Back in Brooklyn

[Photo by Oliver]

I'm back in Brooklyn and jeepers its cold. TOO COLD!

Despite the cold and bitter walks to subway stops, I'm happy to be stoppin' in my regular stoppin' ground as well as meeting up with friends. I've only been back 3 days and already feel as if I've lived 10 weeks of Texas time.

Tonight, my friends and I are headed to the East Village for eats and hopefully dancing. But first we are going to The Elsa: a new bar on 3rd Street that has a sewing machine as a tap. Interesting right? Since sewing is literally my bread and butter I have to check this place out and get more info about the sewing machine. I wonder if it is a Singer 1950s model?

What else? I met up with Photographer Winnie Au yesterday at The Rabbithole in Greenpoint. She and I are teaming up on a project for Working Class Magazine. Our project will be a write up, along with photo journalistic photography about Ghosts and Faith in Brooklyn. We're looking for factual ghost stories from the area so if you have one send it to me and we can go from there.

Side Note: Prior to this project, I wouldn't even think to think about the paranormal. But since our talks and jaunts for research sake, I've been quite intrigued by the topic---so much so that we may even go ghost hunting within the coming weeks. BOO.

I think that's it for now. Till February.

xo

sew MONI

I've been dreaming of staring up a hand bag line and home goods line for years. I kept making excuses, putting it off or shying away due to fears of rejection.

This month, the excuses stopped and I did something about it. I picked up fabric, my trusty scissors and began to sew again. Boy does it feel good!

The results are sew MONI, a small line of unique Totes, Aprons, Pillows and more. I will also sell Vintage Finds that have inspired my creative process.

Take a peak at my webstie here: www.sewmoni.com

I'm hoping for the best and expecting the best. Honestly, this is a win win situation for me. I've already scuceeded a million times over and could not have done it without the support of God, family and friends.

xo

Moni

Spanish Calendar

Spanish

I'm 3rd generation Mexican American and my Spanish speaking skills are not so good. My R rolling capabilities are limited and my Spanish vocabulary is minimal too. I can understand most Spanish speakers and follow along in their conversation, but alas, I can't speak and well, its sad.

Year after year I've said "This year I will learn." Well, I'm saying it again and trying to do something about it.

Above are 2 Spanish vocabulary flash cards I made today. I'm starting with the basics.

xo

Morning Quido

Meet Quido.

Quido is my neighbor's 10 year old dog who has become quite friendly with my parents over the last 3 years---so much so that even my Mother likes him. That my dear friends is a miracle.

I didn't care for Quido when I first met him but over the last few weeks he's become my buddy. A friend. I dig his shaggy hair too.

I think Quido told me this morning that he'd like to take a vacation. Perhaps Brooklyn?

xo

[Photo taken by me.]

Robert Frank: Movement

The New York Times featured a photographer I'd never heard of this past week. His name is Robert Frank and his work is completely noteworthy.

The article covers Frank's published book, The Americans: a photographic chronicle of Frank's trip across America during the late 1950s.

After researching Frank and viewing his work, I find his eye enchanting, beyond dull. Many of this photographs have movement exuding and seem to capture mundane moments of life that deserve purple hearts due to their truthfulness.

Photography such as Frank's is inspiring. Oddly, it reminds me that fear is crouching at my door [waiting for me to extend an invitation for its company] and that I must move forward.

xo

Its a Wrap.

I've been cruising through photos of mine from this past year. Travels have taken me to South Africa and back. I was also fortunate to visit St. Barts [The beaches are incredible!]. What a year. I wouldn't change it for one second.

Its a wrap.

xo

[Photos taken by me]