Bug Juice

My office is located on West 58th street, amidst many hotels. Every year at this time, during the United Nations General Assembly, my neighborhood is alive with black SUVs and dozens of young, very serious men with clear plastic coils coming out of their ears. I find it ironic that I’m never aware of any kind of threat or feel any danger until I’m surrounded by security guards.

Also on my street is the new Museum of Arts and Design. I was so excited about the members-only preview on the 25th, but didn’t remember until 6:00pm, and it was over at 4:00. Like all New York institutions, I’m sure there will be several openings; let’s hope I’ll be invited to another. This is definitely the season for openings, everything having slowed down during the summer months. I always wonder why I’m on some lists and not on others. These guest lists are as abstract as your permanent record in school. Remember the threat, "This will go on your permanent record"? Where is that permanent record now? Come judgment day, perhaps it will all be revealed.

Okay, Nell, I will talk about the house. The electrical and plumbing are all being brought in and set in place according to the drawings; they can be changed but not without cost. The experience of building my own house has brought insight (as well as debt) into my life.  

I think the reason I became a designer and not an architect is that I am much better working within parameters. The task of starting totally clean is a little daunting to me. I find I am more comfortable now that walls are up and many things are set in place. The constraints help me to be more innovative–they actually free me up to be more creative. I have an analogy. If you release an insect within a glass jar, you will see more energy exhibited by it’s flying back and forth smacking itself against the sides of the glass (bug juice). If you let it free in the air, it will simple fly off. Understand now? Let’s just let that "bee" until I can think of something better.

Photographer/cousin Lynn Davis has broken her camera, thus the absence of construction pictures. If she had to do it, this is a good time, because all the progress occurs underground and within the walls. Progress visits wouldn’t merit the two-hour drive up from New York, were it not for great shopping and good restaurants. I stopped off at Earth Foods for lunch. It was fresh and delicious. Isn’t it great when food that’s good for you also tastes good?!