The Guest Blogger Blogs about...Allyn

Hello to all of you out there in Blogland! My friend Allyn had asked me to contribute to her blog while she vacations at Virginia Beach. At first, the idea seemed daunting. What would I write about? I do not live in Brooklyn, but rather in the hinterlands of New Jersey (gasp). So I am not exactly privy to what goes on in Carrol Gardens. I AM however, somewhat knowledgeable about my friend Allyn, who has not divulged too much about herself here on Blipadee.

It's my pleasure to do so myself. :) So here goes.I will start with a picture of the artist taken at Books of Wonder's cafe this past March. See that bright smile? Don't let it fool you. She has a criminal record and did a stint at Sing Sing back in '91. (Ok, I made that up)

We went to the US Open last summer and got to see some big-time players warming up. This is Allyn sneaking into the bushes to catch close up photos of players like Rafael Nadal and a bunch of others. (There was only so much room to see them on the court, so the girl did what she had to do to glimpse some muscular legs). I'll let her post some of THOSE pics one of these days...


Next up is Allyn's great apartment in Carrol Gardens. Not only is her art interesting, but her living space is also a work of art. No one does color like this girl. She has vibrant pink, yellows and greens throughout. Add to this kitschy knick knacks, great art and funky lamps and her place takes on a museum quality. Her cat is also as skiddish as mine. I felt right at home. :)




Many a great artist are cheered on by great, loving mothers. Ask Andy Warhol. (Wait, that opportunity has passed, but trust me here.) Meet Anne Howard. Here are Allyn and her mom toasting at the Algonquin hotel last fall . Anne is a delightful, spirited and fun woman who comes to New York several times a year to spend time with her daughter. They take in all kinds of great restaurants, shows and museums together. She has been nice enough to include me in their plans many a time and I am so touched by her generosity. (Even the aforementioned US Open. It was fun to watch Anne drool over all the hot tennis men. And because of her, I have witnessed firsthand, the beauty that is Carlos Moya! Mreeeeeeoooowww! )

Here is one of Anne so you can see she has an entire face behind that cup-pretty smile included.

This was taken at "The Modern" (MOMA). Again, Allyn's mom let me tag along and I got to experience one of the best meals of my life. I can still taste that salmon entree if I close my eyes.
Every detail was impeccable. I think Heaven is lined with their dessert trays.

I met Allyn at SVA during a continuing ed class in the Spring of 2008. She sat in the front and I sat behind her somewhere in the third or fourth row. I barely spoke to her because of this, but I was always impressed that she did all the assignments and seemed more enthusiastic than most of the students. I always had to run out of there at the end to make the trek home, but somehow we kept in touch once class ended. I think our first outing was to Javits to see a licensing show, and we soon bonded over Thai food and wine when our feet began to burn and we hauled out of there.

So I hope this gives you a glimpse of the girl who runs this blog. She is funny, honest, supportive, bold, intelligent and most of all, a good friend to many. Allyn always tells me that she knew we would become friends when we first met. And I am so glad we did. :)

Thanks for letting me ramble and Allyn, I hope you are having a great time!!!