Sunday, September 28, 2014

A Visit from A Stylish Friend


                     
The other morning, Heather Reid, owner of Trilogy Consignment (a go-to destination for any one seeking a chic addition to their wardrobe at a very attractive price) came by with some of her favorite items to wear. The sunlight bathed the property with a delectable glow as Heather posed for my camera.


While locations beckon and travel creates its own kind of excitement, for now, I appreciate the inspiration I find in my own backyard.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

A Favorite Returns


What is better than the season premiere of Law & Order SVU? To see Benson (Mariska Hargitay) play her signature role and Iced T and other regulars- it's like seeing relatives with new stories to tell after a long hiatus. I am instantly comforted and refreshed at the same time.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

So Little Has Changed



Sometimes words fail me.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Picturing a Poet


On a recent summery afternoon, I had the fun experience of photographing Jo Ann ClarkExecutive Director of the Hudson Valley Writers Center. You’ll find her thoughts below…
In light of the upcoming release of my new book, I really needed an author’s headshot. This should have presented me with no obstacles. But I honestly have had a life-long loathing of having my photograph taken. My mom’s the same way so perhaps it’s in the genes. My family’s photo albums—remember those?—are stuffed with images of Mom and me in which our facial expressions range from awkward to pissed off.
I also believe that it’s true of many writers that we instinctively like to feel ourselves invisible because then we are freer to observe the environment and people around us. To have a person observing back, well, that upends our writers’ way of moving through the world. I even have always felt great kinship with tribal peoples who believe that a photograph steals one’s soul. So profound is my aversion to cameras, that it has extended to neglecting to document the adorableness and growth of my only child. I do love pictures of him—and feel a lasting gratitude to the friends, family, and fellow parents who have captured him in action over the past 14 years. But it just never occurs to me to snap a picture of him myself.  (No doubt I’ve set him up for decades of therapy….)
But back to that author headshot. I’d put off having it done for so long that my publisher was breathing down my neck. Enter Dorothy! Somehow, at the most harried end of a busy week, after a string of busy weeks, she succeeded in chilling me out,  putting me at ease, and taking the shot that will adorn my modest tome. A combination of Dorothy’s grace, good humor, and artistry—and a glass of sparkling wine—enabled me to get over myself already and to embrace the collaboration—for it truly was that—of sitting for my portrait. She’s a real pro! Dare I admit that I even enjoyed having a bit of my soul stolen away by her, but in the loveliest, most memorable of ways.


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

A Lovely Birthday (for Mom)




I had an awesome birthday this year- starting with a trip in to meet Ellen at the Museum of Modern Art to attend the show Production Line of Happiness, a very enigmatic exhibit, by the artist Christopher Williams. Monday proved to be an unhurried time to be there and best enough.....


taking pictures was permitted. Ellen was more than happy to be in my photos and help me document the show. Williams' work is completely thought provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed it even if....





I didn't understand it!!  After we finished our exploration we made our to the museum's dining spot Terrace 5 and relaxed over lunch (and thanks to Ellen and Steve for my birthday treats!).


Outside, we popped in to the Knoll showroom to look at fabrics and wall coverings for a project of Ellen's. Sensory bliss has been known to happen there!



Later birthday wishes from some of my favorite people and then out for a yummy pizza dinner with d.h. and good friends (with a gift basket and a special card from James). What a nice way to start a new year....

Friday, September 12, 2014

La lune chez nous

The last super moon of 2014 inspired me to wander outside with my camera. Along with lenses, cable, tripod and comfortable shoes I patiently waited for just the right framing overhead. Sometimes I wonder what I don't like to photograph....

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Can I Share?

I was searching the internet for a sliver of wisdom to help manage my parental anxiety as it feels like my 16 year son has left the premises mentally while still physically residing under our roof. This little bit of satire is a welcomed antidote and I'm grateful for the sympathetic minds who provide this (much needed) comic relief.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Summer's End







Art + Flowers + Dinners + Friendship + Music + Dancing + Sunsets = Happiness


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Back in the Saddle Again


Now that school is back in session, there is a different energy around the house (including the sound of footsteps well before 8 a.m.). Activities that force participation mean a lot less agita for me but it's difficult not to frame these transitions as bittersweet because when school convenes in the fall you are forced to take stock and note the swift passage of time. Next year our youngest will be a senior in high school. He has become commander in chief of his own existence as we become observers of our baby boy now a young man about town. And a photo of his handsome self? That's definitely off limits for now.  Instead I'll frame his empty bed and wrinkled sheets as a token of his existence. Knowing he is well and on his way trumps an image every time.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

For Sally (1914-1993)


In everyone's life, certain dates resonate as the years roll by, with birthdays and anniversaries often ruling supreme. Today is special for me because 100 years ago on September 2nd my mother Sally was born. She passed away over 20 years ago yet there isn't a September 2nd that thoughts of her don't absorb my attention as my heart mourns her loss. Sally was a spirited young woman, a loving wife, a unique kind of mother to her five offspring and a devoted friend to those who knew her well. She didn't excel at being meek or mild mannered, she didn't suffer fools and her pithy observations about life were often so well crafted that her insights were legendary. So much has happened to me since she passed away. I found a partner, had a family, established a home and grew my career and I think that what I have managed to achieve would have given her tremendous pleasure. It is with a lot of sadness that I commemorate this landmark event in her life and would be thrilled if on this day she was still among us. I would bake her a special cake, tell her some choice anecdotes to make her smile, and remind her of happy times we all shared.

So, Mom, Happy 100!! I love and appreciate you dearly and hope you know that wherever you are.