Bouler Architecture

Stools!

2012-02-13T19:21:00.005-05:00

It started on Craigslist with these in Massapequa for $40 each. A great deal, don't you think?

Then I thought about these from DWR.

Until I found these at Modernica. Ah, it's love.

Charley Harper: MidCentury Artist and Birder

2012-02-05T09:49:00.002-05:00

When we saw the Charley Harper exhibition at Cornell Lab of Ornithology last spring, I hadn't realized how much his work would seep into my consciousness. With my growing passion for streamlined midcentury design only growing, his colorful images capture the essence of birds in a uniquely stylized way. So when I was searching for a new 2012 calendar this morning, Charley Harper's images came to mind. With January already gone, I thought, hey I'll get a discount. On the contrary, Harper's calendars are SOLD OUT on many sites and now commanding higher prices. Fortunately I was able to find one at its original price before they were all gone. What this means, of course, is that my Charley Harper illustrated first edition of Betty Crocker's Dinner for Two Cookbook must be worth at least double the $3.50 I paid for it at a yard sale.

Wordless Monday

2012-01-23T18:01:00.001-05:00

Sputnik Lands

2012-01-22T15:07:00.002-05:00

Part asteroid, part spaceship, James made yet another great Craigslist discovery: this Italian light fixture circa 1960. Just add candelabra flame bulbs and the look is outta this world.

Potic Birding Nook!

2012-01-16T17:06:00.008-05:00

The Potic Cottage addition left 20 square feet in the eaves off the children's bedroom, a perfect perching spot for watching the birds at the feeders or for catching up on some reading. Using repurposed materials, including this awesome $1 bird blanket from the Ravina flea market, the nook became THE place to be this weekend.

Mid Century Mania

2012-01-12T19:54:00.004-05:00

My growing passion for Mid Century design has only increased over time. And sadly, my Duncan Fife-style chairs and table were becoming too delicate for daily use. Enter Craigslist. After looking through a handful of Salvation Army and Goodwills, I began the search for earnest on ol' reliable Craigslist. I found this set of six chairs and table with leaf for ... $95. No joke. We wasted no time getting over to the woman, who was given the set to sell as a donation for animal rescue. Fate? Indeed. Handing the woman an even $100 for good karma, we took the set home and began to refurbish the seats and stain the wood. Now all of my linens seem incredibly old-fashioned, so I bought these recycled placemats from CB2. Perfection!

Still Working on My Emotions

2012-01-09T17:52:00.003-05:00

When I was asked to create a sheet of emotions, I realized how subtle most of human emotion really is. How do I depict the difference between satisfied and empowered? Oy. The precision of language and the subtlety of emotion conveyed in a stick figure-- go figure!

Bay Shore: From the Air

2011-12-20T20:30:00.002-05:00

Aerial shots of this solar powered residence on the Great South Bay, Long Island.

Olana on Foot

2011-12-11T20:14:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we took a minor detour off the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and visited Olana, artist Frederic Edwin Church's lavish Byzantine- inspired mansion. With its breathtaking views of the Hudson River, it's easy to see why the artist was duly inspired to create such equally captivating works of art. After a quick walk downhill to the education center, the kids were provided with backpacks for field notes and illustrations. Olivia worked on a nature sketch and Jackson did some architectural drawings-- both of which were added to the the center's walls.

Captree Interiors

2011-12-06T14:50:00.004-05:00

Same view, same family, different interiors, both breathtaking. James took a ride over to Captree Island this morning for a site visit of the beachfront family compound and brought along his camera. These interiors offer two different decor interpretations-- one light and airy, the other, smoldering and cozy. Both, however, demonstrate the value of a limited palette and attention to detail.

Light Fixtures: New Find

2011-11-18T13:47:00.005-05:00

I found this awesome light fixture at Ad Lib Antiques in Hudson, NY. Supernova, a chandelier designed by Lou Blassingame, caught my eye months ago and I've been smitten ever since. Both modern and dynamic, Blassigame custom makes each fixture to match the client's needs. Is it unreasonable to ask Santa to bring a 19" version of this on his sled?

Windham's Recovery

2011-11-13T19:50:00.006-05:00

The Boulers decided to celebrate 11/11/11 by heading out on a family hike up Acra Point, a state park right outside of Windham. Jackson described the climb as God's staircase.

The kids loved our picnic lunch with a view of Black Dome Mountain.

As did the parents.

Unfortunately, on our way home, we discovered a bag of garbage in the swiftly moving stream. Luckily James was able to fish it out with a stick before the bag burst and spread garbage in the water.

Jackson, who is very interested in environmental engineering, documented the erosion caused by the flooding after Hurricane Irene.

After our family hike, we head into Windham for some supplies. At The Country Store, one of our favorite spots, we picked up local eggs and yogurt, a loaf of freshly baked raspberry crumb cake, hot apple cider, and a flurry of snowflakes. Although recovery been tough for the area, it was good to see Windham pulling together to rebuild after the storm.

Jack-O-Lanterns

2011-11-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

Express Yourself

2011-10-21T22:43:00.001-04:00

Had some fun expressing some emotions the other day with my Sharpie.

Consumption

2011-10-16T18:09:00.006-04:00

Check out this map of the deforestation of the US. The last graphic reveals a huge decrease in the number of forests, especially in the eastern half of the country. But what's more disturbing to me is that the last graphic reads 1926. Who knows what that map looks like now.
Here's a recent graphic of global electricity consumption:

Clearly the glow of the Northeast in the US shows just how plugged in this region is as it replaced trees with industry. The worldwide disparity of access to electric has great implications for those who don't have enough juice to power lifesaving healthcare technology, and creating access through solar panels has become a mission for groups like Power Up Gambia.
Both images reveal a culture that devours everything in its path, fueled by its own consumption, until it extinguishes every last resource. No wonder Godzilla is mad as hell.

Life Out of Balance

2011-10-13T20:47:00.004-04:00

In the late 1950's, biologist and author of Silent Spring Rachel Carson warned of how man, in his quest for profit, disrupts the harmony of nature which had been developed over eons. The result, the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems. In 1983, the film Koyaanisqatsi used visual imagery and Philip Glass's music to tell the epic story of man versus nature.
But this year, a group of artists at the Noguchi Museum in Queens decided use their imaginations to offer their own suggestions to help nature adapt to urbanization and habitat loss. The exhibition, Civic Action: A Vision for Long Island City, looks at ways to improve environmental health by using an urban farming system for railings, double-hung windows; greening “no parking zones”; building bridges for butterflies and superhighways for salamanders; and repaving Broadway from the N/Q subway station to Socrates Sculpture Park with drivable grass.
Perhaps it's the artists who will lead an environmental renaissance after all.

Like the Wagon Wheel

2011-10-02T19:29:00.004-04:00

Even motorcycle magazines recognize the fact that peak oil has arrived in our world. What this means is that all of the 'easy to acquire' oil has been obtained and the only oil remaining is oil that has great environmental cost to extract from the earth. It's hard to reconcile the fact that a motorcycle magazine would know this and our government ignores this very important fact. This denial is further evidence of the influence that oil companies have on our world. Not only must we use less, there are new, potential alternatives out there. Electric, algae, even wood scraps have been enlisted to replace dirty, dangerous, polluting oil Let's make oil our generation's wagon wheel.

Photo taken at Orange Beach, Alabama the day the oil hit the beach June 2010.

Hippoworks!

2011-09-18T15:59:00.003-04:00

How do we create the next generation of conservationists? Cartoons, of course! Don't we all remember the allure of the animated image? Going on a digital campaign to stop animal extinction, Hippoworks has generated some thought-provoking messages aimed at the pre-tween set while being smart and sassy enough to entertain their parents. And how can you beat the message-- the alarming rate of overdevelopment of natural territory is causing mass extinction of species. Powered by sun, wind and poop, this website is one which practices what it preaches.

Mushroom Madness

2011-09-06T17:04:00.002-04:00

Identifying mushrooms is a long standing tradition in Europe. Most mushrooms in Europe have been identified and studied my the many prestigious mycological societies throughout the Old World. In North America, not so much. One mycologist who had catalogued European mushrooms bemoaned his decision to take on North American mushrooms once he realized the scale of the region and its lack of previous documentation. Indeed, even at Potic Cottage, we've had a huge variety of mushrooms pop up seemingly overnight with subtle differences that could be the difference between edible and toxic.

Costa Rica: The Video

2011-08-30T17:30:00.002-04:00

Good Morning, Irene

2011-08-29T10:13:00.004-04:00

I am fortunate to have spent the morning only cleaning the yard of debris from the storm. Many of my friends were not so lucky. Pamela called, on the road with coolers full of food, reporting that the North Fork of Long Island looked like a war zone. Erika, stranded at her house on a mountain in Vermont, texted that all the roads had washed away. Michelle posted pics of 9W in Coxsackie, now underwater. Hurricane Irene's path of destruction was far reaching.
I'd get on my soapbox right about now, but it blew away with the high winds. Instead I'll simply say that climate change is something to take seriously. As the oceans increase in temperature and more ice become water, those once-in-a-lifetime storms may become more regular events. One only needs to look to Hurricane Katrina to see our hand in altering the environment, whose impact was worse due to the loss of wetlands on the Gulf Coast. Perhaps we Americans should consider that before we dismantle important governmental agencies which regulate and protect our natural habitat. What's that expression about an ounce of prevention? Or is it cutting off our nose to spite our face?

Going Modern in Sayville, NY

2011-08-25T10:11:00.003-04:00

Sayville, New York is a quaint seaside community known for its Victorian captain homes and thriving downtown, so when Bouler Architecture was approached to turn a modest cape into a larger, modern home with solar panels, it was an exciting proposition. With Lesco Construction, the project has been moving forward smoothly, and now Sayville can add modern homes to its list of highlights.

WLIR and APB: A Reunion

2011-08-19T03:31:00.005-04:00

Fortunately there was a break in Bouler action, allowing me the time to go to tonight's WLIR/APB reunion event at My Father's Place. Former radio station WLIR was perhaps Long Island's best contribution to music history (eat that, Billy Joel). Bringing punk rock and new wave to New York's airwaves, it was a 1980's mainstay for the disenfranchised, angst ridden teen that I was. One of its best musical finds was Scottish band APB, a punk/funk band from Aberdeenshire, Scotland who developed a substantial fan base in the Tri-State area. Though you may not know any of their songs, you'll recognize their sound, now appropriated by bands like The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. In listening to their music again, I'm impressed with how much it holds together-- a modern fusion that was definitely before its time-- not unlike WLIR itself.

Lessons from Costa Rica

2011-08-09T14:24:00.004-04:00

Must everything come down to dollars and cents? In a super-capitalistic society, I suppose we could reduce everything, even preserving the environment, into a commodity. With the crash of US economic markets and looming governmental budget cuts setting the stage for the dismantling of environmental regulation, it was heartening to see the New York Times article today about the cost effectiveness of maintaining biodiversity and other natural resources. Holding up Costa Rica as a model, a country known for its investment in national parks, the article cites their Payment for Environmental Services program, where land owners are paid to maintain native forest instead of cutting. In curtailing deforestation, Costa Rica serves as a model for the rest of the world and is the reason for their thriving eco-tourism. Having just returned from Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica and visiting the Palo Verde rainforest, I can say that preserving the environment can be financially beneficial. The concept reminded me of a conversation our family had with Congressman Steve Israel in March. He spoke of securing money for restoring the Long Island Sound, helping to make commercial fishing a profitable profession again, only to see funding disappear. Some would say the program was big government waste, but others might see it as serving two purposes-- both economically and environmentally. With our current Congressional gridlock, perhaps we should take a look at Costa Rica's forward-thinking environmental plans and adopt them as our own.

Vote for an Eco-Friendly Fashion Trend

2011-08-08T16:38:00.005-04:00

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I have long been a fan of fashion. And long before my growing interest in cutting my carbon footprint, I have been known to troll the shelves of second hand stores, so it was with great interest that I checked out Forevermore's mission to make the fashion industry more eco-friendly. Eliza Starbuck, the designer of the dress in The Uniform Project, is on to another project, one which attempts to 'green' the fashion industry. From made-to-order clothes, more efficient use of fabrics, and less polluting manufacturing, Starbuck's message is one that could help the fashion industry move to a more sustainable future.

Bring on the Butterflies!

2011-08-05T06:33:00.003-04:00

Our garden this year has been neglected more than usual; however out of concern for our polinating friends, Jackson decided to add some plants to help out the bees and the butterflies. With a little help from his dad, he was able to add a butterfly bush to the meditation garden, and for the birds, a blueberry bush and cherry tree. It was with interest then that I stumbled upon master gardener Eileen's blog, Milkweed Gardens. A gardener for the Orange County Extension Office in Florida, Eileen enjoys butterfly gardening with her children and encourages parents to turn their backyards into a hands-on, butterfly biology lesson. Hm, creating a lifelong gardening lesson and enriching the environment at the same time? Sounds like a good addition to the meditation garden.

Young Voices on Climate Change

2011-08-04T08:48:00.002-04:00

Olivia and Jackson will be interviewed by author, illustrator, and flmmaker Lynne Cherry about their conservation efforts. On the heels of their exciting trip to Costa Rica where they were able to meet with schoolchildren in Guanacaste, the kids are looking forward to connecting with other children who feel equally passionate about the environment. Cherry, the author of many children's books including The Great Kapok Tree, has been an environmentalist since she was a child. It seems fitting then, for her to be the one to champion the environmental concerns and solutions from this generation of children around the world.

ABAD Idea Makes the NYT

2011-08-02T08:42:00.003-04:00

The latest installment of the A Book About Death is in Bay Shore, NY and features the work of 150 artists, including Louise Millmann, James Bouler and me. Recently reviewed in the New York Times, the exhibition centers around the broad concept of 'ties that bind' which provides plenty of room for interpretation. Hats off to the ABADer LuAnn Palazzo who curated the show.

Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica

2011-08-01T11:18:00.003-04:00

The relationship between a building and its site can be complicated. Not only is functionality an issue, a building should capitalize on its setting. Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica took its location on Peninsula Papagayo into account in its modern design when it was built seven years ago. A series of buildings nestled in the trees, the variety of natural textures and curving rooflines were intended to mimic the organic world around it. Coupled with its open and airy floor plan, the resort's spaces flow from lobby to lounge to landscape with ease.

Project Puffin!

2011-07-24T15:17:00.001-04:00

Road Kill

2011-07-20T10:40:00.001-04:00

Don't you think all of our streets could use this reminder?

Photography: Naturally

2011-07-18T14:07:00.005-04:00

When Olivia began bird watching at five years old, it was at close range at our feeders, but as her interest in birding grew, it became important for her to not only see birds in their natural habitat, but to document what she saw. This year Olivia had the chance to test drive her new Tamron zoom lens on Eastern Egg Rock as part of her visit to Project Puffin. Here are some of her shots--demonstrating how the zoom capacity allowed her to get up close and personal with birds which might have otherwise been scared off.
As humans encroach on more and more natural habitat, Project Puffin, a seabird restoration project in Maine started by ornithologist Dr. Stephen Kress, demonstrates the steps people can take to help birds find suitable habitat for nesting and may be the key to preventing extinction for species like Roseate Terns. If you would like to support Project Puffin, please consider bidding on the original painting Olivia donated to them.

The Cost of Green Lawns

2011-07-12T08:13:00.005-04:00

What's with the lawns, people? Scotts is developing a genetically modified bluegrass for golf courses, and we all know it's a matter of time before it makes its way to homes across America. Not regulated by the agriculture department or the EPA, we all can write the next line of this story--- INVASIVE SPECIES! Like kudzoo's march through the South, we'll then be scrambling to contain the grass at considerable cost financially and environmentally.
Our obsession with a green lawn borders on insanity. Pesticide use for grass is off the charts, especially on Long Island, where run-off and aquifers are of scant concern in light of the lure of a lawn. Then teams of fossil-fuel burning lawn mowers and leaf blowers plow through our neighborhoods, all for a crop that feeds no one, not even birds, which is then watered with a precious resource: drinkable water.
So here's my proposal-- Charge a HUGE tax on pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Encourage people to appreciate natural looking lawns, to plant native plants to feed animals, or to cultivate crops to feed people.

Bay Shore Site Visit

2011-07-07T17:03:00.004-04:00

Net Zero residence doesn't need to be synonymous with discomfort. This project is both efficient and comfortable. In fact, take a close look at the meter. Despite a cool interior temperature inside of 74 degrees in 95 degree weather, this meter reads 2 KW thanks to the 11KW solar array on site. The craftsmanship of construction done by Telemark is top quality, quite a feat considering the complexity of the design and decor. By using a variety of textures and design elements, this new house has a warm flow to it, feeling almost as if it's always been there.

Julia and Avis

2011-07-05T06:51:00.003-04:00

Looking for a good summer read? I've been enjoying the letters between Julia Child and Avis DeVoto, compiled in As Always, Julia. It is fascinating to see how their transatlantic friendship grows thanks to the quality of their writing and the depth of their intellect. Filled with references to the McCarthy trials of the 1950's, the process of creating Child's materpiece of a cookbook, and even where to find the right kind of onion, the book provides an insight into the era and into a friendship. It makes me miss letter writing-- for who will compile a series of emails in the same way?
Child's newfound popularity is no surprise to those who have read her memoir, My Life in France. The book is a passionate recount of her evolution from OSS member to supreme foodie. In our world of increasing electronica, the physical sensations inherent in cooking are clearly a draw. And yet it is Julia's irrepressible nature that catpivates us all. She grabs life with both hands, takes on challenges with gusto, and surrounds herself with people who do the same.

July 4th: Power Off!

2011-07-04T07:02:00.003-04:00

Most of us spend 4th of July outside with loved ones, enjoying an ear of corn on the cob and a slice of watermelon to celebrate our freedoms. Meanwhile inside our homes sit humming cable boxes, always at the ready. Last week, the NYT cited cable boxes as our nation's number one energy drain: not refrigerators, not lights, but cable boxes, which often sit unused for great percentages of the day. My cable company gave me three boxes as part of my package, and I can say there are two that sit there in the 'off' position for days on end, simply functioning as clocks. The Times reports that even in the off position, these boxes still pull tremendous amounts of energy. True, they could have been made to be more efficient by cable companies, much like their European counterparts, but no, US companies didn't think to do that, assuming the American consumer wouldn't tolerate waiting for their box to boot up as their computer does. Instead, the boxes suck energy, driving us to consume more resources for no real reason. Why does it require government regulation to get companies to do the right thing? If and when the government says, hey, wait a minute cable folks, we did away with antenna broadcast airwaves, at LEAST make these boxes energy efficient, the corporations will cry, oh no we hate big government, we can regulate ourselves, and now we'll have to charge more to our customers to redesign and replace these boxes which now need to be tossed in the landfill. What, the cable company didn't know there was an energy crisis? Must have been watching the Casey Anthony trial that day.
Anyway, for my patriotic duty, I have put my cable boxes on power strips and off they go-- freedom from consumption.

Ray's Boxes

2011-07-02T12:55:00.004-04:00

For those of you following this blog regularly, you are well aware of artist Ray Johnson's use of the postal system as part of his art performance. The act of mailing art and having it arrive on the doorstep of a lucky recipient was the key to his NY Correspondence School. And it wasn't just artwork that was often sent. Boxes filled with odds and ends from junk drawers, postcards, tennis balls, bric-a-brack were sent to special friends-- somewhat like receiving a Joseph Cornell piece in a cardboard box. Last week at Esopus in NYC, collagist Bob Warner shared with the viewing public the three boxes he had received from Ray before Ray's death in 1995. By unpacking, and then repacking the boxes, Warner resurrected Ray's ability to turn even the simplest, everyday act into a full-blown performance art piece.
photo by Louise Millmann, film by Nicholas Maravell

Good Ol' Photography

2011-06-27T14:35:00.004-04:00

Louise Millmann's history of photography class is the only thing that could have enticed me to give up the first day of summer vacation. Louise's insights about photography moved at such a swift pace that I was afraid to take a bathroom break for fear I would miss a century or two. We paused at 1874 to become both photographers and models-- and sometimes even gentlemen.

600 Entries

2011-06-22T19:24:00.000-04:00

Nadine in the 19th Century

2011-06-21T22:57:00.003-04:00

As Louise prepares to teach the history of photography, her mode of attack is to purchase every form of antique photography methods. Forget the tin type, she's talking all sorts of types that I ain't never heard no nothin' about. Thank goodness I am enrolled to get the inside scoop. We are also going to be playing in the darkroom and. . . having our historical (hysterical) portraits taken. A master of disguise and photoshop, Louise has the eerie skill of swiftly turning the most hip Greenpoint fabunista into a Civil War widow. Here's a view of my life in the 19th century...the two sides of me that still exist in 2011. Let me know if you are around doing nothing on Monday or Tuesday next week and I'll see if I can sneak you into this wonderful and wonderfully unpredictable workshop.

Going LOCA(L)

2011-06-19T21:14:00.003-04:00

Have you ever played the game "What-if-all-the-gasoline-disappeared-how-would-I-survive?" game. Sadly, I've run through the scenario a couple of times while caught in traffic on my way to work. After a few moments of cold panic, I decide, by golly, that I'd just grow my own food in the yard. End of story. Or is it?
Not if monster corporate conglomerate seed manufacturer Monsanto has anything to do with it. No they'd rather create seeds for crops which can't seed themselves, reducing the number of plant species and keeping us chained to them for our food supply.
The way I see it, the only way to combat this type of corporate greed, as well as cut gasoline consumption, is to purchase locally grown, unmodified foods. Of course, those who are part of the growing CSA farming movement already know the satisfaction of putting organic, heirloom produce on their tables. For me, while upstate this weekend I went over to Athens to Black Horse Farms buy a cart of groceries: local eggs, fiddlehead ferns, strawberries, and several bee-friendly flowering plants. Around the corner at Crossroads, I picked up a couple of growlers of locally brewed beer. After making a father's day meal with my local finds, it was not only gratifying to know that my feast supported an ideal in which I believe, but it was exceptionally delicious.

Champions of Change: White House Panel

2011-06-12T11:40:00.007-04:00

As the Obama administration looks to its domestic policy goals, the reality of financial woes and a political stalemate leads it to take a different tact. The White House has organized a series of panel discussions with those they have cited as 'Champions of Change', people who have performed Herculean tasks starting at the grassroots level. On Tuesday, June 7th, Olivia was asked to participate in the New Orleans Panel, joined by 11 others creating social change in unique ways. The round table, held at a convention for volunteer efforts, was led by Melody Barnes and Marta Unquilla, who are involved with the service initiatives of the Obama Administration. According to James, it was incredible to listen to individuals talk about what they are accomplishing, mostly on a shoestring budget. Here's a list of a few of the participants, many of whom were women:

- Liz McCartney, who is rebuilding the 9th ward in NOLA.
- Lan Diep, who is connecting with Vietnamese fisherman for the BP oil spill claims.
- Brenda Krause Eheart, Ph.D. who is building an interesting community housing model in Chicago (retired individuals who pay less rent in exchange for working in the community day care).
- Ivye Allen, Ph.D., who is president of Foundation of the Mid-South, whose mission is economic development in the mid-south.
- Dianna Daley, Director of Centro Compesino, education programs for south Florida.

Other programs included schools in the 9th ward, Muslim community collaborative, Alabama disaster relief, Hispanic community collaboratives. Each panelist was able to connect his or her initiative with the greater good of our nation.
Olivia was the sole participant whose initiative was about the environment and, as the only child, was singled out by Melody Barnes as part of the nation's future. Olivia had the opportunity to address the round table where she discussed her fundraiser, the partnership with Audubon, and putting the 'eco' back in the economy.
Not only did the participants connect with each other, their stories will be shared on the White House web site. Also in attendace at the conference were corporations looking to expand their outreach programs by collaborating with not-for-profits-- a corporate trend that I can truly support.

ABAD: The Ties that Bind

2011-06-07T06:38:00.003-04:00

An homage to the ultimate unknown artist, Ray Johnson among others. Check out the other entries for the upcoming show.

In Memory

2011-06-05T12:41:00.004-04:00

Jackson at Calverton Veterans' Cemetery picking up flags from Memorial Day-- a sight I wanted to commit to memory.

Ties That Bind: A New ABAD Exhibition

2011-06-01T17:47:00.002-04:00

Here are my sketches for the upcoming A Book About Death exhibition. With tornadoes racing across the United States, including a warning tonight for the metropolitan NY area, the topic of 'The Ties that Bind' seem ominously connected to our environment.

Don't Allow This to Be Another Silent Spring: Tell Lawmakers to Take Climate Action | OnEarth Magazine

2011-05-26T17:35:00.001-04:00

Sigourney Weaver and Olivia, two of the honorees at the Women in Conservation awards. Check out Sigourney's thoughts about Rachel Carson:
Don't Allow This to Be Another Silent Spring: Tell Lawmakers to Take Climate Action | OnEarth Magazine

Midcentury Modern Architect Andrew Geller

2011-05-22T20:12:00.005-04:00

Architecture mavens know how important preservation is, however midcentury modern has gotten short shrift in this regard. Perhaps it is too close to recent memory to be cherished in the same way as quaint saltbox structures, but it is part of our architectural history nonetheless. Long Island architect, Andrew Geller, produced structures on Long Island worth saving, as chronicled by modernemama who has been renovating her own Geller residence. Preserving his daring geometric buildings is the subject of potential documentary now raising funds on Kickstarter. Let's hope the family finds the funds to bring this project to the big screen.

Use Art to Turn the World Inside Out

2011-05-16T17:56:00.001-04:00

What an incredible way to use photography to transform the relationship between buildings, art and humanity. Posting striking closeups of people on buildings, French graffitti artist JR sparks conversation and reflection in a bold manner. In one example, he juxtaposes images of Palestinian and Israelis who do the same job. In doing so, he reveals the universality of their life expereince despite the political barriers between them. It's worth taking the time to watch the full video since it forces us to consider our own two hands and what changes we can make through art.

Silenced

2011-05-09T04:24:00.004-04:00

Olivia and I were on a Saturday morning walk upstate, spotting bluebirds, herons, robins, when we saw this dear veery thrush in the middle of the road. At first we hoped it was a stick, and then we hoped we could save it. Alas, it broke our hearts we could not. Known for its unique song, this bird was silenced when it was struck by a car. We carried the bird home and buried it, marking the spot with our bird bath. Out of grief, Olivia gave the bird new life in her illustration.

Christian The Lion - A Love Story

2011-05-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

This video demonstrates the power of love-- Happy Friday!

Corn: America's Hidden Threat

2011-05-05T14:35:00.004-04:00

Corn-- a gift from the Native Americans, now an insidious blight on American society. Ok I exaggerate, but the impact the corn industry has had on our country is one many people haven't even considered. From the billions of dollars in subsidizes the industry received for decades, to Iowa Caucus opening the presidential elections, to corn syrup infiltrating our food, the corn lobby has clearly asserted its power. The environmental damage to soil created by the corn superfarms combined with the cuts to federal conservation programs and regulations could spell disaster not unlike the Dust Bowl of the 1930's.

Arbor Day

2011-04-29T09:20:00.007-04:00

While I was listening to a college radio station this morning, the host was chatting about the contrast between big business and the environmental movement. "The oil industry has money, but the environmental movement has the collective." He went on to assert that the collaborative nature of the environmental movement, sharing members and resources, allows for many leaders who vie for progress not power. The power of the environmental movement comes from everyday people making choices in their everyday actions-- and in this way, the collective can affect change. For example, my students recently implemented a water bottle recycling program at our high school, capturing 1.3 tons of plastic in March alone. Needless to say, the actions of individuals, positive or negative, have a combined result.
With Arbor Day upon us, it seems like an appropriate time to encourage the collective response of planting trees. Instead of a national day of consumption-- cards, flowers, candy, toys-- let's honor a day dedicated to improving our natural habitiat. The collective act of planting trees has great political power too. Wangari Maathai started the Green Belt movement in Kenya one tree at a time-- the end result was massive in terms of the environment and the empowerment it provided.
And why not plant trees? We need to counteract those lost annually to overdevelopment and to storms in order to provide a healthy environment to animals and people alike. Consider adding a tree to your yard this spring, or simply protecting the ones you have. Or instead of giving out a rubber bracelet for a fundraiser, or a tchotke as a wedding favor, consider sharing saplings. Those trees might just add up to a forest.

Oak Beach Project in Green Builder Mag

2011-04-25T15:47:00.005-04:00

On Friday, USA Today printed a front page story about the mass manufacturing of homes that, by using alternative energy, create more energy than they use. The concept is one that James has been working on for several years now. Green Builder Magazine decided to use Bouler Architecture's Oak Beach project and YouTube video to showcase how a net-zero energy home can be achieved through passive design and photovoltaic and geothermal systems. If we are going to move this country forward, sustainability will be the key to our success.

Urban Planning

2011-04-24T11:15:00.003-04:00

Our LA view

With our recent tour of a few American cities, it became all too clear that it takes a vision to create a livable urban environment. I could barely pry James and Olivia out of Portland, OR-- a cityscape whose scale is both pedestrian and cyclist friendly, surrounded by parks and wildlife-- whereas we scarcely left the hotel in LA. True, the hotel was one of the most amazing rockstar experiences of our life with a rooftop pool and a free minibar, but it was the thought of driving through the urban sprawl which made sightseeing of little interest. The city is a study in poor planning and lost opportunities. Worse yet, with its expanse of sunny rooftops, the city was screaming for arrays of solar panels which were few and far between. Heading south, the French Quarter in New Orleans was its usual charming pedestrian self, with tourists returning to the area for some gumbo and beignets, and our last stop in Fairhope, Alabama, was a keen reminder of what a vibrant downtown fabric can do for a community.
The underlying element of success for a city seems to be simple-- design it for people and not for cars.

Earth Day-- Every Day

2011-04-23T11:53:00.003-04:00

What I like about Earth Day is that it reminds us that our everyday actions can be a positive influence on the health of our environment. Every year I take stock on what I've been doing to reduce my carbon footprint, and every year, improvements can be made. Recently I've cut our household meat consumption to one day a week, improved our composting, and gone electronic on my household bills. Yet, paper still comes into the house, stray plastic bags creep into the closet, and I'm not sure how to get all the peanut butter out of the jar for recycling. It's a daily decision to strive for a smaller impact on the environment.

The Spill: A Year Later

2011-04-20T09:01:00.005-04:00

There isn't enough time this morning to compose an entry which truly encapsulates the events of this past year; however I could not let the day go without commemoration.
When the Deepwater Horizon Rig exploded last year, eleven men lost their lives and the Gulf of Mexico's habitat became the casualty of lax regulation and our insatiable thirst for oil. What has changed since then? Environmental groups like Audubon and Ocean Conservancy, took on the Herculean task of trying to save as much wildlife as possible, but unfortunately many animals perished and continue to suffer. Thousands of birds died, and many more will continue to feed contaminated food to their young as oil and corexit make their way through the food chain. Attempts to change the oil industry were close to fruition this summer when the spill was finally contained, but are currently at a standstill with the new Congress elected in November. How many oil spills does it take?
On a personal note, my family decided a year ago that this manmade tragedy was unacceptable. Through Olivia's fundraiser, the entire family threw our energy into doing what we could to help the environment. It's taken many forms, but we can only hope that all of them add up to making a difference and encouraging people, including our elected leaders, to have a new way of looking at the world. Are we a country that subsidizes a polluting and dying industry, or do we look to the future by investing in alternative energy sources? Are we a country that squanders its beautiful habitat with shortsighted decisions, or do we look ahead to preserving and restoring what we have?
So I guess you can say that since the spill, I've become a 'one issue' voter. To me, to my family, and to the thousands who have heard Olivia's message, we know the environment is too precious a gamble. Please mark the anniversary of this preventable disaster by using this link and sending a letter to your representatives in Washington DC.

Book Revue

2011-04-10T19:01:00.005-04:00

Huntington's Book Revue is the kind of book store that you might see in a movie-- a funky, independent village spot that functions like a town square. And when Olivia's publisher asked where we'd like to have her Long Island book signing, it was an immediate response: The Book Revue. Sure Bill Clinton signed his book there, and Mary Tyler Moore too, but it was also a store I've frequented since I was a teenager growing up in a nearby town. The turn out today for Olivia was just amazing. Pitched in Newsday today as one of the 'top ten things to do on Long Island', the crowd ranged from friends, family, colleagues, her teachers, my students, James' clients, and people who read in the newspaper about this girl who drew birds. IT was part reunion, part eco-activism. By the time car service came to take Olivia and James to the airport, headed for Portland Oregon, the goodies had been eaten and the books had sold out. Thanks to all of you who were there to celebrate Olivia's Birds!

Small Actions, Big Impact

2011-04-09T13:49:00.005-04:00

Olivia (center) with NY Islanders and fellow Hometown Heroes

A year ago, I attened The Ethnic Pen, Bay Shore High School's annual writing conference and heard about Wangari Maathai's Green Belt project. I was amazed at how one woman's tree planting campaign changed the Kenyan landscape and the course of history. Four days later, the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, and little did I know, my daughter's subsequent action of donating bird illustrations to raise funds for recovery efforts would have a ripple effect in our own community and beyond.
At this year's Ethnic Pen, filmmaker Jennifer Arnold described the power of one woman's seemingly small actions and their ripple effect in her recent documentary, A Small Act. Hilde Back, a Swedish survivor of the Holocaust, chose to sponsor the education of a young, rural Kenyan student, Chris Mburu, sending off small amounts of money to cover his primary schooling. Mburu went on to graduate from Harvard, evenually becoming a Human Rights Lawyer for the United Nations. After Mburu decided to find the stranger who changed his life, he started a scholarship program of his own, naming it after his former benefactor. This exceptional story's ripple effect continues thanks to Arnold's film, which in itself, fought the odds to be made.
After the conference, I took Olivia and Jackson to the Hometown Heroes reception with the NY Islanders. Olivia, who had been made a Hometown Hero in January for her Gulf fundraiser, was surrounded by other Long Islanders who also took action when they were called upon.
It was a rewarding day, a reminder that each one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in small and big ways.
If you are in the Huntington area tomorrow, please drop by The Book Revue at 3 pm for Olivia's book signing.

Hanging Around the House With Modernemama

2011-04-07T17:24:00.005-04:00

When Modernemama realized she had new art work on hand which needed proper placement, she called in the experts. Rockstar framer Cherie lead the collaborative efforts of the crew, moving this one a little to the left, and that, over to the right. With an attention to composition, color, and lighting, the wide array of art was showcased to its best advantage. Afterwards we raised a glass or two to celebrate a successful work party.

The New and the Old

2011-04-04T17:39:00.006-04:00

After visiting Cornell's Lab of Ornithology this weekend, habitat seemed to be a central theme. Whether for humans or animals, where we live is an evolving process. The lab's new facility, a beautiful piece of modern architecture based on the structure of a bird, functioned perfectly with its mix of public spaces and research facilities. In the distance was the traditional and classic Kip's barn, a harbinger of the past.
Birds, too, need evolving habitat, and it can be found in some unlikely ways. One Cornell project meant to supplement chickadee nesting sites uses PVC pipe, whose hollow structure could be made to mimic the interior cavity of a rotting tree. Next to it sat a more traditional bird house for comparison. Wouldn't you know it, the chickadees preferred the PVC-- a simple enough way for even a novice to create some new habitat. For directions to build your own, click here.

Signs of Spring

2011-04-03T10:48:00.002-04:00

A million thanks to mother nature for bringing springtime weather to Long Island. This spring, however, will be different for us. Olivia's book tour will take us cross country, leaving the garden to 'go natural' until we return to our usual routine in May. Til then, I can enjoy birds eating at the feeders and building their nests on a sunny Sunday morning. That may be all I need anyway.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

2011-03-29T06:05:00.004-04:00

Artist Louise Millmann

Last week marked the 100th anniversary of one of the worst industrial accidents in US history: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. The fire, exacerbated by cramped working conditions and locked fire exits, led to the death of 146 workers who leapt to their deaths to escape the flames. Most who died were young women, recent immigrants to our country searching for the American Dream. It took this type of tragedy for factory reform. Alfred E. Smith became a champion for workplace safety and regulation and unions were formed.

To honor the event, there was a rally last Friday on the Lower East Side in NYC. Artist Louise Millmann, dressed in period clothing, walked in the parade, stunning the onlookers who believed they had seen a ghost. Millmann described the experience as quite emotional, a poignant reminder of the sensless loss of life and the continuted need for safe workplaces everywhere.

Dear Governor Cuomo

2011-03-25T05:29:00.005-04:00

Dear Governor,
I voted for you, but I didn't vote for this. I know teachers have become the new villians in the fiscal crisis all around the country, but I thought you were better than that. Why did I allow myself to think that you would see public education as an essential ingredient in fostering the American Dream? Or that you would value programs that keep kids off the streets and engaged in school?
Perhaps you didn't realize the toll this would take on local school districts, many of which already face tough choices between offering AP Courses or world languages, computers or sports. Long Island prides itself on its schools and has the highest rate of high school graduates who go on to secondary education. We send a greater percentage of tax revenue to Albany, but get back less. Our reward? An 11% cut in state aid coupled with a tax cap that will cripple school districts. Schools in low wealth areas who rely more heavily on state aid, will cut more programs, and that student who may have found his way out of poverty, inspired by an art class or a science club, will never have that chance. He will never know what opportunities he will have missed. Now multiply that by the many children your policy will impact, and you can see why so many people turned out at last night's rally at Hofstra University. Concerned parents, grandparents, educators, and community members showed up to say that our children deserve better. Investing in our future will yield better results. If you need dollars and cents to justify your budget, think about this. For every year of education a child receives, for every enriching experience, she will in turn get a better job and become a more productive (and taxpaying) member of society.
I know you are going to tell me that we all need to 'tighten the belt', but this type of class warfare, balancing budgets on the most vulnerable members of society, is dangerous business. As it stands, we Long Islanders have local control over our districts. Your proposal of a tax cap, without mandate relief denies us this right. School boards, superintendents, the community-- don't they have a say in setting their own budgets?
Sincerely,
Nadine Bouler

From Ecuador

2011-03-21T19:32:00.002-04:00

This in from Musicworks founder Jesse Neuman who is in Ecuador right now.
Hey all
Just wanted to drop a line and let you know that all is well here at the equator. Some hilights:
12 hours of travel (how do you say "flight delayed" in Spanish?
13 hours of sleep the following night (human again)
basically I'm living alone in the 75% finished palace amidst the Pachacama property (all of the houses in Ecuador are 75% finished and 100% of them will not be finished. However, I'm enjoying the bare bulbs, mattress on the floor, and 6 rooms of non-furnitured echo for my trumpet playing)
gave some private lessons in my kitchen to Clarita, Maria Jose, and Fernando. It's so great to see how much they have improved since last year.
my trombone class wound up improvising to a shuffled ipod, including: The Neptunes, Duke Ellington, Broken Social Scene, and Lucinda Williams. well done
my long lost student Julian has returned from Colombia!
$1.60 lunches including soup, chicken, rice, and drink. yum.
gave Lassie, the ancient german shepherd a bath (too many flies). she did not enjoy it.
felt great to donate books, instruments, funds, etc. There is such a need here...

3 Backyards and 1 New Camera

2011-03-20T09:21:00.003-04:00

3 Backyards was a thought-provoking analysis of three characters who are teetering on the edge of life-changing events. A cinematic version an Eric Fischl painting, behind the banal suburban facade lurks an undercurrent of depression, turmoil, and danger.
It was great fun to go to a movie with so many members of the cast and crew on hand. Louise Millmann, who plays the role of 'the teacher', sat behind me in the back row with her bag of popcorn and two good friends. In front of me was her mother Rose and brother Chris. As for her performance, it was not lost on me that Louise is more theatrical in her real-life performace as a photography teacher than she is in portraying on on the big screen.
After the enlightening Q & A session which followed the movie, Louise headed over to deliver homemade Irish Soda Bread to her longtime friend and star of the film, Edie Falco, who gave Louise a hearty embrace and me, a friendly handshake. But alas, my new camera, a spiffy Canon known for its great low lighting shots, leaves me with an 'atmospheric' shot of the two. Let's just say I won't be joining the ranks of the paparazzi anytime soon.

Adele 21

2011-03-17T20:07:00.001-04:00

I can't stop listening.

3 Backyards

2011-03-15T16:35:00.005-04:00

This Friday at Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, NY, 3 Backyards featuring Northport's own Edie Falco and Louise Millmann, opens to a sold out crowd. Winner of many awards around the globe, it's the story of three people from the same suburban town during the course of a seemingly typical autumn day. Behind the placid exterior, each character experiences a personal journey that takes them to unknown territory. Director Eric Mendelsohn will be on hand to discuss the film.

Olivia and Jackson Go To Washington

2011-03-14T05:19:00.002-04:00

One of the most important elements of American freedom is the ability to reach out to our representatives in governement. Last week, Olivia and Jackson had a follow-up visit to Washington DC to see how things have changes since they were there in July. During both trips, they spoke to their congressman, Steve Israel (D-NY), a strong proponent of environmental stewardship and alternative energy, both essential to the economic growth and heathly habitat of Long Island. And by working the steps of the Capitol, they were also able to offer their support of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Act, a propsal to protect important habitat along the path of migration for many important birds who travel from South America through Central America to North America, and back again. Due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change, their population numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate. Birds like the wood thrush and the red knot could become extinct in our generation. As the Indian proverb goes, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Wouldn't it be a crime to leave them without songbirds?

Japan: Our Prayers

2011-03-13T10:04:00.006-04:00

As yet another natural disaster rips apart a different region of the globe, it gives us pause to reflect on our fragile existance. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic ash, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards-- the past year is evidence that few are left unscathed by Nature's wrath. Add on man-made disasters-- radiation leaks, oil spills, water contamination-- and it becomes clear that our ecology needs to be a top priority if we are to survive. Our prayers this morning are with the Japanese people. May we all find ways to help them recover.

Child's Play

2011-03-12T17:44:00.003-05:00

It was My Life In France that did it-- it made me a Julia Child fan. Sure I had grown up with her show on PBS, but then it was the background noise of my childhood. Her memoirs changed that. Transported to Julia Child's apartment in 1940s Paris, I experienced the lushness of the landscape and the cuisine, discovering them through Child's words. Though I'm not one for recipes myself, Child's fastidious and scientific approach to showing Americans how to create French meals revealed a woman whose intelligence and sophistication I grew to admire. And she did it all with a palpable joy and a glass of wine.
So it was with great anticipation that I went to see her kitchen at the Smithsonian. Despite the crowds and the plexiglass, it was a welcoming and intimate kitchen, functional and friendly. It surprised me. While kitchens today are grand marble affairs with center islands and subzero refrigerators, Child's pans on peg boards, knives exposed, cupboards without doors offer insight into her process. I easily envisioned her flowing from one workspace to another, reaching for a spatula, turning on the mixer. Her bookshelf, another marvel, offered even more insight. I've frequently considered the topic of bookshelves, so I relished the chance to see what was here. Audubon's field guilde, Bullfinch's' Mythology, well-worn cookbooks intermingled with an unfussy, unpretentious, utilitarian air. I wanted to plop down at the kitchen table and flip through them while Julia whipped up a simple meal for us. I emerged from my fantasy satisfied, wonderfully transported and surprisingly refreshed, not unlike a great dining experience.

Connected!

2011-03-09T17:02:00.003-05:00

Hello, modern age. Blogging for nearly 600 entries, running Olivia's Save the Gulf page, and working on Bouler Architecture's web page, I felt pretty tech-forward. But today's flowers are tomorrow's compost, and technology moves swiftly. Olivia now has her own official website thanks to the massive assistance by Jesse Neuman, who, in addition to playing jazz trumpet and teaching in Central America, can whip out a site in mere hours. No longer will I have to send pages of links to folks-- it's all there! But wait, there's more. After resisting the Twitter trend, my students have convinced me that Olivia needs to start tweeting. Hey, if BirdgirlLiv wants to tweet, and folks want to read it, it seems like a natural development. That is, of course, until the next new thing.

Alternative Energy: A Healthy Choice

2011-03-05T11:08:00.005-05:00

Today's guest blog is by Krista Peterson, a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida who is an aspiring writer with a passion for the health and safety of our community and environment.

The EPA lists three goals of green building: improving efficiency in the use of energy, water, etc.; safeguarding the health and productivity of the building’s occupants; and decreasing waste and pollution generated by the structure. All three of these goals have distinct benefits to our daily lives as well as to the natural environment.

Improving Efficiency
Many of us have heard this over and over, but it is worth repeating: energy efficiency is not just good for the earth; it’s good for the wallet. The fewer resources we use, the less we have to pay for them. Despite this common-sense principle, efficiency can sometimes be difficult to implement, particularly in more extreme climates where making the indoor air a more comfortable temperature takes more energy. The EPA estimates that 43-60% of an inhabited structure’s energy expenditure goes towards heating and cooling. Renewable sources of electricity like solar cells are ideal, but not suited to every building or budget. Instead, energy use can be reduced through the use of blown-in insulation and double-paned windows with high-efficiency glass to prevent the heated or cooled air from leaking out. Even steps as simple as applying caulk or weather-stripping to cracks and gaps around windows and doors is an application of green building principles.

Safeguarding Health
Even if something is “natural,” it is not necessarily healthy or good for the environment. Asbestos, for example, is a naturally-occurring mineral found in deposits all over the world, but its use in construction materials is not considered environmentally friendly because of the danger it poses to public health. The mineral was once commonly used in nearly every structural component of an average building, since it added strength and heat-resistance, but we now know how dangerous asbestos is. When breathed into the lungs, it can cause health problems like lung scarring, asbestosis, or symptoms of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs. Sadly, mesothelioma life expectancy is poor, with only about 10% of patients surviving for five years after diagnosis. Asbestos has now been replaced with safer alternatives such as fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool.

Decreasing Waste
Finally, sustainable architecture is designed to reduce waste both in the construction and occupancy of the building. This may be accomplished by using renewable materials such as sustainable lumber or other plant matter or recycling other materials like stone or metal. Some construction projects can even reuse industrial byproducts like coal combustion waste, foundry sand, or demolition debris. Additional features allow the inhabitants to do things like reuse greywater for irrigation or other non-drinkable purposes.

When green architects put these principles into effect, they improve our quality of life along with the natural environment in ways we might not necessarily expect. For example, mesothelioma symptoms have even been diagnosed in dogs and cats, and just about any creature with lungs is at risk. As we reduce our use of natural resources and use them as efficiently and safely as possible, we will be able to work toward a more sustainable way of life for ourselves and future generations.

Teachers: Under Attack

2011-03-03T06:07:00.004-05:00

About a month ago, we were 'nation builders' but this week, we are under attack. With cuts in state aid to rising health care costs, it was hard for teachers not to fear the worst for their profession and for their students. But with the attacks on collective bargaining and seniority, it feels more like an attack on the middle class. I often call teaching a stepping stone career. Like many of my colleagues, I am the first in my family to have the chance to go to college and saw a stable, public service career educating others as part of my civic duty. Now public servants are villified. Though we only make up a small portion of the work force, we are now cast as the culprits in causing budget shortfalls. It made me terribly sad when a talented colleague of mine said she wouldn't advise people to go into the teaching profession these days. It made me sad on two levels. First, it was a sign to me how much these attacks were affecting those of us who have devoted our lives to this career, and it made me wonder about the loss of talented teachers in the future. I could go through the laundry list of things I've done as a teacher throughout my sixteen year career-- but I won't. Instead, I'll simply say that there have been times when I've had the chance to direct a young person's life in ways that are tangilble and intangible. Teaching's bottom line isn't like other industries, where the product can be quantified on spreadsheets. There isn't a 4th Q earnings report. Every year I try to help a hundred students move from point A to point B in their lives, made all the more challenging because each one of them has a different point A.
To my colleagues across the country, we stand together as nation-builders, whether we are recognized as such or not.

Olivia's Birds: A Commercial By Adam G

2011-02-28T16:05:00.001-05:00

Bayshore: In the Details

2011-02-27T08:31:00.005-05:00

Building trim is a lot like a necktie. By covering joined edges, it gives a building a polished finish. Here, James is looking at the mockup of a bracket design for the exterior trim on this waterfront Bayshore residence. Interior trim is equally important in the aesthetics of a space. Crown moulding and base trim, once intended to protect the fragile edges of paster walls, now give a complete look to a space, a framing detail to a blank wall. As to the efficiency of this building, it took a giant leap forward recently when its ground-mounted array of photovoltaic panels, which will provide solar energy for the geothermal heating system, was approved by the town board.

Janet Simpson: Northport Artist

2011-02-25T10:50:00.005-05:00

While I was away this week, I regretfully missed an opportunity to be at the opening of artist Janet Simpson's art exhibition. Fortunately, collage artist and photographer Louise Millmann was on hand to provide a full report and to purchase a drawing for me before they were all snatched up. Hosted by the Tasting Room in downtown Northport, the place was packed with local artists, who were not only paying tribute to a tireless and talented woman, but to purchase some of the finest landscape art on Long Island. Simpson, who grew up on the east end in Amagansett, always appreciated the natural world. Whether working in pastel, paint, or fabric, her images capture the essence of light, line, and color, creating artwork that brought the outdoors inside. I was fortunate to have been Janet Simpson's student, during which time she served as a mentor and confidante, all the while still making artwork. She taught me that being a great teacher includes being a lifelong student, for our own exploration becomes an example for others. Fortunately for us all, Ripe Gallery owner Cherie Via was also at the opening and has plans in the works for another show of Janet's work. Will keep you posted!

Potic Afternoon

2011-02-24T19:11:00.003-05:00

Basking in the afternoon sunshine, we celebrated four luxurious days of doing very little except reading, making art, playing yahtzee, and drinking wine. Needless to say, it was sheer perfection.

Tongass: A National Treasure

2011-02-16T15:06:00.006-05:00

As Olivia and James head off to the US Wildlife and Fisheries conference in Baltimore, the federal budget battle rages on in Washington DC. I am aghast at some of the suggestions. Do away with the EPA? I don't even know what to say to that kind of idea, especially when lax regulation paved the way for the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Continue subsidising the oil industry? C'mon people, you can't be serious.
Meanwhile, Cornell Lab of Ornithology's winter publication of LIVING BIRD proposed a great way to save the government $30 million dollars. Stop subsidizing the logging of old-growth forest in Tongass, Alaska. This 17 million acre national forest is home to a beautiful and ancient ecosystem that once lost, cannot be replaced. Now why didn't Congress think of that?

Potic: Full of Surprises

2011-02-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

Here's Potic Cottage on sunnier, summer days. Ah, yes, I remember them well.
This Valentine's weekend started with the sad news of the demise of our pickup truck, Ol' Blue. Wolfie cited extensive frame rust, a sketchy transmission situation, and a dead water pump. We took it on the chin, but kept our heads up, knowing we would be one with Potic for the first time in three months.
Upon arrival, the mountains of ice-crusted snow glistened in the moonlight, all the way up to the front of the house. Carving a sliver of a parking spot, we then trekked all of our weekend gear up to the house by foot, a task made all the more challenging as James and I sank up to our knees with each step. But no matter, we would be toasty warm inside once we got the fire going, well after James defied death and climbed out onto the roof with a broom to clear the chimney cap.
It was as cold in the house as it was outside, so we waited til morning for the house to come up to temperature to turn on the water. Alas, it was not to be. The well pump, caput. Armed with every bucket and pot in the house, we melted enough snow to wash dishes and make coffee. It's amazing how little water you can get away with when you have to melt it first. And let me say standards of cleanliness become a little lower.
After three months away, we also had unforeseen new friends move in, leaving cobwebs, empty birdseed kernels and droppings in their wake. With rags and white vinegar, I got busy. Mold in the freezer, gone. Burst soda cans in the fridge, gone. Dust along the ceiling, gone. But it wasn't until I opened the oven that I had to call in reinforcements. Four mice, in different stages of decomposure, trapped themselves inside, their carcasses revealing a cannibal among them. I'll spare you the details, but yes, eventually thanks to James' mortuary services, they were gone too.
With the house returned to its clean, if waterless, state, we popped the cork on the champagne, and raised a glass or two. It was, after all, still Potic.

Roses: 2.0

2011-02-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

So Ripe: Rose Colored Glasses

2011-02-06T19:53:00.011-05:00

Here's a pastel sketch I did tonight planning out an image for Ripe Art Gallery's Valentine's day show, which is freshly renovated for the occasion. The topic: Rose Colored Glasses. Tricky for my 'Angry Landscape' motif, but I figured with my life coming up roses right now, I could muster up the positive spirit required-- seeing the rosy, romantic side of of the garden. With Redon in mind, I dove into the pastels. The results are a bit creepy, but I hope to have time this week to render it with more success in a painting. As for the Valentine's show, it is usually a standing room only affair, so slip in the back to check out the 'backroom gallery' of selections from my last show at Ripe with Honey Millmann.

(Re)Recycling

2011-02-05T14:15:00.006-05:00

Jericho High School had established a water bottle recycling program several years ago; however the program was discontinued in September. Unfortunately our recycling bins weren't distinct enough from our garbage cans, causing too many food scraps to make their way into the bins. Although more and more students are using reusable stainless bottles, many are still reliant on plastic water bottles. Here is a pic of discarded water bottles on stage after middle school graduation.

With 52,000 water bottles sold annually through our school cafeteria, not to mention the scores of bottles brought in via backpacks, the Senior Experience class made restarting the recycling program our number one priority. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of several clubs, the input of East Coast Recycling and the Eco Action Network, and the support of our district's administration, it looks as if we'll make our March 4th deadline, just in time for a pep rally kick-off event. The students are planning a multimedia campaign to educate our student population on both the need for and the method of proper recycling. While some students were shooting a video, others reused the backs of Bouler Architecture blueprints to make 'coming soon' signs. Their enthusiasm for getting this eco-friendly project off the ground was contagious. As I walked out of the room with Tim, a student who plans to become a chef, he looked out at the snow-filled courtyard and asked if he could turn part of it into an organic garden with a compost. Absolutely!

Animation: An Eye for Annai

2011-02-01T14:17:00.005-05:00

I fell in love with both the graphics and the message of this charming animated short shared at the SCBWI conference by Lucy Ruth Cummins, an art director for Simon and Schuster.

Save 35 Cooper Square!

2011-01-31T09:58:00.004-05:00

Photos by Louise Millmann
Just as the great Jane Jacobs fought tirelessly to save Greeenwich Village from destruction in the 1960s, neighborhoods all over NYC continue to battle demoliltion in the name of so-called progress. Despite the cold, the Bowery Alliance of Neighbos, Historic Districts Council,
Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Lower East Side Preservation Initiative, nine other community groups, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Senator Tom Duane,a rep from Sen. Squadron, poet Hettie Jones, historian Joyce Mendelsohn &
area residents came together on Friday afternoon to urge landmark designation for the endangered 35 Cooper Square, the oldest building on the Square. This event was called because despite a joint appeal from BAN, HDC,GVSHP, LESPI and Councilmember Rosie Mendez, the Landmarks Preservation Commission refused to grant even a public hearing on issue.
Has NYC learned nothing from the lessons of the past? The demolition of the original Pennsylvania Station, and the preservation of Grand Central should be a clear reminder why we need to save historical structures in NYC. The city's landscape is a fabric of complex textures that most American cities lack. Without that historical context, the city will become a bland, homogenized version of its former self. To help save this building, please consider signing the online petition.

SCBWI: 40 Years

2011-01-30T19:06:00.007-05:00

Olivia with author Lin Oliver

At the podium

Olivia's doodle

Our hotel room's view

For the past six years, I've looked forward to the annual winter conference of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Every year offers a new perspective on the creative process, the publishing industry, and the love of literature. This year's speakers, a veritable who's who of children's literature, shared inspiring stories of their youth, hilarious letters from their fans, and their key secrets on being funny. Lois Lowry spoke of the pain in losing a sister, while RL Stine recommended being open to writing to a different genre. Jane Yolen described the poetry of a line with Mark Teague at her side, and Mo Willems made us laugh with Lenore Look and Marvin Terban. As always, the insights were inspirational, the conversations collegial, and Lin Oliver's witty banter made me laugh. Despite the seeming similarities, this year, however, was truly different. Now a writer and illustrator herself, my daughter Olivia also became an SCBWI member, perhaps their youngest. With Olivia's Birds coming out in April, bringing her along seemed like the perfect way to share the news with fellow SCBWI members. She enjoyed listening to the speakers, but especially loved the big welcome she received from many of the 1,100 attendees. Together we met artists, authors, bird lovers, and even an ornithologist who studied at Auburn University in Alabama. It was a joy to share this world of creative and bright people who are so dedicated to both their craft and to bringing joy into children's lives.

New Project: West Islip

2011-01-27T10:27:00.005-05:00

Here are some of the computer-generated renderings of a new Bouler Architecture project on the water in West Islip, providing a good preview of things to come.

State of the Union

2011-01-26T18:23:00.014-05:00

Image from the NY Times
Last night James and I sat down to hear President Obama's 2011 State of the Union address. Picking up where he left off in Tucson, the President continued his push for bipartisan civility in an age where we need to move this country forward, instead of gridlocking progress in an 'us vs. them' mentality. Like any seasoned teacher with classroom management skills, I thought the seating arrangement truly influenced the tone, becoming less of a football stadium and more of a civilized chamber of governance. I even liked the reach across the abyss to John Boehner.

And boy didn't those of us who teach at Jericho High School buzz about the President's 'shout-out' to us as nation-builders, because those of us at my job, do see it that way. Not all agreed with his 'race-the-top' strategy, but we came to consensus against No Child Left Behind.

There were great poetics in Obama's writing style. It was balanced. I reflected on the analogous relationship of Sputnik to our "winning the future." Upon reflection, I consider it apropos. We currently sit on the precipice of the future and cannot be bogged down wasting energy fighting each other without at least an attempt to reach consensus.

Throughout the speech, the President made statements so thoughtfully worded that James and I often wondered aloud, "How could you object to that?!" Now it's no secret that I am a hearty supporter of President Obama, but I was pleased today when a social studies teacher who plans on teaching the speech tomorrow, told me, "I'm a Republican, but I like the guy." And as he prepared his 'Project Citizen' unit, he also appreciated the support for teachers.

One part of the night was more personal. When James and I were in DC with the family this summer, we spoke with our representatives in Washington about the Gulf oil spill. It was great to see our alternative energy allies having the ear of the President. Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), a longtime champion of environmental issues, had such forward-thinking, sensible, and money-saving ideas, that we were excited to see him walking with Obama on the way out, with Energy Chairman Waxman (D-CA) symbolically leading the way. Congressman Engle (D-NY), a bull dog in questioning BP chairman, was shaking hands along the aisle. These are the folks who can implement these goals. We also met with Climate Change Czar and former Audubon Board Chair Carol Browner. When I heard this week that Browner was stepping down, I was disappointed since she had great perspective on the whole situation: the oil industry's unpaid taxes, lax regulation, and campaign contributions, while green technologies were moving forward in China. She knew what was at stake. I hoped her departure wasn't a sign we had given up getting this country off oil.

Our gasps were audible as the President hit the oil issue squarely out of the park. By subsidizing the oil industry, we are enslaving ourselves in the past, destroying our environment, and creating a national security issue. Funnel that very same money into green technology--sensible, right? European governments have been leading the way on this for years. Let's learn from their model. Of course I'd like to see a return to the moritorium on off-shore drilling, but I guess I can't have everything. . . yet.

Ultimately we were moved by the citizens in the gallery. The heroes, the dreamers, the believers. With Egypt's streets ablaze with revolution, last night I went to bed proud we were "for the people and by the people."

Online Painting

2011-01-25T10:49:00.001-05:00

Olivia sampled Disney's Friends for Change CREATE program-- here are some results.

Viv Maudlin Takes Las Vegas

2011-01-23T21:21:00.002-05:00

Six minutes of Las Vegas fun, Maudlin-style.

Winter Birding

2011-01-23T10:42:00.003-05:00

Perhaps nothing beats seasonal depression more than the sight of birds at your feeder. I recently received the following email from Mary Anne in Connecticut about her winter feedings. I simply had to share parts of it.
Recently you posted a link to a great article about feeding birds (songbirds) over the winter. I read it, and found it very helpful, and I learned that it's important to keep the feeders filled, as the songbirds come to rely on the seed that us humans start for them - so, I've been doing just that. Boy, those guys are eating like crazy! Who needs Al Roker? You want to know if it's going to snow ,,, well, just watch how hungry your birds are! You would be happy to know that as I gaze out on my yard, with feeders freshly filled, there are at least three or four dozen birds and the occasional chip munk and squirrel, all having breakfast. They seem to bring such a light, and happy 'energy' with them.
Mary Anne even put her leftover Christmas tree out for them to have a place to perch. So if you are surrounded with the white stuff as we are, and feeling a bit weary, consider keeping a stocked bird feeder right outside your window. Even if it doesn't elevate your mood fully, you'd be helping out our feathered friends. For the link Mary Anne read, it was an article by Seatuck's Enrico Nardone.

Building Blocks

2011-01-22T11:11:00.003-05:00

French philospopher Roland Barthes said that the best toys are ones where children have to supply the context. Instead of imitating an adult role or playing a game with already established rules, children need to be creators not passive users. Here are a couple of Jackson's building block creations before they were destroyed by Godzilla. Perhaps Barthes should add that children also need to be destroyers.

Lido Beach Update

2011-01-21T13:57:00.005-05:00

Lido Beach is moving forward. Despite the glacial pace of local building departments, Bouler Architecture is hopeful that this spring will bring groundbreaking activity for this waterfront home. The mix of design elements, photovoltaic and geothermal systems will create an energy-efficient residence that capitalizes on its oceanfront site. By using computer generated models, roof lines for the home were developed to cut down on solar gain in the summer while allowing heat gain in the winter. I'm looking forward to chronicling the progress of this project in the near future.
By the way, Bouler Architecture now has a fan page on Facebook.

Home Expo: Orlando

2011-01-18T20:12:00.003-05:00

James just returned from a Home Expo in Orlando, Florida. According to him, the word of the day is 'green' as building materials try to offer products that emphasize efficiency. Condensing boilers, thermal barriers, windows with thermal breaks, icynene insulation filled the convention center. This 6' mini-wind turbine at 25mph generates 1,000 watts of power, but can product electricity in as little as 1 mph winds. I've been concerned about wind power and birds, but recently read a blog post on Treehugger refuting the dangers wind turbines pose to the avian population.
James said the convention gave him an opportunity to explore the new options out there for upcoming projects and I even got a treat for the yard: an earth-friendly homasote birdhouse made out of post-consumer recycled newsprint.

One=Many

2011-01-17T14:05:00.005-05:00

With today's commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr, it proves the power of one person's ability to lead many. Leadership requires vision and with it, comes a responsibility to lead by example. MLK's leadership is of an epic stature, as our nation continues to strive to follow his example of civility and righteousness.
Although the individual has great power, it is the actions of the collective which can literally move mountains. In 1977, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Kenyan political activist Dr. Wangari Maathai wanted to combat the effects of deforestation and soil erosion by organizing a tree planting campaign. Her Green Belt program not only made a change in the Kenyan landscape, it also changed how Kenyan women felt about themselves. In organzing tree planting, Maathai encouraged Kenyans not only to invest in their country, but gave them a sense of empowerment, which grew along with the 40 million trees planted across Africa.
Days like today remind us to not only take leadership roles when necessary, but to consider who we follow with great care.

Bird Badge

2011-01-13T20:26:00.004-05:00

Olivia and I helped out Jackson's Cub Scout troop 370 earn their birding merit badge tonight. After a round table discussion about helping out the birds in our backyards, the boys looked through field guides and painted bird houses. Consulting Seatuck's latest issue of Field Notes, we then made bird feeders with a used soda bottle, a wooden spoon, and string, taking home their oiled sunflower seeds to fill them. Hopefully the evening gave encouragement to a group of future birders.

The Truth of Fiction

2011-01-12T15:39:00.004-05:00

Some have argued that the value of literature is in how it portrays the human dynamic with more truth than a psychology book. But what about the veracity of historical fiction? With The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory becoming a best seller and motion picture, the popularity of this genre has reached new heights. It has become a favorite of mine as well. Recently I finished reading the stunningly written Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant, who also wrote In the Company of the Courtesean. Both novels, set in Renaissance Italy, pull from a rich context of art and literature to craft fictional accounts of women, not unlike The Girl With the Pearl Earring. Two other books in the genre which I've enjoyed are The Coffee Trader and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Although these books pull details from history, some more accurately than others, it is their compelling stories which give them the complexity of a good read.

The Art of Conversation

2011-01-10T11:44:00.003-05:00

We tell frustrated toddlers to ‘use your words’ in expressing themselves, to communicate their feelings. We extol the virtue of talking things out, making lists of pros and cons to see both sides of a situation. And yet the need for civil conversation in our society in order to discuss some of the most complex and crucial issues is at a crisis. From expunging offensive words from a great American text to putting those with whom we disagree in the crosshairs of a shotgun, our nation’s tendency to polarize the opposition into an ‘us vs them’ situation is counterproductive to the ideals of a democracy. How can I hear your points of argument if I’m too busy shouting my own? Who wins while trapped in the gridlock of the political battlefield? Instead of remaining entrenched in our own position, productive discourse over our differences, ideological or cultural, may lead us to common ground. But if finding common ground makes one lose the next election to the other team, or money from lobbyists, or popularity ratings, how willing would you be to budge from your fortress? Worse yet, with the news cycle driving policy, not even the viewers are willing to give the other side a chance, as if it would threaten their identity to the core.
In the midst of writing this, my school just honored President Obama’s request for nationwide moment of silence for reflection and prayer, allowing our nation to be unified for that brief moment. Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps we need less conversation and more silence. I’m willing to at least discuss that option.

Musicworks: Fundraising Event

2011-01-09T09:51:00.002-05:00

Musicworks founder and jazz trumpet player Jesse Neuman is preparing for a third trip to teach music to underprivileged children in Latin America. To raise money for the event, Olivia and Jackson will be joining him on stage for a jazz concert at The Living Room in NYC on January 22nd, at 4:00 pm. It's a very child-friendly event, with audience participation for everyone.

Efficient Ideas

2011-01-08T21:50:00.002-05:00

I am not a fan of buying new in the name of the environment especially if I can repair it or buy it pre-owned, aka used. But lately James and I have been upgrading our eco-profile with a few key purchases. What makes them key is their frequency of use. First came the car. As those who know us know-- James and I have been through an incredible array of vehicles, looking for the perfect configuration for our use. With my daily round-trip commute of seventy miles and two kids, my choice in cars had to meet approximately 75 different needs, now with a 30 mpg minimum. And there she is, my new GTI. Swift, comfortable, with every bell and whistle, and 33 mpg on the highway. T'was worth ditching the Mercedes.
As for the Breville Smart Oven, James is a big proponent of conseriving energy by using convection or toaster ovens instead of heating up our large wall oven. This one replaces ten years of subpar toaster ovens now residing in landfills; one had a temp control handle snap in two, another sparked and caught on fire. The Breville is a beauty-- and though it cost more than the others, it still costs less than the four of them combined. Ask me how it roasts, c'mon, ask me! Pure, energy efficient joy.
The last upgrade was LED bulbs. Pulling less energy than even a CFL, and far less than incandescent bulbs, they even direct light downward, causing less light pollution when used outside. For more on lightbulbs, check out modernemama's take on them.
So despite my quest to reduce my consumption, these ideas were simply too efficient to bypass.

Uovo Ravioli

2011-01-06T19:27:00.005-05:00

I confess I have become a foodie. It started with books about food. From the perspective of chefs to reviewers, I began to consider the art of food, and although I myself haven't been able to follow a recipe for the life of me, I do greatly appreciate the work of others.
Last night at Nonnina's in West Islip I tasted a dish that was so complex in flavor that I simply had to write about it. Chef Henry Freidank's uovo ravioli, a ravioli with an egg yolk inside instead of cheese, was inspired. Covered in crumbled bacon, a touch of mushroom, a bit of lobster meat, and cooked to perfection, it was truly sublime. Why isn't there an image of this dish to accompany this entry? Too busy in the ecstasy of tasting it. Do stop by the restaurant if you are in the area.