A Modern Urban Sunday Afternoon
Sunday afternoon was a quintessential spring day in New York City. 61 degrees and the sky was as blue as the Caribbean I’m dreaming about (and will feel on my feet in 3 days). But somehow my 7-year-old son and I couldn’t motivate out of our pajamas. By 3:00pm the guilt was killing me. I had to take this boy outside. Heck, I had to … Continue reading A Modern Urban Sunday Afternoon
I’m Beach-Bound
I’m much over-due for a vacation. Traveling is core to my existence. I have an extreme case of wanderlust and it’s been itching for a long time. A new job doesn’t help. Wednesday I’m flying here: And here’s what the forecast looks like: Continue reading I’m Beach-Bound
Heartzels
Friday afternoon work had an “off-site.” This means about 3 hours of meetings and then a ‘team-building’ exercise. This time we went to Liberty State Science Center. Located in a really pretty state park in NJ, this particular morning was very wet and the 5 trains I took to get there – was well … cumbersome. Otherwise, it was a welcome day out of the … Continue reading Heartzels
Heart Guitar
Rockin’ Love! Continue reading Heart Guitar
HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY JACOB!
Today is my son’s 7th birthday. When he was born I made a pledge to write everything down – I didn’t. Next I swore I’d write him a letter every year on his birthday – I wrote two. Last year, when I lost my job and my son asked me what job I wanted, I told him I wanted to be a writer. “You’re a … Continue reading HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY JACOB!
My New Job: Writing Dangerously
Mistake number one was telling anyone at my new job about my blog. Good decision number one was making a rule that no one at my new job becomes my Facebook friend. Social networking policies … we all have to create them for ourselves. Rules to live by in our fake little online worlds. I wrote something that I thought came out awesome, but it’s … Continue reading My New Job: Writing Dangerously
Photographic Lunchtime Sprawls: Walking Home
Friday evening, on my walk I took these photos. On days when I just can’t see the color, I shoot in sepia – it seems to even out the images with the ones that I seen in my mind. See previous Lunchtime Sprawls photos here. Continue reading Photographic Lunchtime Sprawls: Walking Home
Meeting Poetry III
Yesterday I posted what I’ve titled MEETING POETRY. Here is yet another meeting, same speaker. Meeting Poetry IIIIt’s just my reality…Did anything pop out?What do you mean when you say we lost them?What are you commenting on?Where are you?How do you clean a list? I’m gonna assume that…It used to be okI remember when… Wait. Stop. Can I ask you a question?No, forget it. I’m … Continue reading Meeting Poetry III
Standing Out in Hyper Cyber
Standing out in the online community is like walking into a room filled with total darkness. Being pretty is no longer an advantage. You need to think about ways to stand out from the crowd. How can I be remembered? How can I leave a mark? Marketing yourself online is just like any marketing. While it is not an exact science, I do think it’s … Continue reading Standing Out in Hyper Cyber
A Girl, A Dad, A Dog and Some Squirrels
“Daddy, wait for me,” she half-pleaded, half-squealed. She was about three, going on six. Long brown springy curls bounced behind her as she struggled to keep up with her father, five feet in front of her. Her pink coat was wide open and she was tussling with the lid to a bottled beverage. In her small hands, the glass bottle seemed gargantuan. Her father, too … Continue reading A Girl, A Dad, A Dog and Some Squirrels
Paper Art Genius
I subscribe to Real Simple in part because I think it’s a good bathroom read, but mostly because I adore the paper art genius of Matthew Sporzynski. (I’d link to his page but this Go-to-Google-Gal could not find one devoted specifically to his brilliant creations. Matthew – if you read this, please create a Gallery!) Incidentally I think Real Simple should have a gallery on … Continue reading Paper Art Genius
Meeting Poetry II
I always have a pen and in order to maintain my sanity during meetings, I write down phrases uttered. This was all one person’s dialog during a one-hour meeting. Contradictory? Check. Condescending? Check. Absolutely clueless that this is what she projects? CHECK! Meeting Poetry II We are in a bubble she says. We are hovering that’s what we’re doing. We’re that close – every little … Continue reading Meeting Poetry II
Game On!
I feel like I’m regressing. This past weekend I spent playing Dance Dance Revolution for Wii. Last year’s kick was Guitar Hero. I spend unforgivable hours on social networking sites fake interacting, creating a micro-spec on a microcosm that is something much bigger than I will probably ever understand. But I’m there. Playing with the others. Sometimes I think I’d list the same hobbies du … Continue reading Game On!
Meeting Poetry I
Paper cups of coffee, clear cups of water, plastic cutlery in a glass jar, rubber coasters in an iron caddy, white walls, hard table, metal chairs. electronic communications to help us talk to each other in this box. No time for me to speak — but she keeps on talking. She tries to teach the world. She wants to listen but doesn’t hear. It’s hers, … Continue reading Meeting Poetry I
Heart on Fire … and on Me
> This is Flambeaux performing at the Slipper Room. 3.12.09 My version of Film Noir starring me. Continue reading Heart on Fire … and on Me
How Do You Hang Up an Email?
Remember the day when you reunited with an old friend and you picked up the phone, had a 3-hour conversation and hung up the phone? Or how about when you were getting set up on a date and you “got someone’s number?” You’d dread it, plan it out, call, chat for whatever chemistry deemed the right amount of time, and then HUNG UP. But how … Continue reading How Do You Hang Up an Email?
Mad World
Mad World by Gary Jules came on my iPod shuffle and I was reminded of how much I love it. Like most songs, this song brings me back to a very specific part in my life and I reflect often upon it. This song tugs me back into introspection every time I hear it … Continue reading Mad World
Who’s Mommy? By: Son, Sister Boyfriend
A friend of mine tagged me in a note on Facebook. She conducted an interview with her 7-year-old son and suggested I do the same. I did – but my experiment evolved… My sister was hanging out with us when I was conducting the interview with my son — and she wanted to give her answers. So I documented those. Then I thought it would … Continue reading Who’s Mommy? By: Son, Sister Boyfriend
Tales From an Upper East Side Restaurant
Until recently, my sister was a server at a high-end restaurant on the Upper East Side. On an evening when a new haircut made me feel fancy, I decided to capitalize on my food connection and dine like [family] royalty at The Restaurant. **********When I enter, the tag team of overdressed Host and under-aged Manager greets me. Both click on their smiles and direct me … Continue reading Tales From an Upper East Side Restaurant
What Makes His World Wonderful…
My six-year-old wrote this in school (in perfect handwriting, no less!) Yes, he has a blog. No, I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Social Networking: Kids.1.0 Tear. Smile. Love. What makes my world wonderful? I will tell you …Although I’m allergic to dogs, I still love them. School makes me smart every single day. Playing with Legos makes … Continue reading What Makes His World Wonderful…
Heart in the Snow
Nothing melts snow like love … or … coffee? Continue reading Heart in the Snow
Hearts from Friends
Thanks Adrian! Thanks Ree! Thanks Ree! Thanks Matt! Thanks Lorna! Continue reading Hearts from Friends
I Heart John Leguizamo
Tonight we went to see John Leguizamo’s Work in Progress at the Barrow Street Theatre. I love John Leguizamo — particularly thought he was brilliant in his two autobiographical Broadway stints, Freak and Sexaholix. Tonight I saw him testing out his new work in a tiny all black theatre filled with 80 die-hard fans. He wore sweat pants and he was perfect. He entered in … Continue reading I Heart John Leguizamo
Photojournalistic Lunchtime Sprawls
In front of the Museum of Modern Art, NYC Pill lights – MOMA 43rd Street – going West Old New York Times Building New New York Times Building, NYC New New York Times Building – Looking Up Times Square – there goes that news van again 100 Petit Roses to celebrate 4 years Pink and many more On my desk – from the 100 roses Continue reading Photojournalistic Lunchtime Sprawls
Kiss Goodbye
Four years ago today I met you and knew I would always know you. Three years ago, the world tasted differently. We were just beginning to merge the flavors of our bountiful meal. My love wrote me this poem on one of those mornings where he used to sneak out before Jake got up. We had just celebrated our one year anniversary. Today feels like … Continue reading Kiss Goodbye
A Simple Love Story-icon
Once upon a time … Female O+ met …Male O-> There were some standard relationship courting …Wink ; )Smile : ) He got … Tongue-tied :& But finally figured out the right thing to say: You’re Hot! ~~:-) She started … Blushing *^_^* He gave her a … Big Kiss :-(|) that left her … Dazed %-) He set the mood … Lit Candle ~= … Continue reading A Simple Love Story-icon
Remembering a Summer Day in Little Russia
The sun is shining so brightly that by the time I survey my chosen place on the sand, I find myself amidst a posse of 70-something Russian men enjoying their summer dacha here in Little Russia: Brighton Beach. Volodya and Misha are directly in front of me. They are both sporting George Hamiltonian tans. Only one of the two has a folding chair; the other … Continue reading Remembering a Summer Day in Little Russia
Hanging Onto My Money
Dear Leo, Here is your horoscope for Tuesday, February 24: Keep your wallet tucked safely away today — you need to avoid spending as much as you can, especially on joint purchases. Put them of for a while or say no, because you’ve got to hang on to your money. Now … horoscopes like this one are exactly the reason that things like this happen … Continue reading Hanging Onto My Money
I Take on The Tax Bill and "The List"
I put things off – sometimes important things – like tax bills. I think it all boils down to my commitment phobia. And procrastination. Sometimes I let all the little dreadful things (like paying the tax bill, dealing with the creditors, making doctor’s appointments, filling out financial aid forms…sense a trend?) build up and create a stack I can’t tackle. Life builds up because we … Continue reading I Take on The Tax Bill and "The List"
And the Winners Are…
Here were my original predictions. I want to thank the Academy … Best Actress, Supporting RolePENELOPE CRUZ Best Original ScreenplayMILK Best Adapted Original ScreenplaySLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (1) Best Animated FeatureWALL-E Short Film, AnimatedLA MAISON EN PETITS CUBES Art DirectionCURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (1) Costume DesignTHE DUCHESS Make UpCURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2) CinematographySLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (2) Best Live Action Short FilmSPIELZEUGLAND (TOYLAND) Best Supporting ActorHEATH … Continue reading And the Winners Are…
Robot Birthdays + Toys R Us + Times Square
Birthday party season is upon us here at New York City private schools. Birthday parties in this circuit take on a special flavor. Where the rest of middle class America is feeling the economy and throwing more modest parties, the private school scene still plans some elaborate bashes for the tykes. Today my son went to a Robot Galaxy birthday party for a 7-year old … Continue reading Robot Birthdays + Toys R Us + Times Square
My Oscar Picks
Every year around Oscar time I make a rally to see the Oscar nods. Partly it’s my way of feeling involved on Oscar night until I get my invitation to go to the live event. Partly it’s because I want to see the “best” movies. Of the nominated bests, so far I’ve managed to see – in this order: Wall-EDark Knight Tropic ThunderRachel Getting MarriedSlumdog … Continue reading My Oscar Picks
Simplify: Find the Light
A new year, a new President, a new job – and yet I call this the year of the circle. I’m working for the same company I worked for 8 years ago, walking home to an apartment back on the same block I lived at then. Only this time, it’s my boyfriend’s apartment and not the one my husband and I shared. 8 years ago … Continue reading Simplify: Find the Light
I Found a Cleft Chin When I Wasn’t Even Looking
Just this evening I made a discovery: my sister has a cleft chin. She’s 28 years old. It’s not obvious, but when she’s laughing, a cute dimple appears in her chin. Peek-a-cleft. My sister hates it and now has deemed that I have scarred her for life. She calls it a chin-butt; I call it a dimple-chin. But this was not my first cleft chin … Continue reading I Found a Cleft Chin When I Wasn’t Even Looking
We Painted
My son, my artist boyfriend and me – the girl with a doodling compulsion made some art on Monday would be Sunday. Continue reading We Painted
Monday Like a Sunday … A Day in Photos
I used to think I was special because I made waffles rather than defrost them. Then my boyfriend got me a waffle maker that even made my waffles feel special (see proof below). This morning, I made waffle batter from scratch. Presto deliciousness. The waffles were so pretty, they served as perfect models for an impromptu photo shoot. Then the Lego crew decided that they … Continue reading Monday Like a Sunday … A Day in Photos
Ode to Geek Love
On the PS of Valentine’s Day, read about 5 Geeky Marriage Proposals That Worked from Wired. Love geeks. Love love. Love creative proposals. Here’s an ode to Geek Love. You must read this brilliant article from last March – a eulogy of sorts to Gary Gygax, co-creator of the game Dungeons & Dragons. The article speaks how Gygax, on the foundation of role-playing and polyhedral … Continue reading Ode to Geek Love
Hearts of New York City
Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are some recent NYC hearts celebrating the seasons. Times Square gets a Heart. Me … Hiding in the Times Square Heart. This heart, made entirely out of red condoms hangs in the window of Armani Exchange. Apparently when the display hit the malls of Texas, it made a bit of a stir. This heart, and the one below it is from … Continue reading Hearts of New York City
Photojournalistic Lunchtime Sprawls
‘Tis the season for seeing lots of hearts in the neighborhood. Happy almost Valentine’s Day. Bloomies loves hearts. Oh L’amour at Ricky’s. FOXY! in the ‘hood. Vynl on 9th Avenue Foxy on 9th Avenue Continue reading Photojournalistic Lunchtime Sprawls
Revolutionary Road and Love
Last night I saw Revolutionary Road. It has been almost 24 hours and I can’t shake the movie from my system. Sam Mendes was brilliant. Kate Winslet was phenomenal. Even Leo was amazing. The poingnancy of the film, the rawness, the honesty. The realistic portrayal that played into so many fears. I’m still formulating my thoughts – but it has buried itself into an abyss … Continue reading Revolutionary Road and Love
The Dudes See Me Naked
I’ve had scaffolding on my apartment building for the better part of 6 months. Most of that time I was working from home, while the Dudes (Tony, Jimmy and Vinny) power washed the brick of my 97th Street building. Day in and day out, they would start up the battery that sounded like an airplane motor at 9am; take their lunch at Yabba-Dabba-Do noon and … Continue reading The Dudes See Me Naked
Some Days I Just Don’t Want a Tune Up
I get my daily Kabbalah Tune-ups each morning. Some days they’re insightful, some days they’re inspirational, some days they make me want to say ‘Shove it up your ass with your wisdom! Take the red bracelet and tie it around your neck with a little bow.” Last night I went to bed after 3am – up at 6:45am. No one to blame but myself. This … Continue reading Some Days I Just Don’t Want a Tune Up
Pictured Words Define My Blog
Wordle is a cool new toy for generating “word clouds” from your blog (or text that you provide). The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. What does this say about me, besides DONUTS? But more interesting, on my 6-year-old son’s blog, these are the words … Continue reading Pictured Words Define My Blog
The Donut Bringer
My gracious co-worker Lorna is really the one responsible for my Donuts on Friday debacle. Yes, she may be the silent heroine in the story, but is she not also the instigator? For had there been no fried treats, there would have been no Reply All shit story. Read how Lorna defends the Donut incident. PS: That awesome photo was taken by Lorna.PPS: Lorna – … Continue reading The Donut Bringer
Photojournalistic Lunchtime Sprawls
It was a freezing week, but I still made it out most days during lunch for my photos. On the snow day, I couldn’t pass up the fire truck. (You know I’m a sucker for the FDNY.) Yes that White Castle is my next door neighbor at work. FDNY’s Engine 26 meets Batman on 37th Street. The Result = The Batcave. Further down 37th Street … Continue reading Photojournalistic Lunchtime Sprawls
Friday Donuts in the Kitchen
I started my blog in between jobs. This meant I was able to write about past jobs without worrying about repercussion. But a month ago I got a new job and well – that’s all I want to write about. However, on week one of my new job I told everyone about my wonderful blog. Well – so … um … now I really don’t … Continue reading Friday Donuts in the Kitchen
The Potato Peeler from Union Square: A True Salesman
I love a good story and I love a good character. This man delivered all that. He was unforgettable – a businessman, a charmer, an enigma yet an urban legend. His life told a fairytale and at its core was a potato peeler. “Never underestimate a small amount of money gathered by hand for 60 years,” Potato Peeler Salesman Joe Ades used to say. Mr. … Continue reading The Potato Peeler from Union Square: A True Salesman
A Spring Day in Central Park
On occassion I write without objective; just observations that spill out and occupy themselves in my mind’s scrapbook. Sometimes I stumble across these words and they are like a warm sweater on a cold day. The grass is at its prime in Central Park – just having drunk three days worth of spring showers. Like a fresh haircut, the blades dance in the wind, glints … Continue reading A Spring Day in Central Park
I Heart Lego (&) NYC
I love New York. My son loves Legos. This totally rocks! Full article from New York Times is here. About the ArtistChristoph Niemann’s illustrations have appeared on the covers of The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times Magazine and American Illustration. His work has won numerous awards from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the Art Directors Club and American Illustration. His Web … Continue reading I Heart Lego (&) NYC
Office Alarm
Sitting in an office all day often leaves my feet tapping and my mind antsy to wander. Recently I made the decision to take a daily lunchtime walk and take photos. This morning I decided to take a 15-minute walk through Central Park to my west side train. It was cold but bearable with melting ice on the concrete, but frozen ice over the grass. … Continue reading Office Alarm
HeartsEverywhere 