Winter Wonderland

I'm having a fit of artistic inspiration tonight. I spent the afternoon wandering around the East Village and dipping into thrift shops in the hopes of finding a decent new purse. I had no luck but found my absolute new favorite cafe/ wine bar. It's on 2nd avenue around 5th street on the West Side of the street. Incidentally, I never caught the name but it's absolutely perfect. Okay, perhaps I want it to be a secret. I started off with a cappuccino and toast with nutella while actually working on my novel. Then realizing I still had about an hour to kill, I ordered a glass of red wine. I sat at the bar next to a French couple, a German guy and surrounded by the Italian wait staff speaking Italian. As if the place wasn't perfect enough, at 6, they put out a display of prosciutto, cheese, bread, salami and olives- a happy hour treat for those drinking wine. I found myself surrounded by interesting, kind, creative people. Quite the perfect date with myself as the storm raged outside.

Post wine bar, I headed to a Polish restaurant further East for a birthday dinner for my all time favorite spin instructor. Despite taking his class for about 3 1/2 years, this was the first time I hung out with him and other spin people outside of class. It was fun and motivating to be around health conscious, athletic people. There's definitely something to be said about having the strength and determination to regularly complete his class and how that translates to the rest of your life. Everyone there seemed intelligent, accomplished and happy.

The journey home was an adventure. By the time we left the restaurant at 10, it was complete madness. I walked three blocks to the bus stop directly into the incoming snow, bonding with fellow New Yorkers over the insanity. Then stood waiting for the bus for ten minutes, another New York bonding experience.. the great equalizer as we all realized waiting for the bus was the only option. And finally, here I am, sitting in the comfort of my apartment, having my third and last glass of wine for the night, about to work on my novel.

My new favorite cafe.

The view from my window.

Shiny Objects

Last night I hung out with my coworker and met some of her man's friends. After talking to one in particular for a bit, it was noted that if I saw a shiny object on the street, I would probably get distracted and pick it up. Or would be distracted from the conversation, or from walking down the street. Wow. Not the first person who's said that. Amazing....

My First Music Video

I'm trying to learn iMovie for works.. soo.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8266951&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1

Music Video from Molly A on Vimeo.

This was taken at Webster Hall back in October, I think during a Body & Soul party. The music is from Zero 7's latest album Yeah Ghost, called Mr. McGee. Tell me what you think of my first effort!

Hello My Name Is Molly and I like to Make Draw-awings

Scarlett Johansson from a Dolce & Gabbana ad.

Natalie Portman from Marie Claire

I'm kind of out of practice with the drawing but it feels good and relaxing to attempt some sketches. I forgot that these two played sisters in the movie version of one of my favorite books. Yeah, drawing faces is hard. It's about getting the measurements for one particular feature that makes all the difference as to whether or not you've captured their essence. I wish I could commit to drawing other subjects like errr.. men, but drawing men just doesn't interest me as much. Plus I'm not likely to have men's magazines laying around.. obviously.

Another Classic

I love to Count! Censored.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Wd-Q3F8KM&hl=en_US&fs=1&&w=425&h=344]

Cutest Video Ever

After having a conversation about Facebook's new privacy glitch and spending 5 minutes looking at profiles I shouldn't have looked at, I needed something to put me back into a happy place. Hello Lolcats.

http://www.viddler.com/player/2158f538/

Solas Shot

I don't actually know these people but for some weird reason, I took their picture. I love their energy. It was at Solas, naturally. I dragged my boyfriend there (and some friends) for the second time. We walked in and headed to the bar, only to stop in our tracks as we saw a girl hurl into her hands. Classic. We both got a little tipsy and for some crazy reason, I allowed my boy to go on my Facebook without supervision. He proceeded to leave slightly embarrassing and misspelled wall posts on every friend he's met of mine - proof that he's sort of the male version of me. Or something like that. Good times.

Weekend Update

Have had some wonderful dates with the boy lately hence being m.i.a. as of late. Good food, good company, good wine and music - IZ all I need.

I took this photo on the way to one of my dates. I'm in love with the Canon s90.

P.S. Despite liking the Upper East Side, I think I'm a downtown girl at heart. I've been spending time DT again but I think having to go all the way down, then back up makes me appreciate it more.

Belated Post

Totally late on this post/picture but check out what I got when I ordered an Almond Meringue. Needless to say, it was quite messy.

Belated Post

Totally late on this post/picture but check out what I got when I ordered an Almond Meringue. Needless to say, it was quite messy.

Blog Re-Post

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

10 Ways to Increase Creativity

Re-posted from a new blog discovery- Dumblittleman

I'm excited that I'm headed in the right direction. I definitely talk to anyone and everyone, read about all types of subjects, try new things, etc. Now if only I can stick to my creative projects.

1. Read Widely and Deeply
   Whatever field you’re in, reading can only help. Go to the library and check out some good books – and don’t make all of them ones in your area of expertise. Why not get a novel you’d never normally read, or a book about a topic you have no knowledge on? This can jump-start your brain into working more creatively as you try to assimilate the new information based on what you already know from your own field.
2. Try New Activities
   Another way to get your brain in gear is to try something totally new. Whether it’s salsa dancing, pottery or a medieval reenactment, taking up a new hobby can help shake things up and encourage you to think laterally. For example, you might be inspired to write an article using your new interest as a metaphor for something in your main field of work.
3. Talk To Strangers
   Children are warned about “stranger danger”, but as adults, we shouldn’t be too afraid of talking to new people. We naturally associate with people who are like ourselves – the same income bracket, the same dress sense, the same career or industry – and this can stifle our creativity by making us feel that “everyone’s just the same”. Branch out. Chat to someone you don’t know in the cafeteria. Say “hi” to the person next to you in line at the coffee shop.
4. Reject Your First Ten Ideas
   One great way to generate ideas, if you’re stuck for inspiration, is to sit down with a blank piece of paper (or a blank document on your computer) and list at least twenty ideas. Reject the first ten: they’ll almost always be too “normal” and bland. You have to get through these easy ideas in order to be really creative. If you’re writing a short story for a competition on “murder” for instance, the first ten ideas you have will be the ones that judges see time and time again.
5. Experiment: Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
   We’re often wary of trying new ways of working or new activities because we’re afraid we’ll fail. But there’s no shame in failure – after all, as a baby, you failed countless times at walking, talking and potty training… but you’re an expert in all of those areas now! The path to success often requires trying out a lot of ways which don’t work.
   

   “If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not
   discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” –Thomas Edison

6. Make Connections: Link Two Projects
   Do you have a stack of half-finished sketches or half-written short stories languishing in a drawer? One very effective way to reignite your enthusiasm is to combine two different projects. Take a character from one of your short stories and insert him into the plot of a different one. Mix that fantasy dreamscape sketch with the steampunk idea. Take an idea from that zany game you were designing and put it with the brainteaser series that you had planned.
7. Take An Unusual Perspective
   If you’re working on a long-term creative piece, like a blog or a novel, it’s easy to get stale. Try adopting an unusual perspective. You might write a scene in your novel from the point of view of an inanimate object, or through the eyes of a character whose state of mind has been altered by alcohol or drugs. You could try writing a post on your blog from someone else’s perspective. For me, one of the most memorable posts on Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger is “5 Things You Should Know About My Dad the ProBlogger”, purportedly from the viewpoint of his (at the time) one-year-old son:
   

   “You see my Dad reads more than he writes. I think he does this because his writing gets better after reading what others say and because it means he’s
   learning more about his topics.”

8. Do Your Chores
   This might sound like odd advice – after all, chores aren’t exactly creative. But physical activities like vacuuming, washing the dishes or scrubbing the floors leave your mind free to wander – and it’s surprising how many ideas can occur to you when you’re not sitting staring at your desk.
9. Use A Different Medium
   If you’re a writer, try drawing for a change. It doesn’t matter if you can’t draw – use stick figures – but this can help jolt you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to approach a problem in a new way. If you’re a painter, try making up a tune and words for a song. If you’re a graphic designer, use modeling clay or create a collage. Don’t limit your creativity to just one medium.
10. Daydream: Keep Asking “What If…?”
    The final, and most important tip for enhancing your creativity, is to daydream. Stare into space. Let your thoughts drift. Think about your project when you’re going to sleep at night – unusual thoughts often crop up in that half-awake, half-asleep state. Don’t try to force or rush creativity; give yourself time to let your ideas simmer away in the back of your mind.

Blog Re-Post

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

10 Ways to Increase Creativity

Re-posted from a new blog discovery- Dumblittleman

I'm excited that I'm headed in the right direction. I definitely talk to anyone and everyone, read about all types of subjects, try new things, etc. Now if only I can stick to my creative projects.

1. Read Widely and Deeply
   Whatever field you’re in, reading can only help. Go to the library and check out some good books – and don’t make all of them ones in your area of expertise. Why not get a novel you’d never normally read, or a book about a topic you have no knowledge on? This can jump-start your brain into working more creatively as you try to assimilate the new information based on what you already know from your own field.
2. Try New Activities
   Another way to get your brain in gear is to try something totally new. Whether it’s salsa dancing, pottery or a medieval reenactment, taking up a new hobby can help shake things up and encourage you to think laterally. For example, you might be inspired to write an article using your new interest as a metaphor for something in your main field of work.
3. Talk To Strangers
   Children are warned about “stranger danger”, but as adults, we shouldn’t be too afraid of talking to new people. We naturally associate with people who are like ourselves – the same income bracket, the same dress sense, the same career or industry – and this can stifle our creativity by making us feel that “everyone’s just the same”. Branch out. Chat to someone you don’t know in the cafeteria. Say “hi” to the person next to you in line at the coffee shop.
4. Reject Your First Ten Ideas
   One great way to generate ideas, if you’re stuck for inspiration, is to sit down with a blank piece of paper (or a blank document on your computer) and list at least twenty ideas. Reject the first ten: they’ll almost always be too “normal” and bland. You have to get through these easy ideas in order to be really creative. If you’re writing a short story for a competition on “murder” for instance, the first ten ideas you have will be the ones that judges see time and time again.
5. Experiment: Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
   We’re often wary of trying new ways of working or new activities because we’re afraid we’ll fail. But there’s no shame in failure – after all, as a baby, you failed countless times at walking, talking and potty training… but you’re an expert in all of those areas now! The path to success often requires trying out a lot of ways which don’t work.
   

   “If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not
   discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” –Thomas Edison

6. Make Connections: Link Two Projects
   Do you have a stack of half-finished sketches or half-written short stories languishing in a drawer? One very effective way to reignite your enthusiasm is to combine two different projects. Take a character from one of your short stories and insert him into the plot of a different one. Mix that fantasy dreamscape sketch with the steampunk idea. Take an idea from that zany game you were designing and put it with the brainteaser series that you had planned.
7. Take An Unusual Perspective
   If you’re working on a long-term creative piece, like a blog or a novel, it’s easy to get stale. Try adopting an unusual perspective. You might write a scene in your novel from the point of view of an inanimate object, or through the eyes of a character whose state of mind has been altered by alcohol or drugs. You could try writing a post on your blog from someone else’s perspective. For me, one of the most memorable posts on Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger is “5 Things You Should Know About My Dad the ProBlogger”, purportedly from the viewpoint of his (at the time) one-year-old son:
   

   “You see my Dad reads more than he writes. I think he does this because his writing gets better after reading what others say and because it means he’s
   learning more about his topics.”

8. Do Your Chores
   This might sound like odd advice – after all, chores aren’t exactly creative. But physical activities like vacuuming, washing the dishes or scrubbing the floors leave your mind free to wander – and it’s surprising how many ideas can occur to you when you’re not sitting staring at your desk.
9. Use A Different Medium
   If you’re a writer, try drawing for a change. It doesn’t matter if you can’t draw – use stick figures – but this can help jolt you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to approach a problem in a new way. If you’re a painter, try making up a tune and words for a song. If you’re a graphic designer, use modeling clay or create a collage. Don’t limit your creativity to just one medium.
10. Daydream: Keep Asking “What If…?”
    The final, and most important tip for enhancing your creativity, is to daydream. Stare into space. Let your thoughts drift. Think about your project when you’re going to sleep at night – unusual thoughts often crop up in that half-awake, half-asleep state. Don’t try to force or rush creativity; give yourself time to let your ideas simmer away in the back of your mind.

Weekend Recap

I know. Finally. In between watching the second season of Californiacation (thanks J., I'm now obsessed with the show), I had some mini adventures. On Friday, I won the battle that every girl wishes she could win with her boyfriend: we saw "New Moon." Okay. I didn't want to see it that badly and there was no trickery involved- just a desperate need to find a movie not sold out in the Union Square, East Village area. But here's where the experience led to being one we both enjoyed - Heather Graham sat 2 rows behind us with her 3 blond, giggling friends. I think everyone in that theater could have been high. A huge group across the isle laughed at every poignant moment, thus ruining any potential that New Moon could have had. It was better than the first movie- direction, cinematic photography and special effects but nothing can still help the acting skills of Kristen Stewart or Robert Pattison. I implore some finer actors to take them under their wings.

Then on Saturday, I had my portrait painted downtown by the very talented, interesting a lovely artist Kristen Copham. She's attempting to paint impressionistic, 45-minute portraits of one thousand people within 2009. She's nearing her goal and has already amassed a collection of portraits that are vibrant, character-revealing and successful, in my opinion. It was a super cool experience knowing that my image will become part of the art world in some capacity along with my parents and eventually my sister and hopefully my bf.

I had arranged a girls' night at an undecided location downtown for later that evening and had to kill time somewhere inside while I waited to hear if at least one of them could still make it. So I sat in Inoteca, drinking a delicious glass of dry, Italian red wine while attempting to read "The Fountainhead" in the dimly lit, romantic light. The food was fantastic but one of those places that in order to satiate your hunger, you have to eat an appetizer, main course and dolci. Forty-two dollars spent on a date with myself where, as usual, I managed to avoid any awkward silences and UM, stuttering. Slightly buzzed and completely freezing, I took the bus back uptown towards my apartment while successfully convincing my friend to meet me at a wine bar around my corner. Hey, the night was young! An hour later, I sat with my lovely roommate and friend around a bottle of red wine in the cozy wine bar Vino, getting tipsy and recapping our funny adventures. And finally, we ended the night with a trip to Hot and Crusty for some indulgent chocolate chip cookies. All and all, a lovely weekend and I'm still debating what to do today. I've realized over the last few months that despite liking uptown and being near the park, I'm a downtown girl at heart. Hmmm. Perhaps a trip DT is in order for today.

Another Re-Post

Cause I'm too tired to re-cap my fairly awesome evening

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Men = Animals

Favorite quote of last night.

my guy friend: "It's like dangling bacon in front of a bear and expecting not to get mauled. You can't blame the bear."

me: But men are human and not animals. There is a different set of rules and code of society they need to live by."

my guy friend: "No there isn't. Guys are animals and you better be careful not to dangle the bacon."

Re-Post

I'm going through my blog to find material for my novel. I know.. I know. I'm trying to write the great American novel. Well. Maybe not. I once met a guy at a bar (in my youth) who told me that he was trying to write the "Great American Novel." I guess looking back, I can give him credit and realize that's a lofty goal.. but back then, I was horrified and thought it was a very poor attempt to get laid. Anyway, this is one of the many mildly entertaining posts I found.. convo between me and a good friend.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Bloggersation

REDACTED: sup woman

ME: do you read my blog?

REDACTED: Ive read it before. I mean its funny. Im not a real blog fan tho. Just seems the stuff I would REALLY want to know about people, wouldnt be on a blog

ME: hmm, like what? i'm pretty honest on my blog

REDACTED: I dunno. I can't explain it really. I just feel like in general they are just...meh not that you/other lie

ME: but not necessarily too personal, more about my political opinions, religious views. etc. i think it's a pretty accurate depiction of who i am, and goes deeper than if you were to know me casually

REDACTED: are you pitchin' me to read your blog?!?!

ME: i guess it depends on who it is, if someone i had a crush on or wanted to get to know had one, i'd read it, but i really do it for myself. some of it's funny.. and relevant to anyone. like the squirrels having sex, and blog of superbowl party

REDACTED: yeah, those pictures were funny, I'm not accusing your blog of being ass im just saying blogs in general suck, so I dont read blogs

ME: i guess i'm more inclined to read people's now that i write one

REDACTED: If I had a blog... "law school sucks" "got wasted" "law school sucks" "fucking red sox"

ME: you sound so well rounded

REDACTED: I might talk about like...really loud burps, but other than that, meh

ME: I guess you don't have much to say

REDACTED: Im empty. I can make an emo blog

ME: emo blog?

REDACTED: "life sucks" "no one likes me" "look at my died black hair and pierced nose"
like emo kids, u know

ME: I try to have a more positive view on life and perhaps be inspiring

REDACTED: thats so BORING though. no one like happy. SAD sells

ME: boo

REDACTED: like...actually I would prob be less likely to read some emo blog than a happy blog
but whatever. porn trumps all every minute I spend reading a blog is a minute undevoted to porn

ME: Truer words have never been spoken

REDACTED: I can of course have two windows open, blog on one
porn on the other, but, I could have porn on both there is no escaping it.

ME: nice

Merry Christmas!

What you've all been waiting for. Hello Lola. My cutest kitty. Okay, someone get her an agent! And rounding into a close second.. or something like that. Mischief! I think the lobster encounter exhausted him. I know. It's a tough life.

Slacking

Wow. I've been slacking so much on my blog that for the first time ever, I had to log in. Hmm. Well. This weekend was the weekend to end all weekends. I kid. But I suppose it was fairly eventful. On Thursday, Thanksgiving dinner consisted of lobster and champagne. That's right folks. That's how we roll up in Schmersey. Hollar. Aight. My sister couldn't make it home for Turkey Day so we decided to forgo the labor intensive Turkey for an equally as indulgent and delicious fair. While home, I managed to fit in about 6 episodes of Mad Men 3rd season where I lost all faith in MAN kind. Or at least began to appreciate the less "authentic," less boozy and lucrative but way more politically correct, and female friendly advertising world of today. And on Saturday... wait for it. I had my 10 year high school reunion. That's right folks. I'm alive and have lived to tell about it. Actually, there's not much to tell. The four hours of open bar and small talk went by mighty fast and thanks to Facebook, there weren't any major surprises. I brought my beau which was a smart move. Not only did he get along with my peeps but having him there helped me avoid repeating my stats a million times. I still haven't figured out how to explain what I do in one sentence. I took off from work on Monday and Tuesday to use up my vacation time- i.e. I had a "staycation." I know what you're thinking. How very 2009- recession economy of me. I take comfort in knowing that after only 8 hours of work this week, I'm already over the hump. Victory! Speaking of work...

Almost Schmersey Bound

I can proudly say that I woke up at 5:45 am today and hauled my tired ass to the 6:30am Core Fusion Class on Madison between 76th and 77th, over a mile from my apartment! The walk in the pre-dawn light is always an interesting experience and seems to encompasses what it means to live in New York. I walk past multiple garages near my street, all servicing those who work at the hospital close by. Past the more middle class, residential neighborhood that I live in. Past the delis and shops that start opening at 6am. Then I round onto Madison, past a large church where numerous homeless find safety and shelter outside the church doors. And finally I reach the last leg of my journey, up Madison Avenue, walking by the Ralph Lauren flagship whose windows are decorated with the ideal of the American dream. Then past one fancy, expensive boutique after another. And finally into the revolving doors of 980 Madison Avenue where two Richard Prince photographs hang in the marble lobby. In class, I'm surrounded by Type A, too-thin, sinewy women and I wonder if they were ballerinas in former lives.

An hour and a half later, I'm in my office downtown by Union Square, surrounded by an entirely different group of people. Artistic Brooklynites, Long Island, creative suburbanites, and even the tattooed biker. Good morning New York.

New York, New York a Wonderful Town..

Check out this article from Gawker. It links to a Brit's piece about why New York has lost it's edge and an awesome New Yorker's response. I love New York.

There's a Time and Place for Pole Dancing

This is not one of them...

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkKaMk7s1rA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1&w=425&h=344]