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“For whatever reason, I just had a strange feeling tonight. It wasn’t warranted and there was no reminder. I didn’t see anyone that told me to think about it. I didn’t read anything that wrote of it. I didn’t smell, taste, or dream it.

It was just a simple thought, one I’ve probably thought before, only intensity withholding. I thought ahead. I thought ahead two or five years, and saw someone that wasn’t scared or lost, but in a place unfamiliar. She wasn’t tired or coated in uncertainty and doubt. I couldn’t tell you where she was or what surrounded her — she was just living, and it was something wonderful. It was incredible. It was hopeful.

It’s so easy to be scared. To me, life is scary. It is harder to embrace the fear and go out and do great and beautiful things, and I’m trying to learn. I believe my vision of living and a future is bold enough to trounce all apprehension, and I wish it would do so. 
I can make it.”

—24 August 2011

Sometimes it is necessary to reassure yourself: you thought it then, and you can still do it now.

draft

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It wasn’t slightly cloudy, it was partly sunny. 
And I didn’t walk, it was a slow jog. Block beyond block,
I held tight to the lining of my pockets as a weapon.
I anticipated the place we’d cross: 
Not quite ten minutes, not quite six blocks,
but no less than five speculations away.
When? And will there be a warmth? 
Or like in the movies? And? 
And what do I say? Or…

I see several similarities,
none the same,
none right,
quite.


—29 October 2010

• • • • •


Over the course of this blog, I’ve published 1341 posts — and have 208 drafts.

Time to finish what I’ve started.

kroshka kartoshka!

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One of my favorite things to do around our apartment is chalk art. While all of my roommates are away for Thanksgiving, I’ve found comfort in being home alone by chalking. 

There is a funny story behind this phrase, “Kroshka Kartoshka.” Several months ago I met a traveling Russian man at the park and, after some conversation about his adventures in New York and upbringing in Moscow, invited him to the dinner party my roommates were throwing that evening at our apartment. One of my roommates, Arielle, has a tendency to speak in a very fake Russian accent out of habit (in fact, she was a “White Russian” cocktail for Halloween, you can imagine) and was engrossed in every word spoken by Leorid, our guest. We could not wrap our minds around the idea that a chance encounter had summoned a person with a bonafide Russian accent — a real, live Russian — to eat Tator Tot Hotdish in our living room. It was too perfect.

During a conversation about McDonald’s, Leo casually mentioned a fast food chain in Russia with amazing potatoes. When he said the name of the restaurant, KROSHKA KARTOSHKA, we stopped all conversation and made him repeat it over and over again. It was too incredible and beguiling a phrase not to, and especially when said in a thick Russian accent. 

Since that occasion we now use Kroshka Kartoshka around our apartment as an exclamation of excitement, surprise and most often, for no reason whatsoever. Giving new meaning to a Russian restaurant chain has brought us so many beautiful laughs.

(The real Kroshka Kartoshka is here, and it is, indeed, very Russian.)

thanksyorking

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This is the first time in — as long as I can remember (come to think of it, EVER) that I’ve spent Thanksgiving away from my family. I had an opportunity to go with friends to Connecticut for a few days, but I decided that since this is my first Thanksgiving in New York, I’d like to spend it in New York City. 

New York has really come alive, particularly over the past week, with holiday glow. I can only imagine how spectacular the holiday season in the city will be (first time for that, too), and I’m so excited to see the city transform with lights, ornaments and decorations. This city’s energy is magnificent and it’s amazing to be a part of it.
Here was my today —
1 + 2  / Morning walk to Barclays Center and coffee
3 + 4  /  Through sunshine and brownstones
5  /  Dressing rooms
6  / Evening at Strand, with miles and miles of books
7  / Commute home via Canal Street Station
8  / Making grandma’s/mom’s “Supreme Salad” — a holiday staple — for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow
• • • • •
Enjoy the day with your families (I sure miss mine)!
j
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The “cutest” PSA ad ever by the Australian Metro, “Dumb Ways to Die.” Effective, right? Thanks C for sharing!

*Also — this was put together by the McCann Australia team. McCann is a talented network of creatives and I’m fortunate to say I worked with them for several months in their NY office!

the wind, one brilliant day

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I had promised my friend Thom months, and months, and months ago that I would design him a postcard with the words of Antonio Machado’s poem, The Wind, One Brilliant Day. I am a promise-keeper, but not a timeline-keeper (usually), so I still do plan to finish this for Thom (as he has helped me out so much through my collegiate years and beyond).
The plan is to release the poem on here, line by line, until I’ve completed all eight lines of Wind.

• • • • •

(As an aside, I’ve been trying to get motivated + work — seriously — since I moved here, and am diligently attempting to correct the two things I’ve felt have kept me from art: The proper equipment and a good desk + chair to work at.

(Well, I got the computer programs I “need” [or just really, really wanted] and the other day I scooped a 1950’s kitchen table for two, complete with fold-down leaves, off the curb.  Still working on the chair part, but for now — let there be a fauxstudio!)