NYC Summer

The scorching heat and intense humidity;
How anyone looks good in the summertime is beyond me.
I shower, dress, and walk out of the comfort of a climate controlled apartment––and I’m a hot sweaty mess!

Starbucks NYC

It’s been fourteen years since I’ve lived in New York City;
And it’s as if no time has passed as I write from the Starbucks on 40th and Lexington Avenue.
This was not my “home” Starbucks, but aren't they all the same?
I spent so many hours of my life (pre-marriage) journaling, dreaming, and plotting my career path in a Starbucks;
Surrounded by strangers who felt like family at Starbucks––we all shared common themes: aspiring actor–writer–director–students–without–air conditioning in the summer heat.
Which is very similar to my circumstances today.
While I’m much older––and can actually afford air-conditioning now; I am in a city that I no longer have a home––so I found solace in my family at Starbucks.
In between meetings and meeting up with friends, I happily hack away at my computer––finishing a chapter in my new book, and catching up on emails.
The traffic is at a standstill, but my creativity is in full-force;
That’s the beauty of New York––once you're here, you can’t fight the energy.
I’m delighted to visit NYC for a trip down memory lane, however, I’m so grateful that I achieved my goals in this city––with nothing to prove here––I enjoy visiting friends, working my gig, and returning home to my family!
I enjoy NYC, I LOVE LA.

NYC Smile

A frown goes a long way;
A smile goes even further.
Negative energy spreads on the streets of New York;
But one smile lights up Times Square!

Note To Self:

Never visit NYC during Spring break.
A.) It might be Spring, but it’s still F_cking FREEEEZING;
B.) The streets are covered with annoying teenagers who act out scenes in their favorite NY movies––and yes, I realize I did that when I was their age, too.
But I don’t care. It’s a lot to deal with.

Six Word Essay on Shopping with Family in NYC:

Wish we were watching a musical. 

890 Broadway

Just over ten years have passed.

I walk into the studio, my friend and her company dancers are rehearsing an emotionally charged, athletic dance;

It's as if time stood still.

The only noticeable difference is the beautiful evolution of creativity and confidence.

I love my friend.

#LifeOfAnArtist

Goodbye NYC

After a successful week of teaching, choreographing, and laughing with old friends; it's time I leave NYC.

I'm delighted that I got to see my buddy star on Broadway, my bestie's company shine on stage and even pick up some fun new designer merchandise at the House of Lodes! (AKA my friends hand-me-downs.)

But like all great adventures, this too must end, and just in time- it's raining... And I hate summer rain in NYC!

Line Up

Cheap tickets are near,

Please don't sell out before me!

Ready for the jazz hands.

#TcktsBroadway

Day Off

After a very long (and rewarding) week of teaching in NYC,
I'm ready to relax and enjoy a mimosa and brunch with good friends.
As soon as I can convince myself to get out of bed and hobble to the shower.
#EveryMuscleInMyBodyAches

Reasons I STILL Love NYC:

You can walk into a random Starbucks near Union Square and run into an old friend, (even though neither of you actually live in NYC anymore) and pick up right where you left off.

You can sit in a park and be approached by three complete strangers from three different countries, who are all in an English class-and they want to engage in conversation to better understand the language. (P.S. All three spoke better English than a third of the people who are actually born here.)

You can eat a three course meal at 1AM and nobody thinks anything of it.

But my favorite part, you can walk around any area of this city and gaze up and see no less than: 10 different types of architecture, 10 different ethnicities and 10 different styles of fashion-all while watching an uber wealthy stockbroker avoid eye contact with a homeless man.

  

NYC in the AM

New York in the early morning is (dare I say) calm;

No honking taxis,

The streets are empty,

Times Square shines half as bright.

On the way to the airport I got sentimental-

I miss the good moments I had while living in the city.

[Then]

Slam on the breaks and barley miss hitting a nasty, angry man crossing the street.

The moment passed.

LA is waiting for me,

But I'll always have my memories!

View From Above

Wedding in NYC,
The Ritz Carlton in Battery Park;
The view of the Statue of Liberty is stunning.
Old friends reconnect,
New friendships forming,
Weddings like this are always a pleasure!

So Long NYC!

Hit it,

And quit it!

That's how you do New York City...

I was in the Big Apple for one whole day-

Just enough time to see some good friends, walk through Times Square and remember just how stressful the city can be.

Now I'm on the NJ Transit headed to Atlantic City.

The NYC skyline safely in the distance behind me,

It doesn't look so tough looking back.