Taking a walk in July.

If I could have someone stand beside me where ever I go and whisper thought provoking, relevant, and witty sentences into my ear so I could relay them, Cyrano style, into the world, the person I choose could quite possibly be Miranda July. Her words are simple, and in the beginning they can seem frivolous, floral, even slightly sappy, until they knee you in the groin and show you what they're made of. She wrote a collection of short stories called "No One Belongs Here More Than You", a title that immediately appeals to my ego and wants me make its author a friend on Facebook, but that also contains a stories that are friendly yet fearful, the perfect combination sweet and sour, that make me rethink my normally negative reaction to short stories.

She's also done short films and long films, art films and art shows, and this one here is here is a bit old, but then so am I, so it's no wonder I am a little behind....

The Hallway from The Hallway on Vimeo.

The wackness

I watched The Wackness yesterday, which had made it into the filing cabinet of my mind only because it separated the Olsen twins for five minutes (which is coincidental about four minutes longer than said twin appears in the film). Despite finding whichever twin it was to be as bland as expected, I found the rest of the film to be, well, rather lovely. I love the idea of a quiet, hot New York summer, where everyone is off somewhere else being cool, and the people left have nothing better to do but walk the streets in search of comfort, both figuratively and literally. This summer is the one between high school and college, and as it's set in 94, the time is a lot closer to my own experience of graduation, even if the place is another world away. This is a great New York movie, full of long skyline shots, gritty street views, and endless commentary about Guilanni and Notorious B.I.G. that subtly reminds you of the place and time. And the main character falls in love over a cold beer in central park, which could possibly be the best way to fall in love. I've shied away from posting walk on the wild side here before, as it can sometimes feel tacky or obvious, but as it accompanied the hero of this movie, skateboarding through the park with a walkman, it felt like catching up with a really good friend. And when I watched the video today, without sound on this 94esk computer, it looked really good again. Enjoy!

Hanging out for New York.

Lots of sleep till Brooklyn.

This song comes a little late, but it is dedicated to my flatmate, who, if she had have stayed in bed like the song and everyone else says, might not be in hospital with pneumonia right now.

Today is just a bit strange.

It's getting colder and darker as the day goes on, an ominous presence seems to be sweeping away the Indian summer that this week has enjoyed, ushering in, what? Winter? Sadness? Indifference? Best ward off bad spirits with the Stones.....

Keeping an ear to the ground.

So it seems there is no end to crazy New York souvenirs. When you pick up your authentic New York Garbage Box, why not accessories with a pair of genuine New York dirt earrings?

Thanks to Manita for this gem!

Living for the city.

I'm trying really hard to remember to live and enjoy the 158 days that stand between me and NYC. It's hard, especially when the good NY fairy (I imagine she looks a little like Debbie Harry) sits on your shoulder and whispers "would that $5 be better spent in NYC?" or "is this night out worth one less night out in NYC". But then there are days, like today, when the world just goes a bit tits up, and and all you can do is grin and remember that soon the phone will stop ringing, the only coffee you'll be getting is your own, and all the crazy that is right now driving you nuts, will become a source of great amusement.

So today's one of those days, when I feel like I am, indeed, living for the city.

Stevie knows what I mean.