some pictures are just dying to be framed

I made this picture frame today, for my friend Fons, out of chop sticks and old pencils.

talking balloons for a walk

Today I helped push gigantic balloons, three of them, out of a doorway, really getting a kick out of how absurd it all looked. "It looks like the house is giving birth," someone said. The house gave birth to three balloons and one huge banner right in time for Earth Day. The balloons were then shoved into a massive UHAUL truck while traffic was momentarily held up, and a honking concerto ensued. Banner was then unfurled at nearby Washington Square park, where the city is soon to unveil new benches made out of wood from the Amazon.More info here. I was harnessed to the green balloon on the left, the highest flying one as it was the only one not punctured by errant tree branches.

I just realized, while writing this, the uncanny similarity between one of the postcards I recently made for the swap, of a girl happily walking her gigantic ball, and what I did today. I honestly had no idea when I made it.

28 years

Hiya. I read today that the average New York City resident lives here for 28 years. I have lived here since the age of five. I think about leaving all the time. I would like to live within walking distance of a forest.

The New York Public Library, the most beautiful library I've ever been in, will be hosting an overnight treasure hunt. Only 500 people will be picked, reminiscent of Charlie and the chocolate factory golden tickets. To qualify you had to complete this sentence, "By the year 2021, I will be the first person to..."

By the year 2021, I will be the first person to have an ongoing artists' exchange in a treehouse.

Maybe by then my 28 NYC years will be up?

another home in a home

This is Emma Mouse, who used to live in the third drawer of my dresser as a wee little kitten. Yesterday, she saw her chance, returned to her roots. It's okay, Emma Mouse, for you sacrifices in the form of hairy jeans must occasionally be made.

p.s. she's pretty doofy looking in that second picture, isn't she?

living room encampments

Last weekend we borrowed a car and drove to Massachusetts. Staying in a summer home in the beginning of April meant that it was freezing, no heat and no water. We set up our tent in the living room, played scrabble by candlelight, and stayed close to the fire, snuggling, cooking potatoes in its flames.

happy kiwi

My birthday was on March 24th, and a couple of weeks after it was over I was a little sad about how candle-lessly it had gone by. Next thing I knew, I was being presented with this cup of tea and a kiwi in an eggcup, all lit up.

some more

The last three postcards I made for the swap. Zany good fun.

iHanna postcard swap

I participated in the iHanna postcard swap. These are four out of the ten postcards that I made. I hope they have found  their new homes without losing pieces along the journey. The gluestick, a preferred method of adherence, is often dubious in its reliability.

I had a blast making them, and there's been a party in my mailbox for the past week. I have received six postcards so far, from Kentucky, Texas, Ireland, the UK, Pennsylvania, and Norway. I don't want it to end.