neighborhood watch

There had been one book in particular on my amazon wish-list for a couple of years to which I was often nonplussed and simultaneously perplexed as to why it had yet to be purchased on my behalf.  Well, I guess more specifically why my father had failed to snap it up, as he seems to be the only one who routinely checks and procures from my reading material selection.  Anyway, I really wanted Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York that had been a photography show I had seen in Soho.

 

This book seemed to capture everything I love about the less polished and more urban aspects of the city.  The storefronts that boast vintage signage, the colors and fonts employed and the sense that these were hubs and anchors of a by-gone time, but yet still stood as a reminder of the neighborhood’s rich history.  For a highly observant person, I neglected to conclude the postcard announcing the photo show in my building’s mailroom was for the one I had seen and the authors of this coveted tome actually lived in my building.

 

A few weeks ago another flyer was posted for a second show; I asked my doorman if I knew whom James & Karla Murray were.  I was surprised that I was well acquainted with the couple or more specifically their dog for well over 15yrs.  I was excited to inform them that I had been longing for their amazing art book and hoped someone might bestow it up me for my birthday.

 

When I had finally the opportunity to speak with Karla, I was in the company of my dear friend.  Although I felt a tad impolite to carry on a lengthy conversation with Karla while my friend was trying to hold the weighty and wiggly Pancake (see previous photojeanie blog), I was determined (or perhaps more desperate) to communicate just how excited and impressed I was with their photographic accomplishment.

 

A week later between main course and dessert at my birthday dinner, I was opening presents as I am wont to do.  I had saved the biggest and most spectacularly wrapped for last, which was from the aforementioned friend.   Having painstakingly opened the smaller gift topper items first, I was marveling over their cuteness when I started to handle the final surprise, noting its heft, I detected it was exactly what I had been longing to receive – I peeled back the slightest tear of wrapping paper to confirm my exuberance.  What makes receiving the book even more gratifying, my lovely friend had purchase this for me weeks before the serendipitous encounter in my building’s lobby!

 

If you like photography, New York City history or America for that matter, then I implore you pick up a copy of Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York – don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.

 

I ♥ NY,

xxoo.