Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Sept. 2006

This is probably the single most famous piece of street art in New York. It's part of a work by Banksy, whose art has become roaringly popular: Angelina Jolie is said to have paid big bucks for a Banksy piece, and recently some thieves in England tried to pry one off a building. (Ours is painted on concrete, so they wouldn't get very far.) I like this girl; she seems so happy and free. (To see the whole work, click here.)

I'm trying to decide whether to send holiday cards this year. (I'm just barely of the generation that still feels obligated to do that!) In some ways I like them - they are a great way to touch base with friends and distant relatives. But I don't like all the paper and the waste, and they seem kind of silly when electronic communication is so much easier.

It's been eerily warm in New York. I went out this morning in shorts and a t-shirt. People say this is a good thing, but I'm not so sure. Global warming, anyone? (We're supposed to get a cold snap today.)