Pretty Much All You Need To Know About Writing

Today is the start of a new session of a class that I'm teaching for the Gotham Writer's Workshop. I teach Intro to Non-Fiction, but I found the following photo on Pinterist. It's aimed at kids, but it's good story-telling advice for pretty much anyone.

Source: google.com via Kayla on Pinterest

It's A Little Early To Be Thinking About Easter

But if means Cadbury Mini Eggs are available, then I really can't complain.

CVS, 34th Street and Second Avenue.

Google AdSense Is Right On The Money With Me

Sh*T Native New Yorkers Say

The meme is getting old, but this one about native New Yorkers is fantastic.

I've been in New York City since 1999, and even I find myself saying these things.

Pinterist is my new obsession, so apologies in advance if there are most posts like this:

Source: inspirationfeed.com via Pauline on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Pauline on Pinterest

Untitled, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

Sh*t New Yorkers Say

Some people move around, others become New Yorkers.

The Best Things Come In Small Packages

My friend Jason -- yet again -- is featured for his smart use of his small but adorable Chelsea apartment.

I remember what that place looked like when we were trying to rent it back in 2009. Jason has done an amazing job with the place.

Brunchables!

Best line: "My mom forgot to make us Brunch because she's at kickball."

Guerilla Book Marketing

A few days ago I bought this book, which I am excited to read when I have a quiet hour or two. It's pretty nerdy.


On the flip side of the receipt was a list of other books in the same genre. Since a lot of people use their receipt as a book mark, this is some pretty genius marketing. Well played, Posman Books!

A Little Bit of Book Whimsy

Mimosas Were In Order After This Morning's Run

Thanks to a tip from a friend, I found out about the Joe To Joe running club. It's a group that runs from Joe Coffee to Joe Coffee in New York City, organized by the owners of Joe Coffee.

It was a lot of fun and took us from Chelsea to the West Village, all the way up Park Avenue, through Central Park and to the Upper West Side. We ended at the new Joe's Coffee on E. 75th and Lexington. A nine mile run, however, somehow turned into eleven. Must have been my genius detour through the bramble in Central Park.

There is no coffee in that cup. Trust me.

A Few From Around The City

Some of these are a little blurry since they were just taken with my old skool iPhone. Must upgrade in 2012.

Posman Books in Grand Central has a huge shelf dedicated to Chic Lit. It's as if they knew I was coming. (Sadly, I've read most of the selections they had.)


Seen in an elevator in the East 30s. No need to be anxious.


Despite the sign, this has apparently been rented. Only $30,000 a month! A steal!

In Case You Are Frustrated With You New Year's Weight Loss Goals

That's Jazz: An Outlook For 2012

About a year or so ago I went to a Columbia Alumni event at Jazz At Lincoln Center. One of the speakers was a jazz studies professor named Christopher Washburne. Jazz studies is a required course for Columbia undergrads, and one exercise he gave his students was to walk home a different way every day, even if it was just one block out of the way.

"That's jazz," Professor Washburne said. "Even changing things up a little gives you a whole new perspective."

Over the past year I always kept that in the back of my head. If I wanted to go to the same dumpling place for lunch, I would turn and head south instead. Sure, I could hop on the treadmill, but what about trying that Boot Camp class?

It's a New Year and everyone's making resolutions to lose weight, get their finances in order, etc. Those are big overhauls that will all likely peter out in two weeks. Instead, I like the That's Jazz approach: small changes, often improvised, that can change your day, or at least your frame of mind. Anyone who understands music knows what a difference a grace note can make. 2012, perhaps, could be the year of the grace note.

New Year's Highlights

I love New Year's Eve in New York City, and I don't mean Times Square. This year I was in the East Village at a little party that was big on booze and meat. I took the bus there and back, because waiting for a cab on New Year's is both futile and silly.

I'm also still getting tons of compliments on my Nikon Coolpix camera, which took all these shots. That little camera has some incredible features, and I'm still trying to sort them all out. Full set of the night here.

Pre-game shots. The top is from Express. The white pleather skirt is from Newport News, circa 2008. Because if you can't wear white pleather on New Year's Eve, then when can you?


Kardashian level eye make up.


With the host, Vasilios, and his brother Kostas. Opa!


Three Graces at the party.


Crowd in the front hall, with all the booze.


It took a bullhorn to get us into the living room.


Fun with mirrors.


This is some OCD nonsense.


Crowd shot


One of my faves from the night.


An incredible ham was served roughly around midnight. I cannot say enough good things about this piece of meat.


I even helped cut it.


Who says ham can't be finger food?


On the bus up Third Avenue at 1:00 a.m., I found these two coming home. They were great. I hope I'm as much fun when I'm 70.


After all that ham, a hop around Central Park this afternoon was in order. Perfect, gorgeous weather.