Brooklyn, Summer 1912

Williamsburg 1912

Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn, New York. Especially in the summer of 1912. 

Betty Smith's opening line, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."

Two years ago, I went to Williamsburg for a friend's storytelling event. Reaching the top of the Bedford Avenue subway exit I saw a row of ancient three story tenements and thought about Francie Nolan in 1912 walking to the library. Despite the changes in the neighborhood's character, if you look carefully, there are remnants of the past that remind you of people, places and things that came before.

If you enjoy my stories please  check out my memoir, "I Hate the Dallas Cowboys - tales of a scrappy New York boyhood." Available at Logos Book Store or online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

The book has 109 Amazon five star reviews out of 109 total reviews posted. We're pitching a perfect game. My old world echoes TV's "The Wonder Years" ~ just add taverns, subways and Checker cabs.  

You can also purchase my photography portfolio, "River to River - New York Scenes From a Bicycle" on Amazon.

Francie's walk in 1912 Williamsburg

"Mom, Where's Dad?"

Kaiser Wilhelm,  Williamsburg grocery clerk

Kaiser Wilhelm

Serene Was A Word You Could Put To Brooklyn

Williamsburg 1912

Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn, New York. Especially in the summer of 1912. 

Betty Smith's opening lines, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."

Last night I was in Williamsburg for a friend's event. Reaching the top of the Bedford Avenue subway exit I saw a row of three story tenements and thought about Francie Nolan in 1912. Despite Williamsburg's overwhelming gentrification, if you look carefully there are remnants of the past that remind you of people, places and things that came before.

Thank you, Jimmy Wohl, for inviting me to perform at your show at Muchmore's on North 9th Street. Your artists were terrific and you gave me an excuse to explore the neighborhood for an hour.

Francie's walk in 1912 Williamsburg

"Mom, Where's Dad?"

Kaiser Wilhelm,  Williamsburg grocery clerk

Kaiser Wilhelm

M. Leona Godin performing at Jimmy Wohl's show

Muchmore's front window, Williamsburg

Cloudy ~ Old Friends

On a rooftop in Williamsburg last night, I joined a group celebrating Natalie, Marc and Ansley, the hosts & birthday kids. The evening sky was magical: puffy clouds, then a grey drizzle, followed by the sun peeking out and saying good night. The dark fell in rich blues and greens.

Natalie, Marc and Ansley delivered a terrific mix of delicious treats, drinks, and friends.

Darkness on a roof, being in a mix of mostly new people, can make me sad. At this party, I felt the opposite. Sometimes you make a new friend and realize you've been introduced to an old friend. Life is good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGD-DCpP3W0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRJSoTbwzDk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOR6p1o2hPI&feature=related