Night Shifts...

... and things becomes clearer.

**
Related Posts:

Night Songs from the Second Floor (revisited)

You Got Your Nature I Got Mine

The only trees I knew growing up were carefully protected by cement and pretty linked fences and rules about not touching them.  Most of them were tall.

Since they weren't something to play with, who the hell cared.  They were just there and all the old ladies sat under them kvetching and gossiping. 

And yeah, the trees filling the Men's Park let me know the time of season and when summer was coming and when summer was leaving but they were more like a clock.

No, the forests I looked out upon were not grown from things.  They were made of things . They were the Con Edison smokestacks up on 14th.  They were the water towers of the old buildings my parents had struggled to get out of into better housing.  They were as normal as the sound of the subway  They were my forest and my view.

They were my nature.

I still don't get trees.  I mean, I like them and everything.  They're nice to sit under and nice to walk under.  They are very, very pretty to look at.  But if you ask me to take out my camera and take a picture of one that tells its story, I'm lost.

No.  What makes me whip out my camera in delight and awe and repeatedly look at the horizon in wonderment is steel and smoke and wood holding water and the millions of stories I told myself all the years I've stared out on them.

**
Related Posts:

Sunday Memories: The Men's Park

Going Up the Country Got to Get Away

A Car Ride to the Doctor

You Got Your North Star, I Got Mine

In Memory of Cindy: The Land of the Quartchyard

Sunday Memories of Winter

Sunday Memories of Winter

dying Brooklyn snowman

photo by E.M. Smith

Snow days used to be fun.  The only thing going 40 miles an hour was a car on some highway, and school was closed because secretly the Board of Ed wanted to say home too.

As the inches piled up and covered the tidy squares of grass no one was never EVER allowed to touch, let alone walk on, every kid on the Lower East Side raced downstairs.  It was the only time we were allowed to step onto that carefully kept piece of nature.

We hooted and hollered, jumped and leaped and rolled and got wet and cold, and then rushed into a lobby to throw our mittens on the radiator to dry up enough so we could rush out again for such a rare day, the smell of steaming wool trailing us

Except for all our happy I-don't-gotta-go-to-school joy on a rare day, all around us the city felt like a lullaby.  Soft and quiet and peaceful. 

**
Related Posts:

Cowboyland 

The Waiting Room

Sunday Memories: In the Garden of Eden There Are Stars Up Above

Friday's Child is Loving and GivingAnd Just Gave Birth

MAMA POODLE AND 
THE POODLE PUPPIES!

Social Tees rescued this obscenely cute and wonderful poodle out of a kill shelter in Los Angeles area two weeks ago, at which point she was super duper pregnant.

She gave birth to five healthy, equally cute and wonderful little curly puppies last week!!!  Big thanks to her awesome foster family who helped her through the birth.

Now Social Tees needs to collect the puppy supplies to take proper care of this mom and her babies over the next two months -- wee pads, cleaning supplies, puppy food, small dog food, and more.

PLEASE HELP!!???

You can make a material donation via Social Tees' Amazon Wish List here.

BABY NEEEEEEEDSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YOUUUUUUUU!!!!!

Baby is a sweet little lady but she doesn't really like other animals so she's miserable at the shelter. Please help this girl! She needs a foster home ASAP where she can be the only pet, chill out, and soak up all of your attention. Please email samantha@socialteesnyc.org if you can give this girl a chance.  She needs you!!

POPPY IN THE HOUSE!!

(Or on the Chair...)

Poppy arrived this morning and has already made herself at home with her two foster sisters, Toast and Muppet - @toastmeetsworld and @muppetsrevenge. Thank goodness for these lovely Cavalier ladies and their amazing family! Poppy is about 6 years old and only 8 lbs, as sweet and toy-like as they come. Interested in adopting?  Complete an application at socialteesnyc.org!

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE

SOCIAL TEES HAS 
MODKAT LITTER BOXES 
FOR CHEAP!!!!

These schmancy top entry litter boxes by Modko go for $180 retail. BUT Social Tees is selling gently used or new Modkats for only $50 each.

Woah!

Social Tees is part of Modko's special "Return to Good" program where returned boxes are donated to shelters.  If you're interested in buying one, come to Social Tees during regular hours or email contact@socialteesnyc.org for more details.

SOCIAL TEES IN THE EAST VILLAGE

COME VISIT!

COME VOLUTEER!!!

COME ON OVER!!!

Goldie, a Social Tees alum, hanging out


Social Tees
325 East 5th Street
New York, NY  10003
socialteesnyc.org
https://www.facebook.com/SocialTeesAnimalRescue

Night Songs from the Second Floor (revisited)

**
Related Posts:

Songs from the Second Floor

Walkin' After Midnight

Guest Artist: Marian Lews, Birdwatcher - Walk This Way

Marian Lewis, truly a city birdwatcher, knew something was up...

As I hurried up First Avenue with all the other people walking briskly, something caught my eye.

There on the sidewalk, by the wrought iron fence around a tree pit, was a small bird.

It was not unusual to see birds on the Upper East Side.  Often pigeons or sparrows scurried and fluttered by winging their way into a bush or tree.

This one was different.  This one hopped out into the middle of the sidewalk and started walking down the sidewalk with the flow of human traffic.

I knew it was a starling. I kept walking the opposite way, but kept glancing over my shoulder.  This bird was still marching boldly in the middle of the sidewalk.  I turned toward it thinking I would need to rescue it.  Maybe it couldn’t fly.

But it seemed fearless.  I walked faster to catch up.  Just as I was closing in, it reached the intersection of the cross street.  I was not near enough to grab it before it got to the curb but I could see it was a young starling not yet afraid of the perils of New York streets.

It stood still at the curb’s edge.  I wondered if I could get to it.  Suddenly it flew across the street just skimming over the moving cars.

“Surely it will perch in a tree,” I thought.  But it came to a landing right on the sidewalk across the intersection.  Standing on my tiptoes, I looked over moving traffic, straining to see where it would go.

The little starling continued strutting down the middle of the sidewalk amidst the parade of human feet.  No one paid mind to my little bird of wonder.  I turned around and walked on my way.


**
Related Posts:

Pets of Our Lives: Part 1-Pigeons

Pets of Our Lives: Part 2-Squirrels

Pets of Our Lives: Part 3-Horses

Pets of Our Lives: Part 4-Cats

Encore: Sunday Memories ofWondering Why: Untitled Puzzlement

Originally posted January 28, 2010, it still begs the question why Art loses out. Even when it isn't Super Bowl Sunday.




Watching a dedicated amateur pianist in an under-heated recital hall in the basement of an institution that somehow has become less important and much less funded that watching over-muscled men bash each other into early dementia and Parkinson while the whole world cheers them on.

Friday's Child is Loving and Giving and ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS!

SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Henry and his little boy

 Social Tees says:  It's moments like these that keep us going when things get challenging... which they often do in rescue. We hold onto these messages and memories in our mental treasure box and lovingly bring them out on darker days.  The scruffy little mutt here was adopted just a few days ago and has happily found a boy to call his own.

His new mom says: "Henry (formerly Sonny) is already right at home. True to his foster mom's description, he is most content cuddling next to you and getting a good belly rub. He follows the kids around as they play and has staked out two favorite napping spots around the house.

Henry is loving the snow and according to my 4-year-old son, he likes making snow angels (really, its him romping and rolling around in the snow and doing some kind of funny army crawl with a goofy grin on his face).

Every morning, my 2- year-old daughter excitedly gets out of her crib to go right to Henry and gives him a kiss and she makes sure to end the day the same way.

 We couldn't be happier to have Henry join our family. Thanks to Social Tees and the AMAZING foster care families who so lovingly take care of these babies until they arrive their forever homes!"

Social Tees says:  Thank goodness for fabulous families like Henry's. Thank YOU for providing our rescue dogs with the forever homes they so dearly deserve.

NEW PUPPIES ARE WAITING 

TO MAKE YOU HAPPY!!!!

We have lots of puppies available for adoption now!!! Omg!!!! Get 'em while they're cute!!! Just kidding, they will always be cute lol.

Golden mixes, lab mixes, Schnauzer mixes, and more!! Find details at socialteesnyc.petfinder.com and complete an application at socialteesnyc.org NOW!!!

ELLA THE BOXER 

NEEDS A FOSTER HOME!

Ella is an amazing lady with a heart of good and a strong spirit.

She had it rough for a while where she was used and abused as a breeding machine, but she's been resting up and recovering for a few months and is feeling much better!

She is 5 years old, about 55 lbs, and as absolutely fantastically warm and loving as dogs come. She is friendly with everyone, adores cuddling, walks well on a leash, and NAPS ALL DAY - PERFECT FOR A WRITER!!!  Or anyone else who sits still for long periods of time.

Please give this girl a warm home and lots of cuddles! Fostering starts today and lasts 2 to 4 weeks, pickup is at Social Tees. Email samantha@socialteesnyc.org NOW if you can help!!!

SOCIAL TEES IN THE 
EAST VILLAGE!!!

Come Volunteer!!!

Come Visit!!!!

 Come On In!!!!!

 Social Tees 
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003  
socialteesnyc.org 
www.facebook.com/SocialTeesAnimalRescue

From a Distance...

No matter where I was coming from, whether it was heartbreaking or hopeful, lovely or just the work of life, the minute I saw that skyline I knew I was home and whole again.

**
Related Posts:

From Here to Eternity with Home In Between

Finding Florence in Her New York

Rare Friendships: Coming Home

Sunday Memories: Homecoming

Home Away from Home

Finding Florence In Her New York

Life goes on.

What was once normal or familiar or home becomes a memory almost out of grasp.  Like trying to remember what the street used to look like before it became a gallery of high-end chains.

But, every once in a while, a homage to Florence bursts out of lost days and a former city.  In this case, a fierce runner, unimpressed and not intimidated by a blizzard, charging down Second Avenue.

**
Related Posts

Sunday Memories: When She Wore A Winter Coat

An Encore of Sunday Memories: When We Were Young*

An encore of the delight  that turning a year older used to bring.  And a thrill that delight has returned.  The new number may be 56 but the glee of being loved and celebrated just like at age five has been the best present ever.



It was our Christmas. And for us it happened twice a year because whoever's birthday it wasn't still got a couple of presents.

a troll doll
a guitar

The rustling of packages being snuck into the house, the sneaking around the closets

a real doll baby
an owl bank

figuring out ways to open the presents without leaving a trace, the desperate wait on the eve of turning older, the early morning rush into the living room or the kitchen to

books
books
books

the pile, the pile, the wonderful wonderful pile of presents, everything we could of wanted or hoped for or wished for and even if it wasn't it was thrilling a day where abundance showered upon us.

a real bra
a tin rolling fish
a microscope

There was no other time during the year this kind and delicious and rich.



*A.A. Milne

Sunday Memories: The Long And Winding Road

The last of this week's series commemorates LoFish Studios which will close in a few days because of a rent increase.

It wasn't just a place for their art to grow, but a place for New Yorkers of every ilk to sing, like the rockers, the hip hoppers, the opera singers, the jazzers.  

And the man who wanted to record a song for his father who had just died.

As El said, there is no other affordable place in New York for that. 

**
Related Posts:

Duet

Sunday Memories of Stairways To Heave And Other Worlds Where Art Thrives

Elisabeth's World

In Defiance Of Being Silenced

Sunday Memories Of High School Stairs

Sunday Memories: Stairway to Heaven (Loews Movie House - Delancey Street

Elisabeth Lohninger

Between a Rock and a Hard Place There Is...

Friday's Child Is Loving And GivingAnd You Deserve That In Your Life

Every day, Goldie and Jupiter keep my heart open just by being fabulous.

 Goldie being fabulous

WANT YOUR OWN FABULOUSNESS???

Whitey is 6 years old and extremely absurdly friendly. He's a total catch, wonderful with everyone!

SUCCESS STORY!!!
YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD!!!!

Social Tees rescued 10-year-old Kaiser aka Elvis (the darker dog) a few months ago when his former owner was hospitalized.   At the Kaiser had terribly long nails and wretched teeth, and he was very overweight. He had spent almost no time outside for years.

Social Tees placed Kaiser in one of the best foster homes ever had the pleasure of finding where he had time to decompress and socialize and learn to be a dog again. He also had a dental (most of his teeth were rotten so they were removed) and lost loads of weight! Then fate recently helped his forever family find him, and now he has a Dachshund brother named Luddy. 

His new mom says: "Kaiser is great. He's very cute and funny. He has a lot more energy than you might think and acts crazy outside and when we come home from work. He kind of hops with happiness. He cracks us up. He's always loose in the house even if we are not home. 

I feel bad about his teeth, I think he misses them, but he eats canned Natural Balance very easily. Sometimes we have farina together as well. We love him and so does everyone who meets him. He's irresistible. 

You know, he lost his owner who took marginal care of him, went to a great foster home, had a ton of medical stuff done in a short time, then had to leave his foster and come here -- and none of that got him down. 

And because of Social Tees his luck turned and his never failing hope was rewarded. So many dogs everywhere, softly wagging their tails and hanging on to hope. You show fate that a life in trouble doesn't have to stay that way.  I tell people that's what you do; you wrestle with fate until happiness wins. I say, 'Consider adopting that older dog. You won't regret it.'" WOW. Literally choking back tears right now."

NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!!!!

This warm, loving Ridgeback-Greyhound mix was just abandoned because her former owner can no longer care for her. 

She is 7 years old and about 55 lbs. She is a little shy but very sweet.   She's good with other dogs and well mannered.

Please help!!! We can't bare to put her in a cage after she's been through so much. Give this girl a warm place to sleep!!! Fostering starts tonight and lasts 2 to 4 weeks; pickup is at Social Tees; email samantha@socialteesnyc.org NOW if you can help!!!! 

SOCIAL TEES IN THE 
EAST VILLAGE!!!

Come Volunteer!!!

Come Visit!!!!

 Come On In!!!!!

 Social Tees 
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003  
socialteesnyc.org 
www.facebook.com/SocialTeesAnimalRescue

Duet

This week's series commemorates LoFish Studios which will close at the end of January because of a rent increase.

With just about a month to empty 11 years of heart, soul and song, El and Walter recorded their last album Saturday.  

It wasn't just a place for their art to grow, but a place for New Yorkers of every ilk to sing, like the rockers, the hip hoppers, the opera singers, the jazzers.  

And the man who wanted to record a song for his father who had just died. 

***

  **
Related Posts:

The Sound Of Music

Sunday Memories of Stairways To Heave And Other Worlds Where Art Thrives

Elisabeth's World

In Defiance Of Being Silenced

Sunday Memories Of High School Stairs

Sunday Memories: Stairway to Heaven (Loews Movie House - Delancey Street

Elisabeth Lohninger

Between a Rock and a Hard Place There Is...

The Sound Of Music

This week's series commemorates LoFish Studios which will close at the end of January because of a rent increase.

With just about a month to empty 11 years of heart, soul and song, El and Walter recorded their last album Saturday.  

It wasn't just a place for their art to grow, but a place for New Yorkers of every ilk to sing, like the rockers, the hip hoppers, the opera singers, the jazzers.  

And the man who wanted to record a song for his father who had just died. 

***
Elisabeth grew up in Austria, right by that big hill where Julie Andrews jumps around singing about how the hills are alive with the sound of music.

But Elisabeth didn't need a bunch of Alps to fill the world with everything she feels.  She came to New York, and with her husband, Walter Fishbacher, found other mountains to climb and sing from, and along the way built a studio for others to do the same.

When the Mariner and I slipped in to watch her sing farewell, the walls of that carefully constructed recording studio, sculpted with foam and wood to nourish each note, disappeared and we found ourselves on a endless vista, saying goodbye.

**
Related Posts:

Sunday Memories of Stairways To Heave And Other Worlds Where Art Thrives

Elisabeth's World

In Defiance Of Being Silenced

Sunday Memories Of High School Stairs

Sunday Memories: Stairway to Heaven (Loews Movie House - Delancey Street

Elisabeth Lohninger

Between a Rock and a Hard Place There Is...

Sunday Memories of Stairways To HeavenAnd Other Worlds Where Art Thrives

This week's series commemorates LoFish Studios which will close at the end of January because of a rent increase.

With just about a month to empty 11 years of heart, soul and song, El and Walter recorded their last album tonight.  

It wasn't just a place for their art to grow, but a place for New Yorkers of every ilk to sing, like the rockers, the hip hoppers, the opera singers the jazzers.  And the man who wanted to record a song for his father who had just died.

Originally posted Sunday, March 23, 2014

"Awww look at the peeling lead paint," El said.  "I'm going to miss this place."

But the building is about to be sold.

And the studio on the third floor where musicians can record their dreams for a reasonable rate will disappear into massive renovation bringing with it who knows... bars, discos, boutique hotels...places that allow the fantasy of having an after-party for some great work never accomplished.

Sorta like  Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

**
Related Posts:

Elisabeth's World

In Defiance Of Being Silenced

Sunday Memories Of High School Stairs

Sunday Memories: Stairway to Heaven (Loews Movie House - Delancey Street

Elisabeth Lohninger

Between a Rock and a Hard Place There Is...

Friday's Child is Loving And GivingWhich Is What The World Needs Now

Every day, Goldie and Jupiter keep my heart open just by loving me and giving me cuddles.

photo:  J.L. Wong

O.K. O.K. so maybe they just want to get fed.  Still... what a delicious way to be asked.  And let me tell you, when you're busy feeding cats you're not killing people. 

LOVE WINS THE DAY!!!!!!

From the guy who adopted Lily!!

Some of you may recognize the giant badass Shih Tzu in this cartoon... This is Lily, an amazingly bright but blind pup that Social Tees rescued last year. The super talented gentleman who adopted her just emailed them this fantastic drawing this morning -- so awesome!!!!

He writes:  "Dear Social Tees, Every year I hand-draw a holiday card, but this year's is very late due to my workload, but I wanted to share it with you because it features Lily! We wouldn't have her without you, so thank you, she means a lot to us. Again, belated Happy New Year, and all the best in 2015."

MORE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

The way-too-cute pup with a heart-shaped face in the foreground arrived last month via Social Tees most recent Los Angeles Rescue Mission. He was extremely shy at the time, understandably -- he was found on the streets of LA, tossed in a high-kill shelter there, put on an airplane, and then transported over to Fifth Street. That's a lot for a sensitive little dog to have to go through! His absolutely amazing foster mom gave him all of the time and TLC that he needed, and he slowly but surely blossomed into the loving, grateful little boy that he really is. And wouldn't you know it... his foster mom fell hard and adopted him! 

She says: "Chico's new name is Atticus Finch. As you can see, he has really opened up. He no longer hides, hangs his head, avoids eye contact, or flinches when someone comes close. He will look at everyone and has become a big lover of cuddles. His mischievous side has surfaced, he likes to steal soft fluffy things (kids toys, hats, mittens...) and hide them in his favorite spot; behind all the pillows on my bed. Hope all is well and I look forward to seeing you in the new year!"

WANT MORE LOVE IN YOUR LIFE???

WANT PEACE AND GOOD WILL,  NOT JUST DURING THE HOLIDAYS???

ADOPT! 

 

FOSTER! 

SUPPORT!!!

 

SOCIAL TEES IN THE 
EAST VILLAGE!!!

Come Volunteer!!!

Come Visit!!!!

 Come On In!!!!!

 Social Tees 
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003  
socialteesnyc.org 
www.facebook.com/SocialTeesAnimalRescue

Getting Up Close And Personal

Heading out to the North Fork (because that's what you do when rare friendship is involved) it was another chance to Ask.

Daniela looked me straight in the camera and said yes.   Then she smiled like the amazing young woman she was.

Because that's what you do when you are unafraid to look at who you are.

**
Related Posts:

Courage To Change

Rare Friendships: Coming Home

Courage To Change

Jacques of Endless New York would get right up and personal and ask people if he could take a picture.  He got pictures that really piss me off because they are so beautiful and personal and intimate and a world where you could step in and go somewhere private and catch your breath.

 

photo:  Jacques Baudrier

The worlds that I step in and go somewhere private are often devoid of people.  Instead, they are filled with the empty nooks and crannies I wandered through in the deep of night by myself, wondering about life, liberty and what that office at 2 a.m. was really like.

When it came to taking pictures of people, unless I knew them, knew them very well...

...like Dana or Polly the cat...

...I skulked around and snapped away like I was a spy out of a Peter Sellers movie.  Obviously bad at being sneaky but thinking I was getting away with something.

I'd take pictures from far away...

... or up close on their feet...

 

...or at their backs...

I hated Jacques.  I hated his camera.  I wanted his pictures.

No, not really.  I adore him.  But jealousy makes us ugly human beings, especially jealousy that really is about Jacques doing something I was quite capable of doing.  Asking.

Ask, Jacques said.  Ask.  He even sent an article defending his case.  By Eric Kim.  Who said... Ask. 

So.  On a miserable winter day, rushing by the world, late for something, I stopped and looked at a living painting.

Oh, just walk by, it doesn't matter, said my cold feet.

No. Ask, said my eyes. 

Ask, I heard Jacques say in my ear. 

Ask.

Change is a horrible feeling and taking risks can be worse than getting car sick.

But not doing anything is worst of all.

The tailor smiled, gave a thumbs up and then went back to work.

**
Related Posts:

Endless New York

The Operative Word Was "AND"

It Was Her Anomaly

Sunday Memories:  Friending, Old School Style