November 11th. Full moon in Taurus yesterday, shined a bright evening light on all things beautiful and sensual. Did you feel it?
A few weeks ago, I took a sporadically planned trip to New York City. The sporadic nature of booking the trip involved a dear friend and fellow Conventee, MWG, blowing through the dining room announcing a sale on Virgin flights from our quaint city by the bay to the Big Apple. Not knowing why it struck a cord with me and with only enough money in my bank account to book the flight and get coffee for the rest of the week, I felt the need to jump on the NYC-bound wagon with him. So I did and managed to cook at home for the rest of the week until I got paid again from the stretchy pant empire. Now, I'm thanking my lucky stars that I was born with an adventurous, risk-taking spirit and the ability to get by on little to nothing.
Two months passed and I didn't think about the trip until a few days before. My attention was directed toward all things San Francisco. The new friends I was making, new places and neighborhoods to explore, lots of time at lululemon-- singing and dancing in the streets, afternoons on my bike and in vast parks, LOTS of coffee shop sitting during the day and rooftop conversations at night. I was busy-busy creating a home and network here, and falling in love with this city and all of its quirkiness. My five months here have (of course) added to the richness of my soul's knowledge and experiences. San Francisco has definitely won a piece of my heart and will always have it.
But let's get back to New York. We flew in early on a Tuesday morning-- me, MWG, Hemmie and Jillian, with a few carry on bags and no plans other than to have a really, really good time. That we did. Our first stop was a little dive bar with the perfect happy hour special: a beer and a shot of Jameson for $5. We imbibed and mingled with the locals who were basking in our Californian radiance then grabbed a $3 slice of cheesy goodness next door, still having no plan or direction other than to find a place to put our bags and rest our pretty heads after a long day of travel. Times Square is where we landed-- at a really shitty hotel, but a place to crash nonetheless. The best part was the view of the lights from a tall, thin window on the 23rd floor. The lights offered a stream of neon energy, and like a moth to a flame I had to go nearer. Hemmie, Jill and I heard of a photo and rock n roll show in Soho so we ventured out. The show hosted an array of New York's finest creatures-- artists, hipsters, musicians and fresh fashion. After making a few new connections and soaking up the scene, we left and I walked. And walked, and walked... and walked the streets of midtown for hours until my body told me that if I went back to the room I would definitely pass out right as my head hit the pillow that was my rolled up scuba hoodie. I woke early in the morning and hit the streets again.
Fortunately, one of those kind creatures from the night before offered me a place to sleep in Williamsburg for the next three nights. (Thanks again, S!! You're a doll!). And the journey continued... Walking, exploring new streets, bridges and shops, searching for good coffee and eats, going to more shows, meeting more good people (New Yorkers really are super nice as long as you are nice to them, look them in the eye, and carry a bit of swag with you), taking the AMAZING subways that get you anywhere you want to go quickly, an inspiring aerial art show in Bushwick at an artist collective warehouse space, occupying Wall Street and sleeping hard at the end of the night.
So far so good, I thought to myself. New York was intriguing me, to say the least. Friday night, I was heading to a wine bar near Bedford to enjoy a delicious dinner alone amongst strangers when I got a text from a man I met when I went to Coachella in April. We'll just call him K, for all intensive purposes. The interest and attraction was definitely there upon meeting, and our energies vibbed pretty sweetly, but that happens all the time with me. (If you're my close friend you know that. Nothing new.) So I didn't think too much of it. Anyway, K lives in New York and is the sort of man that is so busy traveling for work that he has to be in the moment or else he might not be as effective as he is-- and catching him depends on a moment's notice. He was in Soho and had time for dinner so I changed plans, hopped on the train and headed to Manhattan to meet him for the second time ever. K is a director, photographer and is as sweet as a freaking button. Over the course of a few hours and an amazing dinner, I had one more reason to raise my level of intrigue to the great city I had been exploring. All juicy details aside, Mr. K encouraged me to get my butt back to the city as soon as I could. Then the light bulb began to turn on....
Friday night ended with a nightcap and gently fluttering butterflies in my tummy. Then, Saturday morning came. Coffee, breakfast and Victoria. Victoria and I met while in Maui and within two weeks, we moved her into my little hippie-shack with Rodney where we explored the harshness and immense beauty of all that Maui had to offer for a few months together, almost attached at the hip with sweet Neko by our sides. Victoria is a jewelry designer (vegajewelry.com, check it out!!) and astrology enthusiast, among other things fantastic. Our time together ended after our impromptu trip to Coachella, when I stayed in LA and she went back to Maui. That Saturday in NYC was the first time we got to see each other since then. She finally got off of that rock in the middle of the Pacific and officially moved to New York. I was happy to be there to welcome her upon her arrival. It was just like old times. FUN, FUN, FUN!-- and lots of talk and energy directed toward making Vega grow and thrive! I didn't need any more convincing. Sunday I emailed lululemon and put in my notice. I called Mom and Dad and told them the good news. I don't know if they thought it was good news but with the amount of traveling and moving I had done this year, it probably came as no big surprise. Tuesday night, I found my Conventees at the airport and after a loooong week, flew back to San Francisco.
Since being home, I have committed myself to making the best of this city and exploring new territory on a daily basis. I have been blessed to serve tables at a sweet restaurant in the Dogpatch called Serpentine, meet newer people that continue to GREATLY positively impact my life (you know who you are... J) and hang with the amazing friends I have made over the past few months (you know who you are too. J). I have less than a month before I move to New York. I am SO excited. Everything in my being tells me that this is a good decision. So without further adieu, the packing and planning continues! I will miss San Francisco-- especially the dear friends I have made while being here and the laid back mentality of its inhabitants. Thank Goddess Virgin has cheap flights between the two cities.
Regardless, all signs point to NYC! Here's to the next chapter! 2012 is going to be good, I can feel it. Goodbye SF/VEGA truck show before I go is in the works... I'll keep ya'll updated. If you're in NY, I'll be there soon! And if you are in Sac, I'll be home for Thanksgiving and for the first week of December. Love and gratitude to you if you are reading this and are a part of my blissful experience. You count. Everyone counts.
