No secret that I LOVE summer! I have been having the best time with friends-from outdoor concerts and trips to the beach to watercolors by the pool, reading, cheering on 2 different friend’s new books and just lots of time creating, writing and hanging with good people. We are a little more than halfway through—and I am so busy working on a new business idea (more to come on that!) but I am still planning on more fun ahead. :)
Word Bookstore-Greenpoint
Cheering our friend Yuko's 1st book!
Yesterday, I took the bus into NYC-headed to Queens to pick up my friend Yuko and then rode the G train (in a hideous 96 degree heatwave) out to Greenpoint, Brooklyn to finally land at “Word” bookstore. We got ready for her event at noon and soon the room was crowded to hear her read. I remember my first book event and how nervous i was, so i tried to be the literary equivalent of a bridesmaid and be at her beck and call. :) I filmed her reading and she was such a natural! Taught us some Japanese words, read her book through a wooden theater-type contraption with boards (Kamishibai) that pulled out and gave us all these adorable little bear snacks.
“Let’s Scare Bear” (Holiday House) is her first picture book and the illustrations are so cute! I remember when she first got this deal and how exciting it was. And of course, getting all the ladies together is always a blast. We all met at The School of Visual Arts years ago. (taking a course on-you guess it—picture books!) Since then, we broke off and formed our own little critique group called YAKA. We have a hard time meeting these last few years as everyone is super busy-and luckily a bit more successful. But they are salt of the earth and I wish i could see them more. Cheers Yuko!
Happenstance
Had the most amazing chat Friday with an 89 -year-old woman on a park bench in front of ShopRite. She was sitting down- sort of hanging on to her cart, taking a rest after telling me she was worn out. I thought she was referring to the insane humidity, but it turns out it was more about the crowd inside the store. I had been rushing around all morning and was feeling rather worn myself. We began talking and I decided to sit beside her for a while. When she told me she lived in NYC during the 1950s, I just couldn’t stop asking her questions about what it was like then. I asked her if she knew who Maeve Brennan was (Wrote a New Yorker Column called “The Long Winded Lady” back then-chronicling vignettes of city life) She did. I then asked if she had ever been to Bickford‘s, Schraffts, The Automat, 21, and many more. She told me about a little speakeasy called Chumley‘s. We then moved onto swing coats, hats, phone exchanges, like Murray Hill ####, white gloves. Then the not-so-nice social issues of the time. She was fascinating and recalled each detail like it was yesterday. Good things happen when you just slow down sometimes. 😊💗 wow.
Blueprint NYC rooftop party
Forgot to post this in May, but what a fun night after the Blueprint show wrap-up. Met the lovely Jehane from Brighton, UK. She runs a great agency for surface design. I also ran into old friends (and students) Patti and Lucie from Studio 2–love them!!!! IT was such a surprise to see them there even though I should have known they would be exhibiting. I left the party just as it was getting fun.
west side of manhattan
My products on Wayfair.com
Sharing more of the art I licensed for use on Wayfair.com–everything from wall art and throws, to pillows and shower curtains.
