New York City

Landing in Joisey had us under the tunnel in no time and in New York City by 4:00. The timing could not have been more perfect as the sun went down on the city that never ceases to find me head over heels in pasta. The last time I was in NYC I was 16, walking in a fog. I was ignorant of my surroundings, the piles of trash on the corner between Madison and 63rd, Sal working tonight and every night at the Italian joint on the upper east side, the city that has you going going going and suddenly.I stop for just a second as I shake my head. I am in New York City and despite my humorous attempt at suave and effortless beauty above I have something worth weight to say. I'm going to fall asleep tonight with integrity, knowing truth and accepting it with fire in my soul to be brave and do what I can to make the ground I stand on a better place for us and our children.

I am in the same city, same hotel room and only three years older: still trying to navigate my way around the city and getting terribly lost. My sense of direction certainly has yet to change from when I was 16. However, I see things differently. I answer the wake up calls New York dials around every corner. I see the sorrow, defeat in dull stares. Awareness puts a different perspective on things. Ignorance is bliss to a 16 year old but at 19 I can feel vulnerable and powerless when what I was once blinded to is all so relevant in New York City. Wealth, poverty, trash, waste, beauty and consumerism. New York has it all. I don't feel sorry, uncomfortable or lose faith. It gets us no where and only invites more to a pitiful party. Awareness is power. I want to make a difference as everyone should, as small as it may be, but I think it is important to step back. Tune into what you find inspiring, motivating, essential, exciting and key in maintaining happiness for you and everyone. Whether you provide jobs, donate books to charter schools or support local farms,  your choice in giving people a chance to succeed, earn an education or provide future generations with green grass is admirable.

I am grateful for and hold tight the life I have, my friends, the opportunities given to me, my family, knowledge gained and hope for my future; our countries future.

On a lighter note: I made a very special exception tonight in regards to my plant based-whole foods lifestyle. I honestly don't even want to to get into it and as you can see there are no pictures from the lovely wine & dine. It's that good. I enjoyed the night with friends and family, bottles of Cabernet.  Everyone should experience Campagnola for themselves. You know it's good when you never saw a menu because you don't need one. Pictures won't do it justice.

More pictures coming your way!