On Chicago

Off to a week-long conference in Chicago.  This blog will return on Monday, July 1st.

On Drawing 101

Extreme Admiration.

Freshman year Drawing 101, sweat beading down the backs of the nude models as the majority of us struggled just to capture the curve of their backs. Distracting thoughts of admiration filled our half-serious artistic intention, our pencil points clearly lacking focus and clarity.  Confidently, they sat moderately still, inviting us to examine human nature's shadows and crevices, as we all hid behind our easels and clothes, debating how much money (and such) we'd need to be paid to do what they were doing, and counting down until lunchtime. Enjoy! 

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On Tony Soprano

RIP James Gandolfini

Sometimes, we never forget where we were when we found out. I was on the subway above ground when I received a text from a friend about Michael Jackson's death, amidst at least fifty other subway patrons who had no idea that the news of an icon lost was about to sweep the nation.  Yesterday, I was walking home from a happy hour with a family member when I received a spontaneous call from a best friend in Brooklyn (remember those? spontaneous calls, I mean) and after a few minutes of this and that, she added that Oh yeah, Tony Soprano died. He was fifty-one. The moment is thrown off, your step sideswiped, as years of Sunday evening Soprano dedication distract from the obligation that is next, and a fictional yet poignant relationship with someone you never actually met shattered.  Rest in Peace, J.G., and thank you for half a decade of Sunday night perfection. Enjoy!

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On Being Unplugged

Semi-Intimate Moments.

If not for modern technology (aka i-phone cameras), we would not be privy to the most private of moments in the lives of long distance friends and borderline acquaintances, as wedding vows are exchanged, babies are (literally) born, and families are grown (and broken) on a daily basis.  More time is spent on sharing these experiences with the rest of the world than actually being with them, as tolerance for details decreases en masse and a need to be heard, seen, and witnessed grows infinite.  Enjoy!

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On Joker's Remorse

Biting the Tongue.

Standing amidst a the circle of new faces at a Thursday evening dinner party, happy hour, a coworker’s birthday during which an unfamiliar yet mildly inviting New Guy prefaces his would-be comment with a disclaimer about his borderline dicey humor, I realize I have found "my people." Oh, I can handle anything, I think, as I tacitly waffle between blurting out my shared self-consciousness and easing into the impending commonality.  By the end of the night, we're giggling in the corner over this and that, pleasantly surprised by the evening's outcomes, and eager to exchange equally inappropriate links over our newest Friday morning gchat friendship.  Enjoy!
  
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On Only Children

Photo Credit: Summer Camp in the 90s.

It's not that I think only children never learned how to share (ahem) or won't stand up for a sister-like-friend in the line of fire (cough, cough), but growing up with multiple siblings is an experience that cannot be replicated.  Fighting over cereal boxes and backseat leg room, playing dress up and doing photo shoots, and breaking and making rules when the 'rents come down hard are lessons that carry into adulthood, irregardless of our (lack of) appreciation in those particular and irreplaceable moments.  Enjoy! 

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On Graduations & Conferences

Due to my overzealous schedule of graduations and work-related conferences during which I'll have limited access to blogging, the next post will appear on Monday, June 17th.  In the meantime, congrats to "my roommate" on his well-deserved accomplishment, and see you back here in a week!

On Too Much TV

Ain't No Such Thing.

All I want to do is finish season 3 of Nurse Jackie, season 2 of Breaking Bad, and find out what this House of Cards show is all about, in between catching up on the last five episodes of Mad Men, thirteen episodes of New Girl, who cares anymore about Modern Family (no time!), in preparation for the premieres of Newsroom and (hopefully) that other show about the two New Yorkers who started their own clothing line (what's it called again?). Oh, and can't miss the season finale of Game of Thrones this Sunday, even though I'll be at a conference in Lake Tahoe for the next seven days (starting Monday) and, yes, I will gladly lug my ten pound, 2007 original (and slowly dying) MacBook all the way to California to avoid spoilers on facebook and miss out on all the real-time fun. Some might argue that I, along with my fellow premium cable connoisseurs, watch too much television, but I say there ain't no such thing.  Enjoy!

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On Mom's Cooking

Spaghetti & Meatballs. 

Of all the dishes I grew up on, my mother's homemade tomato sauce is my favorite.  Filling the house with mouthwatering aromas well before dawn in anticipation of the several pounds of spaghetti that would eventually be devoured later that night, by the time dinner actually rolled around, we'd be stuffed on the multiple meatballs consumed throughout the day in secret bites when no one was looking.  Enjoy!

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On Dog Bites

Un-Learned Helplessness.

After being bitten by a dog nearly ten years ago, I had to unlearn the fear I instinctively developed against all dogs, regardless of shape or size.  And I didn’t even know it had happened.  While I grew up in a cat household, up until that point I still welcomed all cuddles and the majority of licks from man’s best friend, until one morning while walking to the local grocery store, I found myself hastily crossing corners to avoid a puppy less than two feet tall.  And so began my fear of dogs, dodging dog walkers whenever possible and standing shyly in the background when afternoon companions insisted on greeting the adorable furry passerby.  Enjoy! 

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On Life's Mysteries

Complex Consequences.  

We say yes, no, and maybe so on a daily basis when confronted with varying types of decisions of which the consequences are only moderately anticipated. As we watch the aftermaths unfold, we're both blindsided and unimpressed by the lessons learned and un-learned, making mental notes and revised intentions on what to do the next time around.  Enjoy!

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