New Year's Eve Day, 2008

Sweden was not neutral today.

Today I went to The Holiday Shop at Scandinavia House on Park Avenue to look at cute Swedish ornaments for 30% off. Tucked in a bin in the back of the store were these two whimsical pillows designed by Swedish illustrator Stig Lindberg. The price was right so I carried them around while I continued to peruse the store. I was stopped by no less than four customers and two sales people to see if I was really going to buy these pillows because people were "foaming at the mouth" for them. Duh, of course I am going to buy them! Look at them! I'm Alli Arnold!

My couch is ready for the new year.

*I am donating the little embroidered chihuahua pillow that used to live on my couch to Joe to help elevate his broken leg.

Even the littlest trees are still celebrating the holidays.

The sweetest thing:

Murray Hill windows

Pretty type.

Windows on Lexington and 72nd, while waiting for the bus, Christmas night.

Chez Alli

I just want your extra time and your...

Medium Diet Sprite.

Merry Christmas from NYC!

This is my first Christmas in NYC (can you believe that?), and my first Christmas waking up all by myself (+ Nino) and it's surprisingly peaceful. I had a present to open from my mama (thanks, Ma!) and Nino has a prezzie here from his Grandma (thanks, Ma!) and soon I will go to Joe's apartment and we will watch TV and make cookies. I am having myself a merry little Christmas now.

Well, Joe decided that it would not be in the best interest of his broken leg (and ankle! Don't forget the broken ankle!) to endure the long drive up to Vermont this Christmas. But we are going to have a do-over with his family in Vermont in January, when the (darn) leg (and ankle) are more stable. Until then, let's dream of...

"Snow!
It won't be long before we'll all be there with snow
Snow...
I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow

Snow!
I long to clear a path and lift a spade of snow
Snow...
Oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow

Where it's snowing
All winter through
That's where I want to be
Snowball throwing
That's what I'll do
How I'm longing to ski
Through the snow-oh-oh-oh-oh

Those glist'ning houses that seem to be built of snow
Snow
Oh, to see a mountain covered with a quilt of snow

What is Christmas with no snow
No white Christmas with no snow
Snow

I'll soon be there with snow
I'll wash my hair with snow
And with a spade of snow
I'll build a man that's made of snow
I'd love to stay up with you but I recommend a little shuteye
Go to sleep
And dream
Of snow..."

Merry Christmas Eve! From New York City!

Oldies but Goodies

AND HOW!
I am missing these kids this Christmas...
I love you Alli + Katie + Jimmy + Jack!!!

This is a Holiday Gift Guide cover I illustrated for the good people of Baltimore.


This is what happens when an Italian man with a broken leg coaches me from the other room on how to make meatballs.

Joe's illustrated NY Mets cast and his lil' buddy


A legwarmer sock from Mama for Joe

Joe needs a refill of his pain medicine and so far it's been impossible to get it. It's a sad state of affairs when one's leg is broken in three places and you are still denied pain medication.

I am happy to play the role of Grace Kelly for my James Stewart.

Joe broke his right leg in two places AND his ankle. He needs to be immobile for two months. He's coming to stay with me so I can take care of him. My poor dude :(

Assorted Still Lifes from 2008

This collection of pictures has reminded me that I have a very beautiful and delicious life.