New York State of Mind

“I didn’t know the city at all, but I was so happy to be in New York I cried. I was so excited.” 
–Greta Gerwig

Very rarely do I travel alone. Or rather, very rarely do I travel alone where I stay at a hotel all by my lonesome. I’ve been fortunate enough to always have a traveling companion or a friend/family member eagerly awaiting me to step off the plane. Even when studying abroad, I made a friend, we met at the airport and experienced the hilarity of our situations as we attempted to find our apartment together. But that will all change come June when I head out to New York. And navigate without a smartphone. Cue the maps.

I’ve always had this weird pull to New York, despite not spending much time in the city. As a kid, without knowing exactly what the job entailed, I wanted to be a Broadway producer. It just seemed like the job that would mix a little business with some art. And one I could spend my days completely enthralled with music. My latest stint to NYC was with Amanda last year, though we didn’t really venture north of Midtown. As this trip is happening for a creative recharge, I’m excited to find other ways outside of class to gain some inspiration and insight.

A few years ago, I saw this The Sing for Hope piano installation. Pianos are placed throughout the city and available for you to come and play a little tune. And what do you know? They’re back at the beginning of June. So I will step up and play the Ladage Family Staple: The Garbage Man (at least I think that’s what it’s called…) the minute I see one.

And last year, I saw this intriguing exhibit in London Rain Room. It’s a room where it’s raining and when you walk in, the rain stops. You essentially control the weather. I’ve been waiting for this exhibit to make its way to the States and it has! Finding its home at MoMA and on exhibit through July.

Our classes have us visiting other locations and destinations for keynote addresses and projects, though if there’s a hidden gem, pray do tell!

Source: Maybe Sparrow

The King’s Tweet

Jessica and I finally went and saw The King’s Speech and it was just as fantastic as everyone says it is. Colin Firth is unreal and the Harry Potter-cast reunion going on in the film was a nice surprise. After leaving the film, we immediately began talking about Mr. Eden, our high school journalism teacher. And I’m completely sure it’s because Lionel Logue in the film (played by Geoffrey Rush) is to King George VI (Firth) as Mr. Eden is to Jessica and I and any other soul who has ever had him for a teacher.

I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Eden. I’m a 100% sure of that. He’s the reason I began my journalism major, which led to my journalism career. He’s the reason I didn’t waste thousands of my parents’ dollars figuring out what my major would be, seeing as every morning when I woke up in high school I wanted to be a zoologist, a nurse, a history teacher, a safari guide, a movie star, a Broadway Producer, a food critic or a lifetime sleeper. He’s the reason I’m a follower of John Wooden philosophy. He’s the reason I developed a passion for college basketball (though we’re rivals these days). He’s the reason I know how to do PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign (skills which have proven to make be a cut above the rest). He’s the reason I know you can enjoy your life, your work and still have a fantastic family. He’s the reason I know somewhere out there, someone will let you name your child after a sports facility (If I have kids, I’m totally naming one Oliver after my dorm in college. And then Quinton after our favorite spot on the town).

Reminiscing about good ole Chad “Mitch” Eden with Jessica outside on Michigan Ave. while we waited for a bus, made me extremely thankful for the man. I mean, we knew how kick ass he truly was in school and how lucky and fortunate we were to be in his graces, but today, getting in Twitter wars with him over college basketball and the Navajo sweater we bought from “Eden-Bay” for a ridiculous amount of money is so nice and reassuring. Even after nearly 7 years, he’s still in our lives watching and guiding us on our quest for greatness. Even if it is in just 140-characters.