Disqus - Latest Comments for K.

Re: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

K. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:45:34 -0000

My cat and my guitars.

Re: What would you do if you weren’t afraid

K. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:50:34 -0000

Sing in public!

Re: What do you do to make yourself present in the moment?

K. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:26:44 -0000

Breathe in, breathe out, paying particular attention to how my chest, shoulders, spine and muscles are all working together. Putting myself back in my body with breath clears my mind to be open to the moment.

Re: Style Matters: Reviewing Nina Garcia’s The One Hundred

K. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:22:18 -0000

Thanks for your review! I wasn't a huge fan of Nina's last book and wasn't going to check this one out -- but I'll take a gander at it now!

Re: Weighing In - Part One

K. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:42:05 -0000

I only get weighed at the doctor! I haven't owned a scale in years and years. I base evaluations of my weight on whether or not I can fit into a particular pair of jeans :-)

Re: How do you define good leadership?

K. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:56:54 -0000

There are many types of leaders, but to me the best ones believe in the best of people and inspire and empower those around them to indeed become the best versions of themselves. They connect us to a larger shared vision and call us to action.

Re: How do you define your self worth?

K. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:48:24 -0000

I've been thinking about this question all day, and I think it's been a difficult question for me to answer because I feel like this is shifting for me. I was (and still am!) a very driven, ambitious person; being a creative person and pretty much devoting a huge part of my life to exploring and fulfilling this part of me, I have always wanted to make an impact in the world and leave something beautiful and thought- and spirit-provoking once I am gone. But I realize that giving beauty and joy on a smaller level works well -- a genuine smile to the person who gives you coffee in the morning, a sincere acknowledgement for your supervisor for fixing your door, a phone call in the middle of the day to my mother and father, drawing with my niece and nephew and helping to foster their creative spirits, a comment in a blog to engage and show that what someone's written has really stimulated me. This makes my days feel as if I have been engaged and fully participating in my life -- and this feels worthy to me.

Re: What’s a Jewel of Wisdom You’ve Received From a Child?

K. — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:58:30 -0000

My seven-year old nephew asks the best questions, which always make me look at life with fresh eyes -- or at least make me laugh. Some recent favorites: "Why do we have so many stars?", "Does God have an assistant?", and "Why do I see corn in my poop?"

Re: This Weekend, How Are You Going to Play?

K. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:19:20 -0000

This question makes me a bit sad because I'm working all weekend! Then again, my work is writing, sitting in cafes, agonizing over imaginary characters and their lives...which is what I love to do, so it's okay.

All that said, I'm going to take some time out to go to Sephora and smell some new fragrances :-)

Re: What is your favorite cultural activity that doesn’t cost money?

K. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:41:12 -0000

I'm with Carrie -- book stores and art galleries! I also love parks, and people-watching in general, just sitting and watching the world go by. Oh, and in the summer -- free movies in the park: Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, etc.

This question makes me realize how incredibly lucky I am to live in NYC, where there are art galleries galore (and so much art showing in non-traditional places!), free MoMA on Friday evenings and the sidewalks are like performance art and a fashion runway all at the same time!

Re: What is your favorite cultural activity that doesn’t cost money?

K. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:11:49 -0000

I love riding on the subways and going into different neighborhoods as well. One day this fall the New Jersey PATH trains were free all day, so my boyfriend and I decided to stop at each station and walk around for a bit!

Re: Why am I crying?

K. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:25:30 -0000

I cried when Obama was elected! I also tend to cry when someone tells me they love me for the first time. And once, when dealing with an illness in the family and feeling absolutely overwhelmed, I got a call from an old friend on my cell phone while I was grocery shopping. His voice was so warm and sincere when he asked me, "How are you doing?" that I burst into tears, right there in the middle of the wine aisle, because I realized how much I was trying to be strong and how sad and weak I really felt.

Re: Who has been of service in your life, and how do you remember them?

K. — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:58:35 -0000

A recent favorite professor of mine passed away recently. Charismatic, funny, demanding and passionate about our shared subject matter (filmmaking), I will always remember how he held us to such high integrity because of his deep belief in our talent and potential.

Re: Who were you in High School?

K. — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:15:59 -0000

I was a Sassy-reading punk rock cheerleader, overachiever, total brain, one of those people that was acquainted with lots of people in all different groups but kept close to a tight circle of friends -- most of whom were music fanatics like me, so a lot of my best memories at that time involve us driving into Chicago for shows and various music-related misadventures. After games, I used to change out of my uniform into combat boots, fishnet tights and my army jacket -- what a contrast! My junior high years were terrible, but my high school years found me progressively finding who I was. My only "regret" is that I was so focused on getting the hell out (via a good college) that I never quite focused on enjoying the moment.

Re: What’s that one thing you are putting off that would contribute significantly to your well being?

K. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:09:22 -0000

Developing proper sleep habits! I have always been an erratic sleeper, and being in grad school and working self-employed/full-time in a creative field doesn't help, either. To this end, I really need to make myself get off the computer at a proper hour.

Re: What items from your childhood make your heart smile with fond memories?

K. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:36:32 -0000

Muppet Babies!! I wish they would come out on DVD! I have nieces and nephews I want to share them with! Also: I have a stuffed toy dog that I have had since I was 2 that I still love to pieces. My Madonna Like A Virgin cassette tape. Choose Your Own Adventure books. Solid Gold (I wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer when I was little!) Three's Company, although at that age most of the humor went over my head. Roller skate night in elementary school. And I miss my dad's "streetlight" curfew in the summer: basically, we could play outside with our friends till the streetlight at the corner went on. One night it was broken -- what a dream!

Re: Downshifting to a Simpler Life by Working From Home

K. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:46:15 -0000

I've been a freelancer and working from home nearly all my adult life, and at this point I feel like I couldn't do it any other way! (Although sometimes I wonder if I had to switch over and get a office-based job -- would I be able to? Am I employable?) I do admit, I feel great anxiety sometimes during this period of economic uncertainty -- but I also feel like I have well-developed skills to be pro-active about it. One challenge for me has been with avoiding burnout and the constant temptation to "do one more thing," but that's life -- one beautiful opportunity to learn and grow.

Re: Writing Books For Inspiration

K. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:55:10 -0000

I concur on the Goldberg and Tharp books -- both are fabulous! I agree the suggestion of Bird by Bird in the comments as well. It's self-deprecating, wise and rich with insight. And often very funny!

Re: If you were an animal, what would you be?

K. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:50:13 -0000

A wolf! Nocturnal, solitary yet very community-minded, minds our own business, connected to the moon, quite shy and keeps to itself. I also have had a lot of dreams with elephants in them lately.

Re: What four words describe you?

K. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:37:04 -0000

Intuitive, friendly, sensitive, intelligent.

Re: What’s your favorite kitchen gadget?

K. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:44:53 -0000

It's pretty low-tech, but I love my blender. Smoothies, soups, crushing ice -- I put it to good use!

Re: On your birthday, how do you like to be cherished?

K. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:27:47 -0000

Besides lots of love, kisses and friendly, warm wishes from my loved ones, I love glamorous, festive, long, HUGE dinners at really beautiful but relaxed restaurants -- with everything from appetizers to champagne to dessert to aperitifs! And of course, all of my favorite people in the world there, with great conversation, stories, laughter and all-around joy.

On a more personal note, I like to "cherish" me on my birthday by figuring out my solar return astrological chart (why not?) Even if I don't 'agree' with it, it starts me thinking about what I want for my next year in life, and how I can go about creating that.

Re: Who or what is your favorite Icon?

K. — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:54:26 -0000

Madonna. I'm not so into the Kabbalah-edition Madonna, but back in the day, she repped everything exciting about being a girl to me. Also: Louise Bourgeois, PJ Harvey, Courtney Love, Neil Young, the Chanel logo, Target, Obama. And is Tina Fey an icon yet?

Re: Who or what is your favorite Icon?

K. — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:43:28 -0000

A great quote! If you haven't seen it, I'd also highly recommend the documentary "The Spider, the Mistress and the Tangerine" on Bourgeois. So fascinating! (I think it's on DVD in 2009...)

Re: What are you sensitive to?

K. — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:42:31 -0000

I'm a highly sensitive person overall, but things that stand out especially: smells, lights, 'back-handed' compliments, ulterior motives, voices (they reveal so much about people), clutter. And on the good side: touch, genuine smiles, respect, when someone's being genuine, flirtation, rhythm (and music in general.)

Re: What have you done recently to make yourself feel proud?

K. — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:40:25 -0000

I've had a great creative year in general -- wrote, directed and edited a short film, curated an art show, finished a lot of long-term writing projects. I'm also proud of taking ballet classes again after many, many, MANY years!

Re: Who in your own life would you give the title of “Hostess With the Mostess”?

K. — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:14:11 -0000

I know "hostess" is gendered female as a word, but the most welcoming person I know is actually an ex-boyfriend of mine -- always creating a warm, welcoming space for people to come into, attends to those pleasurable details, and had impeccable Texan manners. He loved to engineer memorable gatherings...a consummate host.

Re: How do you want your neighborhood to feel?

K. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:49:52 -0000

I live on the Upper West Side and I love how it feels here: bustling but not overwhelmingly so, diverse, literary. There is a lot culturally in terms of cafes, restaurants, access to museums and the like, but I also live near Riverside Park and Central Park. I like the little farmers market that pops up twice a week. The "mallification" of NYC is happening up here, and that is unfortunate; I wish we could preserve more local businesses.

Re: What are your best organizational tips?

K. — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:57:19 -0000

I write my master To-Do list on a dry-erase board. I'm not sure why this helps over writing it down on a regular piece of paper, but it does for me! I sit down with my coffee at the beginning of every week and write down my goals and intentions and I plan out my week's To-Dos. I also use the Lifestyle Map from Style Statement as a list template and write down something under each area for the week that I want to do, reflect upon, accomplish, etc. I also used IWantSandy.com to create text reminders and appointment reminders as prompts through my day to keep me on track, but now that the service is ending, I'm going to have to find something new!

Also, I have to say that I am a huge fan of the Entrepreneurial Time Management System's ideas of Focus Days, Buffer Days and Free Days. Danielle, I think you linked to it a few weeks ago -- I started implementing it in my own life and I have to say, I can really see a transformation! So thank you!

Re: What’s your favorite charity or philanthropic cause to support?

K. — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:35:50 -0000

I have a few: Doctors Without Borders because they go into the most difficult crisis zones and stay there. As a New Yorker, I support Robin Hood Foundation (http://www.robinhood.org/home.aspx), which fights poverty in the city. I also support CARE (http://www.care.org/) and local animal shelters. I also support ALS and lymphoma treatment/research, since key people in my life have suffered from these diseases in my life.

Re: What are you trying to achieve?

K. — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:35:03 -0000

To provoke beauty, thought and compassion through emotion and imagination. To push the boundaries against restrictive ideas about love, family, vocation, etc...so that people have the freedom to navigate where they desire in the world to completely fulfill themselves. To create communities and fellowship through art and self-expression.