gratitude for her home and her daughter.
A Peaceful Awakening and the Morning Meal's Sweet Ritual
At 6:15 AM, a delightful surprise greets Tarajia as she finds her daughter, Viva, already awake and engrossed in play in her childhood bedroom. The serene morning music, a blend of Alice Coltrane and Éthiopiques, seems to have set a calm tone for Viva's early start. Breakfast unfolds with Viva coloring while enjoying a simple meal of cinnamon-raisin English muffin with Nutella, berries, and juice. This moment underscores Tarajia's pragmatic approach to parenting, especially concerning her daughter's selective eating habits, prioritizing a peaceful morning over culinary perfection.
The Fleeting Moments of Motherhood and the Race Against Time
As the morning progresses, Tarajia assists Viva with dressing for school, despite her intention to foster independence. This act is not just about saving time but also about savoring the fleeting moments of her daughter's early years, acutely aware of how quickly time passes. The school bus arrival, often unpredictable, necessitates a hasty departure at 7:13 AM, prompted by a timely alert from another parent. This small act of community support significantly eases the daily stress of a single parent, highlighting the invaluable nature of shared parental solidarity. The wait for the bus becomes a cherished interlude for mother-daughter bonding, wrapped in warmth and playful melodies.
A Quick Transition: From School Drop-Off to Literary Celebrations
With Viva safely on the school bus, Tarajia swiftly shifts gears. By 7:20 AM, she's back home and into the shower, preparing for a significant day centered around her memoir. Her literary agent, Andy McNicol, arrives promptly for a breakfast event hosted by Carlos Suarez at Claudette, celebrating "Desire Feeds the Feast." The journey downtown, however, encounters a minor detour due to a navigational error, a humorous interlude highlighting the small imperfections of busy schedules. Arriving at Claudette at 8:55 AM, Tarajia finds solace and strength in the gathering of friends and colleagues, a welcome respite from the solitary journey of writing.
A Symphony of Support: Embracing Community at the Book Breakfast
By 9:30 AM, the breakfast event at Claudette is in full swing, a vibrant gathering of loved ones from various chapters of Tarajia's life. The subtle nod to her book cover—many guests, including Tarajia, dressed in red and black—creates a unifying and celebratory atmosphere. A playful exchange with friend Batsheva Hay about a vintage Geoffrey Beene dress adds a personal touch, connecting the present celebration to cherished memories within her memoir. This gathering not only celebrates her literary achievement but also reinforces the strong community ties that support her journey.
Unforeseen Wardrobe Adventures and Culinary Collaborations
As the book breakfast concludes at 11 AM, Tarajia embarks on the next phase of her day. A wardrobe oversight—forgetting a shirt to accompany her jeans—leads to an impromptu shopping trip for a simple long-sleeve T-shirt. By 11:30 AM, she meets creative director Anna Polonsky at Santo Taco, where they discuss branding for upcoming hotel projects. Over refreshing agua frescas and delicious tacos, they catch up, discovering a shared event later that evening, further weaving together the professional and social threads of their lives.
Milestones and Memories: A Bookstore Visit and a Podcast Recording
The afternoon brings a whirlwind of significant engagements. At 12:15 PM, Tarajia visits The Strand, the iconic bookstore where her book launch is slated. Seeing posters of her memoir and the greenroom adorned with photos of her literary heroes evokes a profound sense of accomplishment and awe. At 1 PM, she heads to The Malin to record an episode of the "Lit Up" podcast with Angela Ledgerwood. This session, a reunion from a previous co-authored work, highlights the beautiful serendipity of life, as Angela has since married a high school friend of Tarajia's, weaving personal connections into her professional journey.
Artistic Visions and the Distraction of a Hectic Schedule
At 2:30 PM, Tarajia meets Charlie Champalimaud at Thompson Street Studio to review sketches for a commissioned art piece for Belden. The discovery that artist Kiva Motnyk grew up in the same building feels like a serendipitous connection, resonating with the themes of home and rediscovery in Tarajia's memoir. However, the relentless pace of the day begins to take its toll. At 3:30 PM, exhaustion leads to a misstep on the subway, resulting in an accidental trip to Queens, a momentary lapse in an otherwise meticulously planned day. A taxi ride rectifies the error, highlighting the small struggles of balancing a demanding schedule.
Reuniting with Viva and the Evening's Domestic Rhythms
The afternoon transitions back to family life as Tarajia picks up Viva at 4:30 PM, inquiring about her school lunch with a mixture of amusement and parental concern. By 5:15 PM, they are home, settling into a quick dinner of "crispy chicken," broccoli, and avocado—a meal carefully prepared despite Viva's picky eating habits. This routine mealtime is a testament to the persistent efforts of a mother to provide nourishing food, even when culinary preferences differ.
A Brief Reprieve and the Evening's Social Engagements
At 5:30 PM, the arrival of a babysitter provides Tarajia a brief moment of respite. Despite her exhaustion and a fleeting thought of canceling her evening plans, the sitter's presence signifies the unwavering support system that enables her multifaceted life. By 6 PM, she steps out again, ready for the evening's engagements. The crucial role of her mother and network of mom friends in navigating the intensity of her book launch month is deeply acknowledged, underscoring the collaborative effort required to manage such a demanding schedule.
Fashion, Friendship, and Feasts: An Evening of Celebrations
Tarajia's evening unfolds with a blend of professional connections and cherished friendships. Her first stop is Le Monde Beryl's new shop on 67th Street for a cocktail party. Wearing a silk dress designed for her next event, she embraces the casual atmosphere with old friends, where laughter makes any sartorial misjudgment irrelevant. At 7 PM, she arrives at the Russian Tea Room, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Amidst the opulent decor and her "food world family," she reminisces about past visits. Her exhaustion leads to a spontaneous suggestion for a late-night dinner at Dim Sum Palace, a practical solution for six hungry friends on a beautiful autumn evening.
A Peaceful Conclusion and the Profound Beauty of Home
The day concludes at 10 PM as Tarajia returns home. The thoughtful act of a babysitter loading the dishwasher feels like a small victory. She climbs into the loft bed, once her own, to kiss Viva goodnight, pulling the covers over her sleeping child. As she drifts off, she reflects on the perfect fit of their home—just a mother and child. The realization that this apartment, once shared with two parents, now holds a new narrative of their own, fills her with wonder. Her final thoughts drift to the strangeness and profound gift of their shared life, acknowledging that this very search for meaning and the marvel of existence were the driving forces behind her memoir, bringing a peaceful end to a remarkably full day.
