All of us were up and out early this morning. We got on the train and rode down to the end of the island. We took the ferry across to Liberty Island. Seeing the Statue of Liberty conjures a lot of emotions. There is a special reverence for the lives that passed by her and onto Ellis Island to work and make this country better.
We walked Liberty Island (the number of limited visitors allowed inside the statue had been reached for the day. You have to be there early) and then got back on the ferry and went over to Ellis Island, where we spent quite a while.
We watched a documentary on the island and the passage of thousands of immigrants to the New World. We also explored each level and exposition. There are original artifacts and photographs that pay a wonderful testament to the lives of people who made a new home here in the States.
Afterwards we walked to Ground Zero. It is still a solemn place. I’ve been there once before, a couple of years ago, but I haven’t been back since I moved here.
We grabbed a bite to eat and made our way back to the apartment. The boys gathered their stuff and headed out. I got them to the subway and we said our goodbyes.
Elizabeth got home from work and we both relaxed a bit. She had called while we were at Ellis Island and had asked if we could do something tonight. We haven’t really seen much of each other since she got back from Atlanta. We saw Mr. & Mrs. Smith and then made our way back home. The movie was really good and it was great catching up with Elizabeth on the subway ride and over a quick dinner.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
The make-shift Cross that was became a symbol of hope during the rescue efforts following the attacks of 9/11.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
On the Town with the Boys...and Delta Burke & I
I was up and out the door early this morning and heading to the GAP. Good times.
I worked a short shift and Kevin & Brian met up with me when I got off at 2pm. They’d purchased tickets to the Empire State Building for all of us and we walked in that direction. The lines (and there were several) were very lengthy, but we used the time to catch up. It also rained while we were in line and people left because the observatory had to be closed and visibility was limited. Brian suggested that we stay inside, in the line and see if the rain cleared.
It did.
Smart move.
We finally got to the top and there, laid out before us, was all of Manhattan. It was so cool. I haven’t been to the Empire State Building since I visited NYC with my whole family and I think I was 13. I recently found a picture from that visit. I have a full head of dirty blond hair and I’m wearing a Save The Earth t-shirt and a Hard Rock Café pin. I need to find it again and see if I can get it scanned and posted.
After we left the world famous Empire State Building, Kevin suggested drinks – as Kevin is known to do. We walked in the direction of one of my favorite bars tucked away on 19th near 8th Avenue. There’s no name out front but inside it is sleek and stylish and the perfect place for a martini.
Tonight the three of us saw the Broadway show, Steel Magnolias (which the movie is based on). The show was good and afterwards we enjoyed meeting the cast – including the divine Delta Burke, who plays Truvy (the role Dolly Parton played in the movie). Delta was late leaving the theater but was so gracious and pleasant.
I spoke with her for a few minutes. We have a couple common bonds…my childhood church, North Park Baptist (in Orlando) where she attended briefly and the play, Sordid Lives. I mentioned North Park and she smiled. She said, “I was baptized in that church.” We talked briefly about Sordid Lives and then we headed home. It was a really long day and we were all beat and ready for bed.
It has been a full day and a LOT of fun.
I worked a short shift and Kevin & Brian met up with me when I got off at 2pm. They’d purchased tickets to the Empire State Building for all of us and we walked in that direction. The lines (and there were several) were very lengthy, but we used the time to catch up. It also rained while we were in line and people left because the observatory had to be closed and visibility was limited. Brian suggested that we stay inside, in the line and see if the rain cleared.
It did.
Smart move.
We finally got to the top and there, laid out before us, was all of Manhattan. It was so cool. I haven’t been to the Empire State Building since I visited NYC with my whole family and I think I was 13. I recently found a picture from that visit. I have a full head of dirty blond hair and I’m wearing a Save The Earth t-shirt and a Hard Rock Café pin. I need to find it again and see if I can get it scanned and posted.
After we left the world famous Empire State Building, Kevin suggested drinks – as Kevin is known to do. We walked in the direction of one of my favorite bars tucked away on 19th near 8th Avenue. There’s no name out front but inside it is sleek and stylish and the perfect place for a martini.
Tonight the three of us saw the Broadway show, Steel Magnolias (which the movie is based on). The show was good and afterwards we enjoyed meeting the cast – including the divine Delta Burke, who plays Truvy (the role Dolly Parton played in the movie). Delta was late leaving the theater but was so gracious and pleasant.
I spoke with her for a few minutes. We have a couple common bonds…my childhood church, North Park Baptist (in Orlando) where she attended briefly and the play, Sordid Lives. I mentioned North Park and she smiled. She said, “I was baptized in that church.” We talked briefly about Sordid Lives and then we headed home. It was a really long day and we were all beat and ready for bed.
It has been a full day and a LOT of fun.
How over buildings around the U.S. and worl stack up. From left to Right...the Washington Monument, the Eifel Tower, the Empire State Building, The World Trade Center towers, and then two other buildings that I'm drawing blanks on. Sorry.
A friend I made on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building. Standing on one leg, he was more than happy to pose for a picture.
One of the most gracious actresses I've ever met. She took her time signing autographs and posing for pictures with every person there.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Brian & Kevin's NYC Visit
Had my first audition lined up today but wasn’t able to make it because I woke up sick as a dog. Don’t know if it was something I ate or didn’t eat.
I cleaned up a bit and got ready for the boys arrival. We had several people stay with us and it is always excited to me to play Host – no matter how limited our space is.
They arrived late this afternoon and we quickly got them settled before hitting the town. We had celebrating to do. I was delighted by their last minute visited but altogether thrilled to discover that today is their 3rd Anniversary. I’m SO happy for them.
We grabbed umbrellas and took the train down to Chelsea and had dinner at FOOD BAR. I discovered FOOD BAR back in December when I was visiting the city, but I hadn’t had a chance to get back there.
We had a great meal and then headed to Times Square to pay Elizabeth a visit. She was working at BROADWAY, NY. We spent some time at the store, it was just before the post-show rush, so Elizabeth had time to chat.
Damon was heading home from work and stopped by the store. His timing was great and I was glad that I could introduce him to Brian & Kevin. Damon headed home and the Boys and I headed into the heart of Times Square, which was a first for Kevin. He had never been to NYC before and his eyes were wide as he took in the brightness and energy of the heart of the city.
We walked along the sidewalk and took in the huge Toys-R-Us (with it’s indoor 4 story Ferris wheel) and the neon NYPD station – along with everything else. It is more than a tad overwhelming. We headed home the long way. We walked down to 42nd and turned passing my GAP and Bryant Park on our way to Grand Central.
We walked into Grand Central and Kevin and Brian took in the massive grandeur of the place. Its structure and design are beautiful and the building is a classic New York landmark.
We got on the train and headed home. The air mattress was inflated Hotel Hood was in business. The boys are making themselves at home and planning the weekend.. I’m heading to bed so I can be up early.
I cleaned up a bit and got ready for the boys arrival. We had several people stay with us and it is always excited to me to play Host – no matter how limited our space is.
They arrived late this afternoon and we quickly got them settled before hitting the town. We had celebrating to do. I was delighted by their last minute visited but altogether thrilled to discover that today is their 3rd Anniversary. I’m SO happy for them.
We grabbed umbrellas and took the train down to Chelsea and had dinner at FOOD BAR. I discovered FOOD BAR back in December when I was visiting the city, but I hadn’t had a chance to get back there.
We had a great meal and then headed to Times Square to pay Elizabeth a visit. She was working at BROADWAY, NY. We spent some time at the store, it was just before the post-show rush, so Elizabeth had time to chat.
Damon was heading home from work and stopped by the store. His timing was great and I was glad that I could introduce him to Brian & Kevin. Damon headed home and the Boys and I headed into the heart of Times Square, which was a first for Kevin. He had never been to NYC before and his eyes were wide as he took in the brightness and energy of the heart of the city.
We walked along the sidewalk and took in the huge Toys-R-Us (with it’s indoor 4 story Ferris wheel) and the neon NYPD station – along with everything else. It is more than a tad overwhelming. We headed home the long way. We walked down to 42nd and turned passing my GAP and Bryant Park on our way to Grand Central.
We walked into Grand Central and Kevin and Brian took in the massive grandeur of the place. Its structure and design are beautiful and the building is a classic New York landmark.
We got on the train and headed home. The air mattress was inflated Hotel Hood was in business. The boys are making themselves at home and planning the weekend.. I’m heading to bed so I can be up early.
Monday, July 04, 2005
4th of July & First "Real" Shift at the GAP
Happy 4th of July!
The day was low-key for me. I slept in and when I did get up it was all about washing dishes. Don’t know why but had a domestic vibe running through me this morning.
I worked my first shift – post training – at the GAP today. I was on the cash register most of the shift and it was fairly easy. The shift was really about putting into action chunks of what I’d heard during training. I retain things pretty well but for 3 days we had a lot of stuff thrown at us…things were (and did) fall through the cracks.
I can’t remember if I’ve written about the store and how huge it is. It is GAP’s flagship store and it sits on Broadway within the glow of millions of neon lights. It is four stories and around 4,000 people pass through the doors every day. I’m enjoying it because there is always something going on. It is always busy and people are always coming and going. I’ll put some pictures with this entry…
I came home and did laundry across the street (setting my third consecutive HIGH SCORE on Miss Pac-Man. I kick ass when it comes to some Miss Pac-Man). Then hung out on my roof a bit watching the fireworks. I could hear them more than see them, but it was cool to see blasts of color around the sky.
The day was low-key for me. I slept in and when I did get up it was all about washing dishes. Don’t know why but had a domestic vibe running through me this morning.
I worked my first shift – post training – at the GAP today. I was on the cash register most of the shift and it was fairly easy. The shift was really about putting into action chunks of what I’d heard during training. I retain things pretty well but for 3 days we had a lot of stuff thrown at us…things were (and did) fall through the cracks.
I can’t remember if I’ve written about the store and how huge it is. It is GAP’s flagship store and it sits on Broadway within the glow of millions of neon lights. It is four stories and around 4,000 people pass through the doors every day. I’m enjoying it because there is always something going on. It is always busy and people are always coming and going. I’ll put some pictures with this entry…
I came home and did laundry across the street (setting my third consecutive HIGH SCORE on Miss Pac-Man. I kick ass when it comes to some Miss Pac-Man). Then hung out on my roof a bit watching the fireworks. I could hear them more than see them, but it was cool to see blasts of color around the sky.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Streetcar Named Desire & Another Familiar Face
7/3, Sunday
I slept in this morning. It wasn’t planned but I think my body was still catching up from the last week.
I got to attend another Closing this afternoon. Today the revival of Streetcar Named Desire (with Natasha Richardson and John C. Reily) closed today. I had read a lot about the show because it was produced by Roundabout Theater Company (my first and shortest NYC job). It has never been one of my favorite William’s plays but I did want to see it before it closed.
The play was very good. Natasha Richardson and John C. Reily starred in the production. Both did fantastic jobs. I probably cheated their performances a bit because my mind was still really engaged in Virginia Woolf from the night before. That show was just powerful from start to finish.
In another twist of randomness, during Intermission of Streetcar I noticed a familiar face working at the merchandise counter.
Clint Spires.
Clint and I were in the Southeaster premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Passion. I spoke briefly about that show and my experience with it in my second cabaret show at Whole World Theater. Passion is one of my all-time favorite musicals. I love the story and the way it is constructed. The show never gives the audience a chance (or musical moment) to applaud. You, as an audience member, have no choice but to stay in the story.
But I digress…Clint has been here 3 years. Because he was working and the Intermission was ending, we didn’t really have a chance to catch up. After the show he gave me his phone number. I look forward to finding out what he’s been up to. I hadn’t seen him since Passion closed and that was in the summer of 1998.
Tonight I’m just relaxing at home. Tomorrow I will have my first shift, a short one, at the GAP. I’m looking forward to it. I’m liking the energy of the store and the people there. I’m thinking this will be a good match for me.
Tonight, besides writing this entry, I’ve caught up with some folks back in Atlanta. I talked to my dear friend Greg and just finished talking to Deanna. It is always good to hear familiar voices.
I slept in this morning. It wasn’t planned but I think my body was still catching up from the last week.
I got to attend another Closing this afternoon. Today the revival of Streetcar Named Desire (with Natasha Richardson and John C. Reily) closed today. I had read a lot about the show because it was produced by Roundabout Theater Company (my first and shortest NYC job). It has never been one of my favorite William’s plays but I did want to see it before it closed.
The play was very good. Natasha Richardson and John C. Reily starred in the production. Both did fantastic jobs. I probably cheated their performances a bit because my mind was still really engaged in Virginia Woolf from the night before. That show was just powerful from start to finish.
In another twist of randomness, during Intermission of Streetcar I noticed a familiar face working at the merchandise counter.
Clint Spires.
Clint and I were in the Southeaster premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Passion. I spoke briefly about that show and my experience with it in my second cabaret show at Whole World Theater. Passion is one of my all-time favorite musicals. I love the story and the way it is constructed. The show never gives the audience a chance (or musical moment) to applaud. You, as an audience member, have no choice but to stay in the story.
But I digress…Clint has been here 3 years. Because he was working and the Intermission was ending, we didn’t really have a chance to catch up. After the show he gave me his phone number. I look forward to finding out what he’s been up to. I hadn’t seen him since Passion closed and that was in the summer of 1998.
Tonight I’m just relaxing at home. Tomorrow I will have my first shift, a short one, at the GAP. I’m looking forward to it. I’m liking the energy of the store and the people there. I’m thinking this will be a good match for me.
Tonight, besides writing this entry, I’ve caught up with some folks back in Atlanta. I talked to my dear friend Greg and just finished talking to Deanna. It is always good to hear familiar voices.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
7/2, Saturday
A day off.
Finally.
It hasn’t been the kind of day off I was planning…but it has been a work-free day, which is a start.
Last night, in the apartment below us, there was a water leak and the water in on half of the building was shut off. So Elizabeth and I woke up and were not able to shower or even flush the toilet.
I ran a couple of errands with Elizabeth before she flew back to Atlanta for a long holiday weekend. She’ll be spending a couple of days with Nathan and her family. She’s been looking forward to this for weeks. One of our errands this morning was picking up a slice of New York cheesecake to carry on the plane and give to her dad as a late Father’s Day gift. I hope the it makes it back as a Carry-On.
We went to the world-famous Carnegie Deli on 7th Avenue. There was a line spreading down the sidewalk waiting to get in. I’ve never eaten there but evidently it is a New York staple and has been around a long, long time.
We skipped ahead of the line to order the slice of cheesecake To Go.
Back on the train we headed back to our waterless apartment so Elizabeth could get to the airport on time. She headed to the airport and I decided to take a nap.
Post-nap I took in the play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? I had the option of getting a cheap ticket the other day and I took it. The show will be closing in a few weeks and I had wanted to see it before it closed. Kathleen Turner and Billy Irwin are starring in the revival and the reviews have been wonderful.
Though I’ve read the Edward Albee’s play before I had never seen it staged (and I’d never seen the movie with Elizabeth Taylor.). I was stunned watching the show come to life in front of me. There was so much I didn’t mentally absorb when I read the play. Seeing it on stage was a tremendous treat. I felt like a child, like a student again. I felt like I was sitting at the feet of Masters of their craft. I was enamored with the performers and their work. By the end of the first act, I was in utter awe at the power of these four actors on one stage.
During the first of two intermissions, I walked out of my row and into the side aisle. I leaned up against the wall and read over the show’s Playbill. As I was reading Billy Irwin’s bio I heard someone call out my name.
I looked up and into the face of a friend I hadn’t seen in over a year. Charlie Frew from Atlanta was walking down the aisle of the Longacre Theatre towards me. I was speechless for half a minute trying to comprehend how I could be seeing the old friend from Atlanta in a New York theater.
During the first 12 minute intermission we chatted and caught up. We missed each other before I left Atlanta and hadn’t been able to meet up for lunch or dinner to say goodbye. Suddenly New York was feeling like a very small city.
The play resumed. Once again the entire audience was sucked back into the barbs of a couple in the throws of destroying each other by their love for each other and their resentment of each other.
By the end of the third act you could almost most see and feel the entire audience on wrapped up in the lives of two couples who had spent one night ripping into each other’s weaknesses and desires. It felt like there was no air left in the theater.
I walked to the subway, my mind still reeling. I want to submerse myself in that kind of work. I want to write and act with that kind of skill.
I’ve felt that feeling two other times…last week at the end of Beast on the Moon and last year when I witness the powerhouse performance of Tonya Pinkins in the musical Caroline, or Change.
Visit : www.carolineorchange.com and www.beastonthemoon.com
That musical profoundly impacted my life. Afterwards I spoke with Ms. Pinkins and I couldn’t stop the tears. I told her that watching her at truly inspired me to strive for better work.
Visit: www.tonyapinkins.com
It was after that trip to NYC and seeing Caroline, Or Change that I made the decision to move to here.
I love the sensation of Awareness. I love that feeling of knowing that you are standing in the middle of an experience that will change the course of your life.
My mind is so full tonight.
P.S.My water is back on and the date went very well.
A day off.
Finally.
It hasn’t been the kind of day off I was planning…but it has been a work-free day, which is a start.
Last night, in the apartment below us, there was a water leak and the water in on half of the building was shut off. So Elizabeth and I woke up and were not able to shower or even flush the toilet.
I ran a couple of errands with Elizabeth before she flew back to Atlanta for a long holiday weekend. She’ll be spending a couple of days with Nathan and her family. She’s been looking forward to this for weeks. One of our errands this morning was picking up a slice of New York cheesecake to carry on the plane and give to her dad as a late Father’s Day gift. I hope the it makes it back as a Carry-On.
We went to the world-famous Carnegie Deli on 7th Avenue. There was a line spreading down the sidewalk waiting to get in. I’ve never eaten there but evidently it is a New York staple and has been around a long, long time.
We skipped ahead of the line to order the slice of cheesecake To Go.
Back on the train we headed back to our waterless apartment so Elizabeth could get to the airport on time. She headed to the airport and I decided to take a nap.
Post-nap I took in the play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? I had the option of getting a cheap ticket the other day and I took it. The show will be closing in a few weeks and I had wanted to see it before it closed. Kathleen Turner and Billy Irwin are starring in the revival and the reviews have been wonderful.
Though I’ve read the Edward Albee’s play before I had never seen it staged (and I’d never seen the movie with Elizabeth Taylor.). I was stunned watching the show come to life in front of me. There was so much I didn’t mentally absorb when I read the play. Seeing it on stage was a tremendous treat. I felt like a child, like a student again. I felt like I was sitting at the feet of Masters of their craft. I was enamored with the performers and their work. By the end of the first act, I was in utter awe at the power of these four actors on one stage.
During the first of two intermissions, I walked out of my row and into the side aisle. I leaned up against the wall and read over the show’s Playbill. As I was reading Billy Irwin’s bio I heard someone call out my name.
I looked up and into the face of a friend I hadn’t seen in over a year. Charlie Frew from Atlanta was walking down the aisle of the Longacre Theatre towards me. I was speechless for half a minute trying to comprehend how I could be seeing the old friend from Atlanta in a New York theater.
During the first 12 minute intermission we chatted and caught up. We missed each other before I left Atlanta and hadn’t been able to meet up for lunch or dinner to say goodbye. Suddenly New York was feeling like a very small city.
The play resumed. Once again the entire audience was sucked back into the barbs of a couple in the throws of destroying each other by their love for each other and their resentment of each other.
By the end of the third act you could almost most see and feel the entire audience on wrapped up in the lives of two couples who had spent one night ripping into each other’s weaknesses and desires. It felt like there was no air left in the theater.
I walked to the subway, my mind still reeling. I want to submerse myself in that kind of work. I want to write and act with that kind of skill.
I’ve felt that feeling two other times…last week at the end of Beast on the Moon and last year when I witness the powerhouse performance of Tonya Pinkins in the musical Caroline, or Change.
Visit : www.carolineorchange.com and www.beastonthemoon.com
That musical profoundly impacted my life. Afterwards I spoke with Ms. Pinkins and I couldn’t stop the tears. I told her that watching her at truly inspired me to strive for better work.
Visit: www.tonyapinkins.com
It was after that trip to NYC and seeing Caroline, Or Change that I made the decision to move to here.
I love the sensation of Awareness. I love that feeling of knowing that you are standing in the middle of an experience that will change the course of your life.
My mind is so full tonight.
P.S.My water is back on and the date went very well.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Last Training Day and a First Date
7/1, Friday
All I wanted to do today was sleep. But I couldn't...not yet. Today was the last day of GAP training. The only problem...it was Opening/register training. I had to be at the store at 8am - which meant that I was up at 6:45.
The last few days have been incredibly full and long. It was strange waking up this morning and having my first thought being, “When can I go back to sleep?”
I’m exhausted through and through. Elizabeth has agreed to work for me today and I am SO grateful. I don’t know how I could’ve worked another 13-15 hour day.
Tonight I’m going to dinner and a movie - yep, I have a date. So, a nap is in order. Which is what I'm going to do...right...now...
All I wanted to do today was sleep. But I couldn't...not yet. Today was the last day of GAP training. The only problem...it was Opening/register training. I had to be at the store at 8am - which meant that I was up at 6:45.
The last few days have been incredibly full and long. It was strange waking up this morning and having my first thought being, “When can I go back to sleep?”
I’m exhausted through and through. Elizabeth has agreed to work for me today and I am SO grateful. I don’t know how I could’ve worked another 13-15 hour day.
Tonight I’m going to dinner and a movie - yep, I have a date. So, a nap is in order. Which is what I'm going to do...right...now...
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