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Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.
—Think Different, narrated by Steve Jobs.
Oh London… I really like you.
Day 5 and in my third place of rest… it’s just like home!
Seriously though, I have to admit I love this city. Aside from the drill sergeant at Customs wanting to know how much money I had in my account to stay here for two months (note to self: from here on out I’m simply an excited tourist… damn me and my honesty), everyone and everything has been wonderful so far.
My first night I had the pleasure of meeting up with the lovely and talented Alex Berger, who introduced me to some local singer-songwriters after a heart-racing game of Frisbee in the park. He’s actually in New York now, so if you’re in the city on October 23 you should definitely check out his show at Rockwood Music Hall.
On Saturday I ventured over to Holland Park, which quickly became one of my favorite neighborhoods here. Rich with trees, cafes, parks, and clean and classic buildings, I felt like I was walking through a movie set as I made my way to dinner at the secret restaurant, Nomad Chef. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Shelley Taylor, our host and chef, who put together a delicious meal (complete with tofu for the vegetarians!) and dessert in her beautiful flat. At dinner I was able to meet and mingle with about 15 complete strangers, exchanging numbers, drinking and even a little dancing to complete the night. The concept of this “secret restaurant” is brilliant- it’s a perfect way to meet new people and enjoy a night of socializing while maintaining the comfort and intimacy of dining at home. Some nights she has live entertainment featuring local singer-songwriters, and other nights she’s busy being booked for private parties and events. We’re working on getting Shelley and her magnificent hosting skills to NY and NJ in a few weeks… you don’t know how lucky you are!
Sunday was recovery and work mode… aside from wandering and meeting up with some great people and business contacts here I’ve spent a great deal of time in cafes mapping, planning, e-mailing and writing in prep for the upcoming weeks of travel. Wednesday I head out to Frankfurt, Germany, making my way through Stuttgart, Zurich, Munich, Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Paris before coming home to England and getting settled.
Another note: the Tube system here is great. Easy to navigate, not overly crowded and extremely clean. Not one person gave me a dirty look as I made my way on and off with my 90 pounds of luggage… Not even when I rolled over their feet. London definitely wins in the public transportation department!
Today is a warm and windy fall day, and I’m taking some time to explore the West End before heading back to Flat #3 in Camden. Missing you all in New York, but excited to share everything I’m experiencing along the way.
Love. XOXO
“The woman who follows the crowd usually goes no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” ~Albert Einstein.
In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
—Albert Schweitzer
I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.
—Theodore Isaac Rubin
The Best Advice Comes When You Least Expect It.
I haven’t posted much since I returned home from Costa Rica because I’ve been busy putting many plans and goals into action. It all sounds so ambitious and motivational, doesn’t it? Truth be told, it’s incredibly frustrating at times. When you are involved in the arts industry on any level, you are constantly faced with adversity, conflict, and roadblocks that are not only out of your control, but sometimes downright hindering to your personal and professional growth.
My goal this week was to attack the city head on with networking and getting my work out into the right hands. Then Mother Nature stepped in, and as a result I’ve been confined to nothing but a computer and a shitload of time to think. Needing a break from all the projects I’ve undertaken, I opened up a magazine for a few minutes today. Strangely enough, I started at the back page, something I find myself doing quite often… maybe it’s cliche but even print media seems to save the best for last. To my surprise I discovered an article written by Oprah Winfrey discussing friend and recording artist India.Arie’s recent struggle with the music industry. I wanted to share what I read, because although they aren’t my own words, they spoke to me in a way I know they will speak to any artist who’s experienced even the slightest frustration.
This is an excerpt of the letter India wrote to Oprah:
“I took your advice to heart. After last year hurt bad enough, I chose- you said ‘the universe will rise up to meet you wherever you are,’ so I just decided to be me.
Singing in different languages and working with people from different cultures was how I envisioned my career. But in the quest for ‘success,’ to make a hit so that I could own myself and then be free, I’d gone so far off the path of my own vision, I didn’t even know what that was anymore.
I thought the music business had usurped my power, but really, I gave my power away- to other people and to anything I thought would make my life easier.
Since October I’ve been rebuilding. I prayed my power back into my body. And in March I started just making the music I love, following the guidance of spirit to a tee. I didn’t censor or second-guess. I listened to spirit and wrote those exact words.
I was always told not to get too preachy or esoteric or spiritual. And while I’ve never said anything I didn’t want to say I’ve never said some of the the most important things I do want to say. About acceptance versus tolerance, and the oneness of all people… but now I have.
I’ve been making my own choices, speaking my truth the the people around me, letting myself be apart of world again. (Stevie Wonder and Cecily Tyson both told me I needed to break the shell, and they used the same exact words. I know what they mean now.)
I finally reached the fork in the road, and I chose the path of authenticity. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I feel good!”
And so I leave you with the final words of the article, which stood out most of all:
“Life is an open door to all that is possible. And that’s a powerful thing.” ~Oprah Winfrey
Reality. Check.
A week ago I boarded a nine hour, two-stop bus ride leaving Tamarindo and heading to my next destination. I was greasy from only taking cold showers, hungry from only eating granola bars, and tired from being up all night swatting away mosquitoes and bugs. My volunteer work was over and the only conclusion about life I had come to was that I was going to move to California. I was terrified to return to New York.
And then the most miraculous thing happened… I walked into air conditioning. I took a hot shower. I ate a handful of almonds and some fresh mango. I sipped a glass of red wine. REAL red wine. (I shudder at the thought of the sour pink wine I was served at our local bar in San Ramon). After I was pampered for a bit, I sat down and took in some tough love.
I was asked questions that I didn’t have an answer to. I was made to feel like an intelligent, successful “grown up.” I was treated as an intellectual equal by two brilliant, warm and wise adults, while being guided in the same gentle manner as a doe-eyed teenager. I felt like my own parents had somehow channeled themselves through these non-biased and compassionate mentors. I listened. And I learned.
I return home in a less than a week, and I finally feel like I’m ready to go back. I have direction and I have a purpose.
Most importantly, I’ve found balance between my harshly realistic outlook on my career and my overly idealistic views on love. I know my worth.
As you all read this I’ll be sitting on a speed boat to Mal Pais to conclude my trip. It will be my last few days to “vacation”- to unwind, take in the scenery, explore the culture, read those books I’ve been saving, meet more people, and get owned by a few more waves. I have a seriously intense road ahead of me and I plan to savor every moment of the serenity, here and now.
But have no fear New York… I’m coming home. Hold on to a few of those majestic fall colors until I return.
