with plenty of branches for little birds". That quote is loosely taken from a line in "Night of the Hunter", which I watched last night for the first time. It is so good! She's here in the shop, naturally.
Thank you so much for all of the solidarity and kind words about the "harassment state" that I live in here on South 3rd in Brooklyn. It actually gives me one more reason to be happy about the chilly weather...more clothes to wear on my body = hopefully less disgusting comments!
And I don't know if I've mentioned this here before, but I'm going to be moving back to Athens in November (I've kinda been planning to almost since I set foot in Brooklyn, silly as it is). There are so many good things about living here (ALL of those things being museums, movies, etc.) but the trade-off is just too steep for me. The rudeness, the loudness, the inconvenience of every little day-to-day thing (going to the office supply store, for example, or, god forbid, the grocery store!), and oh lord the expense..well, it just crushes my spirit a little bit. Plus I'm away from my family and many other much-loved people.
So, there you have it. I'm a little house-mouse, and I want my own nice, big kitchen. AND I'll have an actual studio in the extra bedroom of my house. THAT I am SO excited about, I can barely stand it. Right now there is a little part of me who doesn't even want to haul out the paint mess or the felt, etc., and spread it all over the coffee table...because guess what I'll spend the next day putting away and trying-to-make-our-living-room-livable-again? The prospect makes me so happy. I confessed to Sarah the other day that I will miss only 2 things when I leave (ok, 3 things) besides the good movie theaters and the museums:
1.) Her
2.) H&M
3.) The lovely, much-cooler weather
Okay, well, now I've gone and gotten ahead of myself. I am still in NYC, I have loads of Post-Officing to do, a bit of writing (I'm hard at work on my first real, ever-so-slightly complex, children's story!) and the aforementioned spreading out of the paint all over the coffee table tonight so that painting can be done. So, I'll do that & you guys do something fun, too. It's a vow... Promise to have a good weekend? Promise.
I heart you & Happy Friday!
Comments (16)
New York seems like such a crazy place to live. I love San Diego. We don't have the big city feel here. A lot of the new communities try to have more of a country feel and there are parks everywhere. There are a couple of man made lakes out where I live. There is also the real lake(reservoir) where people fish.
Hopefully I don't have to move up to the Los Angeles area. It is dirty and stinky and just not as friendly. Its probably best to keep places like New York for visiting purposes unless you are used to it.
Diana · September 22, 2006 at 01:56 PM
oh, i hear you. i am thinking about leaving san francisco for similar reasons. and i have lived here for 17 years... but a BIG kitchen and studio?? it might be worth the move. but i would miss H&M too...
lisa · September 22, 2006 at 01:59 PM
Night of the Hunter! I adore that movie (and Robert Mitchum, terrifying though he is in that). Congrats on the move!
emma · September 22, 2006 at 02:01 PM
good luck with your move back home. sorry that the big apple has not been the best place for you, the sweet black apple. i love visiting new york, but i don't think i could ever live there either. toronto is big enough for me... it was such a change from the small city of saskatoon, saskatchewan, canada!!
another lovely new drawing btw :)
Cathy · September 22, 2006 at 02:16 PM
I am sooo!!!!! glad you are moving back home. I could tell by some of your posts that the atmoshpere wasn't to your liking. Keep me posted.
Michelle A. · September 22, 2006 at 02:21 PM
As someone who has lived in NYC all her life, I can understand your frustration and the city has changed SO much in the last few years it makes me sad. I think that's why I'm living in the burbs now, a little cheaper. But you took a chance and I'm sure that a lot of good came out of your time here.
Marilyn · September 22, 2006 at 03:04 PM
Good for you for giving New York a go! I made the choice to stay here (in MA) instead of pursing a career as a textile designer in NY. I love the country waaaay to much! This city is a fun place to visit though!
I think it will be wonderful for you to have your own studio space to spread out in and get dirty in. Oh, and hip hip horray for starting a book! I'm so happy for you!
I have H&M here though so if you ever need anything...=)
Wow my post is waay to long so I must go now luv!
Stephanie · September 22, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Beautiful illustration of Gish' phrase.
BTW, for those who love "the Night of the Hunter" and would like to see it in a Special Edition DVD (the one the film deserves!), I¡'ve started to campaign for it.
For details, check the following link:
http://rootingforlaughton.blogspot.com/2006/09/would-you-like-to-see-special-edition.html
Gloria · September 22, 2006 at 03:54 PM
Oh Athens is such a lovely place. I haven't even been there but I have googled it many time s to look at the photos. I understand about the wanting a big kitchen and a seperate studio - I'm starting to find the city I live in (Calgary) to be getting too big for my sensitive sensibilities. It's only a million people but it is so sprawly that it drives me nuts. I live in a small apartment so I don't do a lot of the creative things I would like to.
I got a chance to see Night of the Hunter on the big screen a couple of years ago which I feel very lucky to have done.
melanie · September 22, 2006 at 07:01 PM
I totally understand the need for quiet and more space! I lived in NYC for about 6 years, loving it, but I moved back to the land of buckeyes (Ohio). At the time, it was for family/personal reasons. Now, I'm so spoiled by living in a house and having a yard, a porch, gardens, space to do my art. When my closest friend in NYC calls me and asks when I'm moving back, I just chuckle and tell her "When I win the lottery."
Oh, and they opened an H&M here last year, so I don't feel so lost.
Megan · September 22, 2006 at 07:54 PM
did you get my email, em?
Jessica Hood · September 22, 2006 at 08:08 PM
you are leaving already? i left new york for the same reasons. . but i still miss some things. . anna maria's pizza on bedford and 7th will always be the best ever! every time i go i bring a pie back to philly!
janelle · September 22, 2006 at 09:04 PM
Hooray! So I already knew, but I'm still soooo excited that you will be brightening Athens again! Andy & I have started looking at houses to BUY... I am in love with a little purple one with a white picket fence and an upstairs studio. It's deep in the ghetto (New Town), but I'm still smitten!
sara k. · September 22, 2006 at 09:22 PM
p.s. I almost forgot... We're going to be in Brooklyn next week (Saturday) for the show. We'll see you soon!!!
sara k. · September 22, 2006 at 09:25 PM
oh how exciting!! one of my best friends is attending graduate school @ UGA. and I'm in Nashville, TN. so welcome back home in november...we'll be glad to have you!! ;)
and you know what? you got to live in NY for a brief time. and experience the city...especially as it's turning to fall. ack! not too shabby, i say!
.♥.
Jenn (knittyJenn) · September 22, 2006 at 11:00 PM
wow a big move, but sounds like the right idea!!! And lots of space too? I'm so jealous, the three of us are outgrowing our little house quickly! Most of it's been taken over by Toys, books and my art stuff! Love your new painting and can't wait to see what you come up with for your book !!! Oh, I've discovered Neko on myspace, WOW! and did you get my email about the interview ? Have a fabulous weekend !!!!
thebutterflycollector · September 23, 2006 at 09:31 AM