Missed Connections

Missed Connections on the New York Subway

2012-01-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled recently to be invited to create a poster for the New York MTA Arts for Transit program. Thrilled is something of an understatement. Every year, two different artists create subway related posters which hang in all the new trains in the city. My friend, the wonderful R. Gregory Christie has designed the other one, so I am in excellent company. Thousands of our posters will be in circulation, so if you are traveling under or over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx any time in 2012, you can't miss them. The first one has been spotted on the M train just this morning, other trains to follow.

Needless to say I love the subway. I glean all my characters from my fellow passengers. The same sorts of things which attracted me to Missed Connections, I find on the train: subtle interactions, eccentricity, beauty, sorrow, secrets, kindness, generosity, excellent hairdos. Every sort of person imaginable and unimaginable. For this poster, I measured my allotted space very carefully and figured out I had enough space to draw 34 people. I had to whittle and whittle my list of favorite characters. The surfer standing with his board in a puddle of water didn't make it. Neither did the gorgeous elderly drag queen, the man with the enormous orange velour armchair or the disheveled mermaids. I'm sorry. I still love you.

I believe the poster will soon be puchase-able online at the MTA store for about $25. Proceeds from the sales go to support the not-for-profit New York Transit Museum’s exhibitions and education programs.

Love It or Hate It, Valentine's Day Approaches...

2012-01-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

From now until Valentine's Day, buy any three prints in the store and receive a free, signed copy of the book, Missed Connections, Love Lost and Found!

Missed Connections e-Book for $1.99!

2011-12-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

Workman is offering a bunch of great e-books (including Missed Connections!) for only $1.99 for a limited time.
Quick! Click here!
And Happy New Year!

Sweet Robotic Moves in Boston

2011-12-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

From the Boston Globe:

This past week, Boston.com readers submitted their own missed connection ads to Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein. Goldstein passed them to Blackall, who chose her favorite as inspiration for a special illustration.

The winner
you hooked me in with your sweet robot moves and cat shirt. none of that grinding stuff, just natural robotic talent. you said ‘‘hey, you’re cute.’’ and i said, ‘‘you, too’’ and then i elbowed you in the ribs because i’m not very smooth when it comes to romance. i thought this exchange meant we agreed on a sloppy bar makeout? whenever i busted out the robot arms, your robotic arms chopped mine in half. kept looking at your cat shirt thinking, ‘‘yesssss, i can see us marrying and having lots of cats.’’ went to dance on stage with friends and then lost you?!?myfriend said you got shy, which makes you and your cat shirt even more cute!!! spent a ridiculous amount of time searching for your pussy shirt, but alas, i lost both you and my heart on the dance floor. find me cat shirt guy, find me. p.s. i also put up ‘‘LOST: cat shirt guy’’ signs for you.
ana s., brookline

Time Out NY Competition Winner

2011-11-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

The winning Missed Connections story came from Cat Hughes, from Dublin. The painting is above, and here is the original message: (printed in last week's Time Out New York magazine)

You were wearing an average office suit with an admirably messy haircut. I was the girl with brown curly hair and a blouse with horses on it. We did that awkward back-and-forth shuffle of two strangers trying to pass each other on the street; then you grabbed me and gently swirled me in a mini waltz in the middle of the lunchtime shoppers and angry passersby. I would understand that moment if it happened now – two people sharing a delicate second in a day that hadn't gone to plan. But no, when it happened I was in my awkward early-twenties, so I just frowned, trudged away and hoped no one had noticed. Thanks for making my day.

No.2 Pencil 4 Batman

2011-10-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

-w4m
You admired my wooden legs and caught me in your sticky wings. Wish I'd stayed a bit longer.

Here it is! The Competition You Were Promised!

2011-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

A while ago I promised you a fun, collaborative competition. Well here it is! Time Out New York is seeking your Missed Connections and I am going to illustrate one of them. From the magazine:
"In conjunction with the publication of Sophie Blackall’s sweetly whimsical book of illustrated Craigslist ads titled Missed Connections: Love, Lost and Found (Workman Publishing, $14), TONY is seeking readers’ stories of blown opportunities ala Craigslist. The winner will have his or her story illustrated by Blackall and will receive a signed copy of the illustration, as well as a signed copy of the book. Two runners-up will also receive a signed copy of Missed Connections."
To enter, click here.
To all of you who sent me lovely emails over the past years asking me to draw your own personal Missed Connection, now is your chance! Enter, enter!
ps This drawing is meant to be me, catching your messages.

Launch Party, October 6th in Brooklyn NY!

2011-09-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

If you live within a convenient radius of Greenpoint, NY, or even if it's slightly inconvenient, please join me on October 6th at 7pm at Word for the launch of Missed Connections, Love Lost & Found! I will be introduced by Brett Fletcher Lauer and Gretchen Scott of Ships that Pass, and will share the stage with audience members telling their own missed connections stories and some special guests. (If you're interested in telling a story, please email Jenn at info@wordbrooklyn.com. And if you like, you can RSVP for the event on Facebook
I can't wait to meet you.
x

Small Talk About Weather

2011-08-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Small talk about weather w/ awkward blonde in tribal print dress
Thursday, August 4, 2011
- w4m - 28
You caught me looking at you on the corner of Carmine and Varick and then approached me to make small talk about the weather. I blushed, stuttered, and had a moment of verbal diarrhea that culminated in me asking you what you did. You looked disconcerted, said something about mailing lots of envelopes to LA, after which I got even more awkward, said "good luck with that" and fled. With a face like that, you're probably not single. Even if you are, I'd likely still be shy and tongue-tied.

If you live in NY...

2011-07-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

....and you found your Missed Connection (or they found you) I would love to hear from you. I have something fun in mind...

You can reach me at sophie@sophieblackall.com
Thank you!

We Have a Cover!

2011-06-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

The book will be out late September. Click the image for information about pre-ordering.
More new Missed Connections coming soon!

Poster Giveaway!

2011-06-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Missed Connections at the recent BookExpo America in New York, Workman printed posters of Polka Dots in the Strand and we have five (signed) to give away! Leave a comment below to enter. Winners will be drawn democratically, using the fool proof chapeau method, and announced next Thursday.

Polka Dots in the Strand

2011-05-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 21, 2011
-m4w
Ack! 'Round 7pm or so... I was browsing the shelves and saw you on the other side. I swear I glimpsed our entire future together in that brief moment. It was beautiful. And then someone asked you for the time. I mean c'mon, who doesn't have a damn time-telling device of some sort these days!
Oh, if only I'd thought of that.

Hasidic Woman on Ferry

2011-05-04T09:16:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
-m4w
I know you'll never see this but you are so pretty.

Let the Water Run

2011-04-03T19:41:00.001-07:00

Sunday, April 3, 2011
-m4m
I fixed the water outside your apt today, you had a problem with your plumbing. I never asked you your name but I thought you were very attractive. Interested? Reply with where you were going and what you were wearing.

A White Hat of Indeterminate Origin

2011-03-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
-m4w - 29 (Lower East Side)

I did a really bad job of trying to introduce myself on the subway. I asked about your white fur hat because I liked it, but then I didn't know what to say afterward . . . it was on the F train, from 2nd Ave to Jay St. Write me if you don't mind guys that fumble over their words when they're nervous.

We Passed Each Other When the Sky Was Pink

2011-03-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 8, 2011
-m4w - 29

I saw you for maybe a second or two.
I've read missed-connections before and wondered why people just didn't say something then and there. Now I understand... perhaps it's because the moment is extraordinary; containing a fullness of its own... and the thought that this person across from me is not a part of my everyday life, and at any second will disappear, didn't even occur to me... it seemed that we were in whatever it was together, and that sort of connection rarely, if ever, happens between strangers, so my mind was a little slow on registering that there would be no "some other time" if neither of us asked for the others phone or email.

Now, hours later, the ripples created by those few tender seconds still gently rock something within me...
and I become a missed-connections poster.

Would you be interested in having tea or going on a ride?

You With the Hat

2011-02-14T04:42:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 14, 2011
- w4m -28

I see you most mornings, and I think you've seen me too. I know how crazy this will sound, but I know exactly what our baby would look like.

A new project

2011-02-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

With the Missed Connections book wrapped up and off at the printer, I have the beginnings of a new project to share with you.
For now I'm calling it Drawn From My Father's Adventures.
I have always loved my father's stories, the grim ones from boarding school during the war, the exciting ones from being the son of a spy, the exotic and bizarre and beautiful ones from traveling to unpronounceable places long before there were guide books. These stories formed pictures in my head over the years and I have finally convinced him to write them down so I can get them out of my head and onto the page.
I live in Brooklyn, New York and my father lives in rural Australia, so it's a long distance collaboration. I'm awfully excited. Come and have a look.
ps This doesn't mean Missed Connections is over...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Tree With Legs
-w4m (Prospect Park)

Nice pants. I'd like to see more of you...
BTW, your dog winked at me.

Furry Arms in Morning Lecture

2010-10-26T06:46:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
-m4m, 27

Noticed you the minute you walked into the room. White striped shirt, tie, and furry arms. We sat through lecture and spoke briefly afterward.

My Dreamy Neighbor

2010-10-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 14, 2010
My dreamy neighbor who plays obscenely loud music
- w4m - (Greenpoint)

Sometimes when you have played music late into the night or come home in the wee hours and turn it on, I knock on our shared wall or scold you the next day, but all along I am thinking how dreamy you are and how I just want to make love to you.

Tattoed Girl

2010-09-29T19:17:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
-m4w (Danbury gas station)
So you came in out of the rain to do your paperwork and could only show me a few tats... I saw the scissors and would love to see the rest.Wednesday came and went. I am still waiting.

Black Dress, D Train

2010-09-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

Monday, September 13, 2010
-m4w, 25
i kicked myself all the way home
for not saying hello
maybe you'll see this
and let me take you out
i was reading d h lawrence

Dark Skinned Well Spoken Lady

2010-06-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

Monday, June 21, 2010
-m4w
I help you almost once a week at the grocery store with your seafood purchases. I doubt you'll see this, but if you do, please respond back. I'll know it's you when you tell me the specific seafood you ask for each week.

I Was the Face Painter at Party Today

2010-06-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 3, 2010
-w4m

I was the face painter at party today
and you were there.

jake?
jason?
john?
something or another.

you had a nice face.

i would of liked to have stayed and chatted but me and my co worker had other parties to attend to.

Anyone Know That White Girl With Black Hair & Old Fashioned Clothes?

2010-05-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 23, 2010
-m4w (Throgs Neck, Edgewater)
I've seen her around Throgs Neck & Edgewater, she's gotta be in her 30s and wears older clothes. What's the deal with her? She single or what?

Girl Sleeping on Train

2010-05-10T14:25:00.001-07:00

Sunday, May 9, 2010
-m4w -19 (2 or 5 train)
You were the gorgeous brunette sleeping on the train. I was the guy sitting next to you. I just wanted to apologize for my repeated lack of consciousness onto your shoulder, we both got off at flatbush. Hit me back up if you think this is you.

Owl Lady in the Red Dress

2010-05-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 3, 2010
- m4w - 25 (Astoria)
We both purchased owl statues today. You are the classy looking dame in a red dress. I am the mustachioed gentleman. I think we should meet up and discuss further wildlife decor.

Floral Print Jacket on the L

2010-04-23T07:07:00.001-07:00

Thursday, April 22, 2010
-m4w - 26 (Union Square)
Can I buy you a drink?
-Buffalo plaid jacket

Butterflies @ the Museum of Natural History

2010-04-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

Thursday, April 15, 2010
-w4m
Not just those on show, you know that right?

Unbelievable Moustache on the C

2010-04-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
-w4m - 28 (Chelsea)
You: tall, brown hair, incredibly voluminous moustache, blue/green checkered shirt
Me: tall, blonde, wearing all black and Burberry rain boots
I boarded the uptown C train at 14th Street at around 10:50 on Tuesday morning. You got off at 23rd. You were staring at me. Hard. You're really really really ridiculously good-looking.

Girl With the Golden Swan Bike

2010-03-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 26, 2010
-m4w - 28 (Dumbo)
Saw you sailing up Jay Street around 4pm on the most glorious golden bike.
I think I'm in love.

I Gave You My Umbrella But The Wrong Directions

2010-03-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 14, 2010
-m4w
It was windy and pouring rain last night, and you were looking for directions in the East Village. You were wet and cold, so I gave you my umbrella. Unfortunately, I later discovered that I gave you the wrong directions and I feel just awful about it. I hope you and your friends got to your destination without too much trouble.

We Talked About Rent and Africa on the L

2010-03-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

Saturday, March 6, 2010
- m4w - 25 (Chelsea)
I was with two friends who you considered negative. I would like to meet you again sometime, you were funny. Also, I have big hair...blue jacket

Long Curly Brown Hair on the Q

2010-02-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 28, 2010
- m4w - 36 (Brooklyn)

You had pink fingernails and got on the Q train at Atlantic (if not Dekalb). I felt an irrational desire to invite you out to dinner. I found you stunningly beautiful, but you'll probably never know. I think you changed trains at Times Square and I watched as you stepped between closing doors and disappeared. If for some reason you check this, It'd be nice to hear from you. Either way, I hope you're well.

Greenpoint Laundromat

2010-02-23T14:59:00.001-08:00

Sunday, February 21, 2010
- m4w - 27

I am a nice, quiet guy, and I am about to have a missed connection with someone at my local laundromat when I go in a half hour to do my laundry. I'll probably be sitting in a corner reading, because I don't like to leave my laundry alone. Maybe you're there doing your laundry too?

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T14:33:00.001-08:00

Sunday, February 14, 2010
m4w

If, like me, you don’t have someone “special” to exchange heart-shaped confectionery with today, how about this: As you go about your business find six strangers to connect with. It could be as simple as “hello” or “I like your hat”. It will make you feel good, probably make six strangers’ days less lonely, and who knows, maybe one of those strangers will be me, and maybe I’ll like your hat too, and maybe we’ll go for coffee and fall in love and maybe next year we’ll exchange hat-shaped confectionery. I mean, why not?

In the Library, Browsing

2010-02-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

Sunday, January 31, 2010
- w4m (BPL)
We were in the Brooklyn Public Library on Saturday, browsing graphic novels – you had on a big furry hat and nice smile. You tapped me on the shoulder and told me I'm pretty. That was nice. Which book did you end up borrowing?

Freckles and Bruises

2010-01-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 29, 2010
- m4w - 23 (L train)

How did you get those bruises? I wouldn't let anything happen to you. You were reading some book, and taking notes. I read a book once.

Throat Tattoo

2010-01-22T10:15:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 22, 2010
L Train
Hey, guy that got on at 1st Ave dressed all in black with the throat tattoo. Thanx for existing.

When I Put Your Coat Collar Up

2010-01-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 8, 2010
- m4w
When I put your coat collar up to protect you from the cold...
on the corner of E Houston and Bowery...
and I looked in your eyes...
I was very tempted to kiss you...
but I don't steal women from other men...

still...
I was tempted...

Ice Skating in Central Park, We Collided

2009-12-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 31, 2009
- m4w - 32
You had on a furry hat with ear flaps and you crashed into me at Wollman Rink today. You are a terrible but adorable skater.
Happy New Year!

I Wish I Could See Inside Your Head

2009-11-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 23, 2009
-m4w
You were wearing a green dress with white buttons. We made eye contact at least three times on the 6 train this morning. All of a sudden you gave a little smile, and looked down at your lap, as though at some secret joke. You never looked up again and I had to get off at Bleeker. I wish I could have seen inside your beautiful head.

A film about this blog!

2009-11-18T06:10:00.001-08:00

Doing Laundry in Our Building

2009-11-16T13:45:00.001-08:00

Monday, November 16, 2009
- m4w - 26
Unfortunately I hardly looked up, but I'm pretty sure you were beautiful. Hope to see you again.

You Left Your Coat Here Last Winter

2009-11-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 2nd, 2009
You left your coat here last winter - w4w
... or rather, you let me wear it home.
I found fun dip in one pocket and your NYPL card in the other.
It's going to keep me deliciously warm this winter as I rack up mountains of overdue fines.

We Shared a Bear Suit

2009-10-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 17, 2009
- m4w
We shared a bear suit at an apartment party on Saturday night.
I asked for your number and you gave it to me, but somehow I don't have an area code written down. I had a great time talking with you, and I don't trust Chance enough to wait until I see you in the elevators...

HOT Toll Collector

2009-10-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 10, 2009

HOT toll collector
- m4w - 35 (Outerbridge)
I complimented you on your new look today. Hope you see this, I was too shy. The $8 was well worth it... and always is when you’re there.

Do You Believe in Love at First Sight?

2009-10-07T09:37:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, October 6, 2009
-m4w (L train to Manhattan)
You were reading Catch-22 on the subway this morning. I have never seen such a beautiful profile. I wanted to say hi, but then you’d turn towards me and I wouldn’t be able to look at your profile anymore. You were so into your book, I don’t think you noticed me falling in love with you. But I thought I’d ask, just in case.

Help With Luggage

2009-09-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

click on image for larger view

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
- w4m - 23 (Hoboken, NJT station)
I just wanted to say thank you for offering to help carry my little orangey/pink suitcase. It really meant a lot because I was having a really terrible day.
-Half asian girl in the green shirt

Red Book, Blue Book

2009-09-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

Monday, September 14, 2009
Look: historically, I'm not a morning person. And to top it off, I was grimacing through some lower back pain that flowered over the weekend. So when you noticed me (white guy, brown hair, blue/white striped shirt, earphones, red book) and I noticed you (white girl, brown hair, nosering, headphones, blue book) for however brief a moment this morning, it was bolstering and made me forget the knife in my back. Haven't noticed you before, but if there's a next time, maybe I can slap myself out of the morning slumber and say hey. No promises, though.

Hairy Bearded Swimmer

2009-09-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

click on image for larger view

Saturday, September 5, 2009
- m4m - 29 (astoria)
we were both swimming around 5-6 in astoria pool. we ended up walking the same direction in the park for a while but didn't talk. i wish i had said hi...so i figured i would on here.
worth a shot.

The Coming and Going of Bicycles (that's life)

2009-08-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 27, 2009
sorry your bike got stolen. its beautiful. when some guy offered it to me for 40 bucks, i didnt even think twice. i was drunk, missing my bike and figured if not me, someone else would buy it anyways. also, my bike got stolen last week. who knows, maybe you bought it for 40 bucks from some guy on the street. so if you see me riding it, feel free to say hey. maybe we could trade back. if not, you can buy it from me for 40 bucks. id buy my old bike back for 40 bucks. it was way more comfortable than this one.

Scrabble Tattoo on Roof

2009-08-18T08:25:00.001-07:00

Monday, August 17, 2009
- m4w - (greenpoint)
asked myself why the letter 'n' all night long, then you were gone before i got a chance to ask. also, i saved you a piece of cake.
do you always sit in a circle of asian girls? and sit at the top of the stairs so everyone gets a crush on you when they get to the roof?

Blue Dress on the M Train

2009-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 18, 2009
- m4w - 20 (m train)
you had on a blue dress an brown boots on i was a purple shirt we were waiting at myrtle an wyckoff ave at like 2 or 3 am for the m you were just amazing looking an i wanted to talk to you but i was having a bad day an looked offal so i didnt even try then you got off at central well its a long shot or your probably seeing some one but you seemed like a nice person so maybe

Seeking Girl Who Bit Me TWICE Last Night While We Were Dancing

2009-06-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 6, 2009
- m4w - 27 (42nd St and 5th Ave)
So yea...um, looking for the girl who I was dancing with last night, she bit me twice. I forget her name.

Are you scared of birds or something?

2009-05-25T13:37:00.001-07:00

Thursday, May 14, 2009
- m4w - 20 (Williamsburg)

Well, whatever the case, it was cute. Do you live on N7th too? We could hang out.

Color Changing Dress at BBQ

2009-04-27T05:33:00.001-07:00

Sunday, April 26, 2009
– m4w – 24
You wore an awesome color changing dress to the BBQ on Skillman Ave in Williamsburg, but someone spilled wine on it.
You left too quickly...I'd like to see you again.

If Not for Your Noisy Tambourine

2009-04-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 28, 2009
- m4w - 19 (Uptown 3 Train)
If not for your noisy Tambourine, I would not have seen you.
Your green skirt looked terrible, but that leather jacket makes you look just right.
I was the attractive guy sitting to your left just before you got off.

Hipster Chick Who Passed Gas

2009-03-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 23, 2009
-m4w (Harlem)
Remember? Uptown A train. Sunday at around 9pm. I was the black dude reading Bukowski's Post Office. You were reading the Arts and Leisure section. You passed wind rather loudly and started chuckling. I'd like to see you again. The flatulence wasn't a turn-off.

Passed You on Street

2009-03-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 20, 2009
Passed you on street, u said hi - m4m (Upper West Side)
Passed by you around 11pm tonight on street, UWS in 70s. You said hi, and I said hi as well. We both went into our respective buildings.

How Come No-one Ever "Misses" Me?

2009-03-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
-m4m
How come no-one ever "misses" me?

I Bought You That Milkshake

2009-03-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
-w4m -22 (williamsburg)
i bought you that milkshake
you just didn't realize it.

Green Hula Hoop

2009-03-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 15, 2009
-w4m 27 (East Village)
Green Hula Hoop in Tompkins Square Park
Yesterday you had a bright green hula hoop around your waist and you were VERY cute. Hope you reply.

Phoenix With Crutches

2009-03-13T21:45:00.001-07:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009
-m4m (East Village)
Phoenix w/crutches
I would love to carry you around piggy back until you can walk again...

Dear Girl With Silk Screen

2009-03-12T09:35:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
-m4w (Ridgewood)
Dear girl with silk screen on the M –
I wasn't following you; I live down that block.

Cursive

2009-03-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
- m4w (exiting to the street)
cursive, on leaving, stepped on my foot
wish i could have stricken up a conversation

I Had a Blue Hat

2009-03-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 9, 2009
-m4w -28
You had a guitar. I had a blue hat. We exchanged glances and smiles on the subway platform. I pretended to read my New Yorker but I couldn't concentrate. You got on the Q and I stayed on to wait for the B. You were lovely.