So as my time in New York draws to a close, I've been getting pretty sappy...I find myself falling in love with just about everything and everyone up here, and have to wonder if it's not a sign of more L.A. NY time to come. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I know deep in that gut and heart and soul of mine that I will live here again....it just might not be for another 20-30 years. Sad in a way, but also amazing to have found a place that I adore enough to call home and really be me in.
Anyway, enough of that serious talk. Yesterday was the last day of the workshop, and I put the pedal to the metal. SERIOUSLY. I was putting wax on just about every surface I had brought with me or found while staying here, and ironically ended up with a whole slew of work! (This is strange for me because I'm usually what I call a 'slow artist'.) Then after class, 2 of my new friends-Beth and Rachel, and I headed in to Woodstock to drink some margaritas at a splendid little cantina called Gypsy Wolf. As per my upstate NY trend, I totally fell in love with the place as soon as we pulled up and I realized that the building was painted turquoise. I love that kind of bravery when it comes to paint choices! After that we poked around town, found a piano outside, petted dogs, bought books, and finally made friends with a harp player! Needless to say I was all over that thing as well...I'd never been around one before and had to try my hand at playing it.
Today I woke up late (well 9am...late for me..) and made breakfast tacos. They were fabulous and I couldn't have been more happy having the chance to just sit, drink coffee, and eat breakfast. It's truly a marvelous thing. Shortly after, I borrowed Chris's car and headed back to the swap shop that I'd stumbled upon two nights prior...there was a beautiful Italian accordian in the window and I had to play it in person. The woman who owns the store, Sam, was fabulous! We ended up chatting for nearly 2 hours, and by the time I walked outta there-complete with accordian, record albums and vintage jewelry-I truly felt like I was leaving a dear friend. Seriously, I've already been offered a position there if I move back to upstate! It was one of the best conversations I've had in awhile...truly ran the gamut and was fleshed out by the characters who kept stopping in and chatting for awhile. I really didn't want to leave that store...
But I did. Because I had plans to meet up with some of my old friends from the catskills! I went over to my friend Susan's house (she's an amazingly talented ceramicist who teaches classes at SM) and had lunch, chatted, bumped into another old friend and then took photos all over her property and studio... Then off to Sugar Maples, the art center that I used to work at, where I wandered around for awhile taking more photos...didn't know anyone there, so it was a bit brief this visit. But then I drove out to the mountain overlook where you can see 5 states all at once, and played my accordian just for the sake of playing it for the first time while looking at 5 states all at once! So far it seems like it was a good move, because I've already starting writing songs on it...! Can't believe it.
And now here I am. Last night in upstate, and I'm drinking a beer in the studio office before heading over to a little hang out...haven't really had much alone time in the past few weeks and I'm relishing the tiny bit I have right now. This trip has been fantastic in every way, shape and form, and I really couldn't ask for anything else. Well except for some sleep, but when does that happen for this girl? :)
Anyway, I'm heading into the city tomorrow and should have a marvelous time seeing some of my oldest (and best!) friends. Can't wait. But also can't wait to get back to Atlanta to see the one who has my heart all a'flutter....but that is a story for another day! Let's leave it at this: I've stumbled upon a certain someone who gives me miles & miles of hope and trust...and who gets overly excited about everything just like me! Couldn't get better than that. Damn straight.
P.S. There are photos to come for this entry...just don't have time to upload them at the moment.
