As usual, Josie and I participated in the CHALK Project, writing the names of victims of the Triangle Factory Fire in front of the places they once lived. And as usual, Josie chalked for Kate Leone, the youngest of the victims. But something new: Maxie joined us for the first time. I wasn’t sure how much she understood (she’s seven and a more otherworldly kid than Josie was at her age) but at bedtime, she asked whether the Triangle Fire happened at around the same time as “when Rebecca lived.” She was referring to her American Girl doll. As it turns out, one of the Rebecca books is set against the backdrop of the labor strikes of the 1910s and discusses the role of Clara Lemlich. And once again I am forced to admit that despite the consumerist fuckwittage of these farshtunkiner zillion-dollar dolls, the books are really smart and educational.

Anyhow, as usual, we had some lovely interactions with passersby. This time, we met graffiti artist Angel Ortiz, who added some Haring-y radiant baby and barking dog action to the girls’ chalking.