Bright lights, big city

I've been having a few 'back to the past' moments lately, including one last night at an event where I ran into a former colleague I haven't seen in several years. On a roof deck on lower 5th Avenue were laughing about some of the stories about the ad agency I used to work at, which was really the first integrated marketing agency of its kind. The culture was highly creative, opinionated, very very smart, fiercely independent and unafraid to have a point of view. We used to really have only two types of clients - large companies who wanted to shake things up, and small entrepreneurs we were like-minded with.

The co-founders used to resign pieces of business all the time, which was of course shocking to clients. They didn't care. The spirit of the agency was founded on 'doing great work', no matter what. Much has changed there (now owned by a 'nameless, faceless holding company', and one of the co-founders recently left), and in the marketing world in general, but it was great to be reminded of that time, and that place, and that top priority of doing great work no matter what.

Life is What You Make It

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an event where I unconsciously had a smile on my face most of the evening. This wasn't the cocktail event 'say Cheese-Whiz' smile (Stacy's term for when you're in a certain situation and you need to keep that smile on your face for appearances no matter what crazy thing someone might be saying); this was the smile that happens unconsciously when you're in the moment, and don't even realize you are smiling.

This smile-on-the-inside happens most with me when I'm around family and close friends that I love. Last night I had that same smile when I had the realization of being in the right place at the right time, in the company of humility and truth, and lives well lived.

I went to book launch event for "Life is What You Make It", a book written by Peter Buffet (Warren Buffet's son), and a Q&A hosted by Tom Brokaw, the highly respected journalist and author - a true 'news man' . (My friend Greta loves Tom Brokaw so much that she used to tape the news, even though I accused her of being 60 years old). The event benefited the Robin Hood Foundation, a truly heroic organization that both men are strong supporters of.

Peter Buffet discussed what it was like to grow up as Warren Buffet's son: the very solid Midwestern values, wisdom instilled in him of a work ethic not wealth ethic, the restraint of a privileged background and the caring parental support behind the belief of 'do what you love'.

Famously, his father had very strong opinions on the subject of inherited wealth: "...He believes that the silver spoon in the mouth too often becomes the silver dagger in the back -- an ill considered gift that saps ambition and drains motivation, that deprives a young person of the great adventure of finding his or her way. My father had the enormous satisfaction of discovering his own passion and making his own mark; why should his kids be denied that challenge and that pleasure?"

When Peter and each of his siblings turned 19, they were given modest sums of money to 'take some time, figure out what it is you love'. They also had the clear understanding that they should expect no more. "There is a famous quotation from the Book of Luke that was taken very seriously in our family: 'From those to whom much is given, much is expected.' And it was made very clear that the most important gifts of all had nothing to do with money. They were the gifts of parental love and close community and warm friendship, of inspiring teachers and mentors who took delight in our development. There were the mysterious gifts of talent and competence, capacity for empathy and hard work. These gifts were meant to be respected and repaid..."

Also famously, while Warren Buffet has given away the bulk of his fortune -- $37 billion dollars -- to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he also set up charitable endowments for each of his children to manage. So while Peter Buffet has the enormous responsibility of a billion dollars to give away, he is making his own way in life, doing what he loves (a musician and composer), with enormous satisfaction.

Tom Brokaw, whom the term 'trusted news source' was invented for, commented that you can '"take an X-Ray to this family"; essentially what you see is what you get.

The smile remained on my face as my friend and I waited in line to have a book signed for myself, and my own father. I can't wait to read this book.

I heart...

Maybe its the spring weather, and finally starting to feel settled after seven months, but this week I looked around and thought "What a lovely place to live."

A couple weeks ago New York Magazine's cover story was about "Best Places to Live in New York" -- ranking the top 50 based on specific live-ability factors. I began reading the story, knowing that the list would likely conjure up fierce neighborhood pride (and letters) among readers who could never imagine themselves, say, leaving the East Village for the Upper West Side. Of course why you like, or don't like, where you live is ultimately a very personal, individual matter based on your own list of live-ability priorities, which changes. I was enjoying reading the list when I discovered Brooklyn Heights listed as #6!

At the end of the article was their readers poll on where they would like to live, if money were no object (The West Village is where 30% of New Yorkers chose), as where as assessing who is happiest (Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill followed by Tribeca and the Upper West Side). The quotes were amusing on 'what you love most about your neighborhood': "This is where the New Yorkers who run the world live"/Upper East Side; "Fewer yuppies than the Slope"/Windsor Terrace; "The weirdos"/Red Hook...

So while one man's trash is one man's treasure, and New York certainly can be a rough place to live, its also interesting to think about being content where you are instead of always wishing to be in a better place...

Most of the times I find myself going out in Manhattan, but have discovered over the past few months I really enjoy living in Brooklyn Heights, based on my own live-ability factors. The other night I went out with Stacy and some of her friends to Noodle Pudding, an Italian restaurant I really like in North Brooklyn Heights, and a couple of the women were reading the new book "The Heights" written by Peter Hedges, who was the author of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', and screenwriter for 'About a Boy'. The Daily News highlights the book - "...Tim and Kate Welch are average New Yorkers trying to stay above water while surrounded by the neighborhood bankers, lawyers and hedge fund managers...", while discussing the setting of this small hamlet of 22,000 where many renowned authors - Truman Capote, Arthur Miller, W. H. Auden, Norman Mailer, Thomas Wolfe - once called home. After reading the book it really does give you a sense of place and the inner workings of life in the small community here.

With 'just moved here' eyes, yesterday morning a friend and I walked down the Promenade down the hill past the dog park to the waterfront of Dumbo. We got a latte and croissant at a delicious french bakery, and visited the newly opened Pier 1 of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was beautiful...

Then, for the first time, visited Sahais on Atlantic Avenue, a specialty food importer that has been around for over 50 years. Sahais is pretty old school Brooklyn, though a fascinating place. I purchased the best French Provencal olives and humus I've ever tried, and walked home smelling the Jamaican blue mountain coffee beans in my bag mixing with the enchanting smell of a bunch of freshly cut spring lilacs.

I know I have been like the New Yorkers in the poll, and for a few rough months this winter, was certainly questioning why I moved and was wishing I was somewhere else. Who knows what's around the bend but I think I finally remembered why I moved here this week, and its good to feel content, and grateful, and sometimes even amazed...

...to watch ships passing in the night, under kaleidoscope skies...

Yes

I brought a book to work yesterday to share for some inspiration for a campaign we were developing around adventure travel -- it was a book my friend Dave had written called "100 Things to Do Before You Die." The picture above with Dave is from the Venice Beach Drum circle, a ritualistic event of various sub-cultures, something I was surprised not to make the book knowing Dave's leanings for such things.

When Dave died unexpectedly, a year and a half ago, the story that ran in the LA Times ran all over the world as the headline was so powerful: "Author of 100 Things to do before you die dies at age 47." I remember telling a few people that my friend had died and they would say "oh, your friend was that guy??" as they heard the story on CNN, morning radio, People Magazine, Fortune. Friends from our ad agency reported seeing it run in papers in India, the UK, Australia.

The idea behind the book that launched a host of imitators, as well as film and TV shows concepts, wasn't that popular at the time. A few of my friends received the book for Christmas that year as I bought several under the friends and family discount plan, and Dave signed them for me. It was based on the content of Dave's website, "Whatsgoingon.com", which reported on the coolest place on Earth for the day. Ahead of its time, for a few not everyone, and very, very Dave.

Leafing through the book yesterday morning on the subway, I smiled to see my friend's familiar handwriting inside the front cover. First a time, but no date "12.00." then "Laura! Get Fast! Keep Moving. Don't Waste a Precious Moment. Dave." It made me laugh, then and now, because I knew he was referencing to the very earnest collateral copy we were working with for Fast Company magazine for their "Talent Lab" event in San Francisco. Talent Lab was all about helping you tap into 'The brand called you!', though....ill timed. Between the original green light for the event and when it was actually executed, the winds had already started to shift in the late 90's in the Bay Area, with rumblings of "liberations" (layoffs) as my friend Dave, the sage, would say.

Since Dave passed away, every once in a while, I feel his presence. Not exactly in an Obi Wan Kenobi way, but more of a big brother, kick in the pants, 'get fast, keep moving' feeling.

Maybe not coincidentally, I had seen something written by Joseph Campbell, also yesterday, which prompted me to open up my well loved book "The Power of Myth" and leaf through a few pages last night after I got home. Even without reading the book, many people are familiar with the concept of following your bliss, which Campbell writes about as being the center of the wheel not the spokes, "...For example, if you attach yourself to the rim of the wheel of fortune, you will either be above going down or at the bottom coming up....If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living."

As Dave would say, "It's happening with or without you."

What caught my eye yesterday from Joseph Campbell was this: "The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure."

Happy Earth Day everyone. Enjoy our beautiful planet that all 8 billion of us share, and all the inspiration it brings.

How to change the world

Ben Harper sings, "I can change the world, with my own two hands."

I really enjoyed reading Marc Gunther's post about Fortune Brainstorm Green, where many of the top business leaders in the country gathered to discuss ways to solve environmental challenges, and the role of business in creating positive change.

The conference took place about 7 minutes from where I used to live, in a setting so breathtaking you cannot help but be inspired to take care of this beautiful planet we all share. That wasn't the only reason I had really wanted to attend.

Learning more is the key to caring more, and ultimately doing more. As the legendary ocean explorer and pioneer in ocean stewardship Jacques Cousteau often said, "People protect what they love."

Sky, sand and light

This morning I had coffee on the roof deck (counted my blessings!) and watched the Eastern sun warm the glittering skyscrapers in lower Manhattan. Like a phantom limb, my eye often sees the gap of what used to be there.

Since I used to live in New York, for the most part, skyscrapers don't thrill my heart the way that other environmental settings do. However, thanks to my friend Lauren from San Francisco (now Chicago), my eyes were opened to something entirely new, and magnificent, as she showed me where she works when she comes to town.

I read all about the Hearst Tower a few years ago, as a pioneer in environmental sustainability and the first 'green' office building in the history of New York. I saw a Sara Snow TV segment on the storied new cafe, cultivating local and organic fare. And I am pretty sure I first heard the term LEED certified connected with this building.

However, I had never actually seen the building, or experienced the sensation of walking inside...and looking up with wonder.

The New Yorker called the Hearst Tower, "The most beautiful skyscaper to go up in New York since 1967." To me, its beauty radiates from the inside out. It's not NYC power black...somehow, amazingly, it conveys a sense of warmth, light, expansiveness and calm energy.

Clicking on this link above will convey some of the environmental facts but a couple things that stood out to me was the recycled steel used for 90% of the Tower's structural steel, and the rainwater collected on the roof, which helps to maintain a comfortable inside climate during both winter and summer months.

And the view from the 44th floor -- unobstructed view of Central Park, the Hudson River and the midtown skyline -- captures the feeling of why millions of people journey to this storied city, to make their luck, with that belief tucked deep in their heart that anything is possible.

Water World

My two favorite parts of New York are Central Park and New York Harbor. Being close to water has always been something that has attracted me, and am now enjoying the mesmerizing view and activity every day. Yesterday I watched a cruise ship come in, and soon there will be sailboats. A sure sign of a new season.

In 2004, I moved to California and The Museum of Modern Art temporarily moved to Queens during a major building renovation on West 53rd Street. We're both back so I made my reacquaintance with the "new" MOMA a couple days ago as I really wanted to go to a new exhibit called "Rising Currents".

The exhibit features the work of five teams of architects who were asked to imagine new ways to re-envision the coastline around New York Harbor to address climate change, sea-level rise and its impact upon New York City.

This video explains the vision behind the project. One of the architecture teams, whose work is above, even incorporated oysters as part of 'soft' infrastructure. Fabien Cousteau, a friend as well as grandson of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, is planning an 'oyster planting' program in conjunction with the New York Harbor school this June which will contribute to the harbor's health and restoration (oysters are the classic 'bottom feeders'). Fabien had told me at one time New York Harbor held the largest oyster population in the world, though had no idea these little creatures had other potential benefits as well, such as storm barriers.

The exhibit was very though provoking, and a lot to take in, and I'm planning to return to learn a little more.

This note on the MOMA's exhibition sight caught my eye: "As in past economic recessions, construction has slowed dramatically in New York, and much of the city's remarkable pool of architectural talent is available to focus on innovation."

When certain plans don't work out, interesting what you can become available for, in the larger sense...

Think Different

Earlier this week Apple launched the iPad, and Steve Jobs was on the cover of Time magazine. Some of my favorite marketing minds Seth Godin and Mary Adams (also my former client!) wrote about the wonder, and marketing magic, of Apple, as well as countless, countless others. My friend Andy wrote from his seat at Fortune about Apple being possibly being the most valuable - in addition to admired - company out there.

I went into the Apple Store in the meatpacking district a couple days ago, and witnessed for myself what the buzz was all about: real life 'consumer demand' playing...and purchasing! My mission was simply to get a new cable for my external drive but felt like I was in the center of the action this week, and talked to the guy at the checkout counter who seemed a little crowd weary. "It's been stacked with people for the last three days," he said.

The Apple Store in the Meatpacking district, on 14th Street and 9th Avenue, is a really great space -- a three floor building that seems to radiate energy and light and a feeling of expansiveness from the inside out. Then again, I used to find myself getting excited when I'd go into the Apple Store in the Mission Viejo Mall in the OC, which could have been storefront for the Limited, if they weren't selling Apple products. It didn't matter, I'd walk in, and feel myself sighing, and thinking, "I am among my people."

Of course I grew up with Macs, having worked at a groovy Soho ad agency when I first lived in New York, where the IT department was quite hard core about it. They were annual Macworld attendees, rallied hard to make sure we had the latest and best Macs, and kept the bar very high for me after I left. (They also used to name the printers after Simpsons characters - Crusty, Smithers etc - so they were a big part of the creative culture there!). And I have been not so patiently waiting for AT&T to finally lose its grip on the iPhone exclusivity.

I had taken the picture above a couple months ago, specifically for two friends, Jen and Nikki, who have been contemplating the switch from PC to Mac. Jen had talked to myself and our friend CJ about this. CJ, is quite brilliant, and his company has been a leader in Search Engine Optimization for 10 years (before it was trendy!) so in other words, he knows what he is talking about. I, on the other hand, don't other than the intangible feeling I get, and what marketers define as the holy grail -more than brand loyalty - brand love.

Jen thought both our perspectives were interesting and a little amusing -- logic (CJ) and passion and enthusiasm (LL). Finally I asked CJ to find the classic TV spot that Apple aired only once, during the Superbowl in 1984, to launch the company, and has been one of the benchmarks for 'great creative' through the years. In addition to standing the test of time, it helps to visually show what this intangible feeling is all about.

After we watched it I said, "Okay Jen, it's up to you, do you want to be those blank faced guys or that girl in the red shorts? You chose."

The Open Road

For work, I've been reading a book that was the book when I first started working at Sambazon -- it was the one that 'raised the bar' among many of the natural products companies that were rising stars. I never read it at the time, but am very glad its fallen into my hands now.

It begins with the founder walking away from selling his company for $100 million dollars, then dissolving a 50/50 partnership, and essentially getting his company (and his own) mojo back. This all happens in the first chapter! I was reading it on the subway, and was so engrossed I kept missing my stop, and kept thinking "What in the world is going to happen in the whole next part of the book?"

Well of course it is the journey, not the destination; the side adventures not the expected path. What doors closed and didn't happen so you're able to see what ultimately might be more fruitful and fulfilling. It doesn't read like a business book (not that I've read a lot of them) but more like a personal tale of a very interesting man, whose leadership style and philosophy has created a wonderful life and culture for his company. It was about that intention, first, not the traditional 'end game.'

Part of the book is about an epic cycling adventure in the Alps he took where they deviated from the Michelin guide of 'red roads':

"...Our trip kept getting better and better now that we knew the types of roads we wanted to travel....Michelin maps defined roads as red, yellow or white. Main roads, busy with buses, trucks, and cars, were marked boldly in red. Yellow roads were minor arteries, not as big as red roads but well traveled. The hundreds of roads branching off from the red and yellow roads were marked in white....I learned a lot on this trip. White road and red road journeys are qualitatively different. You need the right map. On the red road it is about the destination. On the white road it is about the road. On the white road you must travel light. The white road is quiet. It’s about simplicity. It’s often adventurous. You need to dig deep. Sometimes there is no road. You have to trust your gut.”

He's a more extreme guy, so his white road adventure involves carrying one backpack! (Some of us are still working on our packing light strategies). However, ultimately, the white road begins on the inside.

Flower Power

The 24 hour contrast from South Florida back to New York felt more abrupt than usual today, for a variety of reasons. Though spring has definitely warmed the city, from the inside out.

For New Yorkers, the sights, smells and - as my friend Ellen puts it - the dulcet sounds of New York City, are so common that after a while you almost don't notice them. Horns, jack hammers, pot holes, graffiti, scaffolding, the random 'beep beep beep' of a garbage truck backing up are all parts of city life.

It's fairly safe to say that some parts of New York are more naturally beautiful than others. Though spring has worked its magic today and trees are in full flower, even giving a glow to West 25th Street.

Almost making you not notice the graffiti...

Or the boxy buildings without any architectural charm...

Or the pot hole under repair! (this is back on Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights).

Spring flowers, with their very lovely and finite life span, remind you to just stop and smell them...and enjoy the ride, wherever you are.

The Sunshine State

My friend Shelley has a theory that New York is just a layover on the way to Florida. I am not sure about that, but am happy to be so much closer to pop down to see everyone for a long weekend. As my niece Katy said when I lived in California and started to realize I wanted to move back East, "There's a lot of states between us now Aunt Laura."

I'm headed down south later today and looking forward to a big dose of sunshine, tropical plants, being on the water, eating at my favorite restaurant The Food Shack in Jupiter (tuna basil rolls and sweet potato encrusted Tripletail over bed of greens with mango lime dressing I literally crave!), pool time, big Easter egg hunt and likely getting a big game of beach soccer and touch football in -- not that anyone is competitive in my family (!). To me, just being surrounded by family and friends is what matters most.

Happy Easter / Passover / Spring everyone!