paper + ink project A Magazine Written By, Photographed By, and Styled By Mary Gonzales
Seeking Artists, Musicians, Entrepreneurs, Crafters, Chefs, Athletes, Photographers, Designers, and All. Seeking Businesses With A Special Event or Grand Opening. Seeking Charity Organizations. Seeking Newly Engaged. Seeking All Those With A Story.
Let me put your story in writing. Correspond with me at
paperinkproject@live.com
Paper+Ink Project In this debut issue, you will find my carefully curated selection of features, articles, musings, interviews, designs, and photography transpired onto paper and ink.
w w w. p a p e r a n d i n k p r o j e c t .w o r d p r e s s . c o m paperinkproject@live.com
I was invited to do a red carpet event for a charity party hosted by
Inked Magazine.
Ah-ma-zing. The event planner put me right next to the photographers, perfectly lined up
to interview and take pictures of the celebrities walking the red carpet. I took this picture. The event was held at the Bowery in NYC hosted by Evan Seinfeld (from Biohazard and a 6-year stint as Jaz Hoyt on Oz). DG Bagel and the Natasha Komis and Killcode rocked. Loved them. I met a couple of reality stars who were popular at the time, Rescue Ink and the cast of a web ” To Be A Star” and a few “B” celebrities, and a ton of tattooed enthusiasts.
Picture, Layout, Design by Me.
The June issue came out this week. I had the opportunity to interview some great people and I am very thankful for their time and participation. Here is my article:
Riding the Hightstown 600k During the very early crisp morning of Saturday, June 9 th, at 4:00 A.M. scores of cyclists, or “Randonneurs”, will be gripped in ready position at the parking lot of the Days Inn in East Windsor. Over the next 16 hours each cyclist will endure pain, peace, joy, passion, and heartache. Endurance will find its way towards finishing the Hightstown 600K (also known as the East Creek 600) and by 8:00 P.M. the next evening, Sunday, June 10 th, all cyclists will have a story to tell. Whether they share their story or choose to keep it private, the life of a cyclist is a quiet but compelling one. Here are stories from some of this year’s Hightstown East Creek 600: IRON RIDER Iron Rider is a highly popular cyclist blogger. His blog, http://www.eprider.blogspot.com, offers life perspectives as “writing from a mid-life cyclist”. Entering his third year of Randonneuring, Iron Rider, who only reveals himself as Iron Rider, feels that he has just enough experience and events completed to begin to get a real feel for the sport. He says “It reminds me of being sophomore in High School. I don’t know everything but I know a lot more than I did when I first started. But the first two years had their own special appeal. Experiencing new events and new distances is a big attraction of this sport and the first two years were full of new events and new distances.” His first Randonneuring ride was in April 2009 at the Cranbury NJ 200k. “My most challenging ride was my second Randonneuring event. It was a 300K ride that took place in New Jersey. What made it challenging was my inexperience. Frankly, I was in over my head and too stubborn to quit. I have since ridden longer and more difficult courses, but that one will always have a special place in my memory.” Eventually he would like to ride the PBP (Paris-Brest-Paris) in 2015. “But,” he adds, “There are many things to keep my ride calendar busy until then and, hopefully after.” He offers insight into his passion for riding. “I ride a bike because I enjoy it. I do Randonneuring events because each ride is an adventure and a fun challenge and because I have met some great people who also enjoy it. Plus you get to collect awards. Who doesn’t like getting an award?“ But he also offers a more in depth perspective in the way of a Venn diagram explained in his blog post www.eprider.blogspot.com/2011/02/venn-of-cycling.html. In preparing for the East Creek 600, Iron Rider basically prepares by riding events on a regular basis. “I have ridden at least one 200K or longer every month since April 2009.” For several weeks leading up to the 600k , Iron Rider will ride a 300K, a 400k event, and then the 600k in Hightstown. “In between the long rides, I bike commute to work a few times a week and try to go the gym or run a few of times a week. I am not very scientific in my approach. I go for consistency and train by recovery.” Iron Rider offers this training tip: “Train hard but recover fully. Anyone can work themselves to the point of exhaustion or worse. Training smart is being patient enough to allow yourself to recover from the hard training. Recovery is where the fitness improves. “ Iron Rider is a partner in a law firm.
RICK LENTZ Rick Lentz, together with Wal Pettigrew, co-designs the routes for Randonneurs. Not only did Rick co-design this year’s routes, but he is also the lead organizer. This is Rick’s first year as Lead Organizer, and his second year codesigning the route. Rick has been involved in the design of “unofficial” routes for years. “When I am out taking a ride on my bike and find the route I’ve taken meaningful in some way, I am inspired to share it with others.” He explains “For Randonneur routes, check points (controles), are implemented to ensure that riders are following the route as documented. Consequently, routes must be designed with these controles at major changes of direction on the route or at any place where a rider could take a significant ‘short cut’ by riding an alternate route. Selecting food establishments for replenishments that meet this design necessity is part of the fun in route design.” Ironically, it was not until 2006, Rick says that after a back injury did he make the commitment to long distance cycling. He expressed that “there is a feeling of freedom and mind cleansing while on the bike that I feel will keep me riding as long as I am able.” Then in 2007 he accomplished his first Randonneur ride which took place in the Frenchtown Populaire. It was approximately 100 kilometers (appx 62 miles). “The Populaire is a great introduction to Randonneuring,” Rick states, “because you can learn the event rules and riding style over a shorter distance than with the other Randonneur events.” Rick’s most challenging ride was attempting the Adirondack 540 RAAM (Race Across America) qualifier. In addition to mountainous terrain and constant rain, improper nutrition and too fast of a start led him to abort and ultimately was disqualified. Rick offers this training tip: “It is always a known factor that at some point in time there will be conditions that a Randonneur can and will encounter at some point in time. This means not canceling your training rides due to darkness, cold or rain.” Rick is a data base analyst working for the Department of Human Services in New Jersey.
shop. “I checked it out on line and became intrigued,” she said. “I had tried racing once and was terrible at it. I mistakenly thought Randonneuring was something I could do without much training since it involved going long distances at a relatively slow pace which sounded good to me. Well except for the long distances part! Seven years later I know it takes a lot of training to go the distances involved in this sport.” She continued, “After my first 300K, during which I got lost and added 20 bonus miles to the route, I was ready to quit. Now that I have finished a 1240K, I have found new ways to challenge myself such as riding a fixed gear bike on a few brevets and permanents. I also think that Randonneuring provides adventure in my otherwise routine life! I also think at this point, I need to ride to preserve my sanity and reduce stress.” Christine found the Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) was her most challenging ride to date because of the longevity – 1240 Kilometers (or around 750 miles) with about 35,000 feet of climbing. Before that Christine rode 1000K (625 miles) for the Pennsylvania Endless Mountains (EM) which also has approximately 50,000 feet of climbing. Christine offers this training tip: “Brevets are almost never cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. I think one of the most important training tips is to ride in all types of weather at all times of day and night. I have ridden in the rain and snow, through thunder and lightning storms, extreme heat, cold and wind. Training under less than ideal conditions gives me the chance to see how my body will respond and to adjust my equipment accordingly. And testing equipment ahead of time, especially lighting, gives me great peace of mind once the ride has started. I never want to start a ride with untested equipment.” Christine is a small animal veterinarian and owns a veterinary clinic in New Jersey. … [photo credit: http://www.eprider.blogspot.com]
Article Published in the June 2012 Issue of The Journal Magazine
CHRISTINE NEWMAN An avid Randonneur, Christine Newman rides about 200 days a year. In 2011 she accomplished her goal of riding over 7,000 miles. Her journey began in 2005 when she saw a postcard advertising Randonneuring at a local bike
article
short story
Time stood still. No one took a breath. No one took their eyes off of what just happened. Of what they just witnessed. A magnitude amount of concrete, siding, wood, and bricks, all demolished with every cherished content that they shared for the last 10 years. It came to this, she thought. A standstill of hopes, dreams, a future, all blown to dust and remnants of what once was. “I…” The screeching sounds of machinery clenched the air and made all other sounds impermeable. He tried again, “I…” Tears were streaming down her face onto her lips, her chin, then down to the lapel of her coat. She made no sound. She was silent and still. “I…am….so sorry.” He took a breath, and continued. “I didn’t mean for any of this.” As he spoke, she watched the cold air capture his breath making it visible and icy. She turned away, with her coat lapel wet and stinging. Barely audible, a weak whisper escaped from her dry mouth. “How could you….how could you not…” She let out a pathetic sigh, “How could you not tell me…about this.” She closed her eyes and continued, “How could you have done this…” He adjusted his knit cap, pulled it further down his ears to protect it from the bitter cold, and replied, “I messed up, I know. I wasn’t listening. I was tired. I just wanted it done. I didn’t know, or I didn’t read, that…” “That what, John. That this was all a mistake on them? That you had no idea this would happen? That you thought this was a simple renovation, not a demolition? Really John? Is that what you’re telling me for Christ’s sake?!” “Love, yes, for Christ’s sake, yes. That’s what I’m telling you.” John adjusted his knit cap again. His ears were starting to numb, from the cold, maybe from the screeching machinery, maybe from her.
She looked so beautiful when she’s angry. John knew he wasn’t supposed to feel this way about her when she’s mad. But he couldn’t help himself. He was in love with her more than she could ever know. From the moment he met her, John knew she was special. He knew that she was too good for him, too smart for him. And there was always that nagging feeling in him, down deep in the bottom of his belly that he needed to be better. To do something that she would never expect, something beyond what she could ever dream of, or ever think he was capable of. And so he did it. He planned. Some say he schemed. Sure, but all of it for Love. For her. And so, with the help of many colleagues and friends, while she and John were on vacation, the Movers cleaned out the house. Every piece of furniture, cherished albums, kitchen gear, wardrobe, and more were moved out. And into their new home. As they pulled up the driveway coming back from vacation, the demolition crew was half-way done the project. It was a project that would enlarge the property ten-fold for the beautiful white house that proudly stood in the lot next to it. It was a neighboring house that she gazed at from her window every morning, taking note of its structural beauty, its grand entrance pillars, pristine roof, and it always, always seemed to gleam brighter than the other homes. But, she always remarked how that although the home was beautiful it was just too closely located next to each other. There was no privacy, “no elbow room” she would say. When John found out the owners were moving, he leapt on the chance to make an offer. They accepted. And the same day, he called his contacts and negotiated a demolition company to take care of the rest. “Love, I have to tell you something….” And as he said those words, he took something out from his pocket and turned to her while they were standing in the driveway. “What, John. What can you possibly tell me. What more can you say,” she winced. He held out a key that was shining against the cold bitter gray air and said, “I have to tell you that this key…this key….is a key to our new home.” And with that, he faced her towards the white house with the new spacious generously sized land.
meet&greet
Who the hell is Adam Rubin (playfully from www.whothehell.com). Shamefully, up until this month, I honestly didn’t know. I pictured the taco-lovin’-dragon-author as someone old and stuffy. But then I met him. Not the old, stuffy kind at all. At their book-signing event in July hosted by JaZams in Princeton, NJ for their book, Dragons Love Tacos, the award winning team, author Adam Rubin and illustrator Daniel Salmieri, put some cool in that hot summer afternoon. Mothers swooned and children stood in line bright-eyed and excited to meet the dapper duo. I picked up a copy of the celebrated book and both author and illustrator graciously signed it for my daughter, Sophia. But what makes their autographed book even more special is that Adam writes the child’s name as part of the title.
One of this year’s most popular trends:
Stripes
One of the most popular trends this year – stripes. Not just any stripes. Not your typical
black and white zebra stripes. But bold, audacious stripes. Not found in your grandmother’s closet, this season’s stripes bear color and girth. Everyone’s doing it from Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de le Renta, Etro, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more designers. Harper’s Bazaar Magazine boasts stripes with Selena Gomez for their April 2013 magazine cover. Miley Cyrus striped down in a blue and white jumpsuit for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation event in March.
Zoe Saldana wore stripes honored by none other than Dolce &
Gabbana at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards, and the list of celebrities goes on and on So what makes this love/hate relationship with stripes tick? Why are there countless Pinterest boards dedicated to stripes? Why do horizontal lines make some of us cringe while make others crack a smile and nod with confidence? Because, no matter what, stripes are for everyone. It’s for every women who exudes fun and a care-free perspective not just on life, but on the day that awaits us. Stripes are for those who want color in life. Whether in black and white, stripes add to the worn-out jeans, to the leggings, denim, skirts, or wear for work, or for play. A casual striped dress goes a very long way worn with flats, heels, boots, or even sneakers. Wear a short striped skirt with a long slouchy sweater. Wear a black and white striped cropped shirt layered with a tank popped with color. Wear a striped dress with a thick leather belt. Wear stripes in couture. Or go completely daring and wear stripes from top
musing on
to bottom with a striped top with striped pants. Whatever you do and however you wear it, wear your stripes proudly and join the ranks of being on-trend this year.
{musing} Back To School! As the end of August is here, three lit-
for when it comes time to go school
tle words come to mind that probably
shopping. Those $300 Nike sneakers
emit the most mixed emotion during
aren’t in most parents’ school shop-
any other time during the year: Back
ping budget.
To School. Whether you’re going to a new school, or you’re entering in as a cool 8th Grader, or as a College Sen-
I remember my first day entering into 8th grade, walking up to my junior high
ior. Or perhaps you graduated
steps. A huge
many
white banner
moons ago but you can
still
charge
feel
in
the
with painted
the
red
air
G r a d -
sun begins to casts earlier
ers!”
in
the evening hinting at September’s looming annual occurrence.
You
smell it in the air. You feel it in your wind blown hair.
lettering
“Welcome 8th
when the late August shadows
school
The first day of
school.
was
hanging over the main entrance doors.
I felt like that banner was
hanging specifically for me. I remember the sun was out, and it was a perfect warm day.
I had high teased
curly hair, large earrings, and one of
As a parent, there’s even more of a
those off the shoulder flash dance
reaction
lovely
shirts in yellow. Entering the school
words. Getting back to “routine” per
as a cool 8th grader was my first best
se is something many parents look
Back To School memory I had. Yes,
forward to.
Also, school expenses
embarrassing I know. But hey! How
add a dash of stomach gripping ail-
about you? Would love to hear about
ments that parents brace themselves
your most memorable Back To School
to
those
three
travel
I took my daughter and her friend to this year’s NJ Balloon Festival. We woke up brutally early when it was still dark and arrived promptly at 6:00 am. The early morning air was refreshing and very cooling. When we got to the field where the balloons were supposed to be, I couldn’t figure out where the balloons were‌until I saw what looked like industrial sized duffle bags in the middle of the roped off field designated for the balloon launch. And then I realize that those duffle bags lie near the baskets that hold the people and those mechanical devises that fire up the balloons. Soon enough the contents of each bag were being emptied and out came incredibly colorful and massive inflatable fabrics.
Witnessing the first bal-
loon from being in a bag, to being air-filled, to ascension was amazing. But then witnessing over 100 balloons during all those stages was truly spectacular. My favorites were all the classic ones with the rainbow colors.
Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland
We have been loyal visitors of Baltimore Maryland for about 15 years or so. Our attention was always focused on the aquarium side of town and we always referred the area as the Baltimore Harbor or Inner Harbor. We would sit and enjoy the street performers and walk through the malls. Before Phillips Seafood moved to the Hard Rock Café building, we would always make it a point to eat at Philips in the plaza mall and enjoy their amazing seafood buffet. Sadly, they don’t offer the seafood buffet anymore at their new location. (But they’re still a great restaurant!) Moving on, this year, my husband heard of Fells Point. Not really knowing what it was about, he, as the appointed driver of our family, decided to make a detour to this unfamiliar town instead of driving to our usual Inner Harbor trek. The moment we hit the towns leading up to Fells Point, our excitement grew and we all knew we were in for a treat. And then we arrived. With their cobblestone streets, their brick buildings, their quaint boutiques and amazing restaurants one right after the other after the other, Fells Point is now our newest favorite place to visit. We will still remain loyal to the Inner Harbor, but our plans have a new beginning – to start our trip at the Inner Harbor, enjoy the street performers and visit the aquarium. Then take the ferry across the harbor to Fells Point, walk their cobblestone streets, visit the quaint shops, and round it all off by eating at one of their incredible restaurants. Our new family annual trip.
I am in love with Summer.
I have a
deep affection for it. I find it irresistible and I adore it. If I could just put it in a jar and keep it with me all year round. I would loosen the jartop in the middle of winter and let the sun peek out while letting
precious
drops of Summer infuse the freezing air and let it melt Frosty away. Like a scorn lover, I find myself a little bitter when Summer abandons me each and every year, leaving me longing to feel its warm embrace again. But for now, Summer’s back and I am in love all over again.
Today, like many churches all around our nation, the homily in my church spoke about the tragedy in Colorado.
Usually
the homilies speak to me; I can always relate to the message and I most always gain perspective, or even challenge the message that’s offered each and every Sunday. At the very least it incites thoughts and passion about God, about life. But today, I felt there weren’t any comforting words to offer, from anyone,
even
from
church. There were no reasons to give, no godly explanation. Nothing to appease the soul, or the heart, nothing to console the
basic
human
emo-
tion. What can words truly do at a time like this anyway. I can only draw from the actions from those who gave their lives that day to protect their loved ones. I can only reflect that out of the horrific despicable actions from one human being, that he was outnumbered by good,
by
love,
by
hero-
ism. Someday, I hope someday soon, we can find out the “why”. Even then, those words will fall empty. There are no words to describe, no words to explain, and simply there are no words to heal. We will have to rely on our actions to make things better and work on always outnumbering evil.
There are days when I sit just and stare at the screen. I just stare. Idly. Waiting for something to run through my veins, moving my fingers to tap on the keyboard, waiting for the rush of words to gush through me with full force effortlessly and with conviction. But not even a twinge is felt. Not a random spasm in my finger bones. All is quite and I’m left to sit and stare at the screen. ...Pic of my keyboard, use of Adobe Photoshop CS5, filter/sketch/photocopy...
musing
Small Business, Meridian Home Improvement Ric G. of Meridian Home Improvement tells all about being a small business owner. Based in Somerset County with clients ranging from Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and all other surrounding counties, Ric’s specialty as an interior & exterior painter gives him the fulfillment of doing something he enjoys paired with the challenges of running his own business. Q: How did you begin or start your business? A: I started part-time on weekends while working full-time in IT. I found that I enjoyed painting more than my career as a programmer. As a programmer I would always think about painting but never really knew how I would go about from only painting during the weekends to going to full-time. How would I find enough work during the week…let alone throughout the year? I saw my future as a programmer and didn’t like what I saw. I eventually gave two weeks notice and never looked back. It’s been over six years now. Q: Tell me about the early years, about the challenges you faced back then and now. A: In the beginning jobs were scarce. I did what I could to get myself out there and meet people. I worked for friends and family and referrals started coming in from them. I gained credibility and work increased and I started gaining a good client base. Now I am not so much worried about having work the following week – I get a lot of referrals. The early challenges were my inexperience with painting. I didn’t have all the answers. But I stuck it through and gained experience and can now provide many answers confidently. My current challenges is managing my business; balancing between work and my family life. Q: Do you have any insight you can offer about being a small business owner? A: Having too much work is just as frustrating as not having enough work. It’s not easy finding good help. Bringing in work comes in bit by bit sometimes and it’s hard to keep everyone at “the ready” all the time. I am blessed to have someone as part of my crew who’s a hard worker, loyal, and good at what he does. Q: What’s in the future? A: To do less physical work and focus on sales. I would like to transition in more of a supervisory role. I have a crew averaging from 1-5. They’re all really good but it’s hard to keep it all in harmony at times when I’m painting, supervising, keeping clients happy, and finding the next job all at the same time. Q: Can you give me a good DIY tip? A: Sure! Definitely use good brushes and good rollers. They make a difference. When you paint a ceiling, paint crossways the first time and long ways for the 2nd coating. Take your time when you paint and I recommend using a drop cloth. People get hurried and they forget paint can splatter or drip. Thanks to Ric of Meridian Home Improvement for your time, advise, insight, and DIY tips!
interview
Red Hook, Brooklyn
There’s a part of Brooklyn that extends into the Upper New York Bay. With their cobblestone streets, the Brooklyn neighborhood, originally known for its red clay soil, is rich with history, food and culture. RED HOOK. It’s a tight-knit community where long-time faithful residents are proud to be living in one of Brooklyn’s best neighborhoods. Red Hook has been on the national radar for so many reasons, some good, some bad, some ugly. Most recently, they made national news by being hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. With a waterfront community comes the challenges of destruction, but with it also comes revival. I visited Red Hook recently to find evidence of what once was. Boutiques, an artisan distillery, artist gallerys, notable restaurants. And in between the open store-fronts were boarded-up shops still recovering, still hoping to tear down the boards from the windows and one day open up its doors again. The streets littered with debris signaled that the struggles of the neighborhood were still ongoing, that revival was still far from near. One shop owner’s basement was completely destroyed. It was where his studio was, where he made everything, where he worked to make his beautiful products. The Storm hit in October. And in May the shop still hasn’t received any assistance or response yet from the insurance company. But revival, despite the littered streets, seems surely on its way. Not soon enough for some but revival can be found in the latest headlines: “Historic Red Hook bar Sunny’s seeks cash to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy’s ravages – Owner Sunny Balzano launching $80k repair campaign” “Home sweet home: Developmentally disabled residents displaced by Superstorm Sandy return to Red Hook” “Red Hook library reopens after Superstorm Sandy” “A sign of Red Hook renewal: Red Hook branch library reopens after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy” “American Red Cross Gives Grant to Brooklyn Community Foundation for Superstorm Sandy Recovery Program” Headlines filled with progress, for sure. Revival? A slow and steady process that will hopefully see completion sooner than later for this proud and beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood.
cover shot As a freelance writer, I found out that it’s not all about
I did as the young pitcher finally made it onto the
writing. For anyone who wants to take their craft one
mound. Still, I waited while the clicking of other cam-
step further, taking pictures along with their articles
eras were getting me admittedly nervous. But I felt I
can also help tremendously in engaging the audi-
had to wait.
ence. And in this day and age, what writer wouldn’t want to take their own pictures to help depict the story
The pitcher placed her feet into position, she adjusted
we tell, the words we choose, the titles, the captions,
her pitching stance, and she started to raise her arm
the nuances of it all. We have the technology and ac-
with the ball….and that, to me, triggered “the mo-
cessibility for everyone to be a ‘photographer’ at some
ment”. I took one shot, one photo, one moment. As
level. And I have fully jumped on board with it. I love
a result, I captured the pitcher in action actually throw-
taking pictures for my articles; I enjoy stylizing my
ing the first pitch of the season with her feet in the air,
shots; and I always try to take fresh angles and per-
throwing the ball, body twisted successfully with the
spectives of things as simple as a detail in woodwork,
backdrop of a lush green perfect Spring day.
corners of buildings, street signs, sidewalks, and of more complex activities such as athletes in action, street fairs, music events, and so much more. I recently have been assigned with taking a cover shot for a magazine’s May issue, but specifically for a community’s Opening Day for their sports season. I clicked away throughout the two-hour event capturing warmups, excited young children’s expressions, the parade, the mascot, the mayor, a choir, parents, and all. It was coming down to the last fifteen…maybe twenty minutes…of the event and still I felt I didn’t capture “The One”. Sure, lots of great pictures, but mostly to fill a family album, nothing to fill the cover of a magazine… just yet.
And then the mayor introduced a young
pitcher to come out on the field to throw the First Official Pitch of the Season. I immediately trained my eye and camera towards the pitcher as she walked out onto the field while at the same time making sure my zoom lens was set. I’m not one to bullet-click away. I take time, I choose, I decide specifically when I take a picture, and never use the “rapid succession” feature cameras have. So while other photographers are clicking away at the air, I’m usually the one standing there, waiting for “the moment” that I choose. I’m pretty spot-on every time I wait patiently. And so, that’s what
The shot made the cover of the June 2013 Issue of The Journal. It has a distribution of over 40,000 homes and businesses.
new york installation
I had a meeting in New York City for a freelance writing opportunity. I was to meet with an executive from a start-up magazine based in Seattle. The executive was flying in from Seattle to NYC to meet with writers. I could not have been more thrilled when I saw their email that they would like to
meet me. The location of the meeting was
scheduled to be at one of the most pre-
mier, most hip places to go in the
world:
Ace Hotel, New York.
With the invitation to meet with the ex-
ecutive, and to meet at one of the hottest
artist venues in the world, being a contrib-
uting writer for the exciting new start-up
magazine
dary. What came first for me was the ex-
almost
seemed
secon-
perience of the opportunity…a great day
in the making.
And so I made my way into the City early Friday morning. The weather was gleaming with Spring, there were buds on trees, tulips were standing at attention, and the sun was out but with a grumbling hint of a storm that thankfully never became more than just a groan from the sky from time to time. The meeting was scheduled for “11ish” at the hotel lobby and so I arrived at the Ace a few minutes before 11:00 A.M. As soon as I approached the building, the hotel was
buzzing with artists and musicians, or
maybe they were just incredibly stylish
people who love music. But their skinny
jeans,
double-
wrapped cotton scarf and thick black
rimmed glasses led me to believe they
more than just stylish, but professional
artists. One of them was carrying a guitar
so yes, I’m going with “he’s part of the
their
casual
t-shirts,
band.” Inside the lobby towards the center was a
dark wooden library-style table, with the
classically styled green library lamps, and
where young professionals were hard at
work on their laptops. Dark alluring walls
set the tone of this edgy-vibed yet sophis-
ticated lounge. A generously sized American Flag proudly placed high on the back center wall hung over the unassuming bar and injects the only worthy pop of color against the decisively dimly lit room. I texted the person whom I was to meet and received a response I was not prepared for: she fell ill and will not be able to make the meeting. My heart sank. I felt bad for her – that she traveled so far and then not be able to fully enjoy this amazing city, to conduct the rest of her meetings, and to accomplish the rest of her itinerary. I sat for a few moments trying to gather my thoughts and to revise the purpose of my day. I needed to salvage it and make it useful. I couldn’t just walk aimlessly; I needed a new agenda. I looked down at my camera and my brown pseudo-leather notebook and it didn’t take me long to realize what I needed to do. With a sudden burst of urgency, I grabbed my camera and the rest of my belongings and headed back outside to the streets of New York. As a result, I am hugely excited to introduce my new mini
writing series:
Impromptu interviews and photography all from the streets of New York.
New York Installation:
Rollerskating in Central Park
The latest New York Installation. Subject: rollerskating. But not just rollerskating. There’s an additional requirement. Dancing. Rollerskate dancing in Central Park. This outrageously delectable activity is so popular that there exists an actual organization that has been enjoying a long successfully skating run of over 18 years: Central Park Dance Skaters Association. Mostly every weekend starting every April in Central Park follow the blaring sounds engineered by the skilled hands of NYC DJs and you’ll find the funkafied group of rollerskaters dancing to the latest club music. I stylized most of my pictures to keep the vibe of rollerskating alive in this latest installment.
short story
An apple. There it was, gleaming, green, and freshly misted by the grocery store
My father now what seemed like hundreds of yards
produce man in charge of keeping the fruits looking
ahead of me stopped to look back and shot me a look of
fresh. I was the perfect hungry little bait. For whatever
“hurry up!” without uttering one single word. I contin-
reason, after what seemed like a long torturing hour of
ued on very slowly and very awkwardly. My father’s
winding through the fluorescently lit unappetizing gro-
look of impatience quickly turned into anger with his
cery aisles, my father was headed towards the exit
eye lids wrinkled in a puzzled fury. He turned back
empty handed. But that apple. I couldn’t bear to leave
again towards the Exit just about passing by the police-
the store without that apple. It just didn’t seem right
man. I made it four excruciating steps when the police-
leaving the store empty-handed. So I asked my father if
man stopped my father. I halted my tracks simultane-
we could get The Apple. And without missing a step he
ously. They both looked at me while the not-so-friendly
said no and kept headed towards the exit. The apple
-looking-anymore policeman pointed at me. Not only
was near enough to the exit that my desperate need for
did my stride stop but my heart stopped along with it. I
it made me think of the unthinkable. Take the apple
held my young breath as they both approached
anyway.
me. Now towering over my under-developed six year old self was my father and the policeman. I looked up
But how? I caught site of a policeman by the exit. The
not knowing if I continued breathing or not. And with-
sight of him, uniformed in dark blue with this official
out waiting for them to speak, I took the apple from my
policeman hat, one hand resting on his utility belt,
knees and handed it over to the policeman.
standing firm but friendly. Or at least I thought he looked friendly and not the least bit like someone who
I don’t recall the ride home that day. I don’t recall the
would unravel a six-year old. And so it was down to Me
inevitable yelling or the most-likely-chance of a spank-
versus the Exit versus the Policeman. I couldn’t afford
ing. I don’t recall if he told my mother. It was all a blur
to linger and so as I passed by the enticing green apple, I
after that. I must have put up a pretty good memory
took it in my little hands. I immediately hit a snag al-
block wall to help protect the little brain I had at the
ready – my hands were too little and barely covered the
time.
shiny fruit. What now! Wait, my dress. Surprisingly there were no pockets stitched anywhere. But brazenly
One thing I do remember was my father that day. On
I continued on my mission. I had to follow through; I
the outset angry, stern, and impatient. But what re-
was in too deep in my head to give up the glorious ap-
placed my memory block of my well-deserved punish-
ple. It was in my tiny little hands and I just didn’t want
ment was that at the end of the day my father was lov-
to let it go. Somehow, good consciousness never found
ing, forgiving, and a very patient patient man.
me that day in the grocery store as I lifted up my long dress and placed the apple between my knees. And
I’ll never forget that apple. Not for the apple itself but
ever so cautiously attempted to walk the apple between
what the apple became - memories of having a father
my knees just like the way I do for a picnic race
who offered love, patience and forgiveness.
game. Except this was no game, no picnic. A race but certainly not for glory.
This is a true short story.
interview
way to making the boutique
exclusively to her clients with a fortune
a reality.
teller, food, drinks, discounts and fun. It was a success and Jennifer will soon be
Defining the boutique was
Poohpeach Kingston
Boutique,
next.
Jennifer’s family background
planning another “Ladies Night” this summer.
comes from the restaurant business but Jennifer drew from her creative passion
She is working on opening two more
for style and design. Offering children
boutiques in Fort Lee, and in New Hope,
In the heart of Kingston, NJ is a boutique
clothing
retail
Pa. Check back for the grand opening
with sophisticated white trim and an
line. Soon after, she expanded her col-
announcements and more events this
inviting white porch.
The moment it
lection to women’s clothing and accesso-
summer!
opened its doors in 2011, the boutique
ries. Not having any clothing retail ex-
added a refreshing charm to this tiny but
perience to draw from, Jennifer learned
And so…Poohpeach.
captivating and prominent town. Pooh-
the business from the ground up doing
name. A string of two words most likely
became
her
first
A most unique
Peach Boutique. A
never used together
name
before.
other.
like
no
It peaks
Passerbys
curiosity. But even
can’t help but slow
before knowing the
down while travel-
meaning behind it, it
ing by to read its
tugs at the heart as
classic
boutique
an incredibly sweet,
style sign and to
most delightful bou-
gaze through the
tique name.
shadowbox window
husband
with its whimsical
from Romania, al-
display of beautiful
though,
clothing. Kingston is
“Poohpeach” is not
a town nestled right
a
outside the border
word. It is however,
of Princeton.
as
The
boutique, soon to be one-year-old in September, stands shiney and new on Main Street. Earlier in the year of 2011, stay-at-home mom Jennifer Solomon asked herself “What am I going to do now that the youngest is going to school?” Her husband responded by encouraging her to pursue her passion. Jennifer lives locally in South Brunswick and one day passed by and saw the For Rent sign on the window of the corner building. She visited it and immediately envisioned her passion of owning a boutique come alive. After discussing it with her husband they signed the contract the next day giving
Her comes no,
Romanian Jennifer
ex-
her own research, visiting showrooms,
plained, the closet
traveling to NYC, learning about pricing,
phonetic way she could translate in the
and much more. The boutique’s visual
English language to say “kiss” in Roma-
displays are results from her own distinc-
nia.
tive style, from turning a quaint wine closet into a beautiful display for clothing and accessories, from using delicate long logs of wood that lend a striking setting to hang her collection from, her
And there. So you have it. A true inside peek in this most wonderful boutique that offers children and women’s clothing, accessories, and events. Visit Pooh-
Sale sign, to romantic jewelry posts, a
peach Boutique at 4436 Lincoln High-
dramatic painting over the fireplace
way, Kingston, NJ 08528 and via
mantle, and just so much more.
www.poohpeachboutique.com.
Her collection comes from as far as Australia, Brazil, UK, and as local as New York and Los Angeles. Earlier in the year, Jennifer hosted a special “Ladies Night”
One of the magazines invited me to attend a fashion show. It was held in a bar in NYC. The DJ, the people, the vibe, the models and the designer, all incredible. I took this picture which I feel captures the perfect shot of a fashion runway show in a NYC bar.
I began my writing career many moons ago having the pleasure of getting my first article published on the front page of a major local newspaper, then working for a rock music trade magazine, and onto a major college textbook publishing company, all the while working on a children’s book. I lead a corporate life now, juggling family, personal ventures, and everything else in between. Paper+Ink Project is my portfolio as a freelance writer. Stay with me to see how I transpire my thoughts, my stories, my interviews, my travels, and my photography onto paper and ink.
paper + ink project