2 0 1 1

I should have robot arms and alien tentacles popping out of my head, since 2011 seems like such a futuristic number. And yet, here we are, and it’s the same old same old. Well, not really, but we have not yet cyborged into robots or aliens. Anyway, happy start of the new decade to all of you reading this blog, as well as just reading in general. Viva literacy! It’s on my mind for a number of reasons, in part because I tutor children learning to read; I make books; and also am just terribly curious about where, exactly, we are (as the human species) in terms of literacy with the tidal wave of “e-”everything. Does it all make people read more or less? Does it distract? Does it satisfy? What comes next? Are we developing a NEW way of reading, with lots of bells, whistles, and flashy bits?

Apart from contemplative thought, I’m tallying my lists and already have some awards to hand out for 2011. Yep, a year in review even though it only just started.

Most disturbing cultural phenomenon: Justin Bieber has a biopic…what’s even more disturbing is that I want to see it.

Least favorite week at work: Last week - one power outage and one flood.

Best gift: A box of picture books from my dear aunt in Colorado, a retired first grade teacher…such good ones WOW! I won the lottery! And also a book from my parents called The Works by Kate Ascher…everything a nerd like me would want to know about New York City. So cool.

Favorite new (and affordable!) restaurant in NYC: Pam Real Thai

Favorite quote: “I’m gonna be just like Egypt, man…” (overheard in the shoe section of Goodwill in Chelsea, NYC)

Most surprising thought: I might get an iPad…what?! Me?! (emphasis on “might”)

Favorite movie thus far that made me want to dress up like a giant, hairy creature:Where the Wild Things Are…oh man, and I also want to live in one of those big basket dwellings.

In other news, I’m going to be in a group show of fellow sign maker/graphic artists at Whole Foods Market here in New York City, to be kicked off March 3 at the Bowery’s Whole Foods’ gorgeous café. More details to come…