Modern urban living has its own nuances that I navigate poorly; NYC has an estimated population of over 8 million people, of which a percentage I come into contact with. Some interactions occur out of necessity, others out of wont to connect. Though, selfishly, I may be most comfortable in quieter environments. Left to my own devices, I'd prefer to explore the city at odd hours, when it is less populated. Yet, I know that the city was not built for one, it could not exist if not for the other 8 million people coursing through its veins and arterial streets.
AWOLNATION - Table for one.
This day was just a fantastic bike ride, and I got to watch the sun rise over Greenpoint Avenue.
Matt and Kim - Daylight.
"And the more that I see, the more that I knowI don't know anything, at all." That is a pretty accurate description of my exploration in New York City. But I do think the journey through it is and continues to be important.
Jhené Aiko - Eternal sunshine.
My niece and nephew are coming to visit, and everything to them is a playground, and opportunity for play. To me, watching them engage with the world with such wild abandon and acceptance is such a tremendous reward.
Ralph - Young hearts run free.
It's snowing in Spring, and most people are waiting for the seasons to turn. Still, if this weather is indeed an anomaly and not the result of climate change as feared, then perhaps it is a bit special too. It may be a previously unrevealed facet of the landscape few have yet to see, with pristine paths yet unexplored and experienced.
Chvrches - Get out.
I am often invisible in New York City. There is a line in my favorite book that goes something like (I'm paraphrasing) I'm never going to be a protagonist in this story, so I may as well be an informed bystander. I think that has offer me so much freedom to explore and experiment and contribute as a bystander, an eyewitness with the aim of blossoming in some unforeseeable future. I can explore on my bike, in construction sites and amidst advertising campaigns, and hardly anyone takes notice. Sometimes I will meet eye to eye with someone, and we exchange furtive, knowing glances; we are both independently on our own adventures, our own path. And then we depart.
Radiohead - Lotus flower.
I would like to get better at portaitures this year. There's a lot more waiting around, patiently observing, getting folks to let their guard down, but I think that will be a valuable trait to develop in general, living in New York.
Richard Marx - Right here waiting.
