by Shirley Jackson (1982)

I am an adoring fan of Shirley Jackson, her novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle and her short story, The Lottery (which is included in this collection) are among my favorites. One of the best parts of Come Along With Me are the chapters from her unfinished last novel that lends it’s title to the collection and it’s one of the few here that fully embody the signature strangeness and darkness that I love in her writing,  which I found sadly lacking several of the stories. This is of course a matter of my expectations getting in the way and all the stories, even the lighthearted ones are well written.

It’s a shame so little was left behind of what was sure to have been another incredible novel, but it’s inclusion as well as her darker stories including my favorite, “The Summer People”, make this collection worth a read, at least for Jackson fans. I personally could take or leave the essays and lectures (as unintellectual as it may sound I prefer to read fiction than read about fiction).

I’d advise skipping the intro because it rubbed me the wrong way to have her husband talk about getting the collection together with his new wife, whom he dedicates it to. Kind of disconcerting.

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Posted on May 2, 2010

Provocative Photographer

As a devoted Helmut Newton lover, I am a little shocked with myself for having so little knowledge about the equally provocative fashion photographer Guy Bourdin. Lucky for me, my photographer brother in law touts an impressive collection of Bourdin’s books to school me.

His career is beyond impressive, from Man Ray‘s protege to Vogue contributor to a legacy as one of the industries greatest artist (though a reluctant one). Am dying to see an older BBC documentary about him called Dreamgirls: The photographs of Guy Bourdin, but seems it can only be seen in segments on youtube for now (must watch this weekend). For now, enjoy a small collection below/after the jump of his work.

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Posted on May 2, 2010

60 Greenpoint Avenue Brooklyn, NY

Even though I have heartily enjoyed the pizzas at Paulie Gee’s before, it’s taken me a while to bring this post to you about the most welcome neighborhood addition because i kept forgetting to take photos. You would too with such alluring daily specials to choose from as well as a mouth watering every day menu. We recently shared several pies including the Marianna (large chunks of garlic, almost no cheese), the Delboy (the most high end pepperoni pizza you’ll find), the tasty Spectacle (with speck and red onions) and two of the chalk board specials: The Moby Grape (which is a salty, grape tomato crowd favorite and should be added to the permanent menu) and the off the wall but surprisingly balanced Cherry Jones ( that indeed features dried bing cherries with cheeses and prosciutto).

New Jersey pizza master Paulie Gee set up, to great foodie excitement, in the old Paloma space which you’ll find barely recognizable. Where once was skylights and pale colors and airiness, now stands cozy, almost farm like woods, copper, faded tin, and dim lighting. Also noticeably different, a huge wood stove for making all those delicious pies, which Paulie overlooks himself every night I’ve been there. He takes so much care with his pizzas he even personally brought over the Moby Grape that was slightly charred to make sure we were OK with it and offered a new one if we weren’t.

On previous visits we got the decadent and gooey pear and nutella dessert pie which is worth saving room for if you can forgo gorging on the savories pies (not an easy task).

For now, they are awaiting a licence to serve wine and beer (which only makes the bill shockingly reasonable currently – since i can;t drink now anyways, this arrangement is fine with me) and doesn’t open lunches or deliver (these arrangements leave me less happy). But i expect that might change as they get settle into their role as the neighborhood’s premier spot for pizza.

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Posted on May 2, 2010

88 Roebling Street, Brooklyn, NY

Years ago I had memorably amazing hot stone massage at Brooklyn’s Greenhouse Holistic so when recently, I was itching for a prenatal massage, I thought of them. Comparatively affordable (100 for 90 minutes, 80 for 60), this is an incredible experience and a day later I feel wonderful. Muscle aches and pains are alleviated and I am as relaxed as I get. Of course, if you’re not pregnant, the traditional massages are sure to be just as wonderful. For those that are pregnant and curious, a prenatal massage works like a regular one (which here included the incredible hot stone therapy), except there is a special cushion that eases any pressure on your tummy and breasts. Later in your pregnancy you may opt to get the massage on your side.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours Health/Beauty Williamsburg

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Posted on May 2, 2010

found photos. free pie.

Big Happy Fun House is such an endearing collection of found photographs, most from decades past. Have fun browsing all the archives, the sum of which left me full to the brim with tenderness and awe at the simple art of living life. Just a few of my personal favorites are below/after the jump.

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Posted on May 2, 2010