August 1, 2016 marks my one year anniversary of relocating to the East Coast and, as you can imagine, it leaves me feeling a little introspective. To be fair, introspective is kind of my default setting anyway so this is easier than you think. But one year ago, I hitched my little U-Haul trailer to my Chevy and headed over to the Garden State to begin a new chapter of my career and hopefully build on that fascinating roller-coaster ride that is my life in media, publishing and art.
And as I mentioned last year, what a roller coaster it's been!
But those peaks and valleys haven't left me reeling as much as you'd expect, and despite the numerous moments where I've found myself lost struggling to find the location of my desired destination (both literally and professionally), I've discovered so many wonderful and fascinating gems along the way. Even now, when I stand at the cusp of being beckoned back to a world of uninspiring monotony, bland interactions and incessant pandering to "fit in," I see a yellow brick road to places, people and adventures that inspire me to keep on this not-so-easy, but never complacent path.
If I seem to be deliberately vague about my state of affairs, it's intentional as many irons are currently in the fire and striking while they're hot has become an amazing endeavor requiring focus, confidence and dexterity. But as a galvanized creative professional, I am more than up for the task. (Thrice I've been told I have a great energy this year alone!)
But what can I tell you as I leap into the new year of transition from recent East Coast transplant to adroit Tri-State navigator? I can tell you I've recently:
and all this while taking advantage of the vibrant arts and culture scene in Newark, New York and Philadelphia, not to mention many places in between.
I could lament over the many things that haven't gone my way since I arrived in this quintessential metro area abode, but this isn't my first rodeo. Trust me, the stories I could share about my relocation to the West Coast in 2004 would be enough to ruin your optimistic disposition for a year. But I delight in recognizing that there are opportunities outside my door just ripe for the taking, and although I won't be the only one vying for them, I'm going to give other contenders a true run for their money.
As they say in the acting world, the hardest part about the business is getting the job, not doing the job. So feel free to send me advice, share some leads and watch me hustle.
And in the meantime, enjoy a few pictures of my year in retrospect. All the images are new to you and haven't been shared here on my site before and all are worth the trip down memory lane. :-)
To view the photos closer, simply click on an image and use the arrows to scroll through the memories.
Where it all began
Sylvia's in Harlem
Reading at La Casa Azul
A Foggy Day in Newark Town
Rude people on the train taking up more space than they need
Matt Hardy vs Azrieal at a JAPW event in Rahway
Tenant's Association Meeting
The lobby of Studio 54
WWE Smackdown in Newark
My car buried in the worst snowstorm of the winter
Self-Portrait as Clone of Jeanne d'Arc series by Bunny Rogers
Me and Mom at Shuffle Along at the Music Box Theatre
Joan of Arc in Philadelphia
Walking in Philly during a weekend visit
Newark Pride Festival in Military Park
Columbus Circle from the corner of 57th & 8th
My Little Cousin Aiden at 8 months old
My Newlywed Aunt Bonita and Uncle LeRoy
Waiting for the R Train
The original Nathan's in Coney Island
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