I was visiting friends on Long Island this summer. They live near Fire Island National Seashore and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Their verdant yard is a wonderland for living things of all sorts. The plants and visiting wildlife change with the seasons. Some of the creatures build structures, and they are absolute works of art.… Continue reading Tiny Houses Part II
Category: Design
Tiny Houses Part I
No, I am not talking about my Brooklyn apartment! I am talking about the amazing abodes created by the wild Monk Parakeets in Brooklyn! This particular spot near Brooklyn College has some elaborate nests. A friend and I took an evening summer walk awhile back — hoping to spot fireflies (we did) — and found ourselves nearby,… Continue reading Tiny Houses Part I
Mug Shots
When I sit down to write or to create a work of art, one of my rituals is to have a mug of coffee or tea at hand. The mug matters — a lot. It must be beautiful, and it must feel just right in my hand. It is even better if the mug has a… Continue reading Mug Shots
Retro Reflections
I have recently discovered the pleasures of Pinterest, and have been busy creating boards with all kinds of designs and designers that inspire me — especially pattern and textile design. I also keep old school scrapbooks that I call “inspiration books” where I paste colors, quotes and images that make my creative juices flow. One day… Continue reading Retro Reflections
Edible Patterns
I was preparing savory tarts for Thanksgiving (rosemary fennel for one; leek for the other — to make a flamiche.) When I floated the sliced vegetables in the sink, they made wonderful patterns, reminiscent of 1950s organic textile designs. My giant eucalyptus branches also fit the ’50s fabric bill. It would be interesting to trace… Continue reading Edible Patterns