When one thinks of New York, you think Broadway, shopping, taxi cabs, busy streets. When I think of New York, I think of dreams coming true.
New York is a melting pot of different cultures, personalities, and beliefs. JayZ and Alicia Keys sing about New York quoting, "Concrete jungle where dreams are made of there's nothing you can't do." I never understood how powerful those words were until I recently spent a week in New York with my sister. Upon arriving we took a walk to Columbus Circle, I was amazed to see so many people out and about at what I thought was late- 11pm. There were teens riding skateboards, mothers and kids walking the dogs, lovers who couldn't keep their hands off each other. Every restaurant and convenient store was open and ready for business- quite the difference from small-town Greenville, SC. I looked at my sister and said, "see this is what I love about New York- there is always something for everyone" later on throughout the week, I realized just how true this statement was and just how amazing this city was.
Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon. Alone in some way to tall heels I borrowed (without asking) from my sister, I made my way to Broadway to see Mamma Mia. This is my all time favorite Broadway show- the costumes, dancing, music, and overall genius of the play has always enthralled me. I left the play thinking- I would give anything to move to New York and be on Broadway. I sent a text to a friend saying would u think I was crazy if I moved to New York in order to pursue a career in Broadway- he responded why not!? I then proceeded to explain how my musical career has been limited to Sheryl Crow karaoke at the Garden City Pier and Clarence Carter at wedding receptions when I force myself upon the mic. Once again my friend was encouraging saying go for it. The more I talked with my friend I thought why not move here. Frank Sinatra sings, " if I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. You know what frank- you may be on to something! What have I got to lose! Of course, I blame my friend entirely for boosting my self esteem enough to think I'm the next Broadway sensation- but if I ever do make it big- he has first dibs on being my agent.
Fast forward to Friday afternoon. My sister was able to take off work so we went together to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the met. Talk about a dreamer! Alexander McQueen has designed some of the most outrageous, intimate, intricate clothing I have ever seen. He has designed for the likes of Lady Gaga, Sara Jessica Parker, and many many more. McQueen had some of the most talked about Fashion Shows. It was said he grew his inspiration after casting the models, giving each one their one story on the runaway. One of his most famous models was Kate Moss. McQueen's designs were truly inspirational and a site to see- complete outfits out of Conch shells, plastic discs, duck feathers- there was no limit to his designs. McQueen is proof that with enough determination and a lot of sweat and blood your dreams can come true.
Fast forward to Sunday afternoon. Brunch. 16 bucks for bottomless screwdrivers, mimosas, sangrias, and bloody marys. I ate with my sister, her boyfriend, her friend Sam, and a plethora of Sam's friends. Conversation shifted towards the major events of the weekend- gay pride parade and same sex marriage. I found it refreshing to see so many businesses show their support for gay pride- even the empire state building was lit up in rainbow colors! What a statement made by the city of New York- just recently New York senate passed the law to allow same sex marriage in its state. Gay pride meant so much more that particular weekend knowing that awareness was being brought to the issue of equality. It was exciting to hear Sam and his friends talk about the parade. I began to think once again, New York is helping to make others dreams come true as well. It was eye opening to sit at lunch with a group of gay men and lesbian women and hear them talk about gay pride. When it comes down to it they are just like me (except they look way better in bf shorts but that's another story)- we are all dreamers. And New York has made some of their dreams come true. No wonder Sinatra speaks so highly of New York saying "I want to be a part of it New York, New York". Who wouldn't want to be a part of this great city? Kudos New York, until we meet again!
