I made it!

One year ago I packed up my car and began a journey to continue my life with you. To some it seemed so “rushed”…"why now?"…"what’s the hurry?", they asked. My only response to any question was simply that “it was just time”. I had no idea what was to become of the union between you and I. I had shared this love for you secretly for years before we ever united and I knew, when I first felt your embrace nearly three years ago, I knew with you was where I wanted to be. I felt the call of destiny as I walked with you and learned of you. I felt that with you was where I belonged.

And although it took a while to get things going….awkwardly flirting around and trying to find any and every excuse to be with you…I knew that eventually this would be a union that I wouldn’t regret. I was in love. Smitten by your infallible ability to sweep me off my feet with your spontaneity, excitement, courage, creativity, boldness, beauty with a little touch of beast here and there, the endless possibilities that you bring and your willingness to share it all with me. Inspired by the subtle way you allow me to come into my own without missing an opportunity to teach me that I am amazing in my own right and deserving of every dream that I have and capable of achieving beyond what I see for myself.

I admit that this year has not been easy. We have had our share of struggles as with any new union. At times I have felt so disconnected from you, not really knowing how to catch up to you or with you for that matter. I have felt that I let you down by not walking tall and often allowing myself to be knocked off course by circumstance. I admit that I have lost my focus at times and shelved my own creative energy for an attempt to find place in yours. I am so appreciative that along this journey with you I have been blessed with an extended family that has reminded me that there’s plenty of room for me to be me. They are a group who inspires me and for whom I whisper many thanks to God for finding me worthy of their presence.

As I mark this year of growth, gratitude, discovery and hope I look forward to the endless possibilities and continued development of our future together. I pray that God would continue to bless us to compliment each other, that our endeavors and ventures be supported by His continued grace and favor and that our union be proof to others that they too can achieve longevity and success in their pursuits of passion (and happiness). I am forever grateful for this opportunity to share this space in time with you. I simply would not have it any other way. Not only am I in love with you…no, it is more than that…you are a part of me and now I a part of you and I look forward to creating much more life in this space.

I love you New York!

Happy Anniversary…..

Welcome to the Jungle...#NYC

 

Moon over 34th St.

I don’t know if it’s hit me yet…I MOVED TO NEW YORK!!!! (Well, I live in New Jersey, but for those who live here or have spent any time here we know it’s ALL the same.)

Wow, I have been trying to get here for God knows how long. Truth be told, I wanted to come here right after college. That was back when I wanted to work on The Today Show, organizing the Toyota Concert Series, when Katie Couric was still there. Yes, I wanted to take on the Big Apple back then, pre-9/11 days when “the jungle” was at its best, but as circumstances would have it (specifically not knowing how to deal with the physical mutation I was experiencing i.e. the loss of my hair)…I didn’t make it. (I’m sure that some of you reading this are questioning why or how the loss of my hair could affect me in such a way…you’ll have to go back and read the first blog entry.)

Oh but now!!!!! I AM NOT MY HAIR…in fact, not having it is apparently REALLY working for me (*take that, take that, take that*). 

So, I’ve been here a week and I feel so at home. That’s why I say I don’t think it’s hit me yet. I have been blessed to have a smooth transition in this move of faith and pursuit of passion. I have a great support system that has opened up their homes, hearts, and network to help propel me forward. I don’t know what I’m looking for to happen exactly for it to “hit me”; maybe it will be one of those snow storms that will inevitably make their way here sooner than my Florida wardrobe is ready for. *rubs hands together* BRING – IT – ON!

I have spent a lot of time getting to know my surroundings and finding my local “life enhancing” facilities…i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, TJ Maxx, Ross…and of course the Train Station. The thing that I love the most is that the foot traffic up here is a way of life and not a consequence of not having transportation so I will take to the pavement here for distances that I wouldn’t dream of walking in Florida. Oh and the “joy” of learning the subway system…let’s just say thank God I have a nice smile otherwise my simple trip downtown to Penn Station could have easily turned into an uptown trip to Harlem. But in my defense from Columbus Circle you’re taking the 1 Train either way…you just better have that whole ‘which side of the street to catch the train on’ thing down.

2 of the jobs that I applied for here prior to my move I didn’t get, but it’s all good. I am more confident that the right opportunities will come my way. I won’t give up, because I know that if I don’t quit I’ll win.

And listen to this anyway…

True story, when I decided that I was going to go for it and move up here within 24 hours of my laying out my plan I received an email from someone that I worked with on an event last year asking me if I could work with him on some upcoming projects. I had not heard from this person in months and in a way that only God could’ve orchestrated he contacted me. We were able to connect recently and work on an event for Fashion Week after which we sat down for a quick “so how’ve you been” session and, again in a way that only God could orchestrate, he says… “I need an Event Manager on my team…blah, blah, blah…and it’s paid…blah, blah, blah…would you be interested?” In my head I was having what Oprah often refers to as a “Hallelujah moment” but in my professional, southern girl way I said “well of course, but only because you’re my friend” complete with a wink. Yes, it’s on! This is only the beginning, but the hustle to “make it in the city” is on. Welcome to the Jungle baby!

Tammi Roman at the B. Abiye Spring Preview

I left Florida with an optimistic mindset that as I continued to pursue my purpose in complete trust that God would allow all of the right doors to open then everything I needed would be available to me. And of course I was holding onto that line from The Alchemist – “when you truly want something the universe conspires together to help you achieve it”. And the past month and a half has truly been evidence of that. I could not make this stuff up. Yet again, I am in no way confused that this is the promise that ‘your gift will make room for you’.

Sheree Whitfield at the B. Abiye Spring Preview

I am so blessed, but I know that it’s only because I trust God beyond what I can see. At times uneasy, but in those times convinced that I am on the right path. As I’m stretched and shaped into the great being that I was created to be I remain conscious that my life has a purpose.