Aria and I are beginning the new year quietly, in our little apartment, sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine, watching the stars and a full moon shining along with the candles in the chiminea. I've been socializing a lot since arriving in Key West and it's been fun and easy and different for me! But tonight, rather than brave the masses celebrating on Duval Street downtown, Aria and I opted for a calmer night at home, fresh fish for dinner, and quiet music on the boombox. Probably Dick Clark at about 11:30.
In 2010, I hope to find an unforced balance between community--enjoying the easy social life that Key West is offering me--and comfortable solitude as I enjoy the slower pace of and by the ocean.
Happy New Year to us all!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
It's Happening!
The contract's signed. Okay, there are a couple more major hurdles to get past (buyer financing and my co-op board's approval)...but if everything goes as planned--
I have really loved New York, and it still feels like home to me and probably always will. But I feel like, after 12 years, I've probably done what I'm going to do here. I've been able to do some amazing things, but now my performing/writing career in NYC feels like it's in the process of plateau-ing, not spiking. And although my time and work here has been amazing, I must say that no aspect of my career (other than choral work, which has had some fantastic moments) has reached the peak of what I'd imagined when I came to the Big Apple.
Right. Just another typical New York performer's story... :-)
I'm really not complaining, not at all. But the financial struggle of making ends meet here has just become too daunting for me without the promise of career superb-ness. :-) With the cash from the sale of my apartment here, I can buy a condo in Key West. And without a mortgage there, my copyediting work will pay my bills. I do plan to pursue work as a performer there, and to continue writing. But any income from those pursuits can be icing on the cake, rather than my lifeline to meeting expenses.
And there's an OCEAN!!! And beautiful weather 9 months of the year (instead of a few scattered, undependable days here and there).
For those of you unfamiliar with Key West ("KW"), it's a small community with a lot of personality and plenty of cultural activity.
And then I'll get used to palm trees. And mojitos!
I'm LEAVING NYC and MOVING TO KEY WEST!!!
I have really loved New York, and it still feels like home to me and probably always will. But I feel like, after 12 years, I've probably done what I'm going to do here. I've been able to do some amazing things, but now my performing/writing career in NYC feels like it's in the process of plateau-ing, not spiking. And although my time and work here has been amazing, I must say that no aspect of my career (other than choral work, which has had some fantastic moments) has reached the peak of what I'd imagined when I came to the Big Apple.
Right. Just another typical New York performer's story... :-)
I'm really not complaining, not at all. But the financial struggle of making ends meet here has just become too daunting for me without the promise of career superb-ness. :-) With the cash from the sale of my apartment here, I can buy a condo in Key West. And without a mortgage there, my copyediting work will pay my bills. I do plan to pursue work as a performer there, and to continue writing. But any income from those pursuits can be icing on the cake, rather than my lifeline to meeting expenses.
And there's an OCEAN!!! And beautiful weather 9 months of the year (instead of a few scattered, undependable days here and there).
For those of you unfamiliar with Key West ("KW"), it's a small community with a lot of personality and plenty of cultural activity.
- There are 3 theaters in town, 2 of which I know to be Equity, and a community theater an hour north. I hope to do some acting again, which I've sorely missed.
- There's a symphony orchestra, and I'm hoping my violin playing will be adequate to get me a seat in the back of the 2nd violin section. :-) I'm actually really looking forward to playing again--and maybe subbing with a wedding quartet.
- There's at least one community choir that I can sing with, and I may pursue singing as a volunteer with one of the Catholic churches in the area, although I'm hoping to avoid actual church work for a while.
- There are apparently about 8 piano bars always looking for subs, too! :-)
- A friend in KW has had opportunity to sing in an opera in the past, so I'm not sure what classical work is available there, but I'm kind of figuring that part of my life will only exist in NYC, and am hoping I can sing once in a while when I come back for a visit.
And then I'll get used to palm trees. And mojitos!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vacation
I need one.
I'm getting one! Soon. Very soon.
I'm hanging on by my fingernails until then. I'm so grateful that some extra work came through so I can afford to go away and recharge.
I know you all know how I feel. I hope you get to take a vacation, too.
I'm getting one! Soon. Very soon.
I'm hanging on by my fingernails until then. I'm so grateful that some extra work came through so I can afford to go away and recharge.
I know you all know how I feel. I hope you get to take a vacation, too.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's a New Day!
Congratulations, America. As our new President said today, "We have chosen hope over fear..."
And he's right, I'm full of hope today. I hope you are, too!
God bless us every one.
And he's right, I'm full of hope today. I hope you are, too!
God bless us every one.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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Happy Kaya and Mommy
