Travels with a Chiweenie

Eclipse day

When I booked this trip month ago, I didn’t even know there was an eclipse in the making. Truthfully, I didn’t really know until the week before. Buffalo, my home town was slated as a hot spot, but I was grateful to have Central Park as my back up.

Central Park, oh as you have learned, my deepest love.

Shakespeare Garden, The Ramble, Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain etc. Now, I get to see the Jackie O Reservoir every morning, noon and evening. “Frida’s Ridge,” as I am now calling it is also frequented by Ellen Burstyn and her dog.  But, for the eclipse I have to take Frida to my favorite spot, Alice in Wonderland and the sailboat pond. The magnolias engulfed Alice and in a rarer moment than an eclipse – no children crawling on the statue.

I snapped the perfect picture and even was able to get a photo with Frida.

This calls for celebration.  Off to the Boathouse café – which had been closed for two years, recently reopened, thank the heavens. I thought I would have my traditional roast beef sandwich, turned to a lobster roll – heck it is an eclipse.

Traveling alone – which I have done – more than with someone, has become a habit. Usually, I am traveling for a specific event, conference, exhibition – I will travel across boarders to “experience” the offering of the destination.

This trip, this experiment, in one week’s time has become a Petrie dish of emotions.

Factors include:

1. Frida
2. Frida
3. Frida
4. Apartment is amazing.

5.   See Above

6.   See Above

       7.   Upper West Side Girl – of course I am

How did this happen, you ask?

I didn’t want to be a tourist.

THE EXPERIMENT:

• Find a neighborhood suitable for a dog’s life – check.
• Don’t’ go every night to a show etc – because that is not real (however, a I have meant folks that do it Tue/Wed/Thursday) – check.
• Wallow and explore in peace – wander – stay off trip advisor – check.

Here is the thing…I need more time…

Factors I didn’t consider:

1. NYC is HUGE
2. See above
3. See avoe
4. My love affair with the park may be all I need to live here, and I know I should explore more.
5. Frida is a city girl, five plus walks a day may be hard to undo…
6. I still want to go see EVERYTHING!! How can you not?!  AND Frida seems cool with this, but the lifestyle requires a bank account.

Maybe another Powerball purchase???

 I am here because I demanded this of myself – under these conditions.  Frida teaches me every day – live in the moment.

• Walk
• Potty
• Treat
• Repeat

Happiness is easy.

So today, in a quiet pathway in the park, with Frida and the eclipse I closed my eyes and thanks the universe, my God, for this experience.

Additionally, I owe so many earthly friends.

Barb, Bob, Andy, Kat, Kathey, my aunt and dad.

Either, NYC experience or financial support over the years, without them this experiment would have no foundation.

After my moment of gratitude, I looked to my right.

A young couple were spreading the ashes of a loved one.

We acknowledged the magnitude of this moment. I was so honored to be privy to the prayer that followed. In a serendipitous way, I was their solo witness to this release of a soul. I hope I can return next year and leave flowers.

Life is power

Life is a gift

Don’t squander it.

Be brave – if I can…so can you.

Week one done.

*Note, I wrote this in my journal that day…just now getting it published. Last week begins. I must confess, I have since booked a show for almost every day from now until I leave and those without shows…museums. I realized, it is ok to suck the marrow in a space which you are holding, as long as you are doing with it with grace and authenticity.  Off to MoMa!