The Places You Will Go

From the second we all hugged and said hello, we felt guilty for the fact that we were leaving NYC in such a time. My road trip friends and I were all fortunate in the wake of the storm and had barely lost a volt of electricity. We came to a mutual decision that we were not doing anything wrong, that life must go on, and that we had planned this over a month ago...so on our adventure to the Berkshires we went.  Our destination being to visit our girl friend who had left NYC a year ago to better care for her mom. Read her sweet blog here: Little Tobin & Daughter.

I for one was excited to A) get some fresh air outside of the city. I've been feeling stressed lately for so many reasons, B) actually go on a trip with friends outside of NY and not just to NJ (no offense you guys!), and C) venture to a city/village (ha!) I had never even heard of before meeting my friend4 years ago. The drive was breathtaking: mountains, lakes, colorful trees (with whatever leaves had survived Hurricane Sandy's wind), winding roads, no traffic, barely any cars on the road, sunshine.

During our 3hr+ trip we had all caught up. We knew there were some plans for the weekend starting with our friend's gallery showing. That night in Pittsfield was the Artswalk. This happens every first Friday of the month where galleries open their doors and people spend the evening walking the town and checking out the exhibits and chatting with the artists (and the occasional junkie just looking for a bite to eat).  We had a blast roaming the streets, talking to locals who were so kind and inviting to us stick-out-like-soar-thumbs visitors.  That night my fellow traveler VD (hush your jokes! hahah I'm laughing now too!) shared with me her interested in water colors and how she might take a class. Well inspired she was when we walked into a water color gallery. She declared "That's it! I'm doing it."

During our walk we also stumbled into Wild Sage thrift shop. IT WAS AMAZING!! I could have spent hours and many dollars in there if we weren't in a rush to get back for a tap dancing showcase. I did manage to grab a new addition to my single cigarette ashtray collection, check it out!  I bought it as a single piece and now it's in 2. *sad face* My roommate accidentally knocked it over and it cracked. These are hard to find and it was the first time I had ever seen one in person. There's only one listed on ebay and it looks like someone made it yesterday. *Grabs crazy glue*

So back to that tap dancing. The showcase turned into a mini class!! It was the first time I had actually been taught some sort of step. The teacher brought a suitcase full of shoes so we all stood in a circle and got to tap a bit together. Well hello again inspiration because I think it's time I finally signed up for the tap class I've wanted for over a year now!!

The next day we headed to Mass MoCA. I hadn't been to a museum in forever so it was refreshing and much needed! The bonus? Bank of America card holders were FREE! (Thanks for that universe, you got my financial back!) There was a huge wing closed off because they were building a phoenix exhibit. Phoenix like the mythical bird, not the city. Well 3rd times a charm right? Our other fellow traveler SDR has been constructing the idea of a phoenix tattoo but still wasn't sure. He'd be going to Italy in a few weeks and was planning to visit his artist while back home. I'll admit, this didn't seal the deal for him, but it was actually when during our last meal in Massachusetts an elderly woman walked in and had a huge embroidered one on the back of her coat. So misplaced and so perfect. He's now ready.

I'm not ready to be back in NYC yet though. Being away was really great. I don't wanna talk much about the hurricane aftermath because it's devastating. I'll be getting some things together to donate. If you can, please look up the nearest center, drop off some supplies or warm clothing. Anything will help!  If you've lost it all, the only way left to go is up...keep the faith <3

As of now I don't have any shows scheduled. It's definitely a bummer, but I've really been focusing on my finances and getting a job that I both love & pays the bills better.  It is no easy feat right now. I have a couple new acts though I've been focusing on minimally. I hope to get more settled in the coming season and hopefully get some projects going! I have an interview on Tuesday with Bettie Page Clothing. They're opening a store in New York City and I am hoping to join the team. I don't always like sharing what I'm interviewing for, but it doesn't matter. I'd tell you next week anyway :) Wish me luck!

Ciao for now,

TT