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And today it will be almost wordless πŸ˜‰ While walking home from Starbucks my eye was drawn to this ad and the phone hanging off the hook.
The world is listening, indeed.

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A Wandering Soul

I find that I do some of my best thinking when I go for a nice long walk. There is nothing like a little time to yourself, wandering aimlessly and getting lost in your own thoughts. January in NYC, can be a little bit depressing and gloomy. The holiday lights are all taken down, bare, forgotten Christmas trees line the sidewalks waiting for pick up and the snowless winter weather is usually cold and windy. Think of the empty parks on the set of “Law & Order” πŸ˜‰

An empty sidewalk

An empty sidewalk

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Buildings under the grey skies of winter

All of that being said it is also one of my favorite times to re-connect with the city. The streets are a little bit emptier as people tend to hide indoors and tourists choose warmer destinations. So, the other night while the girls were at an activity, instead of chilling out at a Starbucks or pretending I am hip enough to hang at The Ace Hotel, I took the opportunity to go for a walk. I had no clear destination in mind and just set off across 32nd Street. Soon I found myself in the heart of Koreatown. Dusk was just settling upon the city and a sprinkle of rain was starting to fall. Β The mist of the rain was glowing off the many flashing lights. Dodging rain drops and people I weaved my way through the Karaoke Bar heavy streets and continued on my way to 5th Avenue.

I LOVE NY!

I LOVE NY!

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The Paris Baguette in the middle of Koreatown

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Oh la, la… Better keep walking!

As I wandered down 5th, in the lightly sprinkling rain I couldn’t help but realize that this was why I truly love NYC. Every street is different and has it’s own energy, charm and hidden treasures. It is almost like there is a story that is waiting to be written on every block. As I walked, Β I could feel my mood lighten. Sometimes I seem to forget how cleansing a walk is. Good for the soul. I guess it can be hard to imagine that a walk in all the hustle and bustle can be relaxing but it truly is. It is like letting yourself get caught up in a wave and letting it take you on its path (just make sure you are not trying to be the only salmon swimming upstream!).

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Lighting up the dusk

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You never know what you may find!

Side view of the Flatiron Building

Side view of the Flatiron Building

Where am I going with this post? Good question- HA! I guess, in this, a new year, I am just trying to be healthier and happier all round. Getting my head and heart in the right place. I am reminding myself to do the things I love and to take a little bit of extra time to be truly present in what I am doing. A walk in the city I love, to clear the head and re-connect on so many levels seems like a good start to me. Take some time and connect with something you love too.

It is definitely back to normal around here, back to school, back to reality, back to routine, eating healthy, getting fit- all of those wonderful it MUST be January things πŸ˜‰ But, with a new year comes a fresh new outlook, positive energy and a renewed passion to get out there and explore NYC. This past weekend my youngest daughter and I, along with some friends went to see the Ann Hamilton exhibit : The Event of A Thread at the Park Avenue Armory. I am so glad that we were able to see this wonderful exhibit before it closed. The Park Avenue Armory is a spectacular space and the exhibit itself was beautiful, peaceful and absolutely mesmerizing. Here are some pics from our latest adventure. I hope you enjoy them. Have yourself a truly magical Wednesday =)

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We had a wonderful holiday here at home in NYC. If you are staying home for the holidays and not jetting away to some fabulous fun adventure, NYC is not a bad city to be stuck in πŸ˜‰ We had a relaxing, stress free Christmas and New Year with some much needed family time. Here are some of my favorite pics from the past couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy them and are having a fantastic start to 2013!!

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A Look Back At 2012

Yesterday I was reading the New York Times look back in pictures and also their ‘Lives Lived’ in the Times Magazine and was inspired to look back at my own life in pictures this year. There have definitely been many ups and downs in the past year as in any year lived and I have to admit that this past fall has been especially challenging. But, I have decided to put all that in the past and focus on the positive, a fresh new year with infinite possibilities. I hope you enjoy the pics.

I wish all of you a Happy New Year! May 2013 be filled with health, happiness, love, laughter and of course, many, many, fantastic new adventures!!!! xox

JANUARY

Ringing in the New Year with a little Midnight Run!

Ringing in the New Year with a little Midnight Run!

Snuggling during the cold winter months

Snuggling during the cold winter months

FEBRUARY

Look who turned 40!

Look who turned 40!

Family fun in NYC!

Family fun in NYC!

MARCH

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Kicking some butt running my first 1/2 Marathon =)

Rockin' out with the band!

Rockin’ out with the band!

APRIL

Cheering on my awesome PS 87 moms as they kicked it during the MORE 1/2!

Cheering on my awesome PS 87 running moms as they kicked it during the MORE 1/2!

Sktr Grl

Sktr Grl

MAY

Family trip to Florida

Family trip to Florida

Reunion with some of the best gals in the world

Reunion with some of the best gals in the world

JUNE

Uh oh, looks like someone else turned 40!

Uh oh, looks like someone else turned 40!

Last day of school!

Last day of school!

JULY

Celebrating 4th of July

Celebrating 4th of July

The Big 7th Birthday!

The Big 7th Birthday!

AUGUST

First time at Camp

First time at Camp

Family trip to California- meeting Great Grandma =)

Family trip to California- meeting Great Grandma =)

SEPTEMBER

Owning the first day of school!

Owning the first day of school!

The start of the middle school process...

The start of the middle school process…

OCTOBER

Family reunion in Calgary- Cousins!

Family reunion in Calgary- Cousins!

That nasty, nasty Sandy

That nasty, nasty Sandy

NOVEMBER

Double Digits ;)

Double Digits πŸ˜‰

First time voting in the US

First time voting in the US- GOBAMA!

DECEMBER

Family Love

Family Love

Family Love

Even More Family Love

It is the day after Christmas. We had a wonderful day filled with family. But right now I am alone in the apartment. Everyone else has taken themselves to different movies. It is snowing outside, the dog is snoring, I am reading an awesome book and am about to make a chai tea. Perfection. I hope you are doing something today just for you. Stay safe and warm on this snowy, cold, stormy day after πŸ™‚ xox

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My Wish For You…

It is Christmas Eve and on this day I can’t help but be a little bit nostalgic and well, downright sappy. We are incredibly blessed. So very lucky. I cherish our amazing family and my beautiful friends. It is at this time that I am thankful for all that life has to offer.

And so to you all, my wish for you is to be surrounded by love, beauty, kindness, laughter and most of all a feeling of peace.

Merry Christmas and love to you all!

Here are a few pics from NYC at Christmas. Enjoy and don’t forget to leave the cookies out for Santa πŸ˜‰ xox

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On Monday, for the first time ever, I was apprehensive about dropping off my children at school. And damn that made me angry. I am beyond horrified by the school shooting in Sandy Hook. My heart aches for the families and friends of those innocent children and teachers. There are no adequate words to express how I feel. I am not sure writing about it would even make me feel better. I am at a loss, like many of you.

But, I have visited my daughters school on numerous occasions this week for music celebrations, publishing parties and the coat drive. I am reminded of all of the good in the world. The amazing teachers and community. The joy and happiness in every little child. It gives me peace and hope. I am comforted by my own little monkeys, growing up so fast, so filled with energy and life. They are my comfort and joy. Today I send you all a little more love, light and peace. Xoxo

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Nothing makes me happier at this time of year than sitting in front of our decorated Christmas tree, snuggled on the couch with the family, nice and warm, reading, watching a movie or just talking and listening to music. If the Yule Log is on in the background, even better πŸ˜‰ There is something truly calming about the warm glow of the lights and the peacefulness of family-time especially after a day caught up in the hustle and bustle of NYC during the holidays. I cherish these moments. Here are some pics of the family bringing home our tree and getting our decorating groove on. Hope you enjoy! A VERY happy 12-12-12 to you all!!!

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There are just some things that you can NOT get living in the midst of the concrete jungle and every once in awhile you crave these things. Such as… holiday themed hand soap, large boxes of snacks, band-aids with Disney characters, monster size packages of TP, cheap flannel p.j.’s, kraft dinner for $1, more cereal types than you can count and numerous other MUST haves!! So, when this crazy feeling needs to be calmed you pack into a girlfriends car and head to the mecca called Target. The wide open aisles, discount deals, shopping carts and the absence of cranky people bumping into you is exactly what you need to soothe your soul. And yesterday that is exactly what we did. With lists in hand myself and three other girlfriends made the trip to Le Targe and spent way to much money on things that yes, we absolutely did need. After all, the holidays are right around the corner πŸ˜‰ Have yourself a merry little Wednesday!!

We have the carts and are ready to go!

We have the carts and are ready to go!

Sustenance... in case more energy is needed!

Sustenance… in case more energy is needed!

Um ya, we bought a bit of stuff...

Um ya, we bought a bit of stuff…

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Phew, it all fits!