She had just returned from a film

If Tammy thought about it logically she could figure out exactly what film it was. It was definitely a comedy, something light.  She could tell by the way her mom bounced when she walked. It had cheered her up. She even felt like cooking so that was an even better sign, definitely the movie had had some happy domestic scenes. Tammy couldn’t figure out what the catch phrase meant but her mom smiled whenever she Read more

By justk, ago

What’s engaging my curiosity?

I’m so glad you asked… These posts are a random collection of art, books, movies, plays, scenes, images and moments that feed the fires of creativity and imagination.   Two of the most delicious forms of inspiration are coffee and chocolate.  Since becoming a staunch acolyte of DARK chocolate I rarely give milk chocolate the time of day. Dark chocolate is for the cultivated palate, milk chocolate is for the sweet tooth; dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, Read more

By justk, ago

Finally, new.

Well hello again. And Happy Persian New Year. I finally visited Cafe Nadery, a Persian cafe on the borders of NYU. It’s been on my list since arriving in the city and finding it featured in The New Yorker‘s Table For Two. I never made a plan to go because I assumed it was in the neighborhood I was staying in and would stumble upon it eventually. Assumptions are troublesome where directions are concerned. I was staying on Read more

By justk, ago

He tells me my dear Gertrude

Aunt Gee is rare form today.  Alzheimer’s is a no-win son-of-a-bitch disease.  Most of the time she thinks I’m my dead brother which turns the visit into an emotional mine field for all concerned.  Even the day nurse cringes visibly at our stilted exchanges.  But the real challenge is when she recognizes me and tells me all the secrets my brother has recently shared with her, because apparently he visits more faithfully than I do. “I don’t understand Read more

By justk, ago

fat free

My therapist said I had to make better choices. I chose to fire her. And I chose to go back to gluten. I wasn’t depressed because of gluten, I was depressed because I was heartbroken.  Because I was heartbroken I ate too many bad pastries.  I like sugar.  Sugar makes me feel good. But then sometimes it makes me feel bad.  Now I know there’s good sugar and there’s bad sugar, like cholesterol or men. Now Read more

By justk, ago

Broadway’s best party

“What do you think of the shirt?” “It’s a nice shirt. What jacket are you wearing with it?” “I’m not wearing a jacket.” “It’s a big deal party Guy, you gotta wear a jacket.” “We’re musicians. We don’t have to do jackets.” “Are you already high? We’re not rock stars. And we’re composers not musicians. We have to wear jackets.” “No I don’t. I knew this model once and she -” “Wait a minute how Read more

By justk, ago

Bodega cat is the best pet

It started as a joke, like all great traditions. Kenny gave me the pet rock the summer of my twelfth birthday. It’s not a real trademarked one like Shauna Brayer had. It’s better. Kenny made it himself from a rock he found at his parents’ cottage. The googly eyes came unglued when I unwrapped it so we magic markered on the eyes. Royal blue and black. Kenny vetoed lashes. Giddy from the fumes we solemnly Read more

By justk, ago

Where kids go to grow

Hi. My name is Fernando and I’m eight years old. I am called different things at school because of my teeth (they kind of stick out) and my ears (they stick out too). But it’s okay because my mom calls me mija and it’s the sweetest sound. My baby sister doesn’t have any words yet but she calls me ‘dO’. Mom calls her mija too. She says it different though. Like, I dunno fuzzier, pinker. I’m Read more

By justk, ago