New York State of Mind

On October 23rd I grabbed my suitcase and backpack and headed to LAX for the first stop on my year-long travel adventure, the BIG APPLE - New York City. I was super excited to get back to The City as I had lived there in my 20s and remembered how the energy felt, that belief that anything was possible. I was gifted the plane ticket and an apartment in the heart of Manhattan to call home during my stay. It was located in Tudor City near the East River and a few blocks from Grand Central Station, a PERFECT location for exploring the City.

Tudor City is a 13-building complex consisting of 11 housing coops designed by Fred F. French in the 1920s. It's named for its Tudor Revival Architecture and lies on the National Register of Historic Places. The apartment I stayed in was the perfect bachelorette pad complete with doorman. You felt as though you had stepped back in time. I felt so blessed for the opportunity to be back in the City and get the opportunity to explore at my leisure without much of an agenda. I simply would allow life to unfold before me each day, and it was wonderful.

Once I unpacked and figured out where the grocery store was, I set out to see the one item on my list of must visit, the Brooklyn Bridge. Something about that bridge calls to me, the same as the Golden Gate in San Francisco. There's just something so beautiful about the structure and the way it makes me feel when I see it. Siri even found it mesmerizing and requested a photo op. It was also fun to see the great pumpkin display which was a very popular photo background.

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Next up was Times Square and I had fun with promoting my latest book, THE MANIFESTING MERMAID. I also really loved how I could walk to all my favorite places including Bryant Park which was decked out with its holiday market and ice rink.

It was fun to return to FAO Schwarts and see the rink at Rockefeller Center, but I must say my favorite spot where I literally could have spent all day, every day was Central Park. The blessing of visiting NYC in October was the glorious Autumn Colors in full bloom. It was simply spectacular. Of course, a trip to the City is not complete without a visit to Serendipity 3 on East 60th for their famous Frozen Hot Chocolate. If you've seen the film, SERENDIPITY, you know what I mean. If you haven't, GO! Such a great film. One of my favs.

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A first which was very exciting was a trip on the Staten Island Ferry (which is free by the way) and getting view of the Statue of Liberty and the City on what was a glorious day. That was the BEST part. I packed winter clothes and yet brought the L.A. weather with me. One day it reached 80 degrees and was simply lovely. I also checked out the High Line which is public park with a walkway above the main street. It was filled with colored trees and plants. Just beautiful. Another favorite moment was visiting the Intrepid Museum which was spectacular. Along with the ship I was able to see the Space Shuttle and Submarine, both extraordinary. So happy I visited. 

On one particular day I decided to visit all the sites I mentioned in my book, SHUFFLING THE TIDES which take place during the maiden voyage of the RMS Queen Mary which pulled into Pier 90 in May 1936. It was wonderful to visit the neighborhood where my characters stayed, the restaurant where they met, and of course the Pier. Spending time in the different neighborhoods also sparked new ideas for future books that are currently in my head. I have about 15 waiting to birth. I know they will come precisely when they are meant to. 

Each day was filled with a new adventure, and I was always delighted with what showed up. I was flying high and loving life. There were however a couple instances when I was brought screeching back to earth. One in particular really shook me. I decided to visit this rooftop bar, which was nice, but when I went to exit, I went through the wrong door (even though it had an EXIT sign on it). It led out to a metal staircase that you could see through ALL THE WAY DOWN twenty plus floors. I've never been afraid of heights, but will admit, my stomach turned. I almost panicked as the door had locked behind me, and the thought of having to walk down those stairs was I'll admit, frightening. I mustard up the courage and took one step down. ALARMS WENT OFF and I immediately turned around to head back up. The door had unlocked, and staff waited on the other side not too pleased as I went through. Phew! The other time came when I went to visit the Public Library and was crossing the street when a truck decided to test the yellow light and just missed me. Another Phew!

So, with my life still intact, I ended my 10-day stay in New York City feeling so very grateful for the opportunity to spend time there. It was a wonderful trip and perfect way to kick off this new adventure. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. Up next, Baltimore, Maryland.