apple picking

I have to say it wasn't easy waking up this morning. I've had an eventful weekend..which is generally how I like them. CMJ festival started last Wednesday and I was able to take in a couple of shows. On Thursday, I went to see Mute Math at Irving Plaza with my friend Suzzy. I love this band for several reasons: 1) I saw there first show ever, 2) they are based out of New Orleans, and 3) there is no way to say this without being cliche but THEY ROCK. I have seen them a total of 3 times this year alone. Suzzy was a newbie to their music and I think I have converted yet another fan...at least, I hope so !

On Friday, I went to Union Hall with my friend Joani to see Ola Podrida. This time I was the novice. I had never seen any of the bands before, but I love the experience of hearing something new. This night was no exception, and I was able to discover cultivate interest in a new band. Joani and I also went to Roseland Ballroom on Saturday night to see Spoon. We didn't have any tickets and were looking to scalp; however, through a series of very fortunate events...we got in for free ! I don't know why but I have a ton of luck when it comes to getting into shows at Roseland.

To round out the weekend, I went apple picking upstate with my friends Jamie and Michelle. I had never been before and it was nice to just get out of the city. It took a while to get there since our chauffeur had other ideas in mind for his own entertainment (bike riding....get your minds out of the gutter!). The minute we got there, though, I knew it was going to be a good time. We went to Warwick Winery and Distillery:

http://www.wvwinery.com/

It was a lot of fun to climb in the trees for apple...ok, I couldn't actually climb the tree but Jamie and Michelle had a grand time doing that. We took a lot of great pics....check out my flickr link below....there were people spread across the whole orchard who were picnicing, drinking wine and listening to a live band. Definitely worth the trip.

this morning

Last night, I didn't sleep well. When I finally woke up for what seemed like the tenth time at 6 am, I was kind of thankful because I had an 8 am appointment. Since I am often late to this appointment, it felt good to know that this time I would arrive in a timely manner. On my way there, I decided not to listen to my ipod. The neighborhood was unusually quiet, but it was still early. As I passed two of the neighborhood gents while on my way to get a cup of joe, they asked,"Where are you going so early ? It's Columbus Day!" I don't know why but it always makes me feel good to engage in some sort of banter with them every morning. I will miss this interaction as the winter months approach. I continued on to get my coffee...after all, how was i going to survive such an early morning without it !

The humidity was awful but i was easily redirected by the sounds of the bird singing over head. I looked up and it was perched on the street lamp. I felt so good, and I was so happy that my ipod was not blasting in my ears.....And it must be said that I love my ipod. Oh and I should also mention that upon arriving at my appointment and ringing the doorbell, I realized that the appointment had actually been cancelled. For a moment there, I was really disappointed, but that damn bird changed everything.

my little eat, pray, love moment

It's been a full weekend as usual. I cleaned, and organized my living space, which for me includes my home and work environment. Such a good feeling...I can finally relax ! I spent time with friends too. I'm a person who is always "on the go" so my whole weekend was a whirlwind even though I didn't exactly have specific events to tend too. I came to the realization this weekend that maybe I don't need that, and even though I felt that way, I still pushed myself to do things that I wasn't in the mood to do. What I mean is, I could have been just as happy being low key.....I don't know why but it's hard for me to take a step back and just enjoy. I keep thinking I am going to miss out on something. It's crazy.

So this evening, I was able to watch the Oprah show with Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of "Eat, Pray, Love." I won't go into huge detail about the show except to mention the advice she gave in the last segment. Each day: 1) Ask yourself, "What do I really, really, really want ?", 2) write down your happiest moment, and 3) refine your mantra.

What do I really, really, really want ? I want to sew. I want to read. I want to go to Italy.

It took me a while to think about my happiest moment, but when it finally came to me, it was perfect. My happiest moments today were looking at my friend Katherine's son, Dixon's first birthday pictures, and visiting Purl and Purl Patchwork to peruse the various fabrics and yarns.

What is my mantra? I'm still refining that one but I know it has something to do with being full of integrity.