A Walk Up Broadway

I can't quite describe my recent mood of the last few days. It's like an emotional roller-coaster and I often felt like I could cut the air. Its a bit daunting.

As it would be, misery loves company and I was pleased to learn I was not alone with these feelings. In such instances, to clear my head, I can always count on distracting myself with either loud live music or just taking random walks. I chose the latter.

My walk began on 18th Street & Broadway to as far up North as I could manage. I finished at 72nd & Broadway. I took a break at Lincoln Center feeling parched, sore, heat swollen and yet utterly satisfied and accomplished despite the muggy heat. Of course this being New York I was not short on the photo opportunities this city has to offer. So here is what I encountered on a typical/random NYC Thursday afternoon  walk.

Ever heard of The Limelight the night club? I only know what google has to offer and I never liked the idea of a club in a place that was used for worship. Well the old Limelight club is gone and what replaces it is LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE. I walked in and it was so beautiful inside I literally got giddy and couldn't bring myself to take pictures. Oh! The pretty shops! Now this is a place I would not mind having to worship in. If you're in NYC you MUST visit.

As I made my way up through Herald Square, I ran into a full session of outdoors Zumba dance class. HELLO!!! This is a FREE outdoor dance class offered by the NYSC each Thursday at 6pm. It runs through September 30th. I was so proud of these women. They were GETTING DOWN with that funky music! I am Latin and by nature I have rhythm, but if I had to do this in front of random people, the whole coordination thing would be out the window. 

This is what took the cake for me. Making my way through the Garment District I came across the most amazing public art exhibit, the Sidewalk Catwalk! The mannequins are customized to each of the designers signature style and were displayed all along the streets. These were just a some of my favorites. YAY!!!

Design by Isabel Toledo

Design by Jill Stuart

Design by Badgley-Mischka

Design by Rebecca Moses

Design by Kenneth Cole

This was the back of Jason Wu's design. It was the best part. Lovely!

Time Square. We don't get along much. I can't deal with crowds. These people are literally just sitting here staring up at the buildings. REALLY!?!?!?

Skipping 59th St. Columbus Circle, I finally I reached Lincoln Center...

... where the stairs are lit with the centers' activity ...

... and where I finally rested near the fountain because I just couldn't go anymore.

This was a great walk! I'm so glad I did it - I did not expect to run into such lovely things, but then again this is New York. There's always something going on ready to distract whatever troubles are occupying your mind.

The Road

I found this quote earlier today and sent it to a friend. It was as much for me as it was for her.  I think from time to time we all need just a little encouragement.  This is all for the good of finding oneself.

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." ~ Alan Alda

A Weekend of Discoveries

Maintaining a blog is never easy and sometimes you have to improvise. For example, right now I have nothing of value to share with you. NOTHING!

BUT the show must go on. So. In an effort not to allow another week to go by without an update, I will give you a play-by-play of my thrilling weekend.

Brace yourself for the ride because it will be intense!

Got a New Hair Cut. You Liiiiiike? I Like!

Survived two random super scary rain storm with lots of angry thunder & lighting. I was thisclose to hiding under my bed, thisclose.

Made a new friend. I named her Matilda. Cute ain't she?

Spent time with family. It's my Mom's last week before heading back to Miami so it was really nice to be around her.

Started a new book: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.  Although I'm not yet done with Furious Love, I've decided to read this as well. I normally never do this. I feel like I'm cheating on the other book.

Enjoyed one of the most deeeeelicious Lychee Martini at this really cool spot in Long Island City. If you're ever in the neighborhood you should check out SHI. Very chic, bar/lounge restaurant with an Asian Fusion vibe. There's outside seating and the view of the City is priceless. Staff is great and if you get a chance to meet SHI himself, you'll note he's a real cool and down to earth dude.

Caught both "Inception" and "SALT". I was obsessed with both. Angelina can do no wrong in my book but I was all about Inception. So much so that I plan on seeing it again. But just to be sure I got what I think I got out of it, I went ahead and looked it up in Wikipedia. 

When Food Becomes The Enemy

I am starting to experience the early stages of a true love & hate relationship with food. This has potential for a very sad outcome.

Until we are able to figure out what's causing the abdominal pains (although I'm much, MUCH better), I have to learn to avoid types foods that can cause a flair up. I did a quick google search and the result was pretty much devastating. It's almost everything I love and then some. A major FML is entirely appropriate for this situation.

In the mean time I'm kinda loving this Mark Twain quote.

"Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside." - Mark Twain

Life & Summer in The City!

What started out for me as a somewhat disastrous week (FYI drama is what I do) ended with it being one of the most perfect New York City type weekend with friends, music and booze. But first my drama. 

For over a week now I've endured a mysterious abdominal pain that's pretty much took over my life (the drama again). Doctor visits ensued in which I was prodded with needless, practiced on by a junior nurse, given meds that took me to a happy place that really wasn't that happy, forced to drink half a gallon of orange flavored liquid chalk, yes chalk. I'm convinced. And finally shoved into a tube where I was scanned like a cheap secondhand college paper. And although all results showed no negative signs, we still don't have a source for the pain. I'm thoroughly convinced I'm becoming a case for Dr. House. PAGING DR. HOUSE!

Now for the perfect weekend: Sometimes the simple little things like a great afternoon with friends can make all your troubles seem to disappear. A dear friend hosted one of her annual rooftop BBQ this weekend and it was absolutely delightful. It was perfect! There was nothing magical, grand, or out of the ordinary, just a great evening with friends. It was also one of the first days in over a week in which I had absolutely no pain. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. So no more woe is me!

Ana's Cabana = LOVE!

Cherry tomato & chopped spinach mixed with light olive oil and pepper. YUM!

Our lovely host, Ana. She's from Spain so of course we would also continue celebrating their World Cup Win. The celebration may never end. Sigh!

Moi! My friend says I look like I'm wearing a rejected curtain. :-/

I think I look cute, no?