A Year In Review: 2014 In And Around Carroll Gardens

On this, the last day of 2014, I wanted to take time to reflect back on the past twelve months.  As in years past, I selected a few photographs that best captured every day life and events in our neighborhood throughout the year.

Somehow, capturing the quotidian helps me make sense of the ever accelerated pace of live in Brooklyn. It also allows me to reflect the many changes that happening around us and to hold on to the fleeting moments that make up a day, a month, a year.
I hope that 2015 be a kind year for you, your loved ones and for our little brownstone neighborhood.

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Caroling Through Carroll Gardens: For The 8th Year In A Row, Trinity Pipes Delight Neighborhood With Their Beautiful Voices

Perhaps you were fortunate enough to run into the Trinity Pipes caroling through the neighborhood this past Saturday night?
For the eight year in a row, the Pipes have gathered to spread cheer by stopping in from of local establishments and beautifully decorated and illuminated homes.

The Pipes are all alumni from their college a cappella group (the Trinity Pipes of Trinity College in Hartford), who independently moved to Brooklyn.
The group has grown in recent years, as some former Pipes are now traveling into Brooklyn from other places in the Tri-State area to take part in the re-union.

I have had the pleasure of hearing the Pipes for the past four or five years now. I must say that it would not feel like Christmas at all anymore without hearing them perform some of their 'classics'.

Thanks, Pipes. You just keep on getting better. See you next year!

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Pardonnez-Moi, But I'll Be In France For A While

The Auvergne, France

The small French village in the Auvergne, where I will spend the next few weeks

The village church

The house that has been in my family for the past 43 years.

As many of you know, every year, I spend a few summer weeks in a small village in the Auvergne region of France,  where my family has owned an old stone farm house.  My parents bought the place in 1971, when I was just a small girl, so the place holds many memories.  Now, my own children are grown up and have formed the same attachment to the house, the village and the neighbors who live there full time.
I love Brooklyn, but I must admit that I am never as happy as when I am there.

I am once again on my way to our house. This year, I'll be stopping in Norway for a few days before continuing to France.

I will be blogging throughout my stay in Europe.  I would love it if you visit often and leave comments.
I promise I will be back in Brooklyn soon.  Please feel free to send me news of home.




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Popular Carroll Park Fair Scheduled For May 31st. Reserve Your Spot Now

Rent a patch of Carroll Park's Valentino ball field during Friends of Carroll Park's ever-popular annual fair.  This year's event is scheduled for Saturday May 31st, from 10 AM to 5 PM (with a rain date the following day).
The cost for a 10' x 10' space is $35.
Below is more information from FoCP:
To reserve your spot, email carrollparkfair@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you'll be selling (i.e.; jewelry, records, household miscellany).
Sorry, but we cannot allow food or drink sales.
We accept cash or check (payable to Friends of Carroll Park). Rental includes the space only, no amenities: vendors must bring their own tables and/or chairs.
All proceeds from the annual flea market benefit Friends of Carroll Park, a non-profit organization that has been in existence for over 30 years. It is run entirely by volunteers. All funds received by the Committee are spent on the Park – mostly on trees and plants.


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