It's been really cold out. In New York, though, the cold makes the light shining at three or four o'clock utterly gorgeous. Particularly through a dirty window.
One day in November, Stephanie graciously accompanied me to the Devendra Banhart concert at Town Hall. I have a deep affinity for Banhart, and his "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" was one of those albums that found me at the exactly perfect moment in my life that I needed it. Which is a lot of profound association to put onto one collection of songs, but the thing is, it's hard to overstate its importance to my heart.
Unfortunately, Banhart is a total hippie nutbar, but it speaks to the quality of his music that despite his goofy stage presence, the show was still amazing.
His backup band, The Grogs, rocked the hell out of his eclectic songs.
A beautiful, inspiring night. Also, I saw Patrick Carney outside for the third time in a row. It seems like every show I go to lately finds him chillin' outside pre- or post-show. One of these days perhaps I will gather the cojones to talk to him.
Also notable in the past month was the Dana Boulé performance in Brooklyn. Steph's friend, originally from Brooklyn but now living the dream life as a musician in Paris, was in town for the week and put on a show with her cutie-pie cohort, forming The Sobs. I was super excited to meet her, because I am a big fan of her hilarious blog. You should probably check it out.
Her show was awesome, the audience was rapt, and the Sobs even brought chocolate chip cookies to share with everyone. What more could you ask for?
While we were there, Steph and Nicole checked out the digital photo booth, which cannot even compare to a real photo booth. I peeped like a voyeur.
... before admiring the wall art in the boys' room. (what can I say, I don't always have the patience to wait for a line of girls to primp and preen in the ladies' room.)
And that's that for now. I'm currently confined to my bedroom, strep throat-ridden, listening to the Fleet Foxes "He Doesn't Know Why," looking out the window at the 30-degree New York air and anxious to come home to AZ for a little warm-up.
This Year, On A Very Special Episode of "Thanksgiving"...
Thanksgiving has never been my favorite holiday. Christmas, with its lights and gifting and wonder, or Easter, with the thrill of the hunt and copious amounts of chocolate, have traditionally been holidays I look forward to more. Since I moved to New York, however, Thanksgiving has taken on a more bittersweet tone than ever, because, due to its proximity to Christmas, I don't go home, but most people I know are busy or gone to their respective home towns. So in the past I have often just sulked at home, watching the parade and missing my mom.
Last year, Shannon and Mike graciously invited me to celebrate with them and her visiting parents, which was awesome (and without a doubt the best Thanksgiving dinner I've ever had). This year, my mom realized that, if I didn't come home before Christmas, we would go a whole year without seeing each other. And to her, that is unacceptable. She would rather have eleven months than a year, so she decided to come to me for Thanksgiving.
After work on Wednesday, I took her out to dinner and then we headed up to the Museum of Natural History, where they were blowing up the balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I've always wanted to see this, but somehow I never realized this is an event all in its own. As Dustin always says, if you have an idea of something to do in New York, a thousand other people have the same idea.
It was freakin' awesome though!!
This Spidey balloon reminded us of my brother Greg and his affinity for the webbed one, and many cuddled-up-watching-the-parade Thanksgivings of the past.
We didn't realize there was a structure to this thing. All thousand of our fellow spectators were going in the opposite direction, rendering us the proverbial salmon swimming upstream.
But I got to see my favorite balloon - Kermit!
Not to mention how gorgeous the Museum looked lit up at night.
And my gorgeous mom, too.
As we were swimming upstream against a crowd of parade enthusiasts, we spotted a group of New York's Finest off to the side. We chatted with them for a bit and, seeing as they were going in the same direction as us, we asked if walk behind them - because everyone moves out of the way for the police. They happily agreed.
When we asked for a photo with our police escort, they not only obliged, but they popped police caps on both of us and gave us batons to pose with! Who says New Yorkers aren't friendly?
It was easy goin' from there on out.
The next morning, Mom and I woke up just in time to watch the parade from the comfort of my wonderful new Tempur-Pedic bed. We made bacon, eggs and blueberry muffins for breakfast, and then it was time for some serious business.
I was going to attempt my grandmother's famous Banana Cream Pie, for the first time on my own.
It came out perfect, if I do say so myself. I credit my lucky apron.
After that was finished, we headed out for our Thanksgiving dinner... by way of a Riverside Park stroll.
Absolutely yummy Thanksgiving dinner, complete with spiced cider, provided by Henry's Restaurant on 105th. Delicious!
This being a day of eating and all, we went right home and killed a few minutes before diving into the banana cream pie.
That night Mom was staying at a hotel, so we thought it would be fun for me to have a stay-cation and sleep in her room for the night. But after some complications, we had to have our room changed. So we got dressed, gathered our things and headed to another floor. Being a freak about bed bugs, I insisted on a quick inspection before lights-out... the sight of which cracked Mom up.
The next day was museum day. Mom had never been to the Guggenheim, which is unacceptable. So off we went, through Central Park to the Gug.
The autumn colors and cool air were a pleasing change for my desert-dwelling mum, and the weekend helped get her in the Christmas spirit.
I wasn't so much into the Kandinsky exhibit on display, but I did dig the "Paired, Gold" installation by Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Roni Horn.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for all that glitters.
That night I had a special surprise planned for my dear mother. She had mentioned that she wanted to go to a show while she was here, so I told her just to bring a fancy outfit, and the rest would be a surprise. We went for dinner and drinks at Josephina's, across the street from Lincoln Center (our ultimate destination).
It was a swanky little place with lovely service and yummy food (and creepy guys in the background).
My Thanksgiving gift to my mom was tickets to the Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet. She used to take me to see it when I was a little girl, and I figured it would be a nice surprise.
She was definitely delighted, and as we walked around the newly renovated fountain, she reminisced that the last and only time she'd been to Lincoln Center was when her grandmother got her and her family tickets to see "West Side Story" when she was a little girl. It all comes full circle.
It was a lovely night for fountain-watching.
I had never been to Lincoln Center before, and the Edward Koch theater was just lovely. It's fun to get all dressed up and go to a classy event.
Even more fun is seeing all the little girls dressed up!
There was a full live orchestra to accompany the dancers. I suppose that's standard but I hadn't even thought of that element.
This night was utterly beautiful. It's hard to explain how much it meant to me, because I was so focused on making sure my mom was having a special time that I didn't realize how special it would be to me. Within the first five minutes of the ballet, hearing music so familiar to my childhood and experiencing it with the person who first gave it to me, tears came to my eyes. My mom and I spent the hour and a half clutching each other and crying every once in awhile.
I know this makes me a crybaby, and I try to never use this word, but the night was truly magical.
After the performance, hesitant to let the experience end, we took our time exiting the emptied theater.
We stopped into Josephina's for a little nightcap and dessert.
Mmmmm, coffee and Baileys!
Not to mention this ridiculous chocolate mousse concoction.
What a night. The next day was Mom's last day. Since she was leaving from Newark, we met up with her cousins Eileen and Matty for lunch in Weekawken.
Afterward we stopped at Eileen's daughter Amy and hubby Oliver's house to say hello and see their two beautiful children.
Amy, expecting their third, looked as lovely as ever.
Her daughter Anna and I bonded quite quickly over an "Amelia Bedelia" book. She's so sweet! I especially dig her red Mary Janes.
Before long, it was time to say goodbye. It's always hard to do with one's mother, but it was slightly easier this time because I knew I'd be seeing her in just a few weeks.
Then it was onto the ferry and back to my fair city.
I had such a wonderful weekend with my mom - just the two of us! Definitely my best Thanksgiving ever. And now I get to see her in just a few days....
My big brother, Nathan, lives in Austin. I've visited him there just once, for a surprise Easter gift to our mom, but that weekend was rainy and cold and most things were closed due to the holiday. He's been encouraging me to come see him for a weekend on my own ever since, and one day I finally decided to make it happen.
For added adventure, I decided to bring my best girlfriends with me. When I asked Nate if he would allow me to bring a friend or two, he basically freaked out and said, "You can bring as many hot girls as you want, but I don't think I'd be okay with you bringing any guys into my house." Ha, as if! So I grabbed the hottest girls I know (Kerri and Shannon), and we met up in Texas for a rockin' good time.
I met Shannon at the airport... my taxi ride to the airport, lo so early in the morning, was quite lovely and quick as there was no traffic. As we took off I said ta-ta to our fair city.
We arrived in Austin and, as we awaited Kerri's arrival, had a spot of coffee in the sunlight. Shannon was rocking a ridiculously hot new 'do.
Before we knew it, Kerri landed and we got our squeals of delight and joy out of the way.
We haven't all been together in over a year, so this was quite the reunion.
Big bro Nate The Skate picked us up and took us out to lunch.
Over delicious Tex-Mex and micheladas, Kerri did some of her famous interpretive dancing with the restaurant guitarist.
After lunch with Nate's friend Prentiss, we basically just wandered around lovely downtown Austin.
We went a little gaga in a Mexican folk art store, of which there are a blessed many in Texas. I love all the bright colors, and of course the glitter.
We wandered around Uncommon Objects, a rad store with tons of random antiques.
I love the signage in Austin.
In an open plot of land some sweet trucks had set up shop. Of course we partook.
That night we made Nathan take us out on the town. He wisely brought his friend Frank along so he wouldn't have to deal with our constant girlie giggling and more interpretive dancing. We spent some time at the Continental Club and caught some live music.
Beauty queen Shannon did all of our makeup and of course, she herself was lookin' fine, sparkling as she tends to do.
We hung out behind the stage, feeling quite special even though it wasn't "technically" what you might call "backstage."
I had such a good time I clapped like a seal pup.
We made great use of the pool table back there, behind a woman who was inexplicably knitting.
After the Continental, we moved on to a couple of bars nearby and Shannon, Kerri and I played our usual "what guy would you pick for Kerri/Jenna/Shannon" game.
Here I may be thinking the gentleman to the right might do well for Kerri.
Nate and I definitely got some brother/sister bonding accomplished that weekend.
The next day, after lolling around on the couch and drinking coffee, we braved the rain and headed to our heaven: The Salt Lick for some authentic Texas BBQ.
Shannon is now my partner in short-haired crime.
Another friend of Nate's, whose name escapes me at the moment (sorry friend), joined us for the celebration of carnivorism.
For some reason, we were confused by the menus.
Nate and Kerri got it figured out.
Oh my God, so good.
AND PIE.
We even got to poke around their smoke pits.
After a brief stop at Target, where I got that beloved hot pink dress for the ALS dinner, we went home and the three of us ladies just vegged out with some wine and "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."
Since Nathan so generously hosted us for the weekend, we promised him one home-cooked meal. Shannon assumed the role of head chef, while Kerri was sous chef and I was, well... somelier? They didn't make me do much except pour the wine and slice bread. I wasn't complaining.
Shannon taught us this dope appetizer recipe, with sliced baguette, brie cheese and roasted garlic. It was, might I say, delish.
The meal was amazing...
... and boy was Nate excited.
That night we just chilled at home, drank wine, played with the dog, and did some salsa dancing.
Zoe even played cards with us.
Things got a little nuts...
Zoe took a particular liking to Shannie-Annie.
The next day was spent the way most of our weekends together do: with profound relaxation and hours of slow walking, usually accompanied by window shopping. Downtown Austin provided the perfect setting for our browsings.
Especially with micheladas outside, an impossibility in New York right now...
This folk art shop had so many beautiful items I couldn't choose! I finally decided on a heart to go with my collection (I have tin hearts from Mexico, Arizona and now Texas).
I decided that this red wall, covered in Mexican tin hearts, is my dècor inspiration and goal. Someday...
We wandered around, admiring shops and signs.
Yes, I am a dork.......
Apparently Kerri shares my affinity for degraded surfaces.
Just as Nathan was pulling up to drive us to the airport, this totally gorgeous couple stepped out into the middle of the street to have their engagement photo taken. On the one hand, they were freakin' precious. On the other hand, we all kind of wanted to puke.
We got into the car literally 20 seconds before it started raining. Luckily the drizzle didn't affect our travel plans.
Or perhaps unluckily... because then our weekend was over, all too soon.
Goodbye, Austin....
I miss you already. Mostly your food.
Thanks to Kerri for some of the photos in this post!
My friend Michael once told me he admires my unique collection of necklaces. "Every single outfit you have has a corresponding perfect necklace." It's true, I do pay special attention to what goes around my neck, and if I'm not wearing one I tend to feel naked. The other day I hung my newest one up on my necklace tree and realized how much my collection of this particular accessory says about, and means to, me.
I looked upon chains and charms I had bought all over the world, in Venice and Hawaii and Mexico, the first necklace I bought in New York on the trip that convinced me to move here (which I almost didn't buy because it was a whopping $12), the heavy silver mending heart I bought in hopes it would mend my own, my Scrabble tile and my cassette tape made out of vinyl and the antique key I hung on a chain, fake pearls from Target that I've worn to weddings... and of course the ones given to me by great friends. (my favorite is the typewriter, on which I receive compliments every time I wear it.)
The newest one is a delicate small picture of the Eiffel Tower, a gift from Shannon and Kerri from our trip to Austin. Just lovely. It's not only lifting my spirits every day and giving a certain "je ne sais quoi" to my outfits, but it's definitely keeping my eyes on the prize.
For the last few weeks I've been editing a video for the ALS Association. Every year they have a benefit dinner and last year I got to cut the patient film - my first real editing gig. I guess I did a good enough job because they asked me to do it again this year. You can watch it here.
Of course, I'll take any excuse to get all gussied up. Director Ben, my boss JJ and I all got dressed up and ready to go to the dinner on Thursday. By that time I was just happy to have it out of my hands and ready to enjoy the night.
At the Marriott Marquis, producer Ronan met up with us.
Last year we sat at a table with the agency; this year they put us at a table with the patient we profiled, Dave, and his wife Laura. They served an absolutely delicious 3-course meal...
(mmm, desserts.... pumpkin gelato, pie and mousse.)
... among speeches about the devastation of ALS. Last year they just sort of showed the films sporatically, without warning, and you just had to hope people were watching. This year we got a fantastic intro from the event's organizer, and everyone's attention from the start. The very first film up was mine. After working so hard on the editing, I hadn't had much of a chance to step back and see it emotionally, but I got that opportunity in spades while watching it sitting beside Dave and Laura. It was intense to watch them watch it, but I think I did my job.
I even got to meet Goose Gossage, who was being honored that night.
I was so glad I'd gotten to meet Dave and Laura, whose bravery, love, and strength in the face of this hardship is truly inspiring.
Afterward, we needed a bit of a mood lifter so the boys and I headed over to the PS260 Quitters' Party.
See, three of the finest ladies in our office (Mitch, Sarra and Stephanie) have all put in their resignation within a few weeks of each other, all seeking their true purpose and best place on this earth. It is really hard to see them all go, but I know they'll all be successful. Mostly because it's because of them that all of our parties are as wacky as they are.
And this party was no exception, believe me.
It was mostly just a dance party.
Of course I got my requisite ladies' room pic. Come on, it was red-lit, what do you expect?
Our EP Zarina even showed up and bought everyone tequila shots.
I'm not exactly one for shots so I just documented the occasion.
Among the revelers were several ex-PSers, including editor Bryan (below) and ex-assistants Erik and Patrick. You can take the fella out of PS, but you can't take the PS outta the fella. I hope the same goes for our girls.
In the meantime, we just danced.
I really, really love the people I work with.
You know Sarra and Ned got low.
I even danced a bit, which you may know is a feat in itself.
How could I resist the Warming-My-Hands-By-The-Campfire classic Borgman move?
By the end of the night I felt way too attractive in my pretty pink dress. I'd had just about enough of myself.
So the next day I promptly removed that feeling by removing 4 wisdom teeth. I now look like Chunk from "The Goonies" as I sit here blogging from my bed, watching a "CSI:" marathon and popping Vicodin.
Last night I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Dan Auerbach, the lead singer of one of my ultimate favorite bands, the Black Keys, play a solo show at Webster Hall. You might remember the Keys as the band I went stupid over atRecord Store Day.
If anybody wants to understand me, they need only to listen to the Black Keys.
Every time I've seen them play has been among the best shows I've been to. They are a consistently tight, rockin' band, and last night's solo show was no exception even though Auerbach was backed by a wholly different band.The opener was pretty cute himself. Justin Townes Earle.
Big big crush.
Soon enough, Auerbach's band came on, looking cool as hell and wearing leather jackets and sunglasses onstage as only a rocker can.
Gahhhhh! I LOVE this mountain man from Akron, Ohio.
Shannon had the good fortune of being my date.
Dan Auerbach and the Fast Five put on a stellar show... raucous and energetic. I rocked so hard my purse broke. Can't wait for the next show!
