Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCOOP DU TUESDAY_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

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Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather. 

FYI: Tuesday through Saturday April 26-30 alternate-side-of-the-street-parking is suspended due to religious observance (Passover). All other parking regulations in effect.

CITY NEWS: 11 injured in multi-car crash involving a taxi in Times Square.

_Homeland Security secretary, Michael  Chertoff, to tour Grand Central Terminal on Monday with local officials.

_City murder rate on track for 40-year low. 

_The NYC Department of Health is warning New Yorkers to use window guards and to make sure they are installed properly after a 2-year old boy named Jonathan Sanchez died  falling 6
stories when the window guard, which were improperly installed, gave
way when he leaned against the window.

<>

_In a
talk at the Tribeca Film Festival (which is in full swing), Actress
Maggie Gyllenhaal, star of a new flick
about the aftermath of 9/11, said that the U.S. "is responsible
in some way" for the devastating terror attacks. She is getting a
beating from the local press (Daily News, Post) for saying it. Slow
news weekend, I guess. Her new movie "The Great New Wonderful" has a plot centered on
the destruction of the World Trade Center – premiered Friday.

"I think what’s good about the movie is that it deals with 9/11 in such
a subtle, open way that I think it allows it to be more complicated
than just, ‘Oh, look at these poor New Yorkers and how hard it was for
them,’" Gyllenhaal told the NY1 cable channel.   

BROOKLYN BEAT:  Three boys died and four other people were
injured in a fast-moving fire. Flames broke out shortly before 6 a.m. on the second floor of
104 Ross Street, a six-story apartment building near Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, according to fire officials. Investigators say the fire likely started in a gas stove, by
accident, but they don

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Brooklyn Backlash

6 Comments

Bb_std_stdAs I usually do, I read with interest Bob Morris’ weekly column in the Style section of the New York Times: "The Age of Dissonance." This week’s really hit home. Titled, "No Sleep Till Brooklyn"  he opened with the revelation that local literary luminary (a dime a dozen around here) just sold one Park Slope House for more than $3 million and bought another one for $6.75 million.

"Maybe Brooklyn can finally stop the need to promote itself as some kind of hip equal to Manhattan. Here is a loaded celebrity author who could afford to buy anywhere – who doesn’t have children who would need extra bedrooms and a yard – and he has chosen Brooklyn over Manhattan."

He goes on to say: "Paying $6.75 million to live a half-hour subway ride from Greenwich Village. That tells the world that you’re not an outskirt. You’re a mecca."

At this point in my reading, my blood pressure was rising. And the quote from Marcellus Hall, the illustrator of the New Yorker cover that got Marty Markowitz spritzing all over the letters from readers page of that tony publication, really pissed me off:  "It’s all just insecurity."

Who says that Brooklynites would rather be living in Manhattan?  I’m a born and bred Manhattanite – grew up on Riverside Drive no less and I chose to be here. Granted, I was priced out of Manhattan back in 1991 – but that’s besides the point. I didn’t know better. I thought I was settling when I was actually doing something better. And that doesn’t come from insecurity.

Every choice comes with a price. Sure, we’re a half-hour away from the village, forty-five minutes to Chelsea, and an hour door-to-door to the Upper West Side. But so what?

As Morris says, Brooklyn has become a world-class mecca, a destination not a place to escape from (as it was for my mother’s generation). She always said, "Growing up in Brooklyn makes you an over achiever. You have to cross the bridge."

Our kids aren’t itching to escape from Brooklyn the way my mother’s generation was. They love it here and they know it has a great deal to offer. They don’t feel gipped that they’re not in Manhattan. They know they’re living in one of the great communities in America.

And that doesn’t come from insecurity, Marcellus Hall. That comes from a wholehearted appreciation of a really special place.

Civics and Urban Life

SCOOP DU MONDAY_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather. 

FYI: On Monday April 25 alternate-side-of-the-street (ASOTS) parking will be suspended for religious
observance (Passover). Also: Thursday through Saturday April 26-30 ASOTS
parking is also suspended. All other parking regulations in effect.

CITY NEWS: Homeland Security secretary, Michael  Chertoff, to tour Grand Central Terminal on Monday with local officials.

_City murder rate on trace for 40-year low. 

_A 2-year old boy named Jonathan Sanchez, died after falling 6 stories after the window guard, which were improperly installed, gave way when he leaned against the window.

_In a
talk at the Tribeca Film Festival (which is in full swing), Actress
Maggie Gyllenhaal, star of a new flick
about the aftermath of 9/11, said that the U.S. "is responsible
in some way" for the devastating terror attacks. She is getting a
beating from the local press (Daily News, Post) for saying it. Slow
news weekend, I guess.

Her new movie "The Great New Wonderful" has a plot centered on
the destruction of the World Trade Center – premiered Friday.

"I think what’s good about the movie is that it deals with 9/11 in such
a subtle, open way that I think it allows it to be more complicated
than just, ‘Oh, look at these poor New Yorkers and how hard it was for
them,’" Gyllenhaal told the NY1 cable channel. 

BROOKLYN BEAT:  "Bullets in the Hood: a Bed Stuy Story" directed by two Bed Stuy filmakers, is being shown at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Different From All Other Nights

PanPassover is definitely my favorite Jewish holiday. What’s not to like? Matzah, gefilte fish, chorosis – a mixture of apples, walnuts, almonds, and wine – and chocolate covered macaroons.

And then there’s the seder itself. Every family has its own approach. The more orthodox seders last many hours. The children sit bored and hungry, while they wait for the adults to finish reading from the Hagadah so that dinner can begin. Certainly, there are a few bright spots in the long service: the four questions, the search for the matzah, the wine glass for Elijah.

While our reform Jewish seders are a bit shorter, I can still remember the hunger I felt as my grandfather led what felt like an endless seder in our Riverside Drive dining room. That was back when my parents were still married, back when we got together every year with my grandparents, my maternal aunt, uncle and cousins.

For a family of Upper West Side and Westchester Jews, Passover’s message of "Let my people go," was all that we needed to draw a progressive and humanistic message from the holiday. Often, the seder took on a political dimension – it was the 1960’s and 70’s afterall. Political discussion added a spirited element to any family get-together.

After my parents split up, some years we did the seder with my father and his wife, some years we did it with my mother. I would often find myself the leader of the seder, as I have a reputation in my immediate family as the most Jewish of us.

Leading the seder is a job I absolutely cherish at it affords me the opportunity to channel my inner rabbi. And it’s a chance to teach my children, the offspring of an inter-faith marriage, an important piece of their Jewish history. I also get to exercise my directorial instincts, figuring out who reads what, and which parts of the ceremony end up on the cutting room floor.

Tonight the seder is at my father’s apartment in Brooklyn Heights, with it’s spectacular view of  New York Harbor and lower Manhattan. My cousin on my mother’s side and her family will be there, too. My sister is in Palm Beach sedering with her mother-in-law and my mother, My stepmother, no doubt, will cook a delicious and imaginative meal. 

In the next few hours, I will pull together this year’s readings. I will probably use my favorite Hagadah, it’s actually a children’s book called "The Four Questions" with text by Lynn Sharon Schwartz and paintings by Orin Sherman. Toward the end she writes:

"At the Passover Seder, we remember that terrible and then wonderful time and in the remembering, the terror and the wonder happen to us. We were once slaves, now we enjoy freedom. Together we wish that by next year’s Seder, all people living in slavery any place in the world, will pass over to freedom."

We will all take turns reading from this book and a more traditional Hagadah. And we will sing. It is a night different from all other nights. And that’s the point.

Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCOOP DU WEEKEND_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather. 

TIP: See you at 1 p.m. at Fou Le Chakra for your free portrait sitting. Come on down: it only takes a minute. 411 7th Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets. Also, scroll down to see everything that’s going on today in Brooklyn. See the Grab-bag, too.  

FYI: On Monday April 25 alternate-side-of-the-street (ASOTS) parking will be suspended for religious
observance (Passover). Also: Thursday through Saturday April 26-30 ASOTS
parking is also suspended. All other parking regulations in effect.

TONIGHT IS THE SECOND NIGHT OF PASSOVER.

CITY NEWS: In a talk at the Tribeca Film Festival (which is in full swing), Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, star of a new flick
about the aftermath of 9/11, said that the U.S. "is responsible
in some way" for the devastating terror attacks. She is getting a beating from the local press (Daily News, Post) for saying it. Slow news weekend, I guess.

Her new movie "The Great New Wonderful" has a plot centered on
the destruction of the World Trade Center – premiered Friday.

"I think what’s good about the movie is that it deals with 9/11 in such
a subtle, open way that I think it allows it to be more complicated
than just, ‘Oh, look at these poor New Yorkers and how hard it was for
them,’" Gyllenhaal told the NY1 cable channel.

_Staten Island Ferry officials plead guilty in 2003 crash.

_A city sanitation worker was charged with murdering his girlfriend who was eight months pregnant. Her body was found April 3rd in the Hudson River. The suspect, Roscoe Glinton of Sunset Park, was arrested on Friday night. He faces second-degree murder charges.

_Columbia Presbeyterian Hospital admitted Friday that it treated patients for Legionaire’s Disease, which they contracted at the hospital. Two of the patients died.

_FDNY is concerned about  New York City’s emergency response plan now that the NYPD has been given primary responsibility.

_For the first time ever, the Department of Homeless Services counted the number of  homeless persons in the five borough. THey found that there are approx. 4,400 homeless people in New York City. Homeless advocacy groups say the estimates should be much higher.

_NYC unemployment down 30% from last year. It is the largest one year drop on record.

-According to the "Schumtz Survey " conducted by the the NY
Straphangers Campaign, the subways are getting dirtier.  The group
inspected 2,200 cars on 22 lines in the city between September and
December.  The 1 and 9 trains were rated the dirtiest, while the N
train was found to be the cleanest.

BROOKLYN BEAT:  Brooklyn-born general nominated to be chair of Bush’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

_Raphaelina
Smith, the girl that was shot in the back on Sterling and Ralph Avenue
in Crown Heights on the way home from school last week left Kings
County Hospital today with the bullet still in her back. A neurosurgeon
involved with her case said that it would be more dangerous to remove
the bullet than to keep it in.

From Curbed a blog sponsored by NYtimes.com Real Estate: "We all know that Brooklyn will be another front in the coming gourmet
food war. In Park Slope, Whole Foods is opening a 42,000-square-foot
store to take on the Coop. The secret weapon? Around 220 parking spaces–meanwhile the hippies strike back with a new (and already neglected) product blog.
In Red Hook, Fairway is taking a 19th-century warehouse and converting
it into another huge supermarket, opening in the fall. It’s all old
news, yes, but adding fuel to the fire is the report that Trader
Joe’s–reigning king of the food-related rumor mill–also has its eye on the borough. As much as we’d like to see the tofu fly between these fine retailers, we’re sticking to our original story.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Total Wine Bar

2cbw6307We were on the wrong Fifth Avenue and walked right past the Total Wine Bar at first. When we were practically at Flatbush we backtraked, finally finding it near St. Marks/

It is, quite simply, a completely charming place: elegant, cozy, dark. I felt like I was walking into the perfect small party: beautifully lit, friendly people, intense conversations, welcoming hosts offering glasses of good wine…

Perfect.

Our friends weren’t there yet and my husband kept joking, "Are you sure her birthday party is tonight?  Are you sure this is the place."

"Stop doubting me," I said."

But it didn’t really matter. I was blissed out to be in my new favorite Park Slope bar. Because it’s not really a bar – you’d never order a Cosmopolitan there – it’s a wine bar with an interesting list of wines from all over the world and wine, cheese, sausage and pate supplied by Blue Apron Foods.

Need I say more?

At first we sat at the bar. The bartender, a friendly fellow with punky platinum hair asked what kind of wine I like. He seemed really interested. "I  like red but not a really deep, heavy wine. Something on the light side." 

He gave me an organic Pinot Noir from Chile and it was delicious. Just my style.

Then he asked my husband: "You know what she just said. Well, I want the complete opposite. I like a wine that’s big and loud." And he poured him a big, loud Argentinean wine. Perfect.   

When our friends arrived later, we were sitting on banquettes near the front window with a view of a tree in white flower bloom. In front of the banquettes there are low table cubes that are lit from within. The wine glasses are egg shaped without a stem.

We shouted "Surprise!" when the birthday girl arrived and she glowed with her newly dyed reddish hair. It wasn’t really a surprise but it was most special way to be feted by friends on your birthday, at this most special place on Fifth Avenue on a rainy night in April.

Civics and Urban Life

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Real Estate Blues

3 Comments

4323296_stdIt keeps coming up again and again. In conversations on Seventh Avenue, on the radio, in the local media. It’s definititely on my mind: the reality that New York City has become a rich person’s town. If you don’t make a gazillion dollars a year, you can’t live here anymore. Well, you can live here – but you can’t buy a house or an apartment where you wanna be. Those of us who have chosen career paths far away from Wall Street – in the arts or in the non-profit sector –  are being squeezed out of this city.

I find myself feeling marginalized even in my own neighborhood where real estate is on everyone’s lips. It hurts to have been one of the early settlers in Park Slope and to feel like there’s no place left for me.

Back in ’91, when we moved here, we were priced out of Manhattan. I, for one, had to  be dragged kicking and screaming to our first apartment on Fifth Street. You see, we needed three bedrooms because we had a new baby, a boy who is now nearly 14 years old. Our needs exceeded what we could afford and find on the other side of the river. We didn’t buy because we weren’t sure we’d even like it here. It was
Brooklyn afterall.

But Brooklyn enchanted.  The red brick, the brownstone, the afternoon light on the dogwood-lined streets really struck a chord with me. I fell in love with the scale of the neighborhood, its architectural integrity, its beauty.

So here we are all these years later: enthusiastic members of this community. We’ve had our financial ups and downs and downs but we’ve still managed to make a satifactory life for ourselves. Our kids are in the local public schools, we’re card-carrying members of the Park Slope Food Coop, and we buy most of our books at the Community Bookstore.

But times are a-changing here: Brooklyn is, once again, in transition. Only rich refugees from Manhattan can afford to buy a gorgeous limestone, or fill all those new condos along Fourth Avenue. Everything is up for grabs: Sunset Park, the Atlantic Rail Yards, Kensington, Fourth Avenue, that crazy garage on First Street and Fifth, the Gowanus. Everything that made this neighborhood special is now just a real estate developer’s dream. It’s a land grab out there and everyone’s got a price, an offer they can’t refuse.

I wish we could say that we’d had the foresight to invest. Wish we had good real estate karma. But we don’t and I guess it wasn’t meant to be. And that makes me sad…

I never thought I’d say it, let alone think it: but even I, diehard New Yorker born and bred, may be getting fed up with this town. Even I am losing my taste for a city that’s built on greed.

Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCOOP DU FRIDAY_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather.   

FYI: On Monday April 25 alternate-side-of-the-street (ASOTS) parking will be suspended for religious
observance (Passover). Also: Thursday through Saturday April 26-30 ASOTS
parking is also suspended. All other parking regulations in effect.

Saturday April 23rd is the first night of Passover. It is also Earth Day.

EDITOR’S NOTE: NEWS FROM  YESTERDAY (AND THE DAY BEFORE) WILL NOW BE
PRINTED IN ORANGE. THE MOST CURRENT NEWS WILL BE, AS ALWAYS, IN BLACK.

CITY NEWS:  NYC unemployment down 30% from last year. It is the largest one year drop on record.

-According to the "Schumtz Survey " conducted by the the NY Straphangers Campaign, the subways are getting dirtier.  The group inspected 2,200 cars on 22 lines in the city between September and December.  The 1 and 9 trains were rated the dirtiest, while the N train was the cleanest.

_Subway service returned to normal on the A and C lines after January fire.

_City will tighten security for
Passover holiday. There will be more foot patrols and heavily armed
units at synogogues around the city.  Mayor Bloomberg also asked
citizens to report any price gouging of kosher food items.

_New York City population down although not as many people are
leaving the city as expected. Last year, 5,500 left the city, the
largest number since 1991.  The latest census numbers put the city’s
population at 8.1 million with Brooklyn and Queens being the most
populous borough with a population of 2.4 and 2.2 million
respectively.  City officials challenged the accuracy of the figures.

BROOKLYN BEAT:  Raphaelina Smith, the girl that was shot in the back on Sterling and Ralph Avenue in Crown Heights on the way home from school last week left Kings County Hospital today with the bullet still in her back. A neurosurgeon involved with her case said that it would be more dangerous to remove the bullet than to keep it in.

From Curbed a blog sponsored by NYtimes.com Real Estate: "We all know that Brooklyn will be another front in the coming gourmet
food war. In Park Slope, Whole Foods is opening a 42,000-square-foot
store to take on the Coop. The secret weapon? Around 220 parking spaces–meanwhile the hippies strike back with a new (and already neglected) product blog.
In Red Hook, Fairway is taking a 19th-century warehouse and converting
it into another huge supermarket, opening in the fall. It’s all old
news, yes, but adding fuel to the fire is the report that Trader
Joe’s–reigning king of the food-related rumor mill–also has its eye on the borough. As much as we’d like to see the tofu fly between these fine retailers, we’re sticking to our original story.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Giddy Spring

2cbw6224There’s a different rhythm to life now that the warm weather has hit Park Slope. For the past two days, we’ve eaten dinner past nine. I know that must sound shocking. But we find ourselves enjoying the weather, the sunlight, and the general feeling of giddiness that comes over the Slope when the magnolias are in bloom.

Yesterday, on the way home from my office I bought a cold bottle of Italian white wine at Shawns. When I got to my building my downstairs’ neighbors were eating dinner on the stoop. "Can you bring out your corkscrew and some  plastic cups," I asked. We drank the entire bottle of wine (with our husbands) while our children made chalk portraits of themselves on the sidewalk.

It was after eight before we went upstairs, made a quick dinner, and rushed through homework, baths, and bedtime reading.

Tonight, my daughter and I went out at five to check out the new children’s store that took the place of Fidgits. We even managed to buy a really cute black skort and top there. We then found ourselves in the PS 321 playground and discovered that there was a special event at the school in honor of "Annual Turn Off Your T.V. Week," an event that featured charades, hopscotch, chess, science experiments, and a wonderful sing-a-long in one of the kindergarten classrooms.

Afterwards, we hung out in the playground again; in the dark, I talked to a mom while my daughter played on the slide. We then went to Pinos for take-out pizza and to Met Food for breakfast basics. It was 9 p.m. before we were home. Again a speedy dinner, homework, and to bed.

Yup, I’ve just outed myself: on these first warm days I’m letting the routines slide. We’re doing things a little bit differently, infused as we are with the wayward spirit of spring.

Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCOOP DU THURSDAY_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather.   

FYI: On Monday April 25 alternate-side-of-the-street parking will be suspended for religious
observance (Passover). Also: Thursday through Saturday April 26-30 ASOTS
parking is also suspended. All other parking regulations in effect.

EDITOR’S NOTE: NEWS FROM  YESTERDAY (AND THE DAY BEFORE) WILL NOW BE PRINTED IN ORANGE. THE MOST CURRENT NEWS WILL BE, AS ALWAYS, IN BLACK.

CITY NEWS:  Subway service returns to normal on the A and C lines after January fire.

-Al Sharpton will not endorse any of the democratic mayoral candidates.

_City will tighten security for
Passover holiday. There will be more foot patrols and heavily armed
units at synogogues around the city.  Mayor Bloomberg also asked
citizens to report any price gouging of kosher food items.

_A female aid worker from the
East Village was killled in a Iraq bombing. Marla Ruzicks, 27, founded
the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict, a humanitarian group
dedicated to helping families of civilians killed in Iraq. Through
relentless lobbying, she was able to secure millions of dollars for
Iraqi families.

_New York City population down although not as many people are
leaving the city as expected. Last year, 5,500 left the city, the
largest number since 1991.  The latest census numbers put the city’s
population at 8.1 million with Brooklyn and Queens being the most
populous borough with a population of 2.4 and 2.2 million
respectively.  City officials challenged the accuracy of the figures.

BROOKLYN BEAT:  The owner of the land used by Kensington Stables just sold one of the two buildings that make up Kensington Stables, near the southern tip of Prospect Park. This sale, no word yet as to who the buyer is, threatens to disrupt life in the area. The stables’ owner, Walter Blankinship, said he would have to vacate that building, called the Little Gray Barn, by May 1, forcing him to keep all 45 horses that he owns or cares for in the other building, which he owns.

Besides the stable space, Mr. Blankinship will also lose the use of a pen outside the barn and parking for several horse trailers.He said finding room in the one remaining building for all 45 horses would be a struggle. The lack of space means that he will have to cut back on many of the programs Kensington Stables offers, especially the ones that bring children in close contact with the horses.  Story reported by the New York Times

_Charges were filed yesterday against a female math teacher at a middle school in Brooklyn who kissed one of her students. She is one of 5 teachers in the city school system who have been accused of criminal or inappropriate behavior.

_Man charged with threatening a federal judge in Brooklyn and threatening to blow up a Brooklyn courthouse. 

_Sgt. Angelo Lozada, Jr., a soldier from Brooklyn, was killed in
Iraq along with two other soldiers yesterday. That brings the total
number of American soldiers killed: 1558. How many Iraqis?

_A Bensonhurst boy was struck after car runs red light in Brooklyn
on Tuesday. The 5-year-old-boy was taken to Lutheran Hospital in
serious condition.

_A Brooklyn boy was raped by his pastor in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

_As reported on New York 1, a Brooklyn man was arrested for
harassing a family of dwarves. He painted a yellow line in front of
their house and wrote: "Follow the yellow brick road." He also taunted
them for three weeks. Before the incident began, the dwarf and the
Brooklyn man were friends.

_Princess and Cunard cruise lines have signed a deal to make Pier 12
in Red Hook their new home. The city is building a $30 million complex
at Piers 11 and 12 as an alternative to the New York Cruise Terminal on
the west side of Manhattan. The Queen Mary II will be one of the ships
to dock in Red Hook.

_A shopping mall developer has been buying up properties in Coney
Island planning on building an indoor mall there. "Our dream is an
amusement, entertainment and adventure destination," says Joseph Sitt
of Thor Equities. Thorr refused to comment on what would happen to the
vintage amusment park rides and games. Residents of Coney Island are
worried about a mall on the boardwalk signaling the end of Coney Island
as we know it.

_The New York Times reported that the new Richard Meier apartment
building going up on Grand Army Plaza with views of Prospect Park would
be 30 stories not 15. The Times’ issued a correction about this
mistake. However, Dailyheights.com reported yesterday that the Times’
may have been right after all. The developers are apparently looking to
buy air rights from other buildings. Sucessfully buying air rights
would permit the developer to build up to 30 stories.  According to the
Eastern Parkway Block Association, who have discussed the condo
development with Councilwoman Lettitia James, the building will be
glass, white and curved to fit the street shape.  The Eastern Athletic
Health Club’s pool will lose some of its view.  Meier building will
will 150 feet or slightly higher than Union Temple.

IT’S THURSDAY: Poets Hettie Jones and Mark Doty read at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Grand Army Plaza.  Thursday April 21, 7

Brooklyn Underground Film Festival features 100 films from 12 countries. A rare screening of "Indianna Jones: The
Adaptation" is on April 23rd. You’ve probably heard about  the kids who
made the shot-for-shot copy of Raiders back in the ’80s. Well, this is
it. at 9:15 p.m. April 21-23. 227 Fourth Avenue at Union
Street. For info and schedule go to

_Jean-Luc Godard : Before and After the New Wave begins at BamCinematek on Thursday April 21th with British Sounds, a 1969 film. 7:30 p.m.

PEN World Voices. The New York Festival of International Literature,
a confluence of 118 writers from more than 40 countries are coming
together this week: April 16 – April 24 for seven days of discussions,
tributes, reading and conversation "that will expand the literary
horizons of American audiences." For more information, visit
www.pen.org/festival. A five borough Battle of the Bands will be on June 5th at Grand Army Plaza. Ten music groups of any genre will be selected.  Five judges including Danny Simmons and Adam Shore will pick a grand prize winner and runners ups. Sponsored by CMJ. Go here for information. Sign up deadline is May 15th.

THIS SOUNDS COOL: Got a guitar? Compete in the Brooklyn Battle of the Bands on June 5th at Grand Army
Plaza. Ten music groups of any genre will be selected to perform. Five judges
including Danny Simmons and Adam Shore will pick a grand prize winner
and runners ups. Sponsored by CMJ. Go here for information. Sign up
deadline is May 15th.

Cool for Shul: Festival of Contemporary Jewish Music. Various artists at The BAMCafe. Weekends in April.

Mommy Matinees at the Brooklyn Heights Pavillion. Call for
info about the one Friday April 22nd. 718-596-5095. Kids run wild, moms
get to watch first-run movies. What about the Park Slope Pavillion?

_"Tupperwear Orgy," a play in Williamsburg. Stay tuned for more info.

_UniverSoul Circus, the first circus to be owned and operated
by African-Americans, is in town. Saturday and Sundays through April
24th. Noon, 4:30, and
8 p.m. Near Wollman Rink in Prospect Park. Follow the smell of the
elephants from the Prospect Park.

_"Around the World in 80 Days" at Puppetworks. 378 6th Avenue.
Saturday and Sunday. 12:30 and 2:30. Reservations advised: 718-735-4300.

_Brooklyn Reading Works. Curated by Louise G. Crawford.  APRIL 28 at 8 p.m. Pamela Katz reads: And Speaking of Love (Aufbau-Verlag) "a compelling and beautifully rendered novel about the astonishing life of Lotte Lenya," and poet Michelle Madigan Somerville reads from Wisegal
(Ten Pell Books) and newer work: "A multilingual hardrock
reverie…going upside your head to whisper whipsmart secrets about
cracked-out big-city survival.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_It Was Enough

1 Comment

4090965_stdAfter a weekend spent channeling Isadora Duncan, swimming like a dophin and yelping like a whale at a Berkshires retreat called "Coming Home to Your Heart," I took away a simple message

"All along I had what I needed. It was enough."

These words  came  out of me almost unconsciously as I  recorded my thoughts on paper after waking from a dream. I wrote about the sense of scarcity that I feel in my life; it’s a primal feeling I’ve carried with me for years. But it also connects to my fear of not being able provide for myself and my family – now and in the future. A common fear many of us hold at this stage of life.

The anxiety, the sense that there isn’t enough – money, time, space, talent, love, things, attention, goodness, nurturing. In so many ways I focus on what I don’t have.

Back in Brooklyn I’ve been thinking about those words over and over. It’s become my mantra as I go about my business in the Slope – walking to my office, to the school, to meetings, to the gym, to the Park. What does it mean really? Or to be more exact: how many things does it mean?

"All along I had what I needed. It was enough."

This morning in the shower, I felt some of the fortifying solitude I felt during the silent breakfasts in the Berkshires. Revelation: I could wake up just 15 minutes earlier each morning and be alone, shower luxuriously and meditate. I have the time that I need. I just need to use it.

On leaving for school with my daughter, I couldn’t find my keys. The usual panic set in. And no, they were not on the handy key hook that’s right by the door.  An hour later our neighbor called, "I have some keys, they may belong to you…" They were in her apartment all along, I’d left them on the stoop. All along I had what I needed…

And now, facing a congested day, I made some calls, moved some appointments around and now I feel like I have enough time to get done all the things that need to get done today.

"All along I had what I needed. It was enough."

I can’t wait to discover all the things that means.

-Louise G. Crawford

Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCOOP DU WEDNESDAY_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather.

CITY NEWS: City tightens security for Passover holiday. There will be more foot patrols and heavily armed units at synogogues around the city.  Mayor Bloomberg also asked citizens to report any price gouging of kosher food items.

_A female aid worker from the
East Village was killled in a Iraq bombing. Marla Ruzicks, 27, founded
the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict, a humanitarian group
dedicated to helping families of civilians killed in Iraq. Through
relentless lobbying, she was able to secure millions of dollars for
Iraqi families.

_New York City population down although not as many people are
leaving the city as expected. Last year, 5,500 left the city, the
largest number since 1991.  The latest census numbers put the city’s
population at 8.1 million with Brooklyn and Queens being the most
populous borough with a population of 2.4 and 2.2 million
respectively.  City officials challenged the accuracy of the figures.

BROOKLYN BEAT:  Man charged with threatening a federal judge in Brooklyn and threatening to blow up a Brooklyn courthouse. 

_Sgt. Angelo Lozada, Jr., a soldier from Brooklyn, was killed in Iraq along with two other soldiers yesterday. That brings the total number of American soldiers killed: 1558. How many Iraqis?

_A Bensonhurst boy was struck after car runs red light in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The 5-year-old-boy was taken to Lutheran Hospital in serious condition.

_A Brooklyn boy was raped by his pastor in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

_As reported on New York 1, a Brooklyn man was arrested for
harassing a family of dwarves. He painted a yellow line in front of
their house and wrote: "Follow the yellow brick road." He also taunted
them for three weeks. Before the incident began, the dwarf and the
Brooklyn man were friends.

_Princess and Cunard cruise lines have signed a deal to make Pier 12
in Red Hook their new home. The city is building a $30 million complex
at Piers 11 and 12 as an alternative to the New York Cruise Terminal on
the west side of Manhattan. The Queen Mary II will be one of the ships
to dock in Red Hook.

_The police are searching for a man who kidnapped a 15 year old girl
on her way to school in Crown Heights. He forced her into his SUV at
gunpoint and raped her last Tuesday morning.

_A shopping mall developer has been buying up properties in Coney
Island planning on building an indoor mall there. "Our dream is an
amusement, entertainment and adventure destination," says Joseph Sitt
of Thor Equities. Thorr refused to comment on what would happen to the
vintage amusment park rides and games. Residents of Coney Island are
worried about a mall on the boardwalk signaling the end of Coney Island
as we know it.

_The New York Times reported that the new Richard Meier apartment
building going up on Grand Army Plaza with views of Prospect Park would
be 30 stories not 15. The Times’ issued a correction about this
mistake. However, Dailyheights.com reported yesterday that the Times’
may have been right after all. The developers are apparently looking to
buy air rights from other buildings. Sucessfully buying air rights
would permit the developer to build up to 30 stories.  According to the
Eastern Parkway Block Association, who have discussed the condo
development with Councilwoman Lettitia James, the building will be
glass, white and curved to fit the street shape.  The Eastern Athletic
Health Club’s pool will lose some of its view.  Meier building will
will 150 feet or slightly higher than Union Temple.

IT’S WEDNESDAY: PEN World Voices. The New York Festival of International Literature,
a confluence of 118 writers from more than 40 countries are coming
together this week: April 16 – April 24 for seven days of discussions,
tributes, reading and conversation "that will expand the literary
horizons of American audiences." For more information, visit
www.pen.org/festival.

Last night of Dine Out in Brooklyn. Go out and  eat a three-course meal. It’ll cost you $19.99.

THIS SOUNDS COOL: Brooklyn Underground Film Festival features 100 films from 12 countries. A rare screening of "Indianna Jones: The
Adaptation" is on April 23rd. You’ve probably heard about  the kids who
made the shot-for-shot copy of Raiders back in the ’80s. Well, this is
it. at 9:15 p.m. April 21-23. 227 Fourth Avenue at Union
Street. For info and schedule go to

Too Cool for Shul: Festival of Contemporary Jewish Music. Various artists at The BAMCafe. Weekends in April.

Mommy Matinees at the Brooklyn Heights Pavillion. Call for
info about the one Friday April 22nd. 718-596-5095. Kids run wild, moms
get to watch first-run movies. What about the Park Slope Pavillion?

_Poets Hettie Jones and Mark Doty read at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Grand Army Plaza.  Thursday April 21, 7 p.m.

_Jean-Luc Godard : Before and After the New Wave begins at BamCinematek on Thursday April 21th with British Sounds, a 1969 film. 7:30 p.m.

<>

_"Tupperwear Orgy", a play in Williamsburg. Stay tuned for more info.

_UniverSoul Circus, the first circus to be owned and operated
by African-Americans, is in town. Saturday and Sundays through April
24th. Noon, 4:30, and
8 p.m. Near Wollman Rink in Prospect Park. Follow the smell of the
elephants from the Prospect Park.

_"Around the World in 80 Days" at Puppetworks. 378 6th Avenue.
Saturday and Sunday. 12:30 and 2:30. Reservations advised: 718-735-4300.

_Brooklyn Reading Works. Curated by Louise G. Crawford.  APRIL 28 at 8 p.m. Pamela Katz reads: And Speaking of Love (Aufbau-Verlag) "a compelling and beautifully rendered novel about the astonishing life of Lotte Lenya," and poet Michelle Madigan Somerville reads from Wisegal
(Ten Pell Books) and newer work: "A multilingual hardrock
reverie…going upside your head to whisper whipsmart secrets about
cracked-out big-city survival.

Civics and Urban Life

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Bodacious Borough

1 Comment

Ds009437_stdAre we not the coolest borough?

Writing Scoop du Jour day after day, I am just amazed at how much goes on here.

And it’s not just BAM, although that bold institution does provide us with so much worthwhile culture. Just this week: Mark Morris Dance Group, a Jean-Luc Godard Film Festival at BAMCinematek, and Too Cool for Shul, alternative Jewish music at the BAMCafe every weekend in April.

And then there’s that mysterious and wonderful converted bathhouse on Fourth Avenue: The Brooklyn Lyceum. Starting Thursday April 21th, they are presenting the Brooklyn Underground Film Festival, which features 100 films from 12 countries. 

But there are also smaller venues like Barbes on Ninth Street near Sixth Avenue. This tiny place features unbelievably interesting programming every night of the week in jazz, international music, films, literature and more. It may be the most visionary and ambitious venue in Brooklyn and it’s right here in Park Slope.

I could go on: Basquiat at BMA, films and readings at the Grand Army Plaza branch of the Brooklyn Public Library just about every night of the week, a big Brooklyn gallery happening this weekend (more info to come), the UniverSoul Circus in Prospect Park, and Hugh Crawford’s free portrait sittings at Fou Le Chakra the LAST SUNDAY AFTERNOON OF EVERY MONTH (next one April 24th, see Scoop and/or  Grab-Bag for details). And don’t forget: poet Michele Somerville and novelist Pamela Katz at Brooklyn Reading Works on Thursday April 28th at Fou Le Chakra.

And more: the cherry trees are getting ready to bloom at the Botanic Gardens, and the Mermaid Parade is just around the corner.

So much to do, so little time. Brooklyn is tunring out to be a great place to be.

-Louise G. Crawford

Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCCOP DU TUESDAY_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather.

CITY NEWS: A female aid worker from the East Village was killled in a Iraq bombing. Marla Ruzicks, 27, founded the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict, a humanitarian group dedicated to helping families of civilians killed in Iraq. Through relentless lobbying, she was able to secure millions of dollars for Iraqi families.

_Transit groups, Unions sue MTA  to block westside stadium claiming that city didn’t get full value for the rail yards site.

_Trial began yesterday for officials charged with failing to enforce
regulations, and the port captain who is charged with evading the
investigation,  in the Staten Island ferry crash

_New York City population down although not as many people are
leaving the city as expected. Last year, 5,500 left the city, the
largest number since 1991.  The latest census numbers put the city’s
population at 8.1 million with Brooklyn and Queens being the most
populous borough with a population of 2.4 and 2.2 million
respectively.  City officials challenged the accuracy of the figures.

Plaza saved. Eloise stills has a home. Read all about it.  

BROOKLYN BEAT:  Brooklyn rabbi sues FDNY, claiming that firehouse closure led to his wife’s death.  Rabbi Hecht believes his wife would still be alive if the firehouse had not been closed so that the firefighters could attend physical examinations.

_As reported on New York 1, a Brooklyn man was arrested for harassing a family of dwarves. He painted a yellow line in front of their house and wrote: "Follow the yellow brick road." He also taunted them for three weeks. Before the incident began, the dwarf and the Brooklyn man were friends.

_Princess and Cunard cruise lines have signed a deal to make Pier 12 in Red Hook their new home. The city is building a $30 million complex at Piers 11 and 12 as an alternative to the New York Cruise Terminal on the west side of Manhattan. The Queen Mary II will be one of the ships to dock in Red Hook.

_The police are searching for a man who kidnapped a 15 year old girl on her way to school in Crown Heights. He forced her into his SUV at gunpoint and raped her last Tuesday morning.

_A shopping mall developer has been buying up properties in Coney
Island planning on building an indoor mall there. "Our dream is an
amusement, entertainment and adventure destination," says Joseph Sitt
of Thor Equities. Thorr refused to comment on what would happen to the
vintage amusment park rides and games. Residents of Coney Island are
worried about a mall on the boardwalk signaling the end of Coney Island
as we know it.

_The New York Times reported that the new Richard Meier apartment
building going up on Grand Army Plaza with views of Prospect Park would
be 30 stories not 15. The Times’ issued a correction about this
mistake. However, Dailyheights.com reported yesterday that the Times’
may have been right after all. The developers are apparently looking to
buy air rights from other buildings. Sucessfully buying air rights
would permit the developer to build up to 30 stories.  According to the
Eastern Parkway Block Association, who have discussed the condo
development with Councilwoman Lettitia James, the building will be
glass, white and curved to fit the street shape.  The Eastern Athletic
Health Club’s pool will lose some of its view.  Meier building will
will 150 feet or slightly higher than Union Temple.

IT’S TUESDAY: "Step up to the plate"
and experience the diverse menus of  Brooklyn’s world-class restaurants
April 11-20, 2005. $19.55 prix fixe, in the spirit of the world
champion Brooklyn Dodgers. "Three courses, no attitude on the side."  Click here to see the list of participating restaurants.

_Meryl Streep and Cher in "Silkwood" plays as part of "Who’s Afraid of Mike Nichols" at BAM Rose Cinema. 30 Lafayette Avenue.  6 and 9 p.m.

_At BAM, the Mark Morris Dance Group in "Rock of Ages."  7:30 p.m.

_Learn about the connection between choreography and film editing through several well known dance films with film historian, Vinnie LoBrutto at the Public Library at Grand Army Plaza at 7 p.m.

_Learn the art of Scrapbooking. Bring 25 to 50 photos and leave with a finished scrapbook. $50 for the workshop and supplies. 6:45 – 8:45 p.m. At Families First at 250 Baltic Street.

_And tonight at  Barbes: Park Slope’s most ambitious and visionary venue: Calypso violin with Jenny Scheinman ay 7 p.m. And at 9 p.m. te Zagnut Cirkus Orkestar plays brass and accordian music.

THIS SOUNDS COOL: Too Cool for Shul: Festival of Contemporary Jewish Music. Various artists at The BAMCafe.3 Weekends in April.

Mommy Matinees at the Brooklyn Heights Pavillion. Call for info about the one Friday April 22nd. 718-596-5095. Kids run wild, moms get to watch first-run movies. What about the Park Slope Pavillion?

_Poets Hettie Jones and Mark Doty read at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Grand Army Plaza.  7 p.m.

_Jean-Luc Godard Festival begins at BAMCinematek on Thursday April 20th with British Sounds, a 1969 film. 7:30 p.m.

_Brooklyn Underground Film Festival features 100 films from 12 countries. A rare screening of "Indianna Jones: The
Adaptation" is on April 23rd. You’ve probably heard about  the kids who
made the shot-for-shot copy of Raiders back in the ’80s. Well, this is
it. at 9:15 p.m. 227 Fourth Avenue at Union
Street. For info and schedule go to brooklynunderground.org

_"Tupperwear Orgy", a play in Williamsburg. Stay tuned for more info.

_UniverSoul Circus, the first circus to be owned and operated by African-Americans, is in town. Saturday and Sundays through April 24th. Noon, 4:30, and
8 p.m. Near Wollman Rink in Prospect Park. Follow the smell of the
elephants from the Prospect Park.

_"Around the World in 80 Days" at Puppetworks. 378 6th Avenue.
Saturday and Sunday. 12:30 and 2:30. Reservations advised: 718-735-4300.

_Brooklyn Reading Works. Curated by Louise G. Crawford.  APRIL 28 at 8 p.m. Pamela Katz reads: And Speaking of Love (Aufbau-Verlag) "a compelling and beautifully rendered novel about the astonishing life of Lotte Lenya," and poet Michelle Madigan Somerville reads from Wisegal
(Ten Pell Books) and newer work: "A multilingual hardrock
reverie…going upside your head to whisper whipsmart secrets about
cracked-out big-city survival.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_Silent Breakfasts

2999992_stdI escaped Park Slope for the weekend and everyone seems to have survived in my absence. Apparently, my husband was telling those who asked that I was off being a goddess, dancing in a barn

Not far from the truth. But not quite.

Suffice it say, it was a "mindful" weekend with plenty of rest, quiet, inspiration and the good company of a small group of interesting women. It was, to say the least, fortifying.

I’m not sure what I appreciated most about my retreat in the Berkshires. But I certainly liked the "silent breakfasts."

I slept in a lovely room with rustic, antique furniture in the book-filled Race Brook Lodge, a 200 year old post and beam barn at the base of the Taconic Mountain range, and woke up with no one waking me, no sleeping child beside me, nothing to do for anyone else but me.

Each morning, I got to spend an hour or so simply getting ready for my day: showering, meditating, writing down my dreams, thoughtfully putting on my clothes, brushing my hair…

I found that in the quiet, I could easily remember my dreams, and spend time contemplating them. Sometimes it took 20 minutes or more, but details came back to me: little by little voices and images came to consciousness as I quiety began my day. 

At 8 a.m. I went downstairs to the sunny breakfast room. Everyone in my group was quiet, sitting at tables reading, writing, eating and drinking coffee or tea alone. There was delicious food to choose from: fresh fruit salad, homemade muffins, bagels, eggs, cheeses, cereals, muesli, orange juice, cranberry juice, water, Stonybrook yogurt – you name it.

I selected my breakfast with great care, trying a little bit of many things and sat by myself, smiling, nodding hello to my fellow retreaters as they came into the room.

The silence was anything but awkward. It was required, which  made it easy, so easy. It seemed completely natural and such a soothing way to begin.

At 9 a.m. we all walked up to the barn, a huge open space with enormous windows framing the woodsy view, the brook outside. Overhead, there were huge white Japanese lanterns. No longer silent, some talked, some stretched, some read or wrote in their journals.

When it came time for the dance to begin, we got into our circle, put our right hand over left, held hands with those to either side and waitied for the music to begin.

And then, our group of ten women danced a simple Greek dance to the music of Nina Masouri – a soulful song with a heart wrenchingly beautiful melody.

Even this morning, back in Brooklyn, I can’t get that song out of my head, or the simple steps out of my body. Nor would I want to.

I’d love to try the silent breakfast approach around here. And a simple Greek dance before everyone goes out the door would be great way to begin our hectic days. But somehow, I don’t think it’s gonna work. Just don’t think so…

-Louise G. Crawford

Scoop Du Jour_Weather. News. Events.

SCOOP DU JOUR_Weather. News. Stuff to Do.

Secrets_2

BROOKLYN WEATHER: What’s it gonna do today?  Check here for Brooklyn weather.

CITY NEWS: Former senator Bob Kerry, currently president of New School University, may run for mayor.

Trial begins today for officials charged with failing to enforce regulations, and the port captain who is charged with evading the investigation,  in the Staten Island ferry crash.

_Cruise ship hit by giant wave returns to New York City.

_New York City population down although not as many people are leaving the city as expected. Last year, 5,500 left the city, the largest number since 1991.  The latest census numbers put the city’s population at 8.1 million with Brooklyn and Queens being the most populous borough with a population of 2.4 and 2.2 million respectively.  City officials challenged the accuracy of the figures.

Plaza saved. Eloise stills has a home. Read all about it.  

BROOKLYN BEAT:  The Queen Mary II will soon be docked at a Red Hook Pier.

_A shopping mall developer has been buying up properties in Coney Island planning on building an indoor mall there. "Our dream is an amusement, entertainment and adventure destination," says Joseph Sitt of Thor Equities. Thorr refused to comment on what would happen to the vintage amusment park rides and games. Residents of Coney Island are worried about a mall on the boardwalk signaling the end of Coney Island as we know it.

_The New York Times reported that the new Richard Meier apartment building going up on Grand Army Plaza with views of Prospect Park would be 30 stories not 15. The Times’ issued a correction about this mistake. However, Dailyheights.com reported yesterday that the Times’ may have been right after all. The developers are apparently looking to buy air rights from other buildings. Sucessfully buying air rights would permit the developer to build up to 30 stories.  According to the Eastern Parkway Block Association, who have discussed the condo development with Councilwoman Lettitia James, the building will be glass, white and curved to fit the street shape.  The Eastern Athletic Health Club’s pool will lose some of its view.  Meier building will will 150 feet or slightly higher than Union Temple.

IT’S MONDAY: "Step up to the plate"
and experience the diverse menus of  Brooklyn’s world-class restaurants
April 11-20, 2005. $19.55 prix fixe, in the spirit of the world
champion Brooklyn Dodgers. "Three courses, no attitude on the side."  Click here to see the list of participating restaurants.

_"Wit" with Emma  Thompson is playing Monday night as part of "Who’s Afraid of Mike Nichols" at BAM. 30 Lafayette Avenue. 9:30 p.m. Double check that.

_The Brooklyn Ethical Culture Society is presenting "Route 181," a documentary about the Israeli-Palestinean conflict. 53 Prospect Park West. 6:30 p.m. Monday night.

_Two classic, silent surrealist films with solo piano accompaniment by Joel Forrester at Barbes, Park Slope’s grooviest, most ambitious, experimental, visionary nightspot. Ninth Street near 6th Avenue. 7:30 p.m.

<>

THIS SOUNDS COOL: Too Cool for Shul: Festival of Contemporary Jewish Music. Various artists at The BAMCafe.3 Weekends in April.

_Brooklyn Underground Film Festival is coming
to the Brooklyn Lyceum. A rare screening of "Indianna Jones: The
Adaptation" is on April 23rd. You’ve probably heard about  the kids who
made the shot-for-shot copy of Raiders back in the ’80s. Well, this is
it. at 9:15 p.m. 227 Fourth Avenue at Union
Street.

_UniverSoul Circus is in town. Saturday and Sunday. Noon, 4:30, and
8 p.m. Near Wollman Rink in Prospect Park. Follow the smell of the
elephants from the Prospect Park.

_"Around the World in 80 Days" at Puppetworks. 378 6th Avenue.
Saturday and Sunday. 12:30 and 2:30. Reservations advised: 718-735-4300.

_Brooklyn Reading Works. Curated by Louise G. Crawford.  APRIL 28 at 8 p.m. Pamela Katz reads: And Speaking of Love (Aufbau-Verlag) "a compelling and beautifully rendered novel about the astonishing life of Lotte Lenya," and poet Michelle Madigan Somerville reads from Wisegal
(Ten Pell Books) and newer work: "A multilingual hardrock
reverie…going upside your head to whisper whipsmart secrets about
cracked-out big-city survival.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_The Children’s Museum

1 Comment

4737342_stdGuest Blog by Caroline Ghertler
I have wanted to be a mother for a long time now. I was reminded of
that today when I took my niece to the Manhattan Children’s Museum, a wonderful, inventive place filled with educational and artistic
interactive exhibits.

I’ve spent so many hours in that place with my
nephew when he was 4,5, and 6 years old. He is now fourteen years old and barely gives me the time of day, except to ask for money or to buy
some pizza.

I remember enjoying my time with him there as well as feeling the
longing to be a mother myself – and for that matter, to be married. I
envied all the moms and dads with their beautiful children. Although it was fun to pretend that my nephew was my "own", it still
stung not to be a mother myself.

Time passed, boyfriends came and went,
and came and went again – and the longing continued. And when I met my
husband, I was elated to join the ranks of the married – I really felt
that I had arrived, albeit, a bit late at forty one. Nevertheless, I was
to be a wife and mother.

But alas, life is never easy and a
pregnancy was not forthcoming. There was the roller coaster of
infertility doctors, treatments, blood tests, IVF procedures,
progesterone shots, eggs donated and transferred, an ectopic pregnancy,
operations – and the realization that this wasn’t going to work. And
then the resolve to stop the medical procedures as I was getting older
– and what I really wanted was a baby to love and to create a family.
So the adoption process was begun with all the myriad of papers,
notaries, apostles, homestudies and general bureaucratic nonsense.

And
here we are a little over a year later, getting ready to meet our
daughter, Sonia ( born, Svetlana ) and to travel to Perm, Russia,
Throughout this process, my husband has been supportive, loving,
pragmatic and exemplary in all ways. He never batted an eye giving me
too-many-to-count shots in my ass and other body parts. He has been
wonderful and our marriage has blossomed through this adversity. We are
lucky that way. Well, we deserve to have something to go right, don’t
we?

So, it was bittersweet today to be at the Children’s Museum.
I noticed that many of the mothers were a bit overweight, still carrying
their baby fat (baby phat) with them. I found it rather charming to
see. This is something I probably hadn’t noticed in the past, so busy
was idealizing all the moms back then. Of course, I noticed how many were pregnant
again, and I did feel that tinge of envy, but it didn’t sting half as
bad as it had in the past. That’s because I am going to be a mother
myself. Yes, I’m going to be a mother.

Caroline Ghertler is Louise G. Crawford’s twin sister, who also lives in park slope.

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_New York Lifer

7 Comments

Ds014847_stdGuest Blog by Caroline Ghertler
When you have grown up in New York City, and continue to live here in
your adulthood, it is hard not to be constantly reminded of the
geography of your memories. The"this is where that happened" syndrome,
or the "there used to be a… but now it’s gone" reverie.

It is melancholy sometimes to be constantly reminded of how life has
changed. One day I was walking on Broadway and 76th street, and they
were removing a Duane Reade sign. Underneath it was the old signage
from the Gitlitz delicatessen. It was such a poignant moment to
remember the deli and the many meals I had shared there with my
family. It was where I was first introduced to an open faced turkey
sandwich with all the fixings. Gitlitz was one of many old Jewish
delicatessens that used to dot the Upper West Side.

I think
that much of my childhood was spent shopping so I have keen memories of
stores that used to exist. There was a little button store on broadway
that sold only buttons, thread and sewing supplies. That is no longer
there. There was the old Henri Bendels on 57th street that was chock
full of chic accessories and clothing. It is no longer there. There was
the old FAO Schwartz on the corner of 58th street and Fifth Avenue. Not
the glitzy, shopping mall it has become. I adored that store and often
fantasized running through it and grabbing as many toys as I possibly
could in an allotted period of time.

There was the original
Betsy, Bunky and Nini, a hip little shop in the east 60’s. I believe
Betsy Johnson was involved with it and it had the most glorious
selection of hippie-chic clothing, vintage garb and wonderful
jewelry. There was the store on the corner of Bank Street and West
4th that carried incredible tie dyed outfits made famous by Janis
Joplin in her heyday. That, needless to say is no longer there.

I was reminded of all this by the debut of David Duchovney’s new film " The House of D."

Although
I have not seen it yet, the title refers to the old Women’s House of Detention that was in what is now a public garden between 8th and 9th Streets and 6th avenue in Manhattan. I used to pass it on a weekly basis
when visiting my grandmother who lived nearby. You could hear
incarcerated women yelling out the window to their loved ones looking
up from the street. I was always a little afraid of these women
bellowing out of that prison. And I think I was relieved when they tore
it down.

I moved to Park Slope only 5 years ago. it has been a
kind of joy to have no memories of the streets and stores here. I have
begun to create my own history – this is where I shop, this is where I
have my cup of coffee – no past memories invading the present. It’s a
relief to not be stepping over my past all the time as I do so often in Manhattan.
And yet, soon, this too will be a place of memory. Sooner than I might
think
Caroline Ghertler is Louise G. Crawford’s twin sister and also lives in park slope.

   

Postcard from the Slope

POSTCARD FROM THE SLOPE_The Last Time

2 Comments

Guest Blog by Caroline Ghertler
My great aunt died less than a week ago. Losing her has been tougher than I expected. There’s an old song that goes: "When landmarks fall and institutions tumble, Will it be just a memory from the past?"

And that’s just how I feel. Losing my aunt, the consummate New Yorker, was like losing a piece of my world.

We weren’t very close. In fact, the last time I saw her was at my wedding nearly five years ago. She was very weak but she came to the ceremony anyway and I appreciated her for that. My father lived with my aunt when he was a child. It was just after his parent’s divorce. My aunt lived on the top floor of an Upper East Side apartment building, where she had a sumptuous view of the Guggenheim Museum and the resevoir in Central Park from her windowed breakfast room.

In the mornings, my father would be driven to school by my aunt’s chauffeur. He was so embarassed by that limo, he’d ask the driver to drop him two blocks from his public school. She was like a mother to him during those years, and throughout his life. And he loved her a great deal. Even if he was embarassed by her fancy limo.
She loved fine things and her apartment was not only full of art but a work of art, as well.

At her funeral her grandson eulogized her, wearing crazy blue-tinted granny glasses. He imagined that if his grandmother were there she’d probably say, "Why are you wearing those ridiculous glasses." In her honor, he removed them.

A friend spoke lovingly of my aunt’s good taste, fine manners, savoir faire and sense of humor. Just days before her death she asked him if he was a Yankees fan. When he told her that he was a Mets fan she said, "It’s going to be a long year."
I’m sorry that she won’t get to see the Yankees play the Red Sox and become world champions again.

After the funeral, we went back to my aunt’s apartment. It was strange to be there without her. I kept thinking she’d join us looking the way she looked twenty years ago. She’d walk around the antique-filled dining room checking to make sure that the platters were full of smoked salmon and caviar spread.

And she’d probably tell her grandson to take off his ridiculous blue sunglasses.

It was hard to walk away from that 15th floor palace. "This is the last time we’ll ever be in one of the great New York apartments," I said to my sister as we got on the elevator. "This is the last time we’ll ever know someplace like this."

Caroline Ghertler is Louise G. Crawford’s twin sister. She lives in Park Slope.

Serving Park Slope and Beyond