airbnb and my temporary penthouse

I knew going into this New York trip – my first "holiday" in quite some time – that I wanted to stay somewhere nice. Not over-the-top luxury (as if I could afford that), but I wanted something less ordinary. After a search which included discounted rates through a travel insider friend, I found this gorgeous penthouse condo in Brooklyn Heights on Airbnb. The rate turned out to be less expensive than even a run-of-the-mill hotel ($107CND). It was perfectly located between quite a number of train lines and close to the wedding I planned to attend. And you know what? In real life, it looks just as it does in these photos. The space is flooded with light, thanks to the enourmous South facing windows. I had my own private bathroom. It was immaculately clean, I was given access to their washer/dryer, kitchen, living room and terrace, too. The sweet couple who own this condo have their quarters on the opposite side of the condo and really gave me a lot of privacy and were very hospitable. I was even free to bring guests in. And what a view to wake up to! 

If you're thinking of renting this gorgeous space next time you're in Brooklyn, however, I'm afraid it's too late... Over a lengthy conversation with one of the owners one morning, I learned that they've just sold the place for a cool $1.2M. As it turns out, I would be their second to last guest. 

It was such a treat getting to stay in this beautiful space during what was a really great week long visit to my old city. I highly recommend Airbnb. It's worth combing through the site for the best listings. It helped knowing the neighbourhood well already, but ask lots of questions if you don't. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again – no matter where in the world I might end up next!  

All above images via airbnb.com

The photos I took of the (almost) 180°view from the terrace

bill cunningham new york

 I finally, finally got to see the Bill Cunningham New York documentary yesterday at Village East Cinema. It was such an intimate glimpse into the life and vision of someone who just loves fashion so much. He loves what he does so wholly and purely, it was amazing to see. Bill Cunningham had his own unique way of cutting through everything and everyone in fashion and just seeing it for what it is and what it means to people. The man has an amazing memory for fashion, too. It was also very moving documentary about who this man is – and in many ways, he's still a bit of an enigma. What a character. What an inspiration. I am so glad I finally got to see it. It was appropriate that I see it while in New York City, too.

GO SEE IT if you can.  

hello (again)

I'm in Brooklyn/NYC this week. Lots of people to see, things to do and eat. Stay tuned for upcoming posts :) Enjoy your weekend! 

permanence/impermanence

I can't even begin to count the number of times I get asked the "Are you going to live here permanently?" question. It's been happening a lot lately. I was asked constantly by visiting friends in New York during the nearly 12 years that I was living there. To some, the idea of permenently living in New York was inconceivable. My answer was and still remains: "I have no idea." I never actually PLAN how long I will be somewhere. I've lived in seven cities and four countries in my lifetime (if you count my leisurely month long stay in Paris in 2005). My theory is that people don't feel at ease unless you give them an absolute. People can't grasp the idea of impermanence. I even had a recent email conversation with a friend about this very same topic. He sees it as people not being able to accept that your plans (or the absence thereof) are not the same as theirs. Is the idea of not knowing how long I plan to stay in any particular city somehow threatening? People can be very myopic. We are also repelled by and need the idea of permanence at the same time.

I'm a romantic like most people. For women, the idea of "settling down" is pretty much shoved down your throat, expected. Tradition dictates that you're not a 'real' woman until you've found a man. Well, guess what? It's 2011. I'm not prepared to "settle" because I'm expected to. I've never made it my job. I'm too romantic for that. Besides, I just moved away from New York, a city that is all about impermanence – even when it comes to dating/relationships. It's always been about growing careers and being onto 'the next big/hot thing' – same goes for the way people approach dating there. New York dating suffered from attention deficit disorder. Frankly, it was an unbelievably disheartening experience. 

Look, I am an idealist. I DO want to fall truly and madly in love. I might even stay put if that were to happen. But I'm also a realist. I know relationships are hard work. I've witnessed enough dysfunctional relationships to avoid getting into one myself. I would never end up with someone who did not have strength, character and dynamism. I want to find someone who will make me actually WANT to stay. So until I find the love of my life, I can live wherever I damn well please and for however long I choose! I might even move away with someone should we choose to – for an indefinite period of time. People can continue to feel uneasy and even threatened by it. They can continue to ask me, my answer will remain the same. 

Moving and change, in general, is hard. It always has been. My dad would say to me as a kid, upset that we have to move again: "Nothing is permanent." I would get so incredibly upset when he'd say this to me. I never fully understood it until I got older. It never gets easier to move, but I've done it many times. You inevitably become "the new kid" whenever you move – which can be painful and scary. You don't always have kind, compassionate people around you to give you space and time to readjust. But there are always important discoveries to make when a major life shift happens. I realize now that my dad was only trying to teach me to not become too attached to anything in life. And to accept that change is what's permanent. 

My recent move from New York to Toronto has changed many things. I will probably always miss it there for countless reasons. I've had to let go of important people, attachments and ideas. Full disclosure, I would not write off the idea of moving back. But ever since I've moved, I've noticed an incredible shift in my creativity (for the better). It's an exhilarating time for me both creatively and professionally – in ways I had no way of foreseeing. As much as I loved living there, I realize now just how much I stagnated during my last couple of years in New York – personally, professionally and creatively. It was begging for a shake-up. Despite it still being a struggle, my recent move is starting to feel like a great beginning to my next chapter in life. I look forward to seeing what's next. 

sarahcentricity & serendipity

There is no one else in this world – apart from Sarah Jackson – that I can call all of the following: Twitter friend, tenant, penpal-of-sorts and CLIENT. Let me explain. At some point, there were mutual Twitter follows. Then some Twitter conversations (and a lot of remote, simultaneous laughter). Which lead to an almost-ladies-drinks-at-the-Ace-Hotel between Sarah, my friend Nichole of Little Brown Pen and myself. It was foiled at the last minute by a scheduling conflict. Then Sarah jetted off to Australia and New Zealand for five months. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Toronto. Then one day she contacted me via email (as I was reeling from a potential tenant flaking out on moving into my Brooklyn apartment). She asked me whether my apartment happen to still be available because HER sublet situation fell through. Then, Voila! Sarah becomes a tenant in my Brooklyn apartment for a few of months. For those who may not know her, Sarah Jackson is an über talent: a writer, producer and creative director. She is also HILARIOUS, great looking, highly ambitious and smart. Whilst she was my tenant, we wrote many epic emails to each other about a myriad of interesting topics. Fast forward to now. She's back in Australia. Our emails back and forth continue. She ended up hiring me to redesign her blog as well as her work/portfolio website. Both were recently launched. This is a modern day, Twitter-born, multi-faceted relationship. Needless to say, Sarah and I will HAVE to now meet in person one day. And there's no telling where in the world we might do so. That's the most amazing part of all.

This kind of says it all.

hello, goodbye

"The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye." – Jimi Hendrix

This is a season of change. To all of you who have made my life so much richer over the past eleven and a half years here in New York, I thank you and send you my love. I will hold you all dear to my heart as I start my next chapter. 

New York, it's been a blast. 

And I will be back :) 

Always,
Catherine 

on being photographed : george pitts, an artist at work (part 2)

Having the opportunity of being photographed by a master like George Pitts is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Finally getting a chance to have a look at a few of his final selections is, to put it mildly, very exciting. So here are some of the results of the photo shoot in July. In case you missed my original post, these photos will be considered for publication in George Pitts' upcoming fine art book for Taschen. The subjects for the book will consist of provocative photographs of women 35 and over. I am intrigued by this project and deeply honoured to be asked to be a part it. I was, needless to say, thrilled to be shot by such an accomplished artist. 

Prior to the shoot, George Pitts did ask me whether I would need help with hair and makeup. Having reasonable faith in my own ability to handle this, I chose to do it all myself. I also didn't feel as comfortable working with someone who's work in this arena I wasn't familiar with. So I also wore all my own clothing and jewelry. I wanted to look timeless, elegant and definitely did NOT want to look as though I was in costume. 

The whole experience was incredibly liberating. I was beside myself that whole day. I learned new things about who I am through the experience. I definitely pushed my own boundaries and forced me to confront my own insecurities. Although I consider myself to be quite confident (generally speaking) there is NOTHING quite like being photographed without your clothes on. It was as empowering as it is humbling. As someone who is already hyper-aware of popular imagery, it is a challenge to view my own photos without the filter/bias of commercial photography in advertising. I had to also come to terms with the idea of being photographed in a more provocative manner. This is something that became all the more real after actually seeing the final photographs. Another interesting discovery I made is that although I typically am pretty attached to eyewear (which I have worn and identified with for years and years), my favourite photographs turned out to be the ones where I am NOT wearing them. I actually like the way my face looks without the glasses. A bit of a surprise for me. 

These photos have memorialized a time, age and place in my life here in New York that I can fondly look back on when I'm, say, 60. In many ways, this year has presented more challenges and changes than I have ever gone through. In many ways, it seems quite appropriate that this transitional period be recorded – on film, no less. Thank you to George Pitts for the amazing photographs, the incredible experience and dialogue. 

To see the rest (and more revealing...) photographs, you'll have to wait and see if they make it into the yet-to-be-named book. ;)

first love : rivane neuenschwander

Of all the works by Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander (currently at the New Museum), I loved this installation the most. It's entitled 'First Love.' It is a collection of forensic sketches made for visitors of the museum when asked to describe the faces of their first love. The artist wasn't there when I came through the museum today. But I was so struck by it nonetheless. There is something so universal about the memory of that significant figure (whomever it may be). It's that much more interesting for a forensic artist to render a sketch of this person – a process only used to find accused criminals. I love the parallels drawn between love and crime in this piece. The viewer is also contributing to the work. It's brilliant. Stop by the museum or write a description of your first love here. It may end up becoming part of the show...you never know. 

on dancing and dreaming

I was incredibly moved by my dance teacher's company's performance last weekend. Not only was it so beautiful and exciting,
I have a great deal emotional connection to dance as well. Watching the same style of dance that I study (Horton) being performed 
is unbelievably inspiring. I took photos until I was told I was not permitted. I sat so close to the dancers that I could hear every breath
they took during the performance. It made the experience that much more intense. I could have continued to watch the dancers
performing for hours. I am far from being at the skill level these dancers are at. It was lovely to dream for a moment, of trying to
attain it. These photos don't even begin to capture the energy of a live performance. If you've never seen one, I highly recommend it.

polaroids from a different time : louis mendes

I was in the city yesterday just to run a few errands. Along 6th Avenue and 18th Street, I spotted this man that looked like he literally
came from a different time. It was this camera he held in his hands – very old and very cool. I stopped to ask if I could take a photo of him
and he graciously agreed. Turns out, this gentleman – Louis Mendes – takes (real) Polaroids of people on the streets of NYC for a living.
This monstrous, beautiful camera is a Graphic Speed camera with a Polaroid back is from the 1940s. Mr. Mendes also looked the part
with his blocked hat and suit.

Then he insisted on taking a photo of me. I had to agree since he kindly agreed to be photographed himself. So here's my sweaty New York
errand day look! I couldn't have been more unprepared for a portrait. Eeek. But the entire experience was such a great New York moment.  
And wow, did I covet that camera. Find Louis Mendes outside of B&H, on the streets of the city and on Facebook.

genesis of dance

If you've followed my blog for some time, you're aware of my love of dance. My teacher, Karen Arceneaux at the Alvin Ailey Extension remains a huge inspiration to me. Dancing has given me so much over the past few years. Karen's Horton classes continue to teach me strength and grace through dance – not to mention stress relief, humour, live music and endless fun!

I'm looking forward to seeing Karen's own dance company, Genesis Dance Company perform on July 24th, 2010 as part of their 8th annual NY Performance. if you're a fan of dance and in the NY area this month, go see this one night only performance in Brooklyn's Kumble Theater. I absolutely loved last year's show. 

Check the Genesis Dance Company website or info@genesisdance.org for more info. 

Pictured above: Karen Arceneaux, Photo by: Rachel Neville Photography 2009

food truck drive-in fun

The NYC Food Film Festival event this past Saturday was the World's First Food Truck Drive-In. Thanks to two guest tickets via my friends at Whimsy + Spice, I was able to attend the "sold out" event. It was held in Dumbo, Brooklyn – literally under the Brooklyn Bridge. It was food truck and locavore foodist's heaven. I'm not certain why they limited entry to a free event. As a result, they had fewer than expected attendees. It was a great idea that all of NY should have been able to just walk in to. The food was wonderful and the weather cleared up to make a really lovely evening of outdoor summer film viewing. So much fun!

Here's some of the great food that we ate: 

Banh Mi style hotdog from Asia Dog
Squid Ink taco from Choncho's Tacos
Green Pirate juice from The Green Pirate Juice Truck
Crostini with Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts and Honey from Pizzamoto 
Apricot and Chamomile People's Pops courtesy of The Cooking Channel truck
Tangy Pork and Chicken Sliders from The Krave Korean BBQ Truck
Everything Cookie and Earle Grey Cookie Sandwiches by Whimsy + Spice

Check out the NYC Food Film Festival site for info on next year's events.

the city as inspiration

It must be that I'm inherently tropical that I enjoy summers in New York as much as I do. I am fairly comfortable in the heat. Although, I do have my limits (106° heat in Napa Valley three years ago was unbearable). The summer just brings everyone and their dog outside. I've been appreciating the city that much more through my iPhone camera as well as my Canon. I have an overwhelming urge to capture my point of view of the city, especially in warmer weather. During these lean times when travel isn't an option, why not appreciate what's immediately around you? I'm inspired to be creative when the city comes alive and there is so much to take in. Lots of ideas brewing in my head. These photos are the beginning of something. I wanted to share a little bit of it here. What do you think?  

All photos by Catherine Mangosing

the sign on the door read 'cookbooks'

While strolling down Greenwich Street late Saturday afternoon this weekend with a friend, we stumbled upon the
cutest little shop I had never seen or heard of before. It looked to be closed for the day, so we couldn't walk in. But
the old iMac and the clutter suggested that there would normally be some level of activity taking place in the room.
I wasn't sure what it was at first. Only a curious sign that read 'Cookbooks' on a metal plate adhered to an old door. 
When we looked inside, I was fascinated. It was like a room you would see in an old doll house. There was dusty
old wallpaper on the walls and the doorways looked shorter than usual. It was filled with – safe to assume – cookbooks.
It (and the old building it was in) was adorable. I had to find out more. 

I discovered that this charming little shop is actually Joanne Hendricks, Cookbooks. It is filled with all types of
cookbooks and books about food, wine, dining, etiquette, old and out of print books, obscure books, menus and
paraphernalia. There's even a corresponding online shop called Greenwich Street Cookbooks. I would love to
come back and look around. There's no end to great little places to discover in this city. I love it. So if you're ever
near the corner of Greenwich St. and Canal, stop in.

inspired at madame geneva

I attended a good friend's going away party at Madame Geneva a couple of weeks ago. It was another instance where I thought: "How did I not know about this place?!?" It is a gorgeous bar. It's adjacent to and is by the people behind Double Crown next door. I believe both are designed and owned by AvroKo, the company behind Public. It's small, dark, cavernous and sexy. The kind of place you could imagine trysts would be happening at all hours of the night and any day of the week. The crowd did not look too young (a plus for me). I also love a bar with a good bar menu. This one is colonial Asian inspired and well done. I particularly liked the duck steamed buns (they are more like rolls). They were so delicious. As I sipped cocktails, devoured steamed buns and chatted with friends that night, I realized that I just found a new favourite spot.

Click on photos to see source

hot in red hook

Last Saturday, I joined my friend Dave Pinter for opening day of the Red Hook Food Truck extravaganza. I had been hearing about the trucks for a few years but had yet to try. It was worth the wait (and the walk). So food trucks lined the street corner around Red Hook Park serving all manner of latin food. It cost $5 for this huge (and very tasty) beef huarache and $3 for fresh watermelon juice. There are picnic tables that line the edge of the park too, so you can enjoy the food like civilized human beings.

The day turned into an epic walk through Red Hook, Ikea and the waterfront. Lovely and quiet with a great view of, well, everything: Manhattan, Staten Island and New Jersey.

Go check it out. Tomorrow.

the (badass) juice truck

Dave's pork huarache and tamarind juice (so GOOD)

the incredible shrimp ceviche – I can still taste it, yum

heat supply

an inspired afternoon at strand bookstore

One of the best things to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon is to lose track of time browsing through Strand Bookstore. It's a New York institution, it's where books live. There's something about how unpolished, worn-in and creaky that's so romantic about this place. It even smells old. New books are on the same shelf as old ones. There is beauty in the chaos of it's mismatched shelving units and narrow, meandering aisles. I personally always purchased the oldest copies of books available.

Although it was a gorgeous Sunday, I stopped into the Strand looking for Witold Rybcyzynski's Waiting for the Weekend. It's an extended essay on the two-day weekend, it's history and ideas behind leisure throughout history. It was recommended by a friend who knows I'm a big fan of Alain de Botton's books. This seems to be right up the same alley.

I hope you enjoy my little iPhone photo essay :)

 

All photos by myturtleneck – view more of Strand Bookstore here

inspired space for art and food : loading dock

My friend Dave Pinter clued me into the existence of the coolest new Brooklyn spot: Loading Dock. The restaurant features Baja-style Mexican food formerly of Brooklyn Flea fame. It's very casual and inexpensive. I love the fact that the restaurant is built into a former garment factory and that the space is also an art gallery. Everything in the space is retains a warehouse feel, rough-hewn and spare. As my friend Dave referred to it: "60-grit" feel (as in sandpaper). The charm is it's unpolished restraint. They also didn't fill the dining area/gallery with too many pieces of furniture. They've mixed mid-century chairs with work tables. I adore the fake fireplace flanked by old Adirondak chairs and fur pelts. Staying true to it's taco truck roots is the kitchen – an actual taco truck built right onto the front of the building. We got in there JUST before people started streaming in and managed to get a couple of quick photos literally seconds before everyone sat down. I can't fail to mention that the food did not disappoint, we loved our dishes! The second this place gets a liquor license, it will quickly become the newest, hottest new bar in Brooklyn. It would make a great event space too. It's another Brooklyn favourite. I will definitely be back – and soon!

 

 

at home in ditmas park : purple yam restaurant

I had the rare treat of dining out on Filipino food this weekend. Unlike Korean or Malaysian food, for instance, Filipino food hasn't become mainstream (though it's only a matter of time). So when I have it, it's usually at home or with family.

I've been dying to try Purple Yam, a reincarnation of the now closed Cendrillion restaurant in SoHo. They opened in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn — out of the way, but I knew it would be worth it. I read about their tocino sliders a couple of weeks ago and could not get it out of my head. So our menu for the evening was as follows:

1) Tocino sliders (sugar-achuete cured pork) in purple yam pan de sal bread, served with pickled persimmon

2) The special dumplings – with shrimp and water chestnuts

3) Pomelo, green mango and jicama salad

4) Chicken adobo (braised in vinegar, garlic, soy sauce and coconut milk)

5) Pancit bihon (Philippine rice noodles with chicken, pork and veggies)

Dessert:

1) Halo halo (Philippine iced dessert with sweet beans, palm seed, cocogel, coconut sport [macapuno], jackfruit, topped with flan and purple yam ice cream)

2) Champorrado with coffee ice cream (sweet rice in chocolate and cream)

My friends and I LOVED it – even more than the original. It was such a treat for me and the best meal I've had in a while. It's as tasty as home cooked meals but with an occasional innovative twist utilizing all the authentic ingredients. The staff was sweet, as was the owner and gracious host, Amy Besa. My favourites had to be the sliders (we had three orders of it), the adobo and the desserts. Their house made ice cream is to die for, especially the coffee one. Purple Yam is so worth the trip out. Think of it as a mini-field trip, it's only a few stops past Park Slope on the Q train. Their back patio area surrounded by bamboo looks really lovely too. I'll definitely be back.

Loved the lighting sculpture at the front of the restaurant

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