My best NYC trip yet!

This weekend was wonderful for me. I made a fast decision to book a cheap flight to NYC for an audition and to see friends. Luckily, I have amazing friends who don't mind the spontaneity or to let me use their couch. I started out staying with Nathan, a lifelong friend. It was wonderful to actually see him and "share" with one another. We usually chat once a month and catch up so it was as if no time had passed. He is one of my closest friends so it did my heart loads of good to see him, and as always, he shared so many thoughts that got my wheels turning. He is an amazing person, and I always enjoy every bit of my time and talks with him. We took a walk in Trion park and around the Cloisters, which is where I spent a good deal of time when I was in NYC a few years ago. It was refreshing as I realized how much healing had occurred in my heart since I was last there. Nathan and I loved the huge masses of ice that were all over the park. In our usual fashion, we weren't content just to look at it, we had to experience it ourselves. Perhaps that is why we connect so well. :)

What a lucky gal I am -- in between two of the greatest people and friends ever.

On day two I headed to Tim's place. No matter the time span, I was so glad to see him again -- remember, he is in my top three funniest people! Tim has a way of turning the subway experience (usually depressing) into a form of entertainment. I am sure that many people in our car wanted to hit us -- literally. They contained themselves though and limited it to disapproving looks. Our time was short, but I always love being around him (even in spite of his ghastly scrabble dictionary). Also, Tim has really "climbed the ladder". He made his Off -Broadway debut this year in the show "Altar Boyz." While I was there that show was closing, and Tim was invited to perform in the last show. He stood in between Broadway performers and sang with them! If anyone will make it, I have full confidence it will be you. Congrats, Tim!

There was also a "Hooray for Holidays" reunion in the city. Sean, Tim, and I met and had dinner which was tons of fun and pretty fresh considering we were still living together three weeks ago. The man taking this picture wasn't thrilled about it -- obviously. haha.

While I was there I had an amazing experience. Glenn Phillips has become a favorite singer/songwriter of mine this year, and I generally listen to him at least once a day. Three different times in the past two months, I have been close to where he is playing but always missed it by a day or so. Well, WPA, a band he is in, was playing in the city last weekend so I hopped on the subway and headed to the City Winery where they were playing. It turned out to be a great show with some amazing musicians, and Jeff Daniels (the other guy from "Dumb and Dumber") hosted it. After the show, I got to meet Glenn Phillips and talk with him for a few minutes. He was an amazingly humble and sincere person -- just the kind of person that makes you happy to be their fan.

Here I am with Glenn Phillips!!! I decided against telling him that someday I hoped to share a stage with him for a night. :)

Then the icing on the cake was Tiffy moved back to the city the last two days I was there! She is a great friend too, and I have missed her since I left Wytheville; although, we have kept in touch pretty well this year. Well, we had a great time trying out ice cream in 30 degree weather. We took a chance on Sundaes and Cones in the East Village and were happy with our choice. Tiffy tried the Pumpkin flavor, and I had Ginger and Mocha Chip. We both gave it a thumbs up.

All in all, I think NYC was just what I needed. The last time I was there was three years ago, and I was a much different person --" broken on the wheels of life". I had lost all sense of joy and purpose. Three years later, I am now able to laugh, share, and relish every moment with dear friends that have walked different stages of "the journey" with me. Perhaps that was the purpose, a reminder of how God loves -- and usually through people. Each of these friends has been a blessing from God in my life and has often shown me different faces of Him. I only hope that I am now able to give the same back.