Category Archives: alcohol

A Fat, Juicy Word

Posted on January 13, 2019 by Susannah Bianchi

I’ve been reading a book on the Gilded Age, code for lavish, over-the-top living in the early 1900s, in the bowels of rich, Victorian New York. A time where Astors, Whitneys and Vanderbilts roamed like diamond laden dinosaurs erecting mansions … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, art, Beauty, Books, creative writing, Culture, History, humanity, men, New York City, violence, words, writing | Tagged Astors Vanderbilts and Whitneys 1900, McKim Mead & White Architects, Saving sin City Cummings, The Crime of the Century stanford White murder, The Gilded Age Mark Twain | 37 Comments

Emotional Sobriety

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

The last time I went to the Carlyle to toast Tommy, their late bartender, after two sips I was pretty looped. A red flag if there ever was one. After swaying home I prayed, please God, don’t let this ignite … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, creative writing, Culture, humanity, inspiration, modeling, words, writing | Tagged 2019, Alcoholics Anonymous, Anne Lamott, Bemelmens Bar, creative writing, Sober living, To thine own self me true | 76 Comments

Notes From The Carlyle – November 2018

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

I came to Bemelmans to pay homage to Tommy, their long time bartender, who passed away at 78. Though retiring after 53 years in 2012, I always thought somehow he’d come back, like it was all a great mistake. Wishful … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, creative writing, Culture, friendship, History, humanity, humor, inspiration, New York City, words | Tagged Bemelman's Bar, The Carlyle Hotel, The Kennedys, Tommy Rowels 1940-2018 | 24 Comments

History Changed Me

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

When my friend David mentioned he drove to Galena, Illinois, it got me thinking of General U.S. Grant, who lived there for a time. Funny I should know that, but then again, not really. I never read much as a … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, Books, grace, History, humanity, internet, media, men, Politics, readng, violence, war, words, writing | Tagged Abraham Lincoln, Alcoholics Anonymous, Battle of Gettysburg, Jon Meacham The Soul of America, Reading American History, The Killer Angels Michael Shaara, U.S .Grant | 29 Comments

Is Your Glass Eye Half Full Or…

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

It’s early Saturday when I try entering the bank, my debit card not cooperating, when a skinny black man in army fatigues with a glass eye lets me in. “The bank ain’t open yet,” he says, when he sees me … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, Fashion, humanity, humor, men, New York City, words | Tagged humanity to humanity, sober advice, The ATM, urban dialect | 23 Comments

Friends, Missing In Action

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

In my last post, I mentioned my late pals, Mimi and Jackie missing them more than I can say. My fantasy is, they’re together in one of their living rooms, Jackie’s painted peach, Mimi’s pale yellow, looking down at me … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, Connecticut, Fashion, friendship, grace, Gratitude, Home, humanity, humor, Love, money, New York City, women, words | Tagged cocktail hour, good friends, Ralph Lauren, Those gone before you, William Poles | 22 Comments

Dr. Zeus, My Cat In The Hat

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

I’m happily feeding Zeus, the cat, down the block. He’s a redhead, big and buff, rugged and tough…strapping, sturdy and oh so sexy–my kinda guy, greeting me at the door with furry swagger, like he’s welcoming me to his bachelor pad. … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, animals, humor, Love, nature, New York City | Tagged ADOPT DON'T BUY, cat sitting, Dr. Suess Cat in the Hat, Notes From A Working Cat [Kindle Edition], silly fiction | 22 Comments

Notes From The Carlyle – August 2018

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

Elegy to self: It’s vodka and tonic weather in a chilled, crystal glass filled with extra lime. You can almost hear the ice throughout the city, chime like church bells. Never fails when it’s this hot for me to … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, Beauty, dessert, Fashion, food, grace, History, humanity, humor, Love, money, New York City, Politics, sex, Women and men, writing | Tagged a long hot summer, Bemelmans Bar, Coco Chanel, coming out of depression, dead heroes, John and Jackie Kennedy, The Carlyle Hotel | 10 Comments

Asia Argento, We Have a Problem

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

I’m still in mourning for Anthony Bourdain, so this new flare-up with his lady friend, Asia Agento, really has my interest. She allegedly, in 2013 sexually assaulted fellow actor, Jimmy Bennett, when he was 17 and she, 37. She denies … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, Beauty, Books, food, humanity, internet, kids, Love, men, money, sexual relationships | Tagged #metoo movement, Anthony Bourdain, Asia Argento accused of sexual assault of a minor, Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment, Jimmy Bennett accuses Asia Argento of sexual assaut, Kitchen Confidential Anthony Bourdain | 12 Comments

War Wounds

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Susannah Bianchi

Forgive your enemies, but always remember their names. John F. Kennedy I saw my X on the street who startled me to say the least, seeing instantly how his alcoholism has escalated. His clothes were rumpled, he needed a … Continue reading →

Posted in alcohol, grace, Health, humanity, men, New York City, Women and men, words | Tagged 12 Step programs, abusive relationships, alcohol addiction, JFK, old boyfriends | 16 Comments