Tribeca Film Festival

Last night went to see Akeelah and the Bee for the Tribeca Film Festival. IT WAS BRILLIANT! I strongly encourage everyone to go, the sold out crowd was laughing hysterically together and fighting tears all throughout the movie.

It is pretty cool, we got to meet the director and Akeelah’s teacher, a supporting actress in the film. They came down and said a few things about the movie and gave us some insider gossip which is always fun.

I have a feeling this blog is going to turn into some kind of “New York City Praise Forum”. As I’m sure I will continue to reiterate my feelings of love for this great city, and all the wonderful things it has to offer. Perhaps if I had started “blogging” in the winter months or during the times I was moving and furniture hunting I would be singing a different ditty, but I have this euphoric ability to remember the bright moments in my past, while substantially fading the ugly ones over time. Moral of the story, write when I’m exasperated about the city, and then all will come out balanced.

Ok Kel, how is that? I’m going to start writing more often, I guess I was thinking I had to have some HUGE inspiration and write something fabulous, but this entry is rather just an update.

AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m sooooooooooo excited! For those who don’t know, I’m going to make the 4 hour $ 40.00 ROUND TRIP bus ride to WASHINTON D.C. to help her fight for the rights of doctors at DO DAY ON THE HILL….(OK OK OK AND do a little catching up and dancing…) Nothing like seeing your best friend…..the Lincoln Monument, and cutting a rug to the smooth beats of new salsa music.

Good Friday

WOW, if only every day was Good Friday, my 20 min commute to work was BRILLANT, the absence of people was amazing, no pushing, no touching, no one breathing on me with nasty, coffee, morning breath….just a calm, comfortable ride. I liked it. Especially considering I was hauling bags and my face was still red from my 4 mile run this morning.

I’m heading to HOUSTON for the weekend to hang out with Myles and his family, should be a lot of fun, and I’m SOOOOOOOOOO LUCKY b/c I get to see LAUREN, the sweet wonder girl who is synonymous in my mind with laughing hysterically and freshman year, and my life-long friend Bekah Sneed…(We go way back to taking baths together, campfire girls, and getting spanked by my parents for staying up too late building fabulous doll houses! I CAN’T WAIT!)

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Easter, and lets not forget what the Lord did for us.

Spring, Yellow Flowers and Appreciating the Small Things…

Walked home tonight and the full moon seemed to be smiling down on my path as the balmy air brushed my face in gentle whirls. I find myself again falling in love with this magnificent city. After the long, cold, and dreary winter-life is everywhere. The yellow daffodils are dotting every corner and sidewalk tree- laughing as if to say: “here we are its spring time its spring time, winters gone its spring time its spring time.” Formerly barren trees have turned white and frothy- elegantly ornamenting the park and city streets. Central park is such a curious mix of the gray of winter and the bright brilliance of spring. I’ve never appreciated a sunny day more, or the gloriousness of yellow flowers peaking up out of the drab ground-blessing my eyes with their gracefulness as I run by. I am ever moved by beauty and grace, and the way Spring has come into New York makes my heart ache with the splendor of it.

Living in the city teaches me everyday to appreciate every small gift that life brings, a friendly smile on the subway, a night so fresh, yet warm enough to keep the windows open, an elderly man with sparkling eyes and a cane walking through the park, smoking a pipe deep in thought with the wisdom and dignity of age eluding from the top of his smart hat to the bottom of his warn yet polished shoes…..the sun, and running outside in a tee shirt and shorts.

I didn’t like New York much this winter, but now I see why people stay…its like an addiction that gets into your blood, you hate the city and the cold and the long dark nights-the freazing wind slapping you in the face every time you step outside….and then…you wake up one morning, and your favorite restaurant has pulled its outside tables out of storage, Sunday brunchers are enjoying banana-split french toast and feta cheese omelets, people walk around with a lighter step, they smile more, walk to work gazing up at the world blossoming around them, laugh a little harder. So my window is open, my scarves and heavy sweaters are on my bed, ready to be packed away and with them every last drab thought and uninspiring day.

I’ve made it through my first northern winter. I’ve arrived in Spring and my romantic heart could not be more thrilled walking down Park Avenue, to my tiny studio on the Upper East Side, than if I was a model with a pent house in midtown. It’s on these days that I remember how truly blessed I am to be living my dream.....and it’s more amazing than even I could have imaged it to be. My sister has a quote on the wall in her bedroom: "This day, this moment- this is your life."