Cheers 2015 - Come on in!

:: HAPPY NEW YEAR ::

Here is a little party in Venice, Italy for you! 

I worked on this today and spent some time on a story about a dog gondolier 

(many of you know that character, Gustavo)

I must finish a new book dummy this month,

or Kristine Lombardi will be mad, sad & disappointed in me. 

I can't have that on my conscience in 2015 ;)

Thought I'd share some of the steps to the finished piece.

I often like the 2nd to last step most, bc of the loose quality and the charm that

sometimes gets lost by the time you do the finishing touches.

It's something to think about and it's understandable that many illustrators

work in layers in photoshop, keeping options open.

And, the initial sketch in charcoal.

:::

I rarely have resolutions for the New Year. 

Today, I'd just like to express my gratitude -

Cheers to my good friends - who are there, in good times and bad.

It seems we've all had some ups & downs in 2014 

but having supportive, fun, interesting people in your life makes 

all the difference.

I'm happy to be part of a union that takes good care of us, 

United Scenic Artists Local 829

and the neat people with whom I work who make even the most 

difficult of jobs, mostly commercials, enjoyable.

I feel lucky to live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, 

a neighborhood I still love, after many years here. 

I'll be looking at other options in 2015 since everyone, 

understandably, loves this area $$ ;)

I know, change can be good.

I'm happy to have finally given CKO Boxing a try.

Rosa Martinez is to thank for that! 

So far, I love it and I had become very bored with other 

workout routines, thus doing less and less until recently.

Great teachers, fun music, fast pace and kicks your butt!

I'm glad to have met such neat people through continuing ed classes at SVA

and groups like CBIG and SCBWI (which, I need to rejoin!)

You know who you are - especially happy to have become friends

with Kristine L. (old news ;) Yuko Katakawa and Melissa Iwai

Finally, I'm incredibly grateful for my parents.

I'm their only child and I'm close to both of them.

We're far from being a perfect family, but I've always felt loved.

My mom and I have been blessed with a particularly remarkable relationship. 

 It's been a painful few years because of her

illness, a relentless depression that breaks my heart.

It's been difficult for my dad to take care of her and

it's mystifying to watch someone who once exuded such great 

spirit, fall so hard to an illness that completely alters who you are.

I guess I'm ending on a sad note, I didn't mean to, I promise.

I do sometimes see glimmers of hope and catch a glimpse 

of the "old mom", the "real person" in there.

I guess I consider how lucky I've been. 

I just feel great sadness now

because my mom was always the most wonderful, 

loving, generous and funny person, friend and mother. 

It's hard to imagine what the future will bring. I know we all have our struggles.

I truly hope that all of us experience more joy, love, meaningful exchanges

and goofy ones, too

Plus, many big bright spots to feel grateful for next year.

Have a lovely New Year!

Now, do your thing.

Really, do it. Now :)

xo, A

Merci Paris! my best decision 2013

Those who know me well, or even a little, 

know I love stuffed animals. 

The old, falling apart, once beloved are of course,

my favorites.

Those seeking a new lease on life at a Paris Flea Market,

priceless.

June 2013 was the final month that my good friends,

Margaret and Scott, would be living in Paris. 

Scott is the creative director at Le Laboratoire located in 

Paris and Cambridge, Mass. where they currently reside. 

I made it in the nick of time.

It's probably the best decision I made in 2013,

which is why I'm sharing it with you on a year end post.

Here, a small selection of photos from my all too brief, 

but wonderful stay in Paris.

Me, happy as I could be!

The weather was ideal and it felt like a true gift. 

I know from Margaret how cold and damp the winter had been.

We spent my 1st Saturday wandering all over the city.

Yes, Starbucks is popular in Paris, 

due in large part to Wi Fi  :)

Love locks on Pont des Arts bridge represent eternal love, 

but like a doomed affair, it may soon be over :(

They've become a hazard to boats below and possibly the bridge, itself. Read more.

Scott joined us Saturday night to eat at La Mangerie, a charming, dimly lit, 

delicious tapas restaurant in the Marais district on the Right Bank.

They knew the maitre d' from various visits when they were living nearby.

He makes his own rum fusion delights :)

I missed my chance to stay at their large 3-bedroom sublet in the Marais. 

C'est la vie

Their apt in Canal St Martin was tiny, so I opted 

to stay in an even tinier place right across the canal.

It was my 1st experience with an AirBnB and I 

highly recommend it! 

It was little, as I said, and without a view, but perfect for my needs. 

AirBnBs make travelling affordable 

and you get to pretend you live there for a time.

That's Henri Hippo on my counter,

you'll meet him a bit later.

Henri hippo, my  flea market pick, enjoys his 1st dessert in a Paris cafe.

Margaret and I enjoyed a refreshing glass of wine 

at every opportunity, which

presented itself quite regularly ;)

I loved all the houseboats along the Seine 

and I have countless pics to prove it. 

Choosing a few to share is hard for me.

Cool car, huh? I read on Messy Nessy Chic blog 

that it was used in an old film. 

I spent most afternoons by myself. Because I've visited Paris before

I felt free to simply roam and let each day unfold without

the pressure of seeing all the sights and art there is to offer.

Of course it's hard to miss, since practically everything is a sight in itself.

Days like this were perfect, little surprises, moments in time made my trip.

I stumbled upon a trainer tossing balls in the Seine River

for his dogs to fetch. Here is a cute video if you're interested - 

Dogs in the Seine

:::

This is simply too sweet -

Margaret told me that the blue bunny was, apparently 

located and returned to his rightful home.

The children in Paris, adorable.

The macarons in Paris, adorable.

The pups in Paris, adorable.

A funny thing happened at the Louvre one night.

This Jack Russell took a swim by the pyramid!

Click Here for video :D

A chandelier, one of many in Napoleon's extravagant Apartments at the Louvre.

:::

When in Paris, take the Bateux Mouches at night. You will thank me!

My pictures can't begin to express how magical it is.

We've all seen countless images of the Eiffel Tower,

but coming up on it by boat at night defies all expectations.

It is really something to behold. 

You'll have to trust me if you haven't seen it in person this way.

Above, the stunning Notre Dame.

I was happy to locate the hotel where my mom and I had 

stayed years ago. 

Built in 1480, Relais du Vieux Paris is in the Latin Quarter

on the Left Bank. My mom loves history and had read about it being 

the choice for the "Beat Generation" in the 60s.

Kerouac, Burroughs & Ginsberg were known to have stayed here.

This bar/club/hang-out was very cool, filled with old funky

art, objects, posters, you name it. Sadly, I cannot remember the name. 

It's located in the Canal St Martin area.

Scott caught us prepping for the photo. 

Scott and Margaret hug each other.

I hug a tree.

This man waved bonjour :)

Curvy clean station!

What did you say to me? Get outta my box! 

my interpretation.

A rude awakening for Henri.

He'd heard so much about Brooklyn, but a rainy day anywhere 

can put a damper, so to speak, on one's expectations.

He has since adjusted and gets along swimmingly with the 

others here on Court Street, the real and the plush ;)

:::

* Have a Great 2014 *

May you travel : Discover things about the world, yourself, your loves, your likes!

I await a fresh new start with much anticipation. 

xo, A