capturing 1000 words

She said she hates the name David.

2009-11-09T18:01:00.003-05:00

Subway adventures with Einav.
Writing stories based off of things we say without meaning to.
Homemade pizza and half a bottle of wine....ooopsy doops.
All in all a great way to end the week, if I do say so myself.

Oh HEY girl...HEY.

2009-11-09T17:55:00.003-05:00

Found myself all over the place on Saturday.
Dumbo.
Chinatown.
Fort Green
Williamsburg.
And back to the Slope.

But the best part of the whole day was catching up with old friends from Saatchi. Brunch with my gals and coffee with one of my favorite art directors and his wife visiting from the Dominican Republic.

you owe me.

2009-11-09T17:54:00.001-05:00

Friday flew by and next thing I knew I was at drinks.
Sorry for the craptacular foto.

do you get depressed when your noodles are gone?

2009-11-06T12:02:00.003-05:00

Yes, I do get depressed when my noodles are gone.
But, finding an app that lets me turn my favorite words into a scrolling banner...umm that cheers me right up.

looking down from the 4th dimension.

2009-11-05T11:34:00.002-05:00

Eating noodles jibber jabbering about the 4th dimension vs. the 3rd dimension:
You got a 780 on the math portion of the SAT?
How is that even possible?
What's happening?
Why are we talking math & science at work, holmes?
...
Look! I have red tights.
And grey shoes.
That's all you need to know to know anything good...rar

words around Brooklyn.

2009-10-18T12:11:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I spent the day writing in a couple of my favorite Brooklyn neighborhoods...Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Bushwick and Billyburg. I love my borough. How did you spend your Saturday?

back in the saddle...again.

2009-10-17T10:56:00.003-04:00

Ack! I've been out of this space for waAAAAAay too long. I blame advertising - but even that isn't a good excuse. But since I've been here I'm back in the advertising saddle and I'll be up in this space cataloging the adventures with pen and keyboard. These pics are from my writing adventures in Bushwick with my new Art Director. Stay tuned for more kids.
Rars!

active...again.

2009-08-11T10:07:00.005-04:00

Unemployment.
It barely seems believable that I've been cohabiting with that word for the past six months. But its true. It has lurked around the corners of my day and haunted me in the night with all of its uncertainty. But, with all of its gloom, it also brought me moments of clear skies, and the time to work on things I wanted, and in some cases needed to. And for that I'm thankful. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to visit my bff in SF, learned how to make stop animation videos, had my work exhibited, that I was able to go to my brother's wedding, and visit family in July and most importantly that I was able to learn how to define myself without a title from a job. And that really is the best lesson I've learned in the beautiful mess that unemployment is. I am not my job. Being a NYer, sometimes that is hard to say - but its true. So true.

So with that, I am going to ENJOY my last week of unemployment without the rain cloud of worry hanging over my head. There will be dancing in the streets, and sipping on champagne and visits to the beach and who knows...watch this space for a week of celebration!

early morning.

2009-08-07T10:25:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I got up super early to have a date with my keyboard and some cherries. Worked like a good little freelancer and today I'm off to spend some QT with my old partner before she takes off to Seattle for a shoot. Two weeks without B, what am I to do?
Le sigh. I'm off to enjoy the sun, cawfee and bagels with her now.
Happy Weekend, ya'll!

go through the yellow door and turn to the right.

2009-08-03T12:01:00.000-04:00

It's Monday!! and I'm totally feeling yellow and all the optimism it brings.
Can you feel it?

I'm telling you, its totally going to be a good week.

weekending.

2009-08-02T20:04:00.000-04:00

Spent the weekend in the company of good friends, good food and the overwhelming desire to just enjoy each moment.
Hope your weekend was just as relaxing...see you on Monday!

my brother got hitched...part deux.

2009-07-27T09:40:00.003-04:00

I'm still in Ohio visiting family, but had to update all the awesomeness that happened this weekend. Besides celebrating with family I am also trying to soak in all the Ohioness I can which means, great thrift stores, garage sales, time with my mom, seeing one of my college roommates, getting my hair did at JR's, grilling out, roadside farm stands and of course getting a hard time from my brother. Gotta love home.

Hope your weekend was equally spectacular

getting to the land where mustaches aren't ironic.

2009-07-24T00:03:00.004-04:00

Made the trek from Brooklyn to Suburbia (aka Ohio) today and found myself thoroughly amused with airport life and the rhythm of writing on the go - its so different from sitting at a desk or at a coffee shop. I think being forced to physically change spaces or write in *much smaller spaces than I'm used to really did something for me.
Note.

To.

Self.

That said, check out the mustache on that cop!! Riiiight?!!! Toto, we're not in Williamsburg anymore. Also, if the 'stache wasn't enough that kung-fu grip on the license comes in close second for being best thing I saw today besides my Mom.
Ahh...the bliss of being back in Ohio.

<3 it.

writing at home.

2009-07-22T15:17:00.003-04:00

Woke up early this morning (totally weird) and started right in on a freelance assignment that needs some serious lovin' before I head home to Ohio for my brother's wedding reception, tomorrow. Oh, hey packing...yah...right...I need to work on you too...I'll just be off in the corner doing a million things. Its. cool.

Also, this is simple & brilliant eye candy .

awesomer...now a part of the English language.

2009-07-21T19:06:00.005-04:00

Took a walk through my city, cawfee in hand, computer in bag to an interview.
Afterwards, I ducked into a movie theater to avoid the rain, and indulged my inner nerd to a little Harry Potter, and a walk through my old hood before heading home to work on a new freelance assignment. A quiet, but good rainy sorta day.

Also on my daily surfing of YouTube, I found this video - awesome idea, awesomer editing. And yes, awesomer is a word-cuz I said so.

gallery sweet gallery.

2009-07-20T11:49:00.002-04:00

me & Einav

Einav's AWEsome photos

my stuff.

Some random other art I was digging...aren't those colors great?

obligatory photo in front of your own work...hi Mom!

The gallery show was all that and a bag of chips. (yes, I just said that)
And, it was HOT.
Literally.

The gallery's air conditioning broke a few hours before the show...so with all the wonderful art and smiles, and glasses of wine, and congratulations and friends upon friends that showed up to show their support - we were also graced with a lovely humid evening, the likes of which we haven't seen all summer.

But, even with the heat it was an evening to remember...so, if you showed up, or sent virtual love...thank you again!
xx.

partaking in Sunday Funday.

2009-07-20T00:35:00.003-04:00

Sunday...also referred to as my favorite day to finish projects, sip on cawfee with the NY Times, hang out with my crazy friends in the park with beverages and catch up on my people watching - very, VERY important inspiration, ya know.

Also, I'm totally digging these illustrations of cawfee shops around the BK.

that's shorthand for...a peek into the gallery.

2009-07-17T11:24:00.005-04:00

...that's shorthand for 'cold'

...that's shorthand for 'bravery'

The much anticipated show opens today and here is a little sneak peek at what will be there - along with 8 other gems, by yours truly. The gallery reception starts at 7, so if you're interested stop by!

In the meantime, check out this AWEsome video that my friend Jessica sent over...I wish my desk made all my little drawn creatures come to life, don't you?

drawings and words, and the like.

2009-07-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

So my upcoming gallery showing includes my pen and ink drawings with, wait for it...shorthand.
I love shorthand is like the graphic equivalent of a dying language like Latin. Unlike Latin, however, we haven't inscribed shorthand into the marble in our courthouses, so sadly it is becoming completely lost. I was lucky enough to find a Pitmans Shorthand dictionary by chance last summer in a pile of books John Jay H.S. in Park Slope was giving away for free, and it has become a prized possession. Its featured right there, in that second photo. It has the most wonderful old smell and I love how graphic a simple word like flock can be. Only one more day till the show opens!

w00t.

Attention...you're reading this and that's awesome.

2009-07-15T11:40:00.003-04:00

Midtown.
You did me right, yesterday.
Had a meeting uptown where my awesome copywriting friend, Jon, works. And, then later in the evening I met up with all of my usual suspects to partake in the NYC Philharmonic's show in Central Park. There was wine, there were Cool Ranch Doritos (!), sushi (!!), more wine, and my notebook filled with the horrible slash awesome things my friends were saying. So much inspiration all in one evening.

Also, Bernadette sent over some eye candy this am, and I am smitten!

oh hey Queens...how you do?

2009-07-15T11:34:00.003-04:00

Went to Queens the other day to drop off stuff for the gallery show and was totally enamored at how AWESOME Queens is. Umm...that taxiacademy sign - could that be any better? To quote Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there" - NOW.
!!

weekend adventuring.

2009-07-13T10:02:00.004-04:00

Had a weekend full of awesome adventures that took me and my notebook all over the place.
On Saturday, we rode the rails all the way out to Riverhead in Long Island where I met up with old friends, shopped, ate sushi and drank lots of champagne.
And, on Sunday we watched the lovely French folks play petanque at Brooklyn's Bastille Day celebration while brown bagging Sparks with college friends. I ask thee, does a weekend get any better?

I think not.

Also, check out these dance moves for some smiles.

pulling it together.

2009-07-09T16:54:00.002-04:00

While its been nothing but crickets in this space, I've been blasting NPR and this American Life for the past few days while I've been drawing up a storm.

I've been wanting to mention my exciting news in this space for a while, but wanted to wait until all my pieces were just about complete and today, they finally are! So, without further ado, I'm going to be showing some of my drawings at a gallery with my friend Einav and about 100 other artists in NYC a week from tomorrow. Look at this space for new drawings and updates on the show!

p.s. this made me laugh SO much...Evian you so crazy.

Up.

2009-07-07T16:33:00.002-04:00

Had a meeting up in Harlem yesterday and took myself for a little walk beforehand. I'm always so pleased at how great things look overhead - isn't it silly that we hardly ever look up? ? I encourage you to do it - you'd be surprised what kind of gems are waiting for you up there.

Srsly.

writing, dancing, segaing - what its a word! I swear.

2009-07-06T10:25:00.009-04:00

I eased myself back into the "trying to find a job" routine with a little sega this morning and jesus - that shit is so good. I don't care what anyone says I'm totally smitten with the 90s graphics and sound. And how I ask you can I barely remember to send my rent in on time when I can still remember where all the extra lives are hidden?!
Srsly.
Anyways, I hope your 4th was full of fireworks, sun and a cold beer - mine was full of all of the above plus one atlantic ocean and a sea of my friends.
Yesterday, I hung out with my friend Einav, took these photos, sipped on cawfee, wrote lots on my laptop, updated my site with this new gem, sipped more cawfee, got a 40 in the park and concepted, nibbled on sushi, ran into random ad folks on the sidewalk (running into peeps on the street is one of my FAVORITE aspects of NYC), then scampered home to draw and plot for something I'll share here in a few days.
Rar...ok, back to our regularly scheduled programming....dancing and writing to this:

beautifully bleeding felt.

2009-07-01T12:31:00.002-04:00

When I saw these beauties on Broadway this morning, I about lost my SHIT. These heads make my brain spin off into beautifully grim tales of sweet creatures with charismatically demonic personalities. I want to visit their world, even if the risk of coming out looking like them is high. Don't you?
Whoever made these, made my day.

Was hiding from you even an option?

2009-06-30T11:44:00.004-04:00

Wandering around the West Village today, working with my little laptop and wishing this film was out. So effing good. Also, made me think at least I'm not a greeting card copywriter. That saying it could always be worse, rings true.
Rar.

I'll porkslap that grin right off your face, mister!

2009-06-29T16:37:00.003-04:00

Spent the weekend writing on trains riding to and from Philly. I had such a good time in the city of brotherly love. Hung out with my aunt and some friends, drank lots of silly-named beers and avoided the sites as much as possible.
And in totally unrelated news, Bernadette turned me on to this site and I'm totally smitten with their work.

drawing is my remedy.

2009-06-25T12:39:00.002-04:00

A little drawing based off of dinner with my friend Peter last night.
The most perfect version of Lady Gaga's Just Dance, here - go you won't be sorry. Trust.
Happy Thursday, kids. I'm off to lunch with my old art director - miss her.

...just a little love in the mail.

2009-06-24T16:22:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was basically covered in radsauce. I had a great meeting in the city full of laughter and then I got to wish one of my favorite art directors, Jessica, a very happy 23rd birthday...it was full of Belgians - both beer and people, learning that exactly 20 stirs of ice cubes in a glass will make the *whole glass cold fast (thanks Luke!), and the extreme urge to get one of these for everyone I know.

OMG, I made a YouTube video.

2009-06-23T10:15:00.003-04:00

Kids, I made my very first YouTube video to send to Johannes Leonardo - one of my favorite ad shops here in NYC. They just won Daffy's, so I decided to have a little fun with my "Please give me a job" email.
Check it:

go monster, go!

2009-06-23T10:10:00.002-04:00

Been gone making lots of things and not updating, nearly as often as I should be! Look for updates today, suckas.
Also, I ran across this on SwissMiss and OMG, I wish I made this!

I'll show you mine, if you show me your's.

2009-06-17T10:57:00.002-04:00

I got back from my mini-vacay in the Virgin Islands, where I watched my brother get hitched, just in time to make it to Portfolio Night 7. The night was really interesting and a bit intimidating - but TOTALLY worth the nervous pee's I had early in the evening. I met up with a few of my ad chums, snacked on some food, resisted the incessant urge to dance (they were playing so many good 80s tunes) and listened to some really great advice on my book, and some great compliments, as well. I am surprised to say this, but the evening was very reassuring. Despite the current "economic kick in the shin" that is happening to all of us ad folks, it was nice and comforting to be surrounded by some great ad brains. That said, if you're an unemployed ad peep, and Portfolio Night is coming to your 'hood, I highly recommend it.

when all the Virgins are gone, what will the world come to?

2009-06-09T18:01:00.002-04:00

Spent the day juggling my time between Union Square and Brooklyn. So many errands, leaves so little time for writing during the day. I guess, I'm lucky that I'm a night owl. Anyways, when I was in Union Square today the sight of the Virgin store just made me mopey miss mopes. Came home, grabbed the laptop, that book and those blueberries and all seems right with the world again. Especially after I watched this. Such a reminder that one man's horrible job is another man's dream job. So good.

dear patron saint of get me a new j-o-b, NOW.

2009-06-08T11:11:00.002-04:00

I spent most of the weekend working on my portfolio, and I'm thinking it is a MUCH better representation of me and my work. Its much more playful, and I'm digging the black and white. After all that portfolio work, I woke up this morning with my brain full of ideas and rearing to go. I went out on a walk early this morning and just collected them all into a little bundle and am slowly ticking away on them. . Now, I must go get more cawfee, but I hope your Monday is also playing niiiiiiiiiiiiiice.

Also, I wish I did this.

a very Belmont weekend.

2009-06-07T21:54:00.002-04:00

Went to the Belmont yesterday with some friends and had an AMAZING time. Who knew that betting on horses could be so much fun? I didn't end up as lucky as my friends Tom & Evan (who won BIG), but I had a good time nonetheless. The horses had such great names, the jockey's colors and patterns made my eyes dance, and the ladies were sporting some mighty fine hats that I wish I owned. If you get a chance next year, go to Belmont. Its full of inspiration, trust.

Monday and handmade type.

2009-06-02T11:13:00.005-04:00

My Monday was anything but manic, but the antics that took place were a bit cray-cray, thanks to hanging out with my bff, Ethel. We spent the day wandering around Coney Island, taking note of handmade signs and eating cheese fries. Then I headed into the city to meet up with Jessica and Einav to work on a couple of projects until the wee hours. Can't wait to show the results...so much work to be done before that tho!
Also, Marco sent me this and I about died. So effing good.

saturday morning musings.

2009-05-30T12:36:00.003-04:00

Wrote a story this morning, based off these flowers. They smelled so incredibly good, and it made me wonder why all things that are in the process of dying can't smell as good. Now, I'm off to the city to work on a freelance project.
Ta-ta!

love you, mean it.

2009-05-30T12:26:00.003-04:00

I spent Friday writing in the East Village, before heading out to celebrate my friend Annie's birthday. Annie, thank gawd you're back from Argentina, NYC wasn't the same without you! While I was out celebrating, I had the pleasure of hanging out with two contributors to this site, such awesome ladies.
Also, I want this outfit SO badly. Purple is the new awesome. But it for me, puhlease?

lady barrow's tours of europe are for book lovers.

2009-05-29T10:40:00.003-04:00

Worked in Carroll Gardens yesterday, and I'm still dreaming of going on a trip with Lady Barrow, want to join?
Also, these made me smile, and as did this. And, for a slow, sultry song that totally matches today, listen to this.

working in ass-toria.

2009-05-28T12:53:00.003-04:00

Hung out in Astoria yesterday with my friend Devi, sipping cawfees, making Indian food, watching Indian movies and of course writing.
Check out this and this, for some smiles & inspiration. That first link is SO good.

the work day, in the BK.

2009-05-27T17:14:00.002-04:00

Inside writing, meeting up with friends and talking future plans and loving this site my friend Luke pointed out to me.
So so so good, and very Luke.

birthday part 2 (into the weekend we go!)

2009-05-26T11:14:00.004-04:00

Walks around Beacon NY with Einav. The whole day was full of smiles and laughter and small town charm.

27th birthday, part 1.

2009-05-22T10:16:00.003-04:00

I'm back from my birthday adventures, one year older and full of great memories. Woke up early, opened packages from my mom & aunt, then met up with my friend Einav for a full day of upstate fun. We took the train to Beacon, Ny, ate delicious sandwiches, gazed at art at Dia:Beacon, and wrote stories on the train ride back to the city...so good.

birthday girl.

2009-05-21T07:03:00.004-04:00

Today, I'm skipping "work" and heading up the Hudson to DIA:Beacon to celebrate my bday with my friend Einav! Can't wait for all the art and small town homeyness and the magic of feeling 27 to hit me! If you need me I'll be celebrating, check back manana.
xx.

writing in Harlem.

2009-05-20T09:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of heading up to Harlem to work at my friend Artem's start-up company. The boys were kind enough to invite me over while I was working on some ad stuff for them AND feed me one of the best meals I'll have all month. They actually have their own private chef! The food was delicious, as was the company. And, today I'm off to get my hair cut for the first time in 4.5 months, w00t!

things I'm loving.

2009-05-18T16:59:00.003-04:00

It's my birthday week! And, I've been noticing that I'm surrounded by some truly lovely things...good books, good letters, and good music - what more could a girl want for her bday?
Also, I'm loving those dolls up here. (scroll down about 3-4 images)

if you could, would you name a building after me?

2009-05-14T17:36:00.005-04:00

I've been taking lots of walks in the rain this past week and I've noticed that all these old apartment buildings in my 'hood have the greatest names! That last one really steals my heart, I so *so wish I lived in a building called Ramona. Don't you?
"Yah, just pop by Ramona and say hi"...or "I'm going home to Ramona", "Ramona has cockroaches again...gotta call the exterminator"...oooh so good.
In completely unrelated news, my friend Marco sent me this and it made me laugh...so wrong, but so right.

reasons to be happy.

2009-05-11T11:29:00.003-04:00

Sometimes being a "freelancer" (aka unemployed) writer I find myself down in the dumps. Like the real dumps. Ya know, the place where grey clouds rule the skies and it seems as if creativity is on its deathbed. BUT, I've been told that this is normal for people that have recently lost their jobs.
So yay for being "normal".
That said I was having one particularly bad day last week and was lamenting my woes to my dear friend Einav and she came up with this wonderful list of reasons to be happy and because its so wonderful I feel it NEEDS to be shared. My apologies that some of these only make sense to me, but this is my blog, riiiight? But, if you're having a bad day try and remember why you're awesome, why the world is awesome and why you're lucky to be a part of it, or just look at this list:
1. because there is so much inspiration everywhere
2. because every-time we're low is a time to prove to the world that we we will be optimistic and fuck it.
3. because you're a rocker ninja so you can definitely tell it to fuck it
4. our art gallery ... when?
5. we're healthy people. without any serious problems.
6. you're beautiful
7. we're going on a road trip on your b-day
8. netflix
9. netflix instant online
10. amazing work for artem to come... (woo-hoo)
11. https://slingshot-us.mytbwa.com/43e5f3a12532761c752a7d0bdf50501b (download to see my latest Twofer video! and tell me what you think. Not done yet...)
12. creating, stories, character, drawings, scarves... creating anything that the world didn't have before.
13. the ability to go running really really fast
14. showers when you talk into the water
15. Super loves you
16. Good music
17. Good friends ;-)
18. Always remember to distinguish happiness and pleasure! Life might not be pleasurable now but you're learning to strive more and more for happiness.
19. Helping others. If you feel bad tomorrow then go volunteer somewhere. anywhere.
20. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

My favorite has to be #3...going to be one now :)

pedals for my heart.

2009-05-07T11:48:00.002-04:00

Ahhh the glorious look of pink pedals on the grey and brown stoops in my neighborhood. Have I mentioned how much I love the look of my neighborhood this spring. Park Slope, I was new to you last year but this year you have showed me how awesomely beautiful you can be...even with all the grey skies we've been having this spring. <3 you and your Park *so much.

I've been less and I've been more.

2009-05-07T01:12:00.004-04:00

The past few days have been a full of peaks and valleys around here. There has been a lot of working on new campaigns for my portfolio, and lots of writing in my own journal trying to figure out what to do about this unemployment business. The sad thing about unemployment is that unless you've gone through it you can't really understand - its full of days that are gloomy like these photos (and the weather in NYC...wtf!? its May!) and then other days when I feel full of light, hope and the crazy feeling that not only are things going to be okay - they're going to be better than okay. So basically put those feelings on a loop on repeat and that's what I've been dealing with for the past 2 months, its exhausting but I'm starting to think that maybe the clarity I'm getting from this time will be invaluable.

up in Harlem things are funnier.

2009-04-30T14:33:00.003-04:00

OMG. I've watched this ad about 10 times in a row this morning! Ack...its so effing funny I love it so much. Gosh, have I mentioned I love advertising lately? Cuz...I do...like big time.
Today I'm up in Harlem shakin it with the boys figuring out how to make them supa dupa known. Hope your Thursday is going well...and if it ain't watch that ad about 5 times and you'll be in stitches.

In my dreams grey smells like lilacs.

2009-04-29T18:55:00.003-04:00

I spent the day juggling two different spec projects for my portfolio and it felt *so good to be working with partners and coming up with ideas again. That rush of adrenaline that coffee plus idea making does to me is SO good. Today when I was walking home the afternoon light made all the greys look pretty and even made the lilacs outside my door smell better than their delicious selves.

inspired by pink.

2009-04-28T14:30:00.003-04:00

Feeling inspired by the color pink today...its so vibrant and NOW. Everything is popping up in NYC and if there is a color that pops its PINK. Most of these shots are from my last trip to SF - ya know the place where its always sunny and springy - unlike our 90 degree weather we're having here in NYC. Where did Spring go? Why is it summer in April, here in NYC?
Somebody hold me in some air conditioning.

up in harlem, good things happen.

2009-04-27T22:46:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite things about NYC is how connected and energized everyone is. In my four years living here I've managed to befriend some of the most talented people in a wide variety of circles outside of advertising - including my friend Artem. He's one of the super smart people that left Google to do his own start-up and is on the fast track to being awesome in a big way. Today, I was lucky enough to be asked to come up to Harlem to learn a bit more about his company, have dinner with the guys and start thinking how my advertising and PR experience could help them become the next Application sensation. (Ya know those ridiculously awesome programs for the Android and iPhone). Its really interesting to me how now that I'm out of work lots of different opportunities that I would probably have little time for, are coming my way. And, what's even better about this one is that it allows me to do what I love while helping out a friend - isn't that awesome? So, I'm excited to start working on helping Work Smart Labs become awesome...hopefully I'll have news to share here soon.

Hopefully your Monday started off on the right foot, too!

pensive sunshine.

2009-04-26T17:13:00.003-04:00

It was the first weekend of the year that I felt the summer shenanigans were coming out to play.
I hope the weather isn't too shy and keeps up with the pleasantries.

a pink brownstone sorta day.

2009-04-24T12:31:00.003-04:00

The colors of spring are everywhere in my 'hood and it smells utterly delicious outside.
But now I'm back inside working on some freelance projects dreaming of getting back into the sun with all those colors.
Oh! And the bff from college is coming in town tonight...can't wait, can't wait!! Hope your weekend is ridiculously colorful.
Rar.

working at home, being silly, 4.23.09

2009-04-23T10:32:00.008-04:00

Job fairs, writing at home and emailing people asking for work...oh my life.
Also my friend sent me this site and its been making my ears smile all day.
And I finally figured out how to reformat for bigger pics! w00t.

patterns and making words with my Mom, 4.21.09

2009-04-21T20:43:00.004-04:00

Spent the day wandering around the Slope with my Mom, sipping on lattes and working on a writing project together. Love making words with my Mom, hopefully they'll turn out to be as wonderful as we imagine. More on that as it comes to life!

weekend musings and monday cup of coffee, 4.20.09

2009-04-20T11:24:00.004-04:00

walks with my parents led us around Brooklyn; we popped into the Botanical Gardens to eye up the Cherry Blossoms, through Prospect Park (several times), to the main library at Grand Army Plaza and back to the park for some prime napping in the sun. So good to be with family. Now, I'm with pen & notebook and my first cup of cawfee doing the "get me a job now..pretty, pretty please, hustle".

American writer...4.14.09

2009-04-14T13:40:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I'm totally stoked that I'm from America. Mostly when I look at Obama, or see things like that first picture or when I'm wandering through the West Village or take a pass through this site. I'm totally smitten with the brand, and with that first song -Wordy Rappinghood. So, so good. OK, now to get back to my regularly scheduled writing.
rar.

Monday writings and musings 4.13.09

2009-04-13T11:43:00.003-04:00

Looking up and looking down and taking in all spring has to offer while walking to the Tea Lounge this morning. Where I am currently sending emails and hunting for the perfect jobby, job.
ALSO.
The new site is up and running and pretty, pretty if I say so myself...let the happy dancing begin.

writing 4.8.09

2009-04-08T15:04:00.002-04:00

So the life of a freelancer/unemployed/looking for work copywriter seems to be a something that cracks me up lately. Such an odd thing. And, my days are filled with things that I am not used to doing, like:
-Sending emails to people who don't respond. I've taken to it like a game. What is the funniest headline I can write for a subject line? Is, "A monkey told me to email you" too weird?
-Drinking coffee ALL day long. Ya know, in the morning at home, then in the afternoon at a coffee shop then again in the evening while I'm at a different cafe writing. I'm creating a serious caffeine addiction.
-Having time to go running in the middle of the afternoon
-Surfing Craigslist, daily. I'm not gonna lie I've slipped over into the "housing swap" section on more than one occasion while pondering how I could escape this unemployment
-Talking to my Mom more than our once a day. What? You don't? Sheesh. I mean, she's only the coolest person, eva.
-Making google maps of things I want to eat.
-Listening to old SWV while writing. Cause I can. As loudly as I want.
-Staring at cute boys in coffee shops.
-Reading everything on my GoogleReader. I still can't believe that I did that. Just shows you what time will do for you
-Reading the news DAILY - I was pretty bad at this when I was working
Anyways, that's just a sampling of my day. Random, right?

Ok, I'm off to stare at more cute boys and words.

writing 4.7.09

2009-04-07T20:12:00.004-04:00

bubble tea from this place.
writing with pretty new pens.
working on the new site.

writing 4.6.09

2009-04-06T21:44:00.003-04:00

Big weekend full of new computer happiness and hanging out with my partner, Bernadette. I'm so proud of her and her new found knitting skillz. Its rainy and gross in Brooklyn today, but maybe the sun will come back tomorrow

writing with a side of blergs.

2009-04-03T17:32:00.002-04:00

Sooooo, I've totally neglected this little patch of real estate! I do hope you'll forgive me, I've been trying to get things in order post SF and am trying to get back into the freelancers lifestyle. My apologies. But, isn't that photo pretty - I took it in SF with my friends Hasselblad (be envious, be very envious). More of his pics here.

writing 3.26.09

2009-03-26T23:55:00.001-04:00

I'm back from vacay, and jet-legged and feeling very much not in love with my keyboard...but after drinks and sushi and getting all cozy with daffodils in my apartment, I have a feeling that tomorrow we'll be back on schedule.

So check back then for the full details!

when in doubt...vacation.

2009-03-17T19:36:00.003-04:00

No more emailing tons of places only to have my emails be ignored.
No more starting at that cute guy with the tattoos in my Tea Lounge.
No more afternoon runs, because I can.
No more Brooklyn.

I'm leaving on jet plane to visit my bff across the country.

Hello San Francisco.
Hello hills and fog.
Hello bike rides.
Hello searching for the greatest glazed donut.
Hello to 28th birthday parties (I'm so glad he's a year older than me!)
Hello to hoodies and hats and long walks.
Hello to cameras by the handful.
Hello to whiskey tasting tours.
Hello to all the adventures we'll be talking about for years.
Hello to leaving the stress of being unemployed behind.

Goodbye for now...I might be back in between but I'll definitely be back in a week.
xx.

writing 3.16.09

2009-03-16T18:17:00.003-04:00

Playing catch up after hanging out with family and friends over the weekend in Philly.
Only 2 more days till I jet off to San Fran...so so so so excited. Can't wait to escape NYC.

writing 3.12.09

2009-03-12T14:54:00.003-04:00

Sitting at the Tea Lounge, sipping iced caw-fe (ya know, its almost spring and we are in NYC)
writing all day, and thinking about drawing more stuff like the above.
Rar.

writing 3.11.09

2009-03-11T18:41:00.003-04:00

After hitting the pavement in the city, meeting with recruiters and making myself the best lunch eva, I wandered down to the Tea Lounge. I had every intention of being a good little writer and taking some notes, do a little reading, and work on this project I've been doing with Einav, but instead I ended up having this amazing conversation with an older Englishman. We talked about the recession (obviously) and how it really is a great opportunity for people who are laid off to get back to the things they love. And not only rediscover them, but really, geniunely enjoy them, because most of the time when we're working we don't have time to do that.

I've written about this very sentiment here multiple times over the past two weeks, so really it is the universe's way of yelling at me to get a clue and get on with it. So, instead of being upset that I spent two hours at the Tea Lounge and didn't get much of anything done, I'm actually quite happy. The gentleman I met was quite interesting and I love LOVE hearing people's stories. In our conversation I was reminded of what my Unkle in Germany said to me almost a year ago:

"Living your life for your job will get you nowhere, at the end of the day your job isn't going to be there for you - but your family and friends will."

I told this to the Englishman, and of course he agreed and then we both pondered at how Americans got to be so different from their European counterparts, especially when viewing work. I'm not sure where we went wrong, but as an American who longs to live and work in Europe one day, I think perhaps "my recession" should really be about finding that balance. Because, after all, my job isn't here to comfort me during the recession, but my family and friends have been there for me in spades.

writing 3.9.09

2009-03-09T19:04:00.004-04:00

Still mildly missing that place.
Miss her most tho.

not writing 3.8.09

2009-03-08T20:22:00.011-04:00

So I took some of my mama's advice and put down the pencil, keyboard, and general ad making this weekend. Instead I got outside to enjoy "my recession" as she puts it. I'm so glad I did, I no longer feel like that last picture.
Also, I created this.

writing at home 3.5.09

2009-03-06T11:40:00.003-05:00

So, we all know that I sit at home most of the day sending emails, but I also spend a LOT of time writing text messages. Some would call my text-messaging an illness, but I'll hold steady that its merely a habit. But, I'll admit that my habit has only gotten worse since I've been unemployed. I fill up my inbox at least two times a week, and that thing holds 100 messages at a time. So, in going through my inbox and cleaning it up, I came across this text message that one of my friends sent me right after I got laid off:

U r such a f*ckin winner. And the two of us will sip Aquavit in the south of France in june together. Mark those words. And hold me to them.

Have I mentioned that I love my friends? I do. They simply make my face curl up in a smile and yes, we WILL be in the south of France with some gold lions adorning our table, I can see it all the way from the unemployment line.
Rar.

writing at home 3.4.09

2009-03-04T16:59:00.004-05:00

Had an interview with a recruiter in the city.
Which meant not sitting in my chair so much today.
Happy dance, indeed.
Got home and baked some more banana bread as a thank you.
Now I'm finishing up a post for this blog.
Hopefully it'll be up soon.
Now I'm off to stare longingly at the warm banana bread.
*sigh.

writing at home 3.3.09

2009-03-03T15:39:00.006-05:00

Unemployment is a strange creature.
It lets me sit at home most of the day, bake bread and go out for walks in the snow with my camera. Despite its benefits, it leaves you with an odd feeling that you've done nothing all day.
Sigh.

Off to hustle this thing some more.
Hope your Tuesday was full of smiles.

writing 3.2.09

2009-03-02T09:10:00.004-05:00

Its official, according to the state at least, I'm unemployed.
Total Blerg.

writing 2.27.09

2009-02-27T11:26:00.002-05:00

Eeps!
Its been almost a full week since I posted here.
Never fear, its a been a roller coaster ride this week, full of emotions, but I'm learning my ways around afternoons filled with sitting at cafes, sipping lattes, writing emails and working on my portfolio. Recession 2k9, will not get the best of me, that I can guarantee.

rar.

writing 2.23.09

2009-02-23T23:29:00.004-05:00

First, I want to say thank you to all of the emails, phone calls, texts and in-person love I've gotten from friends, family, colleagues, old coworkers and the like. I appreciate your kind words understand and encouraging sentiments more than I could ever possibly begin to express. I truly am fortunate that I have so many people that care, so thank you. All of you.

That said, operation "get me a new gig" is in full gear. Today was spent making lists, sending emails, calling contacts, texting my favorite partner asking her how life is like back at my former home and time spent looking at my portfolio and wondering "are you good enough to be in here". But, on the bright side at least I got to go running this morning without the pressure of being into work at a certain time.

Tomorrow, I'm hoping to have my camera in hand to capture my new work environment, other characters I'll be meeting and working with that are also victims of Recession 2k9, and the life of an unemployed copywriter. Stay tuned, it should be exciting.

will write for food 2.20.09

2009-02-20T12:05:00.003-05:00

Dear Recession,
I knew you were a meanie,but srsly did you have to take my job?
That's just cruel.

Confused and in need of bread monies,
Salina

p.s.
If you're in advertising, or need a writer of any sort email me, I need work:
salina.cole@gmail.com

Proof that I know what I'm doing,here.

writing 2.18.09

2009-02-19T11:54:00.003-05:00

Wabi-Sabi.
It represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience. The phrase comes from two words: wabi and sabi.

The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. It nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities:
Nothing lasts.
Nothing is finished.
Nothing is perfect.
Wabi-Sabi improves with age and wear. Like modernism, it loves simplicity and functionality. Unlike modernism's geometric boxes it is round and open like a bowl.

I found this via my friend Luke's tumblr, and I think that if the Wabi-Sabi mentality was accepted by more creatives, we'd all be much happier with the agency process.

In fact, Wabi-Sabi should be our mantra.
Wabi-Sabi is our happy place when the "perfect" spot gets killed, or they want a bigger logo or a more "retail-shaped" message.

Wabi-Sabi.
Say it with me:
Nothing lasts.
Nothing is perfect.
Nothing is finished.

Wabi-Sabi.
Its just (gasp)advertising.

So account people, if you hear me saying Wabi-Sabi under my breath when you come by, I'm not cursing at you in Japanese, I'm just burrowing into my happy place as you kill/molest my baby, because: nothing lasts, nothing is perfect and nothing is finished - and that's okay.

writing 2.17.09

2009-02-17T13:04:00.001-05:00

Being a lady, and an avid water drinker, I tend to spend more than my fair share of time in our (horrible) bathroom at work. I’ve taken to doing a little census of the bathrooms up in these parts, and I’m pretty sure the bathroom closest to my desk is the worst in the whole agency. We don’t have complimentary mouthwash or lotion like the one on 16, a seat in the sitting room portion of the bathroom like the one on 10, or flowers like the one on 9. I know all this might sound trite and trivial, but when you spend 10-14 hours a day at work, a bad bathroom experience takes its toll.

For instance, we have signs on the back of our stall doors that say verbatim: If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seatie.

If that sentiment alone doesn’t grate against you like a thousand nails on a chalk board let me go on to say that this bathroom is always peppered with the smells I can only imagine would be more at home in the high school mens room. And the toilet paper situation is either one of the two: scarce like jobs in advertising, or overflowing and on the floor looking like crepe paper after a high school dance in the 50s– there is never an in between. Ever.

So, now that I’ve painted a picture for you, imagine my delight today when I walked into a bathroom that was full for all but two stalls. I walked to the handicap one (its roomier, ya know) walked in, went to close the door and realized there was NO door there! I instantly fell into a fit of giggles but felt that I had to keep them silent, ‘cause I just don’t feel like a public, work bathroom is the place for a fit of said giggles. I found myself there, gasping for air and an even more urgent need to pee. I made my way across to the other empty stall and literally couldn’t hold in my giggles as a slew of questions came to me: how long has that stall been without a door? Why hadn’t I noticed? What about the handicap people? What are they to do once they make it in through the two (very heavy and locked) doors? Was I the only person that walked in there and THEN realized there was no door? And really, honestly, is this happening?

So after I calmed down, washed my hands and returned to my desk, I relayed this whole story to my art director who didn’t think it was nearly as funny – but come on, its funny – riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight? I mean, the handicap stall is handicapped…I mean its almost as good as a poop joke.

Our bathroom officially wins worst, EVA.

writing 2.13.09

2009-02-17T12:15:00.005-05:00

its almost adios amigo.

writing 2.12.09

2009-02-12T17:20:00.001-05:00

We're all going to miss you.

writing 2.11.09

2009-02-12T17:17:00.001-05:00

writing 2.10.09

2009-02-12T17:12:00.003-05:00

I've been spying on people when they aren't looking and taking pictures of them working "in action". love it.

writing 2.9.09 part deux.

2009-02-09T14:35:00.004-05:00

aside from being sick, this band (or at least part) came to play at our agency today.
nothing makes me feel better like a hot Brit.
and yes, that is my famously red Sigg bottle in the shot, ahem.

writing 2.9.09

2009-02-09T14:21:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm sicker than a perverts brain...If you hear something that sounds like wet shoes on marble and a cat dying, don't worry, that's just me gasping for air.

writing 2.5.09

2009-02-06T11:06:00.002-05:00

omg...one of my favorite sounds was 2007 word of the year!!!
why was I *not* informed? ack!

writing 2.4.09

2009-02-04T23:46:00.002-05:00

Oh today really has slipped past my fingers.
Here I am at 11:30 sitting on my couch surrounded by notebooks and half thoughts anxiously awaiting that “ACH! Yes!!!!!!!” moment.

It hasn’t hit yet. But, I’m optimistic that it’ll come soon enough.

In the meantime, its just me and a the B.I.G. I tell you, the line “papa been smooth since the days of underoos” could be one of the best lines ever written…EVA.

Now to write something that good I gots to get more whiskey in me.
Hasta manana.

writing 2.3.09

2009-02-03T22:01:00.002-05:00

Found out yesterday that one of my favorite art directors is leaving for the Dominican Republic! I am *so* happy for him, but I am *so* going to miss finding shenanigans like this on my desk.
Le sigh.
And, ok people, brace yourselves... I actually kinda, sorta, ok fine...I see it. Happy?
Double sigh.

Writing 25 things about writing. 2.2.09

2009-02-03T17:30:00.004-05:00

After the “25 Things” craze that is happening over on facebook, I thought it might be fun to take a look into 25 secret things you might not know about me when it comes to writing. Let the games begin:

1. I was a really bad writer in High School. I got an F on 2 papers my sophomore year, but thanks to my favorite English teacher she let me redo them and those F’s turned into A’s.
2. I knew how to read and write (some important things, like my name) when I was four.
3. I regret not having kept a journal as a child.
4. I am very diligent about keeping a journal now.
5. I often wonder what my family will think of the things I’ve written in my journal after I’m long gone.
6. Six is my favorite number to write.
7. I hate it when people spell words wrong. Especially digitally. Spell check is a godsend, use it!
8. I have words I hate writing. The word “sincerely” tops the list. Most people spell it wrong (see number seven). Also, I feel like whenever it is used at the end of business letters/emails it is in a very formal sense and whatever information came before it probably does not fit the word’s definition of “with genuineness”. ‘Nuff said.
9. I have about 20 half-written short stories that cry and beg for attention whenever I’m at home.
10. Most of the time the cries of previously mentioned short stories go unanswered. Woe is them.
11. When I *do finish a short story, it is lucky if it is read by one other person. For me sharing my personal writing is like showing someone my colon – its a common procedure, but you only go through it a few times in life.
12. When I’m not writing, I spend a lot of time drawing girls with sad eyes and playful hearts. I write stories for these girls…sometimes (see number nine).
13. I have a hard time writing without a beverage at hand.
14. I only listen to ambient music when writing. Lately my favorites have been Amiina, and Crystal Castles.
15. I tap my foot to the beat of whatever I’m listening to while writing. This apparently annoys my co-workers and has become a running joke in the office. I can’t hear them talking about my noise due to my headphones, so they leave me funny notes on my desk that say things like: Just say no to happity-tappity-tappity.
I’m trying to stop.
I swear.
16. I do my best writing in the morning. But, I do my best story concepting in the evening.
17. To me, writing is an art. And, the most beautiful thing about art is that as long as you want to be, you can be an artist. Yay for being an artist!
18. Nobody sends real mail anymore. But I simply adore writing and getting written letters. I have 2 boxes of letters at home. Most of the people I correspond with are older members of my family. I like getting caught up in their history.
19. I have a hard time writing at desks. Tables and floors suit me much better.
20. I’m really glad that I don’t have to write on a real typewriter daily. They’re pretty to look at but make revisions oh so hard.
21. I hate to admit it, but I’m not the best at grammar. Strunk & White will be with me till the end.
22. I don’t think I have the great American novel in me, and I’m totally cool with that.
23. If I ever were to write a book, I’d write it with my Mom.
24. I wish I could write beautifully in German and Spanish.
25. Writing and taking pictures for this blog makes me incredibly happy.

writing 1.29.09

2009-01-29T22:26:00.002-05:00

I love what I do for a living...especially when I get to hear my boss say things like this...and I quote:

“Salina you have 2 faces: The “this is how its going to be get it done – listen to me now” face and the “I have no idea what you’re talking about – I’m so confused” face. Bring the first one tomorrow and be excited.”

<3 it.

writing 1.28.09

2009-01-28T16:30:00.001-05:00

writing 1.27.09

2009-01-27T15:01:00.001-05:00

as seen here.

writing 1.26.09

2009-01-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

sent via email to my interactive producer:

if my envy had a heart beat of its own it beat so loud we'd all be deaf.

le sigh...

'nuff said

writing in the museum 1.25.09

2009-01-27T10:53:00.001-05:00

boston "writing" 1.24.09

2009-01-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

writing 1.23.09

2009-01-27T10:41:00.003-05:00

playing around with photoshop...clearly I'm no genius but I'm learning.

writing 1.22.09

2009-01-22T17:53:00.001-05:00

seek criticism.
words to live by, always.