curb appeal in sleepy hollow

Cindy

2012-03-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

An excursion to a cultural destination with my signficant other always elevates my morale.
Added to the excitement of our outing is that we are going to see the Cindy Sherman retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art. I was struck by Peter Schjeldahl's review in the New Yorker and his opinion that "She is the strongest and finest American artist of her time." With the respect due such an important figure we wandered the galleries and took it all in. It was inspiring and monumental to say the least. We looked at a few other, very interesting exhibits and then took a break to eat a delicious lunch in the cafe among the very chic types in attendance.

Post motherhood, trying to figure myself out in the scheme of things. The strongest and finest anything is unlikely to be mine. Ego, ambition, desire and obsession. Always a lot to contemplate at the end of the day.

I'm In

2012-03-03T10:50:00.001-08:00

A quiet week around here without much drama meant a chance to work on learning Adobe Indesign. It was very satisfying to start to put the graphics puzzle of my words and images together on a page. As everyone pretty much did everything according to plan, I wasn't interrupted constantly. Quite a boost to maintaining my sanity. I watched the much hyped premiere of NBC's "Awake" and found it confusing in an intriguing sort of way. The show is definitely high concept. I guess I'll have to keep watching (along with everyone else who cares) to try and figure out what the heck is going on.

Vacation chez Nous

2012-02-22T08:27:00.001-08:00

Midway through vacation and my kids seem happy to do nothing and wander to town later to "see friends". The big downside is the restlessness they feel at night after laying about for a day. But squander away they will and as long as I guard the fort, make them walk the dog and keep food in the house they are happy to chill as much as humanly possible or I allow. It is nice to watch them unwind. There is a definite benefit to school breaks as maddening as they can make me feel.

(Full disclosure: Sarah has been busy behind closed doors cleaning her bedroom and it looks amazing. She divested and re-organized and did a wonderful job. A happy occasion for Mom and Dad.)

Awareness Frenzy

2012-02-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Okay. It's almost always overwhelming. Face it, there are lots of talented people chasing the same dream, often better situated, more means and better connections. So, what is the point at the end of the day? Try not to be distracted by my thousands of competitors, many working with a singular determination to succeed. It's impossible to know how to keep going except to put the blinders on and go down the field while keeping the ball aloft and the goal in sight. Simple really. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just try to make it work. And do make something that appears to be worth the effort. Please.

Au Revoir

2012-02-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

I've spent a busy week with some of the characters from Toy Story and I know that I have put these Happy Meal Toys through their paces. They were excellently behaved on set and as their director, producer and photographer I have no complaints. Best of all, they worked for free and were available at all hours of the day or night. Before I pack them back into the shopping bag they've called home for quite a while now, I made one last photo as a souvenir of my Pixar reverie.

Best in Show

2012-02-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Around bedtime while tidying up the kitchen I turned on the tv just in time for the final ten minutes of the Westminster Dog Show. The seven finalists did their last turn as the judge determined best of show. The beautifully groomed animals with their very proud handlers waited patiently for her decision.
There was a gasp when the Pekinese won, I thought. It sort of moved and looked like a caterpillar while the other dogs and particularly the Irish setter moved like perfection on four legs. Go figure!

Valentine's

2012-02-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

February 14th arrives and in my usual fashion- I feel compelled to fashion a greeting. Maybe this fascination stems from my childhood. A typical Valentine saw my father walking in the door from work with two cards and two boxes (one large and one small) for my mother and me. She got the large box and I got the smaller one. Nothing fancy- your typical drugstore chocolates in a heart shaped box. What I remember is feeling special. The fact that I existed made me important to him and that made me very happy. Very. So, in the spirit of love and appreciation I have crafted my message to share with those who have meaning for me. To one and all, I wish you a
Happy Valentine's and that you feel loved and loving on this very sweet day of the year.

The Middle

2012-02-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I am not a middle child. Although my own middle child isn't speaking to me. (For lots of reasons too boring to list, let's just say the state of her room and her school work might have a lot to do with it.) Trying to imagine how long the silent treatment will last and refraining from seeking reconciliation-I am experimenting with non engagement and seeing how it all pans out. I imagine if she really hated me, she wouldn't eat the dinner I prepared last night. In the meantime I focus on today's to do list (Valentine's anyone?..) as my heart hurts a little. We do not live in a conflict free home. The happy family all the time is the true stuff of myths and nostalgia. So, I wait for some glimmer of a thaw and hope someday we are able to get along again, however briefly it lasts.

Super Bowl XLVI ‎

2012-02-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Superbowl Sunday brings the usual media frenzy of hype, the game, half time and the annual contest of advertising agencies spending outrageous sums to outwit, outplay and deliver the biggest buzz for their clients. Jacob has a few buddies over, and earlier I voluminously cooked two pots of chili after surviving a grocery shop with my teens. (Amazing what gets put in the cart when mom isn't looking. Good times!) I completely washed the pans when I switched from the meat recipe to the vegetarian version. Even two different wooden spoons with two different rests. (Just to give you a complete picture.) It's almost time to settle in and see what this year has to offer. I might have already seen my favorite commercial previewed (what's up with that?) on the web this morning of Matthew Broderick reviving Ferris Bueller in the most adorable production imaginable. Kudos to Honda for such an excellent effort. The game is about to begin. Time to go.

Post Game: What was the deal with the mass Vogue graphics on the field during halftime? (How many screens was that?) A little odd to see this Condé Nast icon interjected in to the biggest athletic event of the year.

Valentine's and Me

2012-02-01T07:50:00.001-08:00

Now whenever a spare moment pops up I think about Valentine's Day. This is becoming a time sensitive matter. It's February 1st, and if I have any intentions of creating a Valentine (like I have done every year for a very long time) I need to have an idea. I seem to have ideas all day long, but none that lend themselves to this purpose. Photos? Yes. Family? Yes. Friends? Yes. Love? Yes. Valentine's. Well, not yet and the clock is ticking.

For years I made individual Valentine's but in 2006 I started making my greetings digital. To see some of my digital cards that were created with Tim Thayer of Eyebuzz Design, click on the year for the link and enjoy!
2011
2009
2007

"Junk" Love

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

I found this kooky porcelain dish (made in Bavaria circa 1910?..) on a thrifting mission for picture frames. There were no frames to be had- but this odd item caught my eye. I loved the lobster's placement and the quirky colors. My friend Liza has all sorts of charming things in her house and I knew this could fit right in. Before I wrapped it up, I took a quick snap to remember how strange and wonderful it was at the same time.

In Case You are Interested....

2012-01-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

I am selling this very cute item on Ebay for those of you who like to find esoteric things through digital commerce. I listed it last night and it already has a lot of watchers. So, in the quest of blatant self promotion and the possibility of your interest, click here if you want to learn more about it!

I found it in the back of a cupboard. I enjoyed the champagne packed within a while back with a good friend. It's the right time for someone else to enjoy the bag. It's a gem.

Doubt Prevails

2012-01-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

The we of the family is a shifting nucleus. As our eldest is off at college- life has a different shape. We are now four and on any occasion- three or less comprise the group. I knew it would go fast and certainly mine wasn't any faster than another's- it's more the experience of what's next. No, I didn't plan. I thought life would deliver its next chapter. I could have spent more time constructing so that I wouldn't find myself like this- caught in a web of confusion and self doubt. What is my purpose and not knowing what is up ahead and not knowing what fork I should take- as I am a solo navigator. A business yes- one that would involve others and keep me going. No, didn't do that. A job- yes. One that would morph and evolve over time. No, instead I invested myself in my calling. Not sure it was such a good idea when all is said or done. But, there is no going back. The present is mine to use, profit, abuse or squander. No one said it was easy.

Sting

2012-01-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I entered in to a professional and creative relationship with a friend, someone I had met as an undergrad. I was coming out of graduate school and it was a perfect fit. She and her good friend and neighbor developed an interesting product, an accessory that subsequently over time, became a true success. So successful that at the 10 year mark they sold the business and profited well. It's a great business story. I acted as the photographer of the brand and in the beginning created all the packaging as well so I had a unique relationship to the brand's success. It was a lot of fun to create something that became a global entity from nothing. The only downside was that the friend from college had a very mean streak in her. She could be curt, undermining and demeaning in her tone and remarks. So much that I still remember the devastating pain of her mean words. I would like to leave it in the past where it resides as we haven't had any contact for years. It's just odd to me how the injuries don't go away as there is no healing. It's more about moving on and away from it at every opportunity. I know now that the best move when I become the focus of an unwarranted display of hostility is to stay unengaged and plan my exit strategy.

I just started an indesign class. Sitting next to the instructor, I noticed her tote bad was made by my friend's current company. No wonder I am thinking about her. Too close for comfort!

Cherner

2012-01-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

I bought the chair above at a friend's yard sale last summer for a ridiculously low price. (It had been a chair her grandmother had purchased way back.) I thought it would be nice for James at his desk upstairs as it swivels. He didn't like it and the chair moved to the office. The kids were on their way to hurting it so I tucked it away and knew it had to leave. I researched the chair and learned it was designed by Norman Cherner who was educated in the Bauhaus tradition. (His was a brilliant talent and his sons are currently reissuing his furniture.) I got it listed on Ebay and the auction is closing today. There are 24 people who are interested in purchasing it. I got inquiries about shipping to Hong Kong, France and the U.K. Who knows how high it will go. I was happy with my listing price.

Cousins

2012-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

My husband James is from Texas and most of his family is still there. With everyone's resources stretched thin, we don't get to see them often. James' nephew Justin is now a college sophomore and he's attending school in New York City. He spent a lot of his January break looking for a new place to live, so he stored his possessions here and crashed on our sofa a few nights a week. He
and his roommate succeeded in finding an apartment and another nephew, Austin, came up from Texas for the weekend to help his brother with the move. The boys came up late Friday night and we were treated to a snowfall when we woke up. It's nice to see Jacob with his cousins. Although he is much younger, he identifies with them and it makes him happy to have them around.

Tête-à-Tête

2012-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

I would have a lot to say if I was the sort of person who said a lot, but really I am the kind of person who writes some things and tries not to write anything that will embarrass any one else I know. Let's call it "practical blogging". Because after all, I want my kids to talk to me even as I disclose key things about them, as well as my "better half" who works hard (and sometimes- not very often- gets it all wrong) to keep it all going with me. So, I will say no more in hopes of saying less and keeping the good vibes going 24/7. Now that you know so much, well, share. And share whatever. You know I am interested. Really.

Adventures along the road

2012-01-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

Before motherhood, I travelled quite a bit for work and always enjoyed it. Sometimes, just being in another locale with the models, wardrobe, client and lay-outs was a total immersion that was stressful, fun and exciting. I shot the images included in this post for Bass Weejun around 1990 on location at a lodge in Colorado. I spent my day executing the photos scheduled or required. Very different from my life today! I am looking anew at all the images that have accumulated and it's fun to re-visit and re-examine.

The model in the images below was a very nice guy and also, like myself at the time, newly single. When I looked at him through my viewfinder, I literally swooned. I admit it. We had a lovely dinner together during the trip. (Later the stylist told me he was the ex-husband of Isabella Rosellini- yes he was intriguing!) Composing an image with him was the only time I really came under the spell of a subject- it was hard to stop taking his photo. It made me think about my many male professional counter-parts who routinely married their models. That was probably the most flirting I have ever felt with a camera in my hands and I enjoyed every minute of it.

All's Well that End's Well

2012-01-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to report that the roofer (thank you Woody's Construction for your skilled work!) came back after disappearing for quite a while to finish our job. It's noon and there is a team working on our roof as we speak. Seeing the copper being cut to create new flashings made my heart soar a little. I have watched leaks in our upstairs ceiling worsen in an alarming fashion for a longer period than is sensible to admit. (we're talking years...) If all goes right, the roof will be fixed for good. We are also replacing one dented, leaky gutter that finally ripped off after the freak Halloween blizzard.

The first thing they completed was putting the slate on the shed. The tarpaper roof look is over and the piles of slate leaning next to the building are now elegantly installed. After seeing the slate waiting to be used for 18 months, the sight of the building with an actual roof brings a welcomed sigh of relief.

Construction update two weeks later: The brick adjacent to the gutter that fell off needed some repair. Luckily, the mason did the work while we were away. Yesterday, Woody's crew came, fabricated and hung the new gutter where it was needed. It was a beautiful sight to see the gutter installed. Removing this off the must-do list is a wonderful gift for this angst ridden soul.

Home

2011-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

I don't think anything quite spells relief more than waking up in your own bed after leaving a third world country. (as described by a tour operator at Stingray City.) Parts of Antigua were poorer than I had ever seen. Yet the beaches were amazing. Waters tourquoise, aqua blending with exceptional waves and fine sand. We made many interesting memories together and I'll cherish that a lot. (Upon departure in Antigua, before they let you emigrate out, you have to pay a departure tax of $28.00 cash per person. Thank you conveniently located cash machine!) In retrospect I liked most of the things that did happen on our vacation, no one got sick beyond bug bites and sun fatigue, we flew safely and got back to our cars, house and pets (thanks Ian!). Our family adventure (mostly) worked out better than I ever imagined possible.

Away from it all

2011-12-24T04:40:00.000-08:00

We have come to a place of heartbreaking scenery with the stunning culture clash of life on an island. The only white faces we see are our fellow visitors, colonists, the whole 9 yards of the well to do with lots of the less well to do wanting to sell you something, drive you somewhere or just plain meet some need.
So, it's very eye opening for my kids to see what poverty looks like. I know upon our return all the many comforts, luxuries and amenities of our life in Sleepy Hollow will appear differently after our visit here. The beaches are beyond exquisite and no one has any interest in shopping or presents or accumulating a thing- except sea shells and memories. So, it's very sweet. It took traveling a fair ways for my children to realize how much they actually like being together.
No one runs off at meal time, or needs to call a friend, or doesn't feel like eating right now. We start the day by hopping in our rental car (yes my talented husband has managed right hand driving) with many prompts from the peanut gallery. "Dad! Watch out!!" "Dad, check out the goats about to cross the road!!" or best yet "Dad!! Speed bump!!!" My husband has risen to greater heights of gallantry as he corrals belongings and we trying to figure out what we want to do next. This is a very expensive place to vacation- excursions (like a boat ride to a neighboring island)cost $100.00 per person-so a $500 outing seems especially steep to us all. We have lived under such reduced means for so long- that spending money frivolously is hard. But, we are doing our best on our modest resources to enjoy ourselves as lavishly as possible. Christmas this year promises a lack of stress and no one will be disappointed with what they did or didn't get because there are no gifts whatsoever- unless you count the lazy days we are sharing in a place kissed by sunshine, warm breezes and tourquoise waters of infinite beauty and delight.

Just In (sort of)

2011-12-20T13:15:00.001-08:00

Ryan Gosling 'Coolest Person Of The Year' in Time Magazine.

I already knew that.

Life, Etc.

2011-12-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

In the midst of the various holiday events and preparations happening (or not- as is the case around here) we are getting ourselves organized for an adventure to lands beyond our shores. It's sort of a big deal for us- mostly because any travel requiring more than a tank of gas and an overnight stay or two was beyond our modest, post surviving unemployment resources. So, today I need to work my list and plow ahead. In the meantime, I had the chance to do a photo story for the Tarrytown Patch about Mint Fine Foods opening in their amazing, spacious new location. I was glad to mill around the customers excited to be in Hassan Jarane's beautiful emporium of delicious everything. Months of what I can only imagine to be costly and complicated renovations have resulted in something unique, inviting and inspiring. So I tip my hat to the hardworking proprietor of Mint and wish him great success and happiness in his new home.

(To see an earlier photo story that I did about Mint in its previous location click here)

Pin Money

2011-12-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

At a recent rummage sale nearby I came upon these nice candlesticks marked .50 each which I promptly purchased. Did the internet search and found out they are a very nice item by a respectable maker. Just sold them on Ebay for considerably more than I paid for them. Fixing the roof (something desperately needed) has put a big dent in our finances and I'm inspired to look for ways to lighten our load and make some money. (At the same sale I bought a brand new copy of Unbroken from a nice couple at their table for a $1. James really enjoyed reading that immensely. Frugal living at its best.)

Will Hanlon

2011-12-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

In November, someone I know in our community, Will Hanlon, hired me to photograph his artwork and the peripheral images to create a website for his work. He wrote the copy and chose a hosting platform, Zhibit to host his online gallery. This morning we chose a template and began assembling the content. It was fun to bring the pieces together for an online portfolio of his interesting artworks. Creativity is a wonderful thing to explore and I appreciate Will's talent a lot.

In Case You are Interested....

2011-12-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

This Friday night, December 16th is Third Friday in Tarrytown* and I am excited to be taking part in Jenifer Ross' w@tercooler pop-up shop. I will be selling an assortment of holiday items (Kate Spade ornaments, anyone?) and small "artworks" that involve "nail polish". Developed and run by owner Jenifer (who is also a neighbor), w@tercooler is a co operative work space complete with conference room and a flexible floor plan. Workspace by day, during the evening events range from seminars, to pop-up shops, to community gatherings. It's amazing what she has created in the brief time since she opened her doors. w@tercooler is a true asset to our area (and best new business arrival of 2011). You'll find me and my fellow vendors, Jenifer, snacks and drink there from 5:00- 9:00 p.m. upstairs at 21 N.Broadway, so stop by if you can.

*Third Friday in Tarrytown is a monthly event (shops open late, gallery openings, Music Hall event, street entertainment et al are some of the many activities will occur).

To see my photo story about a body painting event at w@tercooler last summer click here

"Wish for Everything"

2011-12-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I have made a lot of greeting cards (some of which feature me). With the holidays approaching, I thought I would start sharing some of my favorite efforts from the past. In the image above, the hands belong to the model Liza O'Keefe. The nail polish is Dior and the coach in her hands was loaned to me for photography. I bought the background fabric, to give you all the relevant details, at Paterson Silks on 14th Street and my model supplied the shirt. With a Hasselblad camera and lit in the studio, we combined our talents to explore this kitschy object displayed in the throne of her hands.

December Thoughts

2011-12-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

As the days of December peel by, the year speeds along its merry way. The holiday season raises all sorts of expectations and anxieties. Life with teenagers means witnessing a kind of blithe lack of interest in most festivities. It's all about the break from school. (My friend Liza's concept of doing Christmas every other year sounded very good to me. Very good.) In the spirit of adding to my family's modest vacation fund I am continuing to empty my cupboards of interesting collectibles and selling them on Ebay. Coasters anyone?

Studio Ways

2011-12-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

During my New York City years, I primarily worked in photo studios creating images- often using the "blank canvas look" of seamless paper for the background. Between placement and lighting, a simple composition can be an interesting challenge to solve with a camera. I was lucky to work with a lot of talented, photogenic and spirited children. Letting them do what they want on the set often led to some fun times shared by all.

Motivational Thinking

2011-11-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of being positive about the world, my work, my place in it, and the need to feel useful to others.....

I will promote myself.I will promote myself. I will promote myself. I will promote myself.
I will promote myself.I will promote myself. I will promote myself. I will promote myself.
I will promote myself.I will promote myself. I will promote myself. I will promote myself.
I will promote myself.I will promote myself. I will promote myself. I will promote myself.
I will.

Vacation Wrap-Up chez Nous

2011-11-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

It's unbelievably mild outside and we are in the throes of putting the garden to rest. I want that calm sense that comes from trimming the dead branches, raking up the leaves, pulling up the dahlia tubers to winter over in the shed, the butterfly bush diminished to the ground- all the various chores that insure a nice frosty rest for the lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees. I am often awestruck by the garden's last floral display, and my current favorite is this mystery rose I found on a clearance table at the grocery store last September. Marked $1.99, forlorn and abandoned, I had to bring it home and find it a spot to thrive. Its flowers turned out to be a funny swirl of pink, orange and yellow. Yellow and orange are colors I tend to avoid in the garden, but this plucky rose seems happy here. I relish these late blooms from the plants that continue to flower under less than ideal conditions. My college student is on her way back and it was great to have her home. I really appreciate my family, my husband, the things that mostly work and all the goodness that we know, have and share. For this suburban mom, it doesn't really get much better than this.

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am in the midst of thankfulness. Gratitude. Call it what you will. Despite things that seem to impact me a lot, and often adversely, there is so much to appreciate it's hard to know where to begin. So I won't. Being a female born in the United States seems like a stroke of good luck compared to the fate of so many children (so eloquently reported by Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times among other, distinguished and caring voices describing the plight of children born elsewhere on our globe) combined with the good fortune of having three healthy children none of whom I imagine will ever be sold in to slavery or forced in to a desperate servitude just to stay alive. There is so much luck and good fortune that I don't begin to know where to start on the gratitude list. So, I only hope you similar lives brimming with good luck and good will and wish you many more days filled with thankfulness.

Pageviews all time history 12,000

2011-11-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

I do really like round numbers. Nice, biggish sort of round numbers. So, a certain milestone that I must pause and reflect and digest. It certainly hasn't been me who has opened my blog 12,000 times since I started in January of 2010. Especially when I consider that I have dutifully checked the box of the "do not count" your pageviews on the dashboard of my blog's settings. So, somwehere, on some digital device, I am finding ways to share my thoughts and images. When you publish books, royalty statements are the measuring stick of your titles' success (or lack of...). Google is very efficient in sharing when and where a viewer has taken a moment to take a look. So, tomorrow I will give thanks for all the 12,000 times I managed my way into the hearts and minds of my fellow citizens of the world.

Our Post Office on Beekman Avenue

2011-11-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

is threatened with closure. Which makes no sense whatsoever because of the essential services it provides. As it is threatened with possible closure, petitions in support of keeping it open were compiled containing over 2400 signatures (Sleepy Hollow is listed with 10,217 inhabitants). The other evening, in the assembly room in our village hall, the community turned out to meet with members of the our Northeast regional postal service overseeing our area in this evaluation as well as the introduction of our new Postmaster for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. (Sleepy Hollow was once called North Tarrytown and until 1973 had its own zip code. Another long story.) Our Congresswoman Nita Lowey sent an aide to read a letter she had written to the Postmaster General in an effort to take our post office off the chopping block.

There were many impassioned comments from the floor of my fellow residents, including our mayor, about the importance of our post office to the life blood of our community and especially ours with its substantial immigrant community who rely heavily on post office boxes and money orders. For seniors, its location on a quieter street with accessible parking means not having to cross 4 lanes of busy traffic and then encounter stairs or ramps to enter the building. We do not want to lose this vital piece of our village. On a business level, our village will be gaining in the next ten years a 1000 new households with the development of the 100 plus acres of the GM site which appears to finally be happening. The expansion of Sleepy Hollow is in the offing. (On a personal note, I love my local post office and am in there 3-5 days of week.) When you run the current numbers, our local post office is not losing any money so it's not clear why it is being considered for elimination in the scheme of things. (I had my camera and took photos while I was there. Some are posted here.)

Gathering my Wits

2011-11-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

Various relatives including my daughter are headed in this direction this weekend so the house etc seems to require more than usual. Factor in a long list of unexpected obligations and this week has kept me on my toes. I took the above photo on my camera's built in memory recently and just learned how to transfer these files onto a memory card so that I could export it. Amazing how the pieces can sometimes fit together.

My Romance

2011-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with nail polish in some form or another- so I thought I would start sharing some of the artworks I have created along the way to express this fascination of mine. This image is from 1985, when I was living in New York City and taking photos for more than reasonable fees. I would use my talents and my beautiful equipment to create images for myself whenever I could. I was friendly with a wonderful hand model named Liza O'Keefe. We did some nice paying jobs together so she was happy to lend her hands to my artistic pictures. I discovered Christian Dior hand products after college and painted a lot with the nail polish during my waitressing years. Their packaging spoke volumes to me, especially when I combined it with their product on a beautiful hand!

Wait Until Dark (in Sleepy Hollow)

2011-11-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

My daughter Sarah is in our fall high school drama of "Wait Until Dark" and I photographed a rehearsal yesterday for my local Patch to promote the upcoming shows (also did headshots of the actors for the lobby- I felt a little busy). Their director, Mr. Kennedy, does a great job with the directing and the staging. This is also my fifth year with Mr. Kennedy as a parent because my daughter Nora was in many of his previous productions as well. Sarah is playing a criminal character with a New York City accent and is a lot of fun to watch on stage. My talented daughter!

Refashioning Chic for a Good Cause

2011-11-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

I photographed a fashion fundraiser "Project Greenway" yesterday at Scarborough Church to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester. Contestants were invited to refashion an item and invent a new way to wear it. An array of ages participated and the turnout was great. One contestant stood out from the crowd with the long gown he crafted of coffee stained doilies and filters. For pure talent and execution, I was floored in the nicest possible way.

An Unexpected Reversal of Fate

2011-11-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

When things fall apart in your hands it's take a little bit to gather your wits so to speak. Take the long view, the short view, the philosophic view, the tortured view and all the other ways you can find to make sense of events that don't really make sense at all. Kind of like the image that dissolves in front of your eyes when the light changes, the cake that refuses to rise, the deal that goes south in the blink of an eye. There is the interval of confusion and self doubt before you find a way to look at what has transpired. When we traipsed through Howe Caverns last weekend and saw the millions of years it took to create this spectacle below the earth- it gave me a unique perspective on opportunities that fail to gel. Things tend to work out for the best. Nothing ventured is nothing gained. Onward and upward. To thine own self be true. And all that.

Home Fires Burning

2011-11-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am in this not everything going according to plan mode- all of which is fine, especially when nothing dire is looming on the horizon. It was a week of running around, photos, seeing a friend from long ago, dinner with relatives and sundry obligations. Saturday night found us resting at home with with supper crafted from the contents of the refrigerator. Kids on the move and wandering through with friends in tow to wander out again allowed us to pause and watch a movie starring (among others) the very telegenic Robert Pattinson by the glow of the fire.

Time Away Well Spent

2011-11-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

We made a plan to go away sans kids and pets courtesy of a generous friend who agreed to stay with the household. We travelled north and stayed at the Mariaville Lake Bed & Breakfast which had a lovely setting, delicious breakfasts and the largest mirror I'd seen in a long time.

We amused ourselves exploring the area, shops, yard sales and stopping for well deserved snacks.

En route later, we saw the most amazing kind of firework in the sky. It burned intensely bright, threw sparks and died. It felt extremely close- and James told me we had just seen a meteorite that was hundreds of miles up in the atmosphere. Turns out it was spotted in the night skies from Michigan to Nova Scotia.

Our last excursion came about the next day when James learned that Howe's Cavern was close by. We travelled 150 feet below ground by elevator to reach the uppermost part of the cavern for our two hour tour. My husband loved seeing this amazing geological marvel. A guy, rock formations, crystals and tiny passageways. Claustrophobia, anyone?

By 2 p.m. it was time to head home. We arrived to a calm and happy household. Nothing like 48 hours alone, no pressing obligations, and no teenaged disputes to resolve.

Humming Along

2011-11-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

Life is in a rhythm of cold dark mornings and later, lighting a fire in the fireplace in the early evening. More books and magazines are in drifts around the house. The property beckons for its own tucking in before winter truly descends. Last weekend's freak snow storm put winterizing on the top of my to do list. Still, the toad lily survived the storm and blooms profusely as is intended for its internal clock, the lemon verbena continues to put out new growth and the leaves on the trees turn their brilliant colors. The calender is squarely on November as I survey what awaits us all next. No college applications pending, no employment to seek, or big decisions to occupy my mind. It's a quasi stress-free time to work and plow ahead.

Hotel de Ville

2011-11-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

I recently joined The Katonah Museum's Artists' Association and as they are having a group exhibit at the Katonah Library, I decided to make something to hang in the show. I remembered this image, taken one late morning in August in a small village in France, the moment of snapping the shutter as a bicyclist rode through my frame. I found the negative and scanned it and then Linda at Inc. did a beautiful job of printing it for me. I framed it with something on hand but I wanted another element. Adding the nail polish gave it a decorative detail. It could probably use more dots- but I was going for restraint and some smudges. Fun to look at something I created 20 years ago and never really looked at before.

Not So Good

2011-11-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

"Just once I would like to wake up with more time on my hand than hours in the day."

I cost Liza $11.25 and two hours of her life yesterday when I drove us to see "In Time". I think Justin Timberlake is wonderfully talented and a true triple threat, but in this movie his performance was often like watching paint dry. The art direction of the film created a future where there was less color everywhere than in the above photo (shot during last weekend's storm). It's the kind of movie that is hard to watch in its entirety. Upon leaving, Liza recommended that she pick the picture next time and I felt relieved to be off the hook that easily. I am also the one who suggested we see "Charlie McCloud" starring another talented actor (whom I can find very appealing in an "on camera" sort of way). Within 15 minutes of "In Time" we agreed that even watching Charlie McCloud was more entertaining than this.

Halloween & Me

2011-10-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

Halloween kicked in on my radar finally, especially after the storm cancelled all the weekend events forcing a lull in the manic festivities. Earlier in the month I made a commitment to shoot the "Dobbs Ferry Furry Pet Halloween Parade" for the Rivertowns Patch and I arrived early to find a place to park. Dobbs Ferry quickly became mobbed with memorable dogs, kids and grown-ups in costume. It was easy to make a lot of fun photos. Back at the ranch, James carved some impressive pumpkins to create our own spooky tableau. Dinner by the fire with a creepy movie on tv, James doled out the candy to the trick or treaters who came to our door. Jacob had stayed in town with friends after school and came home cold and tired long before we expected him. My final parental duty was chauffeuring Sarah and her friend Lauren to the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Music Hall to round out their evening. Driving home past the cemetery near midnight, Sarah searched in vain in hopes of seeing a ghostly creature. But for me, my highlight was the chance to observe so many neat subjects at the parade. After the sudden wintry weather, the warmer temperatures and clear skies put the crowd in an excellent mood.

An Unnamed Relative (and Friend) do Halloween

2011-10-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

One of my children has enjoyed playing different characters for as long as I can remember. We other relatives get a kick out of the quality of her creations. Sometimes I forget how much fun Halloween can be.

Halloween in the Hollow

2011-10-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

When you live in a historic town, its cultural legacy is hard to avoid. This is the area where Washington Irving made his home called Sunnyside and his famous story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" takes place here. Halloween in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow is more than an evening of interesting costumes and trick or treaters gathering candy traipsing door to door by the light of carved pumpkins. It is a month long extravaganza of terror inducing hayrides, literary
reenanctments of spooky stories and the spectacles of haunted houses. Yes, it's one big commercial opportunity for local tourism which by October 31st has exhausted the interest of most everyone who lives here. So, when something at all unique is created, it is a treat for me. The members of the Hill and Dale Garden Club of Tarrytown decorated our local Historical Society this year and one of the tombstones was especially poignant and timely. A brief ode of sorts to another legend in a setting meant to inspire.

Spirit Week 2011

2011-10-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

Last week was spirit week at our high school. As I wrote about last year, my daughter is very good when it comes to expressing herself through her appearance. (to see a few examples from 2010, click here and click here.) Needless to say, I have become less and less desirable as their personal photo journalist so I am always glad when I am allowed a few moments of their extremely valuable time to record an image or two (or 10 or 12- remember, most of my working career I shot fashion and the average model wasn't happy unless you took upwards of 30 frames on any given set-up...) I was in the kitchen with her while she was eating her breakfast- the day's theme was "nerd/geek" and she was willing to oblige. I praise the stars, the heavens, and their good mood when I have a chance to take a picture of my children that I like. (and if I am really lucky, they approve of it as well.)

Two gals have an early morning adventure

2011-10-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Liza has a great sense of adventure and that is a wonderful thing. So when she suggests an outing I am always interested. She got an invite to go to a taping of the Today Show to see Coldplay on the plaza at Rockefeller Center. One of the requirements was arriving by 5:30 in the morning to be part of the audience. But no worries- we got on the road at 4:30 to drive to the city and make our way. Coldplay has some dedicated fans because when we arrived there were swarms of people which meant we were quite a ways from the stage. No problem there- the whole scene was plenty to captivate me. Al Roker even stood in front of us to do one of the weather spots. I know from past experience that it takes dozens (if not hundreds) of people to put this enterprise together and I loved watching all the working parts. Coldplay sounded amazing and the crowd had a great time. Hopefully, everyone has a friend like Liza who loves to do all sorts of things and is happy to include a pal when life allows.

Barack Obama Doesn't Like His Daughters Watching the Kardashians, Says Michelle

2011-10-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Now that I feel like I have a parental ally in the White House, I can sleep easier knowing I am not the only parent whose daughters find them crazy. Yes, a few minutes with the Kardashian clan under any circumstances is enough to make me wish reality television was never invented. I do have to hand it to their mother, Kris, who is obviously smart enough to understand the financial benefit of branding her family. Dysfunction aside, (and no family can escape that....), I actually prefer the antics of the 20 something's on Jersey Shore. At least in their beach house and beyond their goals seem purely superficial, as in drinking, hooking up, and getting in each other's way. I'd like to think that as they take their MTV paychecks to the bank, somewhere their parents are silently cringing at the display of wanton excess and lack of morals on exhibit in their weekly installments. Unfortunately, with the Kardashians we are exposed through the media to their lifestyle choices, their parental style, their retail efforts and their nuptials. The last time I looked I thought a bride needed only one dress to make it through the evening- but this family exceeds my expectations on almost every level. So, as far as this subject goes, I agree with my president 100%.

When Less isn't More

2011-10-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is the lone tomato that we were able to grow to maturity. Factor in the ones lost to high heat and not enough rain, ones lost to hurricane force winds, and just plain neglect- I am pleased to share a very solitary example of good intentions. Sometimes, like lately, life seems harder than I am really able to manage. Combine that with knowing I should feel better, knowing all the ways I am lucky to be alive with all my faculties intact- well all that makes my periodic bouts of heartache that much harder to bear. Forgive all the narcissism- I will try to do better. And today, I will celebrate our sole tomato in some special way tonight at dinner while we make the most of all life's bounty- large and small, here in Sleepy Hollow.

Shadows in Sleepy Hollow

2011-10-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say that I live in my very own house of dark shadows, but I don't. However, after watching American Horror Story with my teens (spoiler alert, when the realtor tells you that the previous owners of an underpriced amazing manse died by violent means, keep looking!) I had to check out the classic tv show Dark Shadows on Netflix to relive a few anxiety-ridden moments from my youth. Another reminder- don't go down to an unknown creepy basement alone! (that's why ours is painted all white.) It's almost campy to hear the eerie music while watching the low looming camera angles and people exchanging sinister looks. Sort of like my family on a bad day.
Luckily, unlike Dark Shadows, we live out all our conflicts in full color, but I am always happy to appreciate progress- no matter on what terms.

Nora, Sarah and Me

2011-10-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Apple picking in Vermont on a beautiful October day was an ideal outing during a whirlwind road trip with one daughter to visit another daughter and bring her some comforts from home, go out to dinner, stock her cupboards, buy some unexpected treats and take stock of this new chapter in her life. In the orchard we savored the smell of ripe apples, felt the Northern sun on our cheeks and the happiness of being together. Minus the boys, our tribe was incomplete, but the time together was lovely, stress-free and full of smiles. Amen to all that.

Betty Davis' Eyes

2011-10-05T10:13:00.001-07:00

When you are under the weather and feel glued to the coziest, kindest spot in your home sometimes a movie or two can help pass the time while you are feeling awful. I love listening to Leonard Lopate in the car (although my children find it beyond boring) and happened upon an
interview with Catharine Wyler, daughter of William Wyler the other day. She was discussing the restoration and re-relase of the film epic, Ben Hur, which was directed by her father. In the course of chatting away, she mentioned her other favorite films of her father's, one of which was The Letter. I got it out of the library and spent a very enjoyable interlude viewing this classic. Betty Davis infused so much feeling in every gesture of the character that she played that she made each moment of her screen time riveting to watch. Truly, a director's dream and an amazing example of artistry at work.

Forgive all the links, this post begged for all the extraneous sharing of information.

Preventive Measures

2011-10-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

As we greet the cool days of October, certain members of my family start to complain about "how cold the house feels" and "when can we start putting on the heat?". Like most parents who eye the bottom line a little more rigorously than their offspring, I am happy to remind them of the cozy relief a few more layers might provide. But it's only a matter of time before another t-shirt and a sweater won't provide the comfort their thin skinned bodies demand. And getting teens up in the morning to go to school when the temperature hovers in the low 60's is no picnic either. Maintaining curb appeal also means maintaining our home's mechanicals. It helps to be on good terms with all the folks whose support we need to keep them in good working order. One of my favorite technicians is Robert from Blue Star Heating Co. After he makes his annual visit to service our heating system I can rest easier, knowing that our lumbering furnace will continue to keep us warm for the chilly months to come. It makes everyone happy when mom keeps the home fires burning.

Ellen

2011-10-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Spending time with Ellen is a chance to feel inspired, relax in her minimalist world (something we don't really have around here) and chat with someone who has seen me through a lot of changes. Pre-marriage, motherhood, and suburban life, we bonded when were 30 something's. We were each trying to figure out how to be successful as artists and businesswomen while supporting each other through the ups and downs of our numerous romantic adventures as single girls. She has the best taste of anyone I know and her environments reflect her great eye. The day of my visit Ellen was busy editing files. We studied photos I had taken of her and we were both enamoured by a still which captured all of Ellen's elegant sweetness.

Later, we dodged the raindrops and grabbed a bite at a neighborhood restaurant. The noon rush, people hopping up and down, all framed by the backdrop of the window's neon sign created a lively tableau for our viewing pleasure on a stormy city day.

The Comforts of Home

2011-10-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

My husband is a hard working guy. Up and out five days a week, the train, working late, the whole nine yards of doing the dad thing to keep the troops housed and fed. So, when it's a cloudy Saturday morning and I get to bring him his morning brew that makes me glad. We are no longer kids ourselves, but surrounded by them, you have to keep up. It's good to see him linger in bed on a Saturday morning while reading a fascinating book with the companionship of his favorite four legged creature. Later, back from a quick run to the post office, another configuration emerges- 3 males nesting on a cloudy day.

"Pitching to Real Moms, the Ones Who Aren’t Perfect"

2011-09-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well, that was an intriguing article on my laptop courtesy of the digital version of the NYTimes. (less paper, less clutter, less agita over all the articles I should read- but I digress.) The Mom Complex is a marketing division of the Martin Agency in Richmond, Va. recently created by Katherine Wintsch who saw the need to market to real moms and not the ad mom ideal (casting an articulate attractive woman whose clothes always match her environment as well as her children's.) You can't really stage the kind of domestic chaos that often passes as our normal. You know, clothes never put away ("after my show is over"), beds rarely straightened ("I am only going to get back in to later") and dirty dishes resting comfortably everywhere. ("Mom! I forgot! Chill!!!") That's when I want to leaf a magazine, any magazine, and savor those images of more perfect worlds where people (i.e. kids) faithfully maintain their obligations, the bathroom, their hygiene and their love of mother. Even the imperfect ones.

A Dose of Curiousity

2011-09-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

I don't normally comment on an image from a website- but as I checked out today's Nowness dispatch about Bryanboy's visit to the designers DSquared2 in Milan, I was fascinated by the image above. Are they skates? Are they shoes? Where exactly do you wear this stylish footwear?

Chaos Control

2011-09-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm actively trying to sort and relocate accumulations that need to go. Odd collectibles,
tag sale finds, apparel and hot items are making their way out the door as gifts, donations, Ebay, Craigslist, and consignment. It's time to reduce and I am focussed on this task. Watching the leaves turn I know that winter hovers in the not too distant future. The goal is to have more order and less clutter before the holidays and all the chaos that they bring..

A Crush from Afar (very very afar)

2011-09-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

My husband gallantly gave me a "hall pass" to explore my romantic feelings for Ryan Gosling. I was very grateful, but as this is a total impossibility (the age thing could be a problem, as well as my absolute dedication to said husband and kids), I am happy to be an admirer of this talented young actor. And now I have a small crush about which I intend to do nothing. Sweet feelings to enjoy from afar.

A Moment in Time

2011-09-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was doing an edit to find photos to send to my friend Kirk who is embarking on a long convalescence from hip surgery. I want to print some photos from our visit there last summer to
give him something fun to remember. Pouring over the photos of their after dinner table, lit by candles as the dusk darkened to night- I notice my son sitting in the group and looking at me with a quizzical expression. Hopefully, this recording of our daily moments large and small will one day serve to carry them back to happy memories of our life together.

He's Back

2011-09-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Wrapped in a similiar package to American Idol but flashier production values, we settled in last night to watch the premiere of Simon Cowell's The X Factor. I guess winning the approval of the panel on the X Factor is a better career builder than going to school, studying for years doing all the small parts until the moment a real opportunity arises to shine. The contestant who practiced alone and unknown in her bathroom and cried when the judges drenched her in praise seemed like a distinct anomaly, but whatever.

It was fun to see Simon Cowell on camera again- clearly happy that "his competition" boasts the biggest prize. For once, Simon didn't seem as brutal as one of his fellow judges,
L.A. Reid who might be more savvy about pop singers than Simon. When Reid gave his approval- you felt this contestant must have some talent. Anyways, let's see if this becomes a cultural staple around here. I might be done with all hype, heart wrenching back stories and flashing graphics. Spending an evening reading a good book seems like a much more appealing idea.

The Worrier in Me

2011-09-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am someone who was born anxious. While cultivating a calm outward demeanor, I am often raging with uncertainty inside. It's in my dna for sure. I can worry about things large and small. Will the current famine in Africa ever end? Will the recently planted perennials come back? Will my husband's day go all right? Will my son get on the soccer team? Will my daughters more than pass their mid-terms? Will the roofer do a good job fixing the roof? Will the President figure out how to get along with Congess? And so it goes- day in and day out. In my earlier life, as a professional photographer working in New York City where you committed all your work to film and didn't see your results for hours or days- well, that was a bonus land for worrying. Will the lab ruin my film? Will my shots look okay? Will the client be pleased? Will they file Chapter 11 before I get paid? Will I get paid? Oh yes, photography back then was a dream profession for someone who is predisposed to agita. Combine that with marriage, three pregnancies, buying a house- it all makes for a bonus land for the anxiety inclined. I have gotten very philosophic over the years as most things have mostly worked out. I actively cultivate things that make me feel calm, like caring for others, gardening, cooking, creating and contributing. But on a bad day, when I can't muster the outlook to focus on feeling positive, well- it's a hey day for my worrying nature. Best not to go there.

Country Day and City Night

2011-09-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

We had the chance to head out yesterday without our children (as they had no interest in coming along). In the afternoon, we found ourselves strolling the polo grounds in Greenwich, Ct. while taking in the St. Regis Polo Cup. Nothing like a bunch of well to do folks enjoying the company of each other. A throw back to another time when the rich displayed their wealth with a complete lack of inhibition. Of course, my husband's love of vehicles was in full force as he admired an all black Harley Davidson motorcycle (something he wouldn't mind owning in another lifetime).

Later, we made our way to the city to attend Karen Finley's masterful performance Make Love. The audience who relished her interpretation of Liza Minnelli was a very different crowd than the one that attended the polo match earlier in the day. I am always struck by the diversity of what NYC and its environs has to offer. In a matter of blocks, miles or minutes you can travel from one distinct world into another.

For those seeking

2011-09-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you see a sign that begs to be photographed. Every economic indicator says it's a rough world out there for most working people and not getting better any time soon. It's a reminder for me to be grateful for all the blessings that I am lucky enough to have.

A visit with friends and more

2011-09-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

A Sunday excursion meant the chance to visit friends in Woodstock for lunch. They are the parents of three with one on the way and it was fun to hang out with their young children. I sometimes forget how engaged we all were as a family when my kids were little. Took me back to all the meals together, often requiring a major sweep of the floor afterwards. Something about a highchair, a toddler and a bowl of ziti. Driving back we picked up my son and his friend who were mountain biking nearby. They got in the car sweaty and hungry and grumbling about the bugs and the tough climb up the hills before they could barrel down on their bikes. Still, we watched Due Date on the way home and the jokes and innuendos of the dialogue were easily shared. Children no longer, every day we are more on the same page and that's something to relish as well.

Almost home the guys gamely allowed me a pit stop at Woodbury Commons so I could visit the Pratesi outlet. I roamed the back of the store to scope out the bargain section- and there they were, further reduced- 30% off clearance today! Beautiful boudoir pillowcases of the softest cotton ever. A dream find for this frugalista and lover of exquisite things at the end of a fun time away.

The Return of School

2011-09-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's noon and the house is eerily quiet. I forgot what is was like to have solitude in the middle of the day. It was all back to business this morning. Hair freshly combed, the printer spitting out the newly minted thoughts destined for review by their new teachers. Breakfast, check. Papers, check. Cells phone, check. A quick look in the mirror and then out the door with the excitement of seeing old friends, new faces and having a new set of routines. The first day of school on a beautiful September day means the beginning of the next chapter for mom, as well.

Musings of a Sentimental Mom

2011-09-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the anticipation of the return to routines is so great- the appeal of the demands of regular schedules so desirable, that I forget how much I like having my children around- if only for the sake of seeing them, talking to them and sharing with them the highs and lows of daily life. The frustration of their clutter, inconsistencies, and laziness often overwhelms me. I can't wait for school, camp, whatever to occupy them and free me to work, create, and proceed in the fashion that suits me. But tonight, as we eat dinner and discuss the demands of back to school it hits me and hits me hard. It's only a matter of time before they are off and on their own, calling in to touch base and running their own lives. Motherhood presents no shortages of challenges, yet the pleasure of their company has been the most incredible experience of my life. Very little compares or means more, for me, in the end.

Who Knew?

2011-09-05T19:16:00.001-07:00

James and I treated ourselves to a grown-up excursion today and made a road trip to a hallowed place of all things sleek and powerful, Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut. This was the third and final day of a holiday weekend of a rally and races highlighting classic cars. My husband was in heaven and the vehicle worship was fascinating. Like when I first saw all the re-enactors who loved dressing up and pretending it's the Civil War, I was amazed by the passionate display directed towards objects comprised of metal, upholstery and rubber wheels.

Le retour de la beauté

2011-09-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

There I was at 7 a.m. this morning greeting my very smiley Sarah with her duffle bag et al at Kennedy Airport fresh off the red-eye from the West Coast. Sometimes nothing is nicer than picking up a loved one and seeing them in the flesh, happy, healthy and full of stories to share. So many anxieties pass through me as a parent when I send my children off in to the world and so much joy fills me when I hold them in my arms again.

Today is also my mother's (and Sarah's namesake) birthday. A mere 97 years ago my mum entered the world and on this day my Sarah came home to us.

Out of Nowhere

2011-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm dipping down again and trying to remember all the things that are positive and for which I am very grateful. Sometimes, just doing tedious tasks helps as it's better than feeling this weight of sadness and accomplishing nothing. Amazing the ways emotions ride through me and grip my being. I can wish it weren't so and certainly contributing, productivity, creating, caring and humor help tremendously. I am not addicted per se to reality TV but I can be a fan of a certain individual and be happy for the serendipity when an unknown is discovered. A current contestant on America's Got Talent, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.has been employed most recently detailing cars in West Virginia and has always longed to perform as a singer. It's likely as a result of this show that his life will never be the same. I wish him and his family success and happiness. His story gives me hope.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

It's very rainy here. Very. Hurricane Irene is sweeping through our suburban landscape and since we had to take down a towering pine adjacent to the house years ago (as a result of long term damage from carpenter ants) we are not feeling the fear of tree branches descending from above. As in The Wizard of Oz, if a house or a tree should blow in and land on our house, now that's another story. The house is tranquil, kids elsewhere (college, camp, sleepover) and I allow myself a favorite distraction- a new favorite tv series, The Hour, courtesy of BBC America.

I don't begin to understand what is going on in its very elaborate plot- but it's well done, well written and intriguing. Perfect to watch as the rain pelts the neighborhood and the wind makes its own symphony in the leaves.

Delivery & Pick-Up- A Love Story

2011-08-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

Lots of things happen when you are a family. Kids grow up- embark on new adventures. Develop passions for people, places and things independently of you and goals change as they evolve. Certainly for us, a true milestone occurred when we dropped our first born off to start her freshman year at the University of Vermont in Burlington. Good weather meant pushing the organization envelop and getting on the road much later than was desired. Nora did allow us to help get her stuff up to her room and then graciously permitted her dad to help rearange the furniture. We had to run to pick up a few forgotten necessities (hangers, anyone?) and when we returned her space was magically transformed in to something that looked exactly like her. Leaving her in smiles as she pushed us out the door made me happy for her and a little wistful for us. Her personal due date was perfectly timed, in the end.

Of course, being in northern Vermont gave us the crazy notion that a quick hop to Potsdam, NY to pick up the current object of Jacob's desire was all doable. The beautiful ferry ride was not a good prediction of the arduous drive along the battered roads of the Adirondack State Park. We managed to arrive at the sporting goods store, Wear on Earth, minutes before they closed to pick up the mountain bike that my son found online. He too was full of excitement, smiles and gratitude for all the effort it took to get him there. We got to take a break to eat dinner by a lovely setting and then, a mere 6 and 1/2 hours later we were home. James and I spent 30 hours in the car with 5 hours off for good behavior (read sleeping) in a Red Roof Inn in Rutland, Vermont. Hopefully, the tedium of all the driving will quickly fade away and knowing we helped our kids fulfill their dreams will be all that matters in the end.

J'adore la piscine, et vous?

2011-08-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe the title of this post is a little affected, but most things sound better in French- don't you think? As we are in the final hours of getting my eldest off for her freshman year of college the opportunity to escape the piles, her clutter and imperious attitude is welcomed by me. Anything I ask of her is met with her standard response of "Not now, Mom. I'll do it later." (Read, how about never?) Whatever management style you choose to use with your children (i.e. when they were small and I would beg for a little time, "I'll make you breakfast in a minute.") will come back to you in SPADES. I mean SPADES. A sunny morning, kids otherwise occupied and I am out the door. No time to hang out under the trees with a book, but plenty of time to get in a swim. An empty lap lane means an hour of sheer uninterrupted bliss contemplating the beautiful abstractions that dance on the bottom of the pool.

Crack for Boys

2011-08-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not exactly a chemical substance. It's more the lure of certain cars. Even at the age of 5 my son could distinguish a Honda from a Toyota, and by 9 he knew a Maserati from a Lamborghini. Go figure. My husband can identify more makes of cars than he can his own emotions. Must be a guy thing. Personally I like automobiles when they work, get me where I want to go and are not an embarassment to be seen in. The males in my family will test drive a car just to feel how it "handles" and will point out makes and models whenever we are out and about. Lots of references to V6, V8, turbo charged and Special Editions. En route to picking up Jacob from his camp in Pennsylvania it was a no brainer that we would stop back at a car show that James noticed once we were in possession of our son. My husband was suddenly very gallant about stopping at all the yard sales I fancied, even turning the car around in his pleasant anticipation of visiting the car show when it reappeared on our return route home. The vintage vehicles assembled were very, very shiny. And then, on the the last leg of our trip we passed a mint condition Corvette Stingray. A brief vision of heaven, on wheels.

Pondering the Universal

2011-08-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

With only two kids around and cooler temperatures my ability to concentrate has risen exponentially. I took Nora on what I hope was the last of our major shopping expeditions yesterday and while she is not heading off to the North Pole for 6 months, she is as prepared as I can muster and afford for this next chapter in her life. I try to sneak in little tidbits of advice which she makes every effort to ignore like "Nora, have fun at school and study hard. Remember to try to avoid drugs and keep the drinking to a safe minimum." Oh yeah, she is really interested in anything I have to say. (Not.) But she genuinely smiled as she picked out the melamine plates and bowls and a decent flatware service for four for her future entertaining needs. (She wisely suggested that I probably don't want her to take any of my nice china plates.) All our yard sale finds are dovetailing nicely together and she found a great little vintage table on the street (yes, she is clearly my child) to use beside her bed. Needless to say, the house will be different without her. Mostly, I want her to be happy, succeed and find her way. Just like every other parent sending their child off in to the world.

Female bonding

2011-08-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

Jacob is away at camp and tomorrow Sarah heads out to her camp and before she gets back, Nora will be off to college so I thought, what the heck, let's go on a road trip for a few days, just we three. A relative is recovering from knee surgery in Boston so that was our first stop. I spent the afternoon visiting at their home in Melrose while my daughters got to explore Cambridge. The next day we made a quick stop to wander Beacon Hill and shop a consignment store. Always a favorite activity for one and all and then off to the beach in Rhode Island where we soaked up the sun and enjoyed the waves. As it is no longer our usual routine to spend this kind of time together, I was happy just to be in their company. I don't recall spending much time with my mother for all sorts of reasons much less going anywhere requiring travel alone with her. She wasn't that kind of mom. The past few years have been very hard ones for me but I hope someday they will have mostly happy memories of a parent who loved them dearly.

A Stormy Sunday of Delicious Eats

2011-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Anytime my friend Andrea, The Artist Baker, does a special event I love to go and take photos. She is a magician with food and her presentations always inspire me. I worry that I might be getting in the way as the assorted cooks madly work to get everything prepared on schedule. Still I am happy to be there documenting whatever I can. It was horrible rain all the way to Morristown and I felt a little crazy driving on the highway through buckets of rain and less visibility. But the sights and smells of Andrea's kitchen quickly lifted away the gloom of the trip.
She is very good at what she does, and if fate allows, I hope we will find a way to create a special book about how an artist becomes a baker and in her way makes the world a better place.

Not every good idea leads to a good outcome

2011-08-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

My husband had a good idea. It was the last day for a long while that we would all be together so he wanted to go on a family outing. Unfortunately, not every one had the same interest. So with a fair amount of arm twisting we headed out to the Katonah Museum to see the outdoor sculpture exhibit. I thought they were fascinating and so did my husband, but the younger set displayed a certain boredom and let's just say it went downhill from there. At our late lunch, it went very downhill. Very. I will be happy to spare you all the details. I know family happiness can be fleeting at best, and at times it is the parents who are the wounded birds. It's probably recommended that as a parent you cast all your expectations aside and whenever possible, go with the flow. Even utter dismay has its upside. Somehow. In some universe. Somewhere. Someday.

Sun, Surf & Sand

2011-08-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

It was time to break away from life around here. Two of my kids wanted to go somewhere and do something, even if it was with me. No complaints on my end. Happy to oblige. A little more traffic than I wanted or needed, but then suddenly, we were in the parking lot and strolling onto the beach. It's always a photographer's dream, to be by the water with any kind of recording device. Bodies, relationships, relaxation and revelry. Sand between our toes and a chance to breathe the ocean air. A perfect mid-week escape that required nothing more than the means to get there.
Sometimes, the best things in life are free.

Does anyone else feel this way?

2011-08-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

As we approach mid-August the exhaustion and tedium have really set in. The forces of nature represented by the teens with whom I reside have taken their toll. From afar, I enjoy them. Appreciate them. Respect them. But up close, the squalor of their rooms, indifference to any one but themselves (or their friends) and the crazy vampire-like sleeping habits make me look forward to Labor Day and their going back to school with anxious anticipation. There isn't much they are willing to do upon demand. Thank goodness for the greater authority figures of their lives- others whose expectations shape and sharpen their attention. For the most part, in the daily contest of life here in Sleepy Hollow, I am out of my depths.

Something New and Different

2011-08-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

It was time to have an adventure. Too many weekends keeping it local and a complete lack of consensus had created a distinct inertia. My kids readily go off with a friend, or with each other but going anywhere with mom and dad, now that's a tough one. (Going out to dinner excluded. We eat most of our meals at home- so going out is a pretty easy sell.) Nora was busy rehearsing for a play and begged off so the remaning four of us headed off to Catamount Aerial Adventure Park in quest of some excitement and challenges.
It was a true blast of climbing, scaling, flying across the zip lines and then deciding what course to tackle next. Your admission buys you three hours in the park and while I got a little beat up, it felt great. Quite amazing to see everyone engaged and not a single complaint. We left all hot and sweaty but full of smiles. Stopping at a few farm stands on the way home allowed me to buy some peaches, blueberries and fresh tomatoes for Nora. I really missed her today and started to think about her heading off to college the end of the month. I'm not really ready for her to go, it's true.
Back home, I cooked up a quick meal which we ate on the patio in the comfort of the evening breeze. The kids are growing up and I want to commit to memory all the meals, events and adventures of our family life before they all fly the coop for good.

A recommendation from Sleepy Hollow

2011-08-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've been going down the rabbit hole some this week. Wandering the web by jumping links and finding more distraction than anyone could ever require in the process. Through reading readers' reviews on Amazon I ordered some titles from the library. One novel in particular totally captured my imagination. The writing was just amazing as the author, Jonathan Dee, can really turn a phrase. Now I will have to read his other novels and that prospect gives me a certain happy anticipation all its own. The book I read, The Privileges, describes people I have known and photographed and while their lives aren't utterly perfect- he writes about them in such a way that envy rises easily. Good looking people who marry, and have good looking children could be a predictable subject but in his hands you savor every page. Just a recommendation to share on a very beautiful summer's day.

And here's a quote that's been circulating in my head...page 246...."I'll tell you my thoughts about the past....It's like a safe deposit box: getting all dressed up and going downtown and having a look in there isn't going to change what's in it."

Advice from down the road a ways

2011-08-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

I wish I was a more sensitive blogger. Swooning over the delicacy of the eyelashes of a......baby.
A toddler's laugh. Those first wondrous curls. Okay, you know that sort of thing. No, I'm wrestling with trying to be sensitive to the fact that no one ever wants to clean their room, do laundry, walk the dog, or take out the trash. Oh yes, our home is so full of sensitivity that I am reminded on a regular basis about what an annoying individual I am. Maybe I was...too nice. I thought- empathy is the best policy. Now, I'm thinking tyranny has its up side. Many times, I don't really care what they think about what I want from them. Or whose turn is it really? Just do it. Now. So, that's the drill in a nutshell. Don't be too nice and whatever you do, keep them guessing. You want them on their toes and somewhat afraid (not necessarily a bad thing). Whatever you do, don't let them know how much you absolutely adore them. Then it's really game over, my friend. Game over.

Unusual in Sleepy Hollow

2011-08-01T02:37:00.000-07:00

It's been hot and humid and everyone has been longing for rain. Focusing on my chores, my usual suspects were relaxing as ever. Crack, snap, ping, and whack! Looking out the window, golfball sized hail stones were descending in a wicked frenzy. Nora wore a bicycle helmut as she made a mad run to the car to head over to a friend's. Sarah, Jacob and I stared out the windows in sheer amazement. Comet hid under the table and waited for the strange sounds to pass. And me, I had to dash out into the elements to experience this unique folly. An hour later, all had melted away. Glad though that I convinced Jacob to help me out, please! Three frames in, he bolted off. "Mom! Enough!! My hands are freezing!!"

NYC + Me

2011-07-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

The City delivers. Talk to any tourist, local, and commuter alike. It's a place of stimulus, distraction, and surprise. You can walk in any direction, look up, down, forwards and backwards and find something of interest. Complete strangers spin fictional narratives in a blink of an eye. A promise, a desire, and a dream. It doesn't get much better than this.

Leisure and Play

2011-07-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

The word of the hour is relax. Nothing fancy, nothing planned, and nothing labored. Some friendly ping pong, a quick dip in the pool, and later, a chance to gather with feet propped up under the shade of a leafy tree. No one wants to be photographed either (I mean it Mom!). Suddenly, I am dazzled by the pleasures of family life. In those moments all the aggravations, tedium, worries and concerns fade away.

The return to cool

2011-07-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

The heat has broken, and with it my ability to think straight. Nothing like a week of soaring temperatures to put a certain demonic spin on things. My family managed in a weird daze of sulkiness and apathy. Going outside seemed its own kind of brutal punishment unless you were jumping in to the car, turning on the a.c. and dashing off to anywhere. The medication I took for my poison ivy had its own side effects as well of putting me in to an utter funk. Ah yes, fun fun fun.
Emerging on the other side- temperatures in the 80's! and as the rash left my system I pondered the sadness that engulfed me. Looking around, I realize the best way to proceed is to focus my purpose, make the world a better place and try to remember all the good that I know and have.

Too hot to handle

2011-07-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's hot. Record hot. So hot that around here it seems like the pets, the kids and the walls are lost in space. Blank space. Going anywhere with deep air conditioning feels like a treat to be savored. Piles gather and papers feel limp to the touch. The flowers on the other hand are full of color and spreading their blooms. Tomatoes turn darker shades of read before my eyes.I have to love the sprinkler system that keeps the grass green and the easy contemplations while standing in the yard casting cold water on thirsty beds. I dream of cooler temperatures and dry air, piled up clouds and a return to purpose. Looking forward to the end of this week of steam and soaring temperatures. Truly.

Road Trip- Part 2

2011-07-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

From Buffalo, Sarah, Jacob and I made a quick hop to Chesterland, Ohio (only 3 hours, $75.00 worth of firecrackers and 1 movie!) to visit my friends Mary Beth, Kirk and their sons, assorted girlfriends, friends, relatives, et al. It was a lot of fun to hang out at their amazing country home complete with gardens, a barn equipped with a professional wood shop, sleeping loft, ping pong, pool table and stuffed game heads hung along the walls. In the back of their property, they have created a wonderful swimming hole, installed a huge trampoline and a recently added rustic stone fountain. Other sleeping accommodations are a tree house and a new, small sleep house in its final stages of completion. All their enterprise is inspiring, wonderful and true to them. A respite en pleir air- for sure.

Road Trip- First Stop

2011-07-12T08:40:00.001-07:00

I took my print-outs from Map-Quest (after having the car checked out the day before by the mechanic), two of my children, rental dvd's from the library, and sufficient snacks, cash and plastic to embark on an adventure. First night out we stayed with my friend Kathy Moskal whom I hadn't seen in many years. Having her meet Jacob and Sarah was lovely- she got to see some of what has occupied me all this time. She lives in Buffalo now and has recently relocated to the house her grandfather built and where she was born. It was wonderful, bittersweet and meaningful to bring each other up to date and commiserate over some shared experiences from the past.

In the 80's and 90's she was co-owner of Hue hosiery and while working for the brand I got to create some memorable images of their designs for leg wear. So, a lot of history. I have only known her to be a big city girl, and thought this was an exciting new chapter for her. She has created a beautiful design studio in her home. I know she will do great things there.

Fourth of July (Around Here)

2011-07-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

My husband is the recently elected president of our manor association and for years has been deeply involved in our local 4th of July festivities. There is an a.m. parade to the hot sunny field that lays between our two neighborhoods (Philips Manor and Sleepy Hollow Manor) where hot dogs and cold drinks, a cake contest, pony rides and field games go in full swing. He is always busy the week before gearing up for the event and then works tirelessly on the the 4th to ensure it all gets done. As the evening progresses, people gather at the local beach club and hang out until the fireworks go off. The club is situated on it's own spit of land and provides a very nice vantage point of the river and the Tappan Zee Bridge. In the course of an hour, you can see across the river to the distant fireworks going off in Nyack and Piermont, and then our village's begin when those end. I find myself taking a fair amount of pictures when I am there because the setting is so idyllic. Almost irresistible as subject matter, when you come down to it.

Adored Creatures

2011-07-03T18:40:00.001-07:00

There. I said it. Today I feel like I have three adorable creatures living with me. Along with my husband, the dog (Comet), the rabbit (Napoleon) and the snake (Fluffy). No, I'm referring to my children. Three more or less, on their way, quasi formed, young, almost adult like-ish, people. It's a gift to realize how much I care and can feel connected to these living things. I'm grateful while perpetually mystified (and not always in a good way) that motherhood and I chose each other.

Vacation Update- Week 1

2011-07-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the first week of vacation and I am experiencing the agita of observing two able bodied kids seemingly content to do absolutely nothing. (sidebar- Nora spent the week getting her lifeguard certificate at a pool in the city and now is allegedly exercising at the Y. She sleeps in as late as she can and then disappears until much later.) It drains me of my energy while the coaxing, ignoring and reminding have me destined for psychosis. This is always a hard transition for me and blissful for them. They do seem a little grumpy with the bordeom of no demands and so little stress, but a hammock, tv, itunes, netflix, or company of a friend seem to answer that. No one wants to do anything until 4 in the afternoon and by then I am at my wits' end. (It helps the sanity level to maintain a sunny disposition as much as humanly possible and always appear happy to see them. Who doesn't like that?)

15

2011-06-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

It's a special day because it's Sarah's birthday. Our lovely is 15. She had a few friends sleep over last night after lingering late at the beach club. I came upon their lazy shapes sacked out on the living room furniture. It was a sight to see and definitely delivered some quiet chuckles on my end. Her birthday is at the end of the month and always signifies the beginning of summer. We are doing the best we can to keep each other entertained and occasionally we succeed. Sarah is becoming quite a young adult with passionate opinions combined with the strength of her convictions. Vegan birthday cake, anyone?

Our graduate

2011-06-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is official now. Our oldest has completed the first installment of "life's requirements" and we are so very proud of her. Excited, amazed, and slightly fearful of the next chapter I observe her happiness and relief. At home, more the child than ever with a messy room and lack of concern I try to remember myself and my milestones along the way. One down and two to go and then there is the rest of it all. Hoping against hope that the challenges are doable and well being and happiness lay ahead.

Solstice Reverie

2011-06-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Everything continues along it's bumpy way but forward 99% of the time so we are going with that. Took a quick run to the beach club last night to take in the last of the day's rays. I have sentimental feelings about the Solstice for sure. Eating at home made going a breeze. A few items, bathing suits and a camera was all we needed. I thought about swimming but decided to indulge my love for making images instead. It was a lovely way to spend a special night of the year.

Almost summer

2011-06-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

An evening at the beach club means relaxation and freedom from kitchen duty at home. As long as there are other kids to entertain mine, I can enjoy the light, the view, the conversation, the food and the wine. School is virtually over and a renewed sense of calm settles over my three. After homework, papers, Regents, lost textbooks, community service and finals we have arrived at the end. Life is good.

A Working Holiday

2011-06-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

I think we gave my husband something he really wanted for Father's Day. Group participation in the labor of moving 5 yards of dirt from the driveway to the back, reorganizing the slate and rocks that have accumulated there, planting the 5 rhododendrons that we bought and hanging the hammock. Sarah worked hard on Saturday moving dirt with the wheelbarrow and Jacob and I did our share of shoveling yersterday, moving the dirt, taking out the branches James pruned and all of us sorting rocks to new locations. On Friday, I filed a work permit to finish this area (finally) so James was inspired to get the dirt required to level it out. As I don't recall my dad ever buying dirt, James has some very different concerns. The contours of the property and the condition of the grass preoccupy our money and his time. After the weekend, the lower "48" looks awesome. Pitching in to help out made him feel very appreciated on Father's Day. He was a pretty contented guy.