Records /  by Liesl Pfeffer

Record store
New Orleans, LA
February 2013

Sometimes my connection with New York City feels barely tangible. I can walk here for hours and not expect anyone to know me. The staff at the local bodega that I visit nearly every day do not recognize me. Why should they, when I am one of millions. 

When I moved to America, I purchased a record player. It was a strange decision, since I had not ever owned a record before. But I suppose when I think about it, I moved to this country with two suitcases of clothes and a few small objects to remind me of home. Nothing permanent, nothing that couldn’t be moved in one taxi ride. So it made sense to start amassing records. On their own they are slender and lightweight, but when you lift a stack they are surprisingly heavy. Maybe nothing anchors you more than records and books, and maybe that is why each time I return to my apartment with a new record I feel like I am building my home.

Knickerbocker ave /  by Liesl Pfeffer

Knickerbocker Ave, Bushwick
Brooklyn, NY
June 2013

These are two of my favorite store fronts on Knickerbocker. In fact all of Knickerbocker is an amazing feast of awkward sign writing and well-preserved neon. I can’t decide what I love the most: the kitsch patriotism of Tony’s Heros or the faded glamor of Circo’s pastry shop. Whenever I pass by, I wonder why Tony made the decision to juxtapose a happy frog with a proud American eagle. Maybe the yellow memorial ribbon is a clue, although I believe the yellow ribbon signifies support for America’s troops. Tony, you’re a mystery. 

Ferry /  by Liesl Pfeffer

On the ferry to Governor’s Island
New York
June 2013

We went back in time for a day to the Jazz age. We drank cocktails made from elderflower liquor and champagne. We wore white shoes that grew grassy from wet picnic blankets. Our make up wore off, from dancing the charleston in the sun. We were among the last to leave the island at the magic hour, and we looked at New York city across the water and we felt glad in our hearts that we moved here, even though we are so far from everyone we know and love, because we have made a new home here together.