Greenpoint
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Culture on the Cheap
New York Shitty Day Starter: Kung Fu Fighting
Yesterday’s temperature weather— along with a wait for the bus— provided the perfect conditions for practicing one’s martial art moves with a pal!
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Photo Pool, Part IV: McCarren Reflection
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Taken by diana gee.
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Photos du Jour: 10 Bedford Avenue
Today yours truly had a moment. Actually I had quite a few— but I limit the subject of this post to one: what living in “Little Poland” has imparted to me. For starters, there’s a sense of style. I for one find the Polish ladies hereabouts to be an inspiration. Their love of animal print and all shades of hair, the more unnatural the better, has become an inspiration to yours truly. Fuck 5th Avenue. I find the catwalk that is Manhattan Avenue much more interesting— and fun! I do my best to emulate their style. Regrettably, I am woefully remiss in picking up their mater lingua. Or am I? After this afternoon I have begun to wonder.
Case in point: I am walking home on Franklin Street. A man and woman exit a parked car. Both have religious pamphlets in tow. The woman approaches me and asks:
Mowimy po polsku?
I looked her squarely in the eye and replied (in English):
No, I do not speak Polish.
And she quickly went on her way. Apparently Polish souls were the only ones this woman was seeking at the moment. Go figure.
In any case, I was reminded— once again— that I have picked up much more Polish than I realized later in the afternoon. Which brings me to the following two items. They hail from 10 Bedford Avenue (a former bar which I understand is slated to become a Cuban restaurant).
I couldn’t help but giggle like crazy when I read the above missives. Those of you who are not in the know as to what these two (rather prevalent) words mean can learn by scrolling over the two above jpgs and reading their titles. All in all it felt pretty good to be reminded that I have learned some modicum of Polish over the last eleven years, tak?
UPDATE, 9:13 p.m.: I have been corrected as to what “kurwa” means (see comments). Regardless, I had to correct this really nice chap regarding his spelling.
It’s spelled K-U-R-W-A.
Miss Heather
Urban Fur, Part II: Hellbent For Leather
A Good Samaritan loans this chilly (and very chill) pup on Bedford Avenue his jacket!
Miss Heather
Lost On Bedford Avenue: Dog
In a manner of speaking. Yours truly has seen more fliers advertising rewards for lost/purloined dogs than she cares to recount. However, this is the first flier offering a reward— no questions asked— for a lost/purloined drawing of a dog. If any of you, dear readers, know of this item’s whereabouts please contact its rightful owner at the above-listed telephone number. Thanks!
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Fashion Watch: Meet Jane & Delores
I have seen this charming (and fabulously stylish) pair of ladies strolling along Manhattan Avenue on a number of occasions. Today, feeling cheeky, I finally got up the nerve to strike up a conversation with them. I’m glad I did. They were awesome!
Me: I hope I am not bothering you, but I have seen you both around quite a bit. And I have to say I really like your sense of style.
Both: (laughing) Really?
Me: Absolutely. (to Jane) Is that a Hello Kitty bag?
Sure enough, it was.
Jane (at left, pointing to Delores): She plays music at one of the local churches. I carry her sheet music for her in this bag.
Me: Well, it’s really cute. I have a pair of Hello Kitty earmuffs. They even have little kitty cat ears on them.
This was met with much approval by this winsome duo. They introduced themselves and while shaking hands I managed to spill tea on myself. Being prepared for such eventualities, Jane gave me a handful napkins from her purse. I thank her and ask if I can take their photograph. I explained that I photograph people in the neighborhood on occasion. Jane clarified that she does not live in Greenpoint (but Delores does!)— and then asks:
Where are you from originally? You are obviously not from around here.
After taking a deep breath I explain:
I am from Texas originally. However, I have lived in Greenpoint for 11 years. This is my home.
After a little discussion amongst themselves they agree. When I am done, I show them the above photograph. Delores tut tuts:
Just look at my hair. It’s flying all over the place.
Me: You look great!
Delores (pointing to Jane): Of course she looks good. She was a fashion model.
Jane: Back when I was eighteen years old! (pointing at Delores) She was a concert pianist.
Me: You both look great.
Jane: Wearing this? After I retired I put most of my clothes away. I never wear them. I’m more interested in being comfortable.
I assured both ladies there is nothing unfashionable whatsoever about being comfortable. Especially when it involves basic black and is paired with classic red lipstick. Some looks are truly timeless.
This post is for you, Jane and Delores. If I have so much as a shred of your style and joie de vivre when I am your age I will consider my life well spent. You are two very classy— and sweet— ladies. Keep making Manhattan Avenue beautiful!
Miss Heather
NYS Flickr Pool
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