On my way to becoming a New Yorker!
After my mom departed for Alaska, I went on with my life. It is very important that I continue to stay active and mentally stimulated at all times. My friend Salem (from my training days in Harlem at the New York Sports Club) is a photographer and is gracious enough to take me to art galleries and other various interesting events throughout the city. Since he is such a skilled photographer I always make it a point to have him snap at least one picture of me.
This event happened to take place at Grand Street and as part of my journey I got off the subway in SoHo, which is a definite fashion neighborhood. I guess a part of me felt slightly insecure because there were these beautiful, tall, exotic models crossing the street obviously posing for a photograph, I couldn't help but to feel short as they towered over me with a good foot difference in height.
As a result when I met up with Salem, who refers to me as Lil' Moose, on account of being from Alaska and petit, that I felt extremely short and boring in comparison to those beautiful models I had seen crossing the street. He must have taken pity on me, and as a result took some amazing photographs of me really marveling at the special surroundings that encompass New York City.
Salem really liked the color contrast that this green door created in relation to my outfit, but personally I have to say that I am more of a fan of the graffiti photo.
These photos were taken on a Sunday, and I do give myself permission to go off my friends and to tour around the city, because I figure that hands-on experience is valuable especially for a writer and someone who is in the creative arts, but this doesn't mean that I don't try and stick to a schedule where I set insane goals for myself. And lists, how I love to make lists and calendars are something that I can't seem to get enough of.
One day when in Staples looking to buy a mouse for my computer to avoid a finicky track pad I came across this pad of paper. First of all, let me just put it out there. I absolutely love "Office Supply Stores." There are some people who are addicted to buying shoes, but I find that I am one to overspend on stationary and sticky notes. Two summers ago when I was experiencing a bout of mania, my absolute favorite store to frequent was "Papayrus." I still love this store, but can identify it as a potential danger zone, so for now I'm going to stick to my homemade cards and innovative ways to create something comparable that I can send, but one day I know that I will once again be able to step into "Papayrus" and not agonize about the amount of money that I am spending.
As I previously explained The Risse Way includes a round about, more frugal method of achieving the same goal. My new office consists of the "duncan phyfe" table that we rescued from the sidewalk trash and all of my artwork are pieces that my mom either brought from Alaska or things that I have acquired here. The point is that everything I put on the wall has a story and is completely intentional.
I must say I do love my new office space, and I think for the most-part it is cheerful and leads to productivity. Here is a photo of me working on my 2nd book (book 3) of the Singlehood series.
The only time that I decided to take a break during the editing process was to see "Mac and Mabel" at the NY City Center. They have this program called "Encores" and for this they do renditions (that are somewhat bare bones, but have become quite elaborate) of lesser known musicals. "Mac and Mabel" is a show that was composed by Jerry Herman, who is famous for composing music for shows such as "Hello, Dolly!. Mame, and La Cage aux Folles." I read in this program that his intension was to be the Irving Berlin of his era. I think he probably achieved this goal! "Mac and Mable" does have some amazing music. I remember at my book release event last year my friend Sarah Hulac sang a rendition of "Wherever He Ain't" and I can't wait to sing "Tap Your Troubles Away" with a partner.
Overall I thought the show was well done. I have to say (SPOILER ALERT), the show in itself is definitely a downer. The ending sort of reminded me of "The Days of Wine and Roses," a very important film to see to scare you away from any form of alcoholism. Anyways in the show, Mabel came in to deliver a sandwich to the famed film director (Mac) and ended up becoming employed by him, leading to fame and a drug dependence problem. In the end she ends up dying and Mac is devastated because he had grown to love her.
In a phone conversation I relayed to my mom that the show was well done but it was indeed a downer. I then went onto compare it to "The Days of Wine and Roses" and she knows the scope that this entails, but then I went on to tell her that this show provided me with an absolutely amazing experience.
Oftentimes I find that in the theatre a show can be amazing, but it's really the passionate debriefing that occurs afterwards that makes this experience unique. I can still remember as I walked a half a block to my subway station I found myself listening intently to various conversations as they voiced their opinion about the show. Once I had reached the subway platform I became courageous enough to talk to the people around me and then just like clock-work others joined the conversation. On the subway I continued talking to this lady who had actually seen the original production with Bernadette Peters and Robert Preston. This conversation reminded me of a flash-mob because so many people who initially were very closed off let their guards down and joined in. At the end it was just me and this older gentleman talking and then he asked me if I was a member of the 100 club. Apparently there is a club for people who seriously take on the challenge to see 100 shows in a year. Wow! That's intense. I pride myself as being very artistic, however, in this case music, dance, lectures, and visual arts would not count. This club is strictly for theatre lovers. Maybe in a few years when I'm more established, I will be ready to take on this challenge.
While at the City Center I saw advertisements for "Harry Townsend's Last Stand" and decided that I should go ahead and see this. I guess on this night I was feeling exceptionally single, therefore I decided to put on a pretty dress and feel beautiful.
The play ended up being very good and was extremely thought provoking. It was all about a son coming to town to see his father and ultimately deliver the news that he needed to go to assisted living. It was so sad as he told his son that this house contained all of the good memories that he had shared with his late wife. The last line of the play was of the old man getting ready to close the door and just before he did he said, "Goodbye Jennie!" That line immediately made me tear up.
Interesting fact:
* Len Cariou won a Tony award for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd during the run with Angela Landsbury. This production was directed and produced by none other than Hal Prince.
* Craig Bierko is an award winning actor that I recognized as Ray (the Jazz ADD bass player) from Sex and the City.
Wow! It's amazing the legends of the stage and screen that you are able to see while experiencing life in New York City!
The most hilarious thing about this whole experience was that the people sitting next to me asked where I was from. To that I responded that I was from Fairbanks, AK but now lived in Astoria. They mentioned that they had been to Alaska for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival and were friends of Shirley who lived here in the city. What a small world! I told them that I was also friends with Shirley who was in fact staying downtown at my old house in downtown Fairbanks for her father Dick's memorial.
Here's one of my favorite photos with Jo and Dick Scott. I spent some of my happiest childhood times in their house. I'll never forget that I told my mom one day that I wanted to put on a show, and not knowing how to respond to that told me that I should talk to Jo Scott.
Well Jo was completely encouraging and immediately became my mentor and one of my biggest fans. Jo Scott, however, realized that she could not do it alone. Dick made sure to bring home the bacon and provide stability for his wonderful family. He was also the most supportive individual. I'll never forget, when I was receiving flack and criticism for my book, Dick offered to proof read my book.
I knew that this book would have been an uncomfortable read for him, but the fact that he was willing to help me out in a time of need meant the world to me.
So, as I continue to write, attend artistic events, take care of myself, set deadlines, and make lists, I know that I'm on my way to becoming a New Yorker. As I navigated the lower eastside with Salem I found that he was constantly Jay-walking and never using the cross-walks. I said "Hey, I like to feel safe, can we please use the cross-walk." In response he told me that real New Yorkers don't use cross walks. Well, according to a "Sex and the City" episode one doesn't become a true New Yorker until they've lived in New York for ten years. So... I guess I have nine more years to use the crosswalk!
