Historically Speaking…
I was raised in the ethically and socio-economically heterogeneous and cosmopolitan enclave called Morningside Heights...sometimes known as "White Harlem"...on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
The late comedian, George Carlin, a one time resident, said that younger residents would refer to the neighbourhood as "White Harlem" (as it actually borders on what one would call "Black Harlem") due to the fact that “White Harlem” would likely be considered an intimidating locale by outsiders and give the inhabitants greater respect. Whereas a young person (male, evidently) from “Morningside Heights” would have a much greater probability of being abused simply by virtue of the fact that they lived in a locale called “Morningside Heights.
Despite his humorous perspective, this was his problem... certainly not mine.
It seemed inevitable, in retrospect, that I would become a writer when I consider the history and vibrations of my environment.
Not only was the Battle of Harlem Heights fought in my neighbourhood in 1776, Morningside Heights could boast of such illustrious residents over the years as Cecile B. de Mille, author Samuel Delaney, Thurgood Marshall, I.M Pei, Twyla Tharps and Dustin Hoffman. My childhood domain was also teaming with such institutions as Columbia University, International House, the majestic Riverside Church, The Church of Saint John the Divine, Columbia University, The Julliard School of Music (which is now located in Lincoln Center), Union Theological Seminary, Jewish Theological Seminary, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and monuments such as Grant's Tomb and the bucolic mini-forests of Morningside and Riverside Parks.
This and the exciting mix of people and families from diverse ethic groups and students and teachers from around the globe made it a natural breading ground for artists and writers. I spent my childhood exploring the most beautiful historical landmarks and parks in the world, in my very own neighbourhood. These beautiful structures and lush parks inspired me to learn to draw and paint.
It was a thrilling neighbourhood in which to grow up. It also inspired me to put pen to paper and create exotic short stories of escape and travel.
Why escape stories?
Probably because many of my childhood friends had parents who were academics from far off exotic places, or political refugees seeking asylum in brand new worlds.
When I was seven years old, one of my favourite cousins, Cedric, rewarded me with a slick new Olivetti typewriter (this was the 50s, after all). I replaced the short stories with numerous attempts at writing novels, despite my obviously limited life experience. I loved books and aspired to create my own.
Nevertheless, my neighbourhood, notwithstanding… "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," as my friend Charles Dickens wrote.
I came of age during the challenging years of the harrowing Vietnam War conflict. The gender and race based Civil Rights Movements of that era created violent and bloody national civil unrest, because a great number of the citizens of the United States of America resisted basic concepts of human equality.
Can you imagine that?
Despite the degrading negativity and the counterpoint excitement of the protest movements of the 60s and 70s decades, I studied Fine Arts at the prestigious High School of Music, Art and the Performing Arts (LaGuardia High School, NYC)and New York University.
Civil unrest sort of subsided as I entered adulthood and the job market during the decade of the anti-Affirmative Action backlash of the post-Nixon Administration.
For a number of years, I worked in the fields of advertising and publishing; as a media planner, an editor for various publications, then as editor and chief of a national feminist newspaper.
In addition I found the time to have numerous exhibitions of my artwork in various galleries in the United States and Europe.
In the early 80s, I founded The Rainbow Connection Art Gallery in Tribeca, NYC, which featured the artwork of child prodigies.
I decided to change direction in my career partially due to the popularity of the voices from the American Black community which emerged in the 90s. I finally became a novelist, publishing my first book, the bestselling novel, GINGERSNAPS, with the Random House Publishing Group. GINGERSNAPS appeared for 4 months on Essence Magazine’s Blackboard Bestseller List.
After the 9/11 distaster, I published my second novel, LADYFINGERS which is a sequel to GINGERSNAPS. In fact, GINGERSNAPS and LADYFINGERS are part of a 4-part series which I call my "Cookie Quartet." Presently, I am working on the third installment, entitled ALMOND COOKIE. The fourth will be entitled MACAROONS.
Having lived and traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, I discovered that my home and my muse was in the South of France.
Since 1999, my husband and I have been living on the French Riviera, where I continue to write and pursue my painting.
Enjoying both the Mediterranean lifestyle of the coast and the urbane, Gallic-style café life, we have decided to divide our time between the South of France and Paris.
By the way... you have probably already guessed this...I am a Sagittarius.
Paris 2009
