Flowering dogwood

The blossoms on the dogwood tree are about to burst open. For a week, they will light up their corner of the garden with their cheerful pink color. Every year I wait for this moment.

My dad's Peony in Bloom

My dad's peony plant, a gift for his last birthday, is blooming gloriously without him.

Leaving for California

6:30AM boarding my flight for San Francisco.

Jean-Philippe's Book Launch

Jean-Philippe's book launch was well attended despite a rainy evening.

Maira Kalman on Helen Levitt

Helen Levitt had to give up printing because of sciatica, which made it impossible for her to stand for a long time. I used to set up a makeshift darkroom by putting a lid on my bathtub.

Helen Levitt (1913-2009)

Halloween, 1939, Helen Levitt

Helen Levitt is one of my favorite photographers. Her images of children living their imaginative, spontaneous lives on the streets of New York City have always been a source of inspiration and wonder for me. "Children used to be outside. Now the streets are empty. People are indoors looking at television or something," she said about the changes in her work in the 80's. She was also a film editor who worked for Buñuel and made her own documentary "In The Street," which was released in 1952. 

Digital vs. Analog

We can't agree on what kind of piano we should get. Julian, for practical reasons, prefers a digital piano. I, for wholly impractical and romantic reasons, want  an old-fashioned piano that would require special movers and regular tuning.