My go to movie when I need a whimsical cry is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s one of my all time favorite movies. This makes me very original, right? It’s SO MANY people’s favorite. I always wondered why I was so drawn to it?

“She was a triumph over ugliness, so often more beguiling than real beauty, if only because it contains paradox. In this case, as opposed to the scrupulous method of good taste and scientific grooming, the trick had been worked by exaggerating defects; she’d made them ornamental by admitting them boldly.” 

Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Maybe it’s that Holly is a character who is delicate and yet strong and stubborn at the same time? As someone who often finds tries to convince herself that she doesn’t need other people, Holly’s disposition calls to me. The fact that she falls for someone pulls at every sentimental heart string that I have. All two of them. However, if we’re being honest the short story really appeals more to me with it’s edginess and lack of romantic plot.

“The instant she saw the letter she squinted her eyes and bent her lips in a tough tiny smile that advanced her age immeasurably. “Darling,” she instructed me, “would you reach in the drawer there and give me my purse. A girl doesn’t read this sort of thing without her lipstick.” 

Truman Capote

Last year I got a ukulele to play a friend’s first dance and have realized that since then it’s been woefully underused. Also woefully underused is the fire escape that is right outside my bedroom window. I decided that this was my opportunity to bring one of my favorite scenes to life.

Let me tell you though, a Hollywood sound stage and a Harlem fire escape on a sunny spring day do not have the same amount of ambient noise. This was the best take out of many that included yelling and sirens.

Enjoy the fruits of my beautiful afternoon’s work. I know it’s certainly not perfect but I’m proud of it.