New York Minutes

New York is a a city of dreams, and I’m not just talking about the ones that belong to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. I, for one, always dreamed of living in the big apple and becoming a Broadway actress, and – although my aspirations eventually changed – the city has still played a pivotal role in my life’s dreams. About six years ago, my mom and I traveled to New York City for one last breath of roasted chestnuts before my big move to live in Texas as a bartender and aspiring novelist. That was a tremendous time for me because Austin turned out to be where I became an adult, learned to rue 80-hour work weeks, discovered the art of screenwriting, earned my MFA, and found true love. For this reason, it is only fitting that just one day after officially deciding to build a life for ourselves in California, my fiancé and I spent a sweet Valentine’s weekend in NYC…It seems dreaming does indeed come full circle in this city.

My recent New York minutes were filled with: indulging in chocolate soufflé at GILT, skating in Rockefeller Center, eating seared foie gras and delicious duck confit at The Modern, strolling though the MoMA galleries, trying on antique jewelry, and spending Valentine’s evening snuggling with my sweetheart in a pizza dive. I also got to enjoy a brunch of Netella French toast at Penelope’s with my two favorite Texans turned New Yorkers, Clarissa and Paul. Despite the decadent meal, the company far outshone the cuisine and it was so wonderful seeing the beaming faces of these two remarkable people who are making their dreams happen in the big city. I hope you’re having a wonderful week and that – no matter what city you’re in – life feels like it’s brimming over with a sense of dreaminess and possibility.