New Whitney Museum of American Art Event

The Whitney Museum of American Art recently opened at its new location at 99 Gansevoort Street (near the Highline), and offered free admission & a block party on May 2nd.  Great architecture both exterior and interior (including the elevators).  I won't lie; I didn't look at each painting too closely...some didn't make sense (e.g., a canvas painted completely white, another painted completely black)...hmmm...

But there was also artwork that was pretty amazing.  I'd never even heard of these painters before today, so I'm glad I got introduced to them.  And of course, who can forget the bulky TVs of previous decades?

Writing Class Update

My writing class is soon coming to an end; this week will be the final session.  I am nervous and excited to present my final work, and obtain feedback and comments from my classmates.

I'm also a bit sad that the class is wrapping up, because what I really loved was the structure and immediate feedback and interactiveness received.  My classmates each have such a unique voice, and some of their writing was out of this world.  I hope to one day see them published, because their writing just sucked me into their characters' lives.  It truly was a mind-altering journey.  Who would have thought?  I have so much respect for people who are good story-tellers, and see that it just makes you feel really good, once you have created something.  I finally get why some people choose to major in English Literature and/or Creative Writing.

Once the class is over, I am afraid that I won't find the time, motivation, and discipline to open up a word doc and continue to write.  I have some good starters for a story, and need to just get on it.  I guess, that will be my Resolution (yes, I know it's already 4/25, but I'm going to make an effort to create and further develop my story this year).

This has been by far the best class I have taken in a long, long time.  I had been encouraged to take such a class for many years now, but never had the motivation.  This year, though, something inside me just probed me to start writing.  And this class has truly opened up my heart and soul in a way I can't describe.  It was such a unique experience that I hope to carry with me long after this class is over.  And with that I will close my blog, as I plan to spend my weekend putting the final touches on my work before class time.

Writing Class

I wanted to do something more fun and creative this year, so I went ahead and enrolled in a fiction writing class.  I'm so glad I did.  The people in my class are so unique and in some cases quirky, I'm getting such a kick out of it. 

To give you an idea of the level of intellectualism in my class, when the instructor asked us what our favorite book was, most people said something like "Wuthering Heights" or "Ulysses."

Really?  Before my turn came, I was seriously debating whether to just say "Jane Eyre," but while the book represents great literature, it's by no means something I would have picked out on my own (it had been assigned to us in high school, and was one of the few books that I liked...not loved, but liked). 

Rather than being pretentious and/or a literary guru to match some of my fellow classmates, I picked something more recent that was an NYT Bestseller, and which had kept me up all night.  A true page-turner.  Felt good being true to myself.

The first in-class assignment was mentally stimulating, and I just completed my first homework writing assignment of 150 words.  It may not be the best, but I had just fun brainstorming, drafting it, and finally snipping it here and there and making it a concise 150 words.  Can't wait to share it in class, and hear what the others come up with.

The best part about this class is that this appears to be all about creative writing.

The instructor asked us to start observing people and places in every-day life, and jot them down.  I thought it appropriate to start-off with an entry below:

Today while waiting in line at Starbucks, a 30-something year old blond-pony-tailed mom was in front of me with her 5-year old high energetic son.  He took in the baked goods display, and selected a cake pop.  His mom asked him which he wanted - he said the chocolate with the white sprinkles.  However, when mom placed the order (and at this time the son was busy talking with another kid about something), she asked for the caramel one instead.  Then the mom noticed that if you buy two, you get them cheaper.  I held my breath, hoping she would get the chocolate-covered one for her son, but no, the cashier took the strawberry one.  Oh well.  I guess there will be a debate or a tantrum outside.

A Song that has driven me to forget.....

Sometimes you come across a song that just envelops you so intensely, so fiercely, that it sticks with you even when you are not listening to it, and as you go through the daily motions of life.

When you're working on a completely mindless task, this song helps you through.  It makes time pass more easily.  When commuting by bus or train and being stuck in slow-moving traffic, this song offers an escape.  And yes, I have this song's settings at REPEAT 1 on my iPod.  Over and over again.

Yup, this specific song, which now shows a count of 964 in my iTunes account as of this AM, is so AMAZING and DEEP, it's like getting a heavy dose of euphoria.  You forget your problems or at least you get transported into another imaginative world, so that your problems are pushed to the utmost back-end corner of your mind.

At this point you're probably rolling your eyes and wondering what is the the name of the song.....ha, ha....wouldn't you like to know?

When I close my eyes, I feel the song in my veins and my blood stream.  And then this sudden chill.  I start to shiver, even with the heater currently on and the room temperature at around 75 degrees. 

I don't believe in dragging the suspense any longer.  I will tell you the name of the song.  It's called "This is Not A Love Song," performed by Katie Cruel.  What an AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING song.

Good night.

Bonne Année 2015

I meant to write my first blog of 2015 on 1/1/15, but somehow time just flew, and it is now past midnight on 1/2/15.  I am not tired at all....I guess it has something to do with that tall latte I started drinking at around 4pm.

Anyway, as at every start of the New Year, I make myself a list of New Year Resolutions.  Yes, the usual losing a few pounds, eating healthier, exercising, and blah, blah, blah make my list EVERY year without fail, but this year, I am adding one additional item that I seriously want to improve on.....and that is learning to speak French.

Where do I begin with this language that is just not sticking to my brain?  I have studied it for the past 2 years or so (many long breaks during the hot summer months), and previously taken it in high school, but for some reason, I get tongue-tied each time I want to say more than a simple sentence.  If a native speaker tried to speak to me, I know EXACTLY what to say in a witty/sarcastic way in English, but for some reason, by the time my brain processes and translates what I want to say in French, the moment is gone and/or the person looks at me with a raised eyebrow or is already talking to me about another topic, but this time in English.  Hmm...

So this year, I have decided to step it up a notch:

#1 - I have invested in a Berlitz compact French-English dictionary (you may roll your eyes and state, duh, isn't that the first thing you get? Mind you, I've used Google Translate and/or Yahoo! Answers in the past).

#2 - I will read at least one modern fiction novel in French this year (not more than 200 pages), and force myself to look up each word that I don't recognize, so that my vocabulary increases and/or the ones that I had previously learned but failed to remember, will be reintroduced to me.

#3 - I will listen to more French music and try to understand the lyrics. 

#4 - When watching my favorite US TV shows on DVD, if there is an option to turn on the French subtitles, I will do so.

#5 - I will continue to watch French movies (but will leave the English subtitles on just in case).  Will stick to comedies, because I have dozed off one time too many for the ones dealing with hidden meanings.

#6 - I will listen to French podcasts.

#7 - I will attempt to speak more French with fellow learners and perhaps if I have the nerve, with native speakers.

And that's that.  I hope that my French will improve, and I can one day visit France (or Canada....the French-speaking part), and speak in français.  Bonsoir.

New York Comic Con - 2014

Halloween has come early this year.....that was my first thought when I made my way to the Jacob Javits Center on Oct 10, 2014 to attend Day #2 of the New York Comic Con (aka NYCC).  Like a child bubbling with excitement, I took in the various costumes that people were wearing, and the vibe was awesome to say the least.

While I didn't wear a costume myself, I did wear my own-designed T-Shirt with the phrase "Comics = Kunst" using acrylic paint.  I hope this doesn't mess up my other laundry when it goes for a wash, but I'll worry about that for another day.

The Javits Center was jam-packed with people (more than 20,000 people it appeared).  The exhibition floor (2nd floor) contained rows after rows of vendors selling comics, action figures, T-Shirts, posters, drawings, and other knick-knacks.  I saw a guy dole out $1,300 for a bunch of high-end comics without blinking an eye.  Woahhh....these are serious folks here.  I noticed many had brought in empty suitcases on wheels.  Now I know why.  All part of their shopping spree...some of the merchandise wasn't exactly light, and or easy to lug around.  Hmm, maybe I should consider this when Black Friday rolls around.

Anyway, I was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd on the exhibition floor, so I didn't check out row after row, but did make a pit stop at some of the vendors' stalls.  Was thrilled to see some old comics selling for $1 or $2 each.  I looked for ALF, Archie and Uncle Scrooge comics, and came across a few issues that I hadn't read.  Oh okay, there were many more I hadn't read, but since I had a budget (not to spend more than $10 to $12), I was selective and picked what looked most appealing.

Batman figured prominently as well.  The outfits from each of the Batman movies were on display (i.e., worn by Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, etc.).  Also, the Post Office was selling limited edition Batman stamps.

I attended several panels/screenings, including about sketching, a panel of European artists, etc.  For me, this was the most rewarding experience.

When lunch time rolled around, I made my way to the food court.  This was the only disappointment.  The food was overpriced ($10 - $12) and the quality looked shoddy to say the least.  I finally settled on a $3.85 single slice of plain pizza (it was the cheapest thing on the menu that looked remotely edible).  I told myself I wasn't here for the food, and didn't want to waste time waiting on several long lines.  The point was to have something in the stomach so I wouldn't pass out.

Thankfully, I did stumble across Starbucks (line was incredibly long...about 50 people in front of me).  But as I was in the need of an energy booster, I patiently waited and treated myself to a tall pumpkin spice latte ($5.90...yikes, I know, but that's all I had).

Visited a couple more panels/screenings, then checked out the Artist Alley, where artists would draw something for you for a price.  Very talented people.

While there were events happening until 10pm, I left the Javits Center while it was still light outside.  I was tired, but happy with the experience and the comic purchases.  It was a well-organized event, and I'm glad that I finally decided to check out NYCC.

Below are a few pics from the event.  Enjoy:

A Vendor's Stall

Post Office Stall - Selling Batman Stamps

Batman Statue

The Hobbit

Megabot

 

A Stall in Artist Alley

Being Bossed Around: Cooking Class - Butter

I recently took a cooking class on the various techniques of using butter.  We were a total of eight participants, and split into two groups of three, with one group of two.

The original instructor assigned to this course was not there.  Darn it.  We had a replacement instructor, who I shall call "the chef."  She started by going over the recipes; however, then glossed over some of the steps, as we were running out of time, and told us to read our assigned dishes quietly.  She gave us only 2 minutes, and there were a total of 4 recipes.  Crazy.  You can't absorb that much info in just 2 minutes.

When I told her that I would prefer to work on the fish or one of the other dishes (except for steak and oysters, since I do not eat either), she said, it's good to cook things that one does not eat.  I just gave her a look, but felt like telling her that since I don't run a restaurant, I would never cook something that I would not eat.  Thankfully, I managed to end up on a team that cooked neither of the above.  Wheww.  But this "chef" is a real pain.

Anyway, once our teams were formed, we each got to our stations, and gathered our ingredients.  I had been taught by other instructors in the past to always keep all the ingredients ready, so that preparation would be efficient.  I wanted to put aside 4.5 cups of heavy cream in a measuring bowl, as the recipe indicated.  The "chef" came running up and in a loud, headache-grinding voice stated that I SHOULD HAVE READ THE RECIPE, as only 3.5 cups of heavy cream would be heated.  I felt like telling her that yes, I know that, and from the 4.5 cups I would take 3.5 cups and use it ASAP to heat it, and then use the remaining cup for the latter part of the recipe.  But OH NO, she wanted to do twice the work, and separate the cream upfront into separate cups.  Are you kidding me???  The measuring bowl tells me exactly how much I need to use for heating.

As time passed, I felt more and more upset.  Considering the fact that I paid for this class, I would expect at least some form of courtesy.  Unfortunately, this "chef" kept yelling out our names, and asking us WHAT WE WERE DOING.  Jeez.  I'm following the recipe, that is what I'm doing.

Anyway, her assistant was a bit arrogant and obnoxious as well.  Anytime I asked her where a specific ingredient was in the kitchen with the many shelves, fridges, etc., she would ask Why?  I refrained from snapping back and telling her that that is what the recipe indicated was needed.  My gosh, what an attitute.  She wanted to double-check the recipe each time to make sure that the ingredient was correct.  Actually, the "chef" and her are a perfect pairing.  May they be forced to work together forever.

When it came time to make the butter, I desperately wanted to wear gloves, so I did.  When I was done, I attempted to remove the gloves with one of the 25-30 small kitchen towels available.  The "chef" said, why are you using that?  Well, I politely told her that I didn't want to get any excess churned butter on my skin, as it has a greasy feel to it.  She backed off.

She then mentioned that I should taste the butter after putting salt.  I did.  It tasted just right.  However, she thought that extra salt should be sprinkled.  Whatever.  I left a small container of salt for anyone who felt the need to increase their blood pressure.  For my buttered bread, I did not add any extra salt.

I was rather upset that the "chef" then insisted that only my partner handle the fish.  That is what I very much wanted to work on.  Oh well.  Maybe I will try the recipe at home with a fish of my choice.  And I will put less salt, much less salt.

Usually, after everyone's dishes have been prepared, people whip out their cell phones and take pictures.  But I had no desire to do so.  Apparently, neither did anyone else, which was really surprising.  I couldn't wait to sit down, eat, and then get out of there.  And pray to God that I never, ever have this instructor again.

Note to self: If that instructor is ever, ever listed on a course, DO NOT TAKE HER.  After taking this instructor, I have come to appreciate some of the other instructors much more, especially those teaching the Italian and farm-related cooking.  They were gems.  Oh well, there are "good" chefs, and there are "temperamental" and "unpleasant" and those "breathing-down-your-shoulder" chefs.  I am disappointed that I ended up with the latter for this course, but I guess you can't always get a winner.  C'est la vie.