Not abandoned! I broke my record.

I felt like I have abandoned this blog. But I haven't. I was inspired a few weeks ago. Okay, let me tell the truth, I was a little depressed and I walks 114! I broke my record. I will be back bigger and better. No wait....smaller and better. I am down to 227 lbs and I am still working hard to be healthier. Stay tuned>>>

Streets walked:
2nd Ave. (11th st-125th st.)
125th st. (2nd ave -lenox ave).

The High Line...NYC's hidden treasure

From 3/10/10
Wow! Another amazing walk even though the sun didn't bless us with its presence today. Thanks to my friend's suggestion, we decided to walk on the Highliner. Now I knew the Highliner existed, but I'd never thought to explore it or had just plain forgotten about it. The High Line is sort of like an elevated "boardwalk". A train used to go through the area and you can still see the tracks.It's elevated above the Meat Packing District and has the most breathtaking views. I could tell that the High Line was designed by someone with an appreciation for the abstract and simplicity. You would have to see it to fully understand. Although the plants had been freshly planted and hadn't bloomed yet, I could definitely see how beautiful this place will be in the summer.











There were wooden chaise loungers where you can lay out in the sun. There were strategically placed nooks and crannies where you could sit with a loved one and feel like you have complete privacy. I smiled as I saw many couples strolling through or sitting on the benches just enjoying the view. This place definitely inspires poetry. The beginnings of so many poems swam around in my head. To say that this place was an inspiration would be an understatement.

After exiting the Highliner at 20th Street (I didn't want it to end), I decided to visit the Pier again, but heading uptown this time. I expected the pedestrian path to end quickly but to my pleasant surprise, it just went on and on. I felt as if I were on a mini vacation...well until I glanced at the Westside Highway LOL. Conversation seems to flow so easy while walking along the Pier. I felt as if I could say anything and it would be left right there. No judgements and no worries. As we got further uptown, we found a few "artsy" pieces that would probably make most people say "huh" but it totally had me stoked.










There was this huge table with chairs built into it at different angles. Then....JACKPOT!!! I found the worlds biggest bottle of Merlot Woo Hoo! And yes, that's me above trying to drink from it LOL! I think I will have a glass tonight. Okay, I usually have a glass every night, but who's keeping track? As the sun began to set, we relunctantly left the Pier. After crossing the Westside Highway, reality began to set in again, my mini vacation was over. But my personal reality isn't half bad...my reality is pretty AWESOME!










Streets Walked
The High Line 10th Ave (Gansevoort St.-20th St.)
Chelsea Pier (20th-55th Street)
11th Avenue (55th-59th Street)
59th Street (11th Ave-Amsterdam Ave)
Amsterdam Ave (59th St-72nd St)

Spring is Knocking!!!

From 3/8/10
After all the snow, sleet, and rain this winter, today was the first sign that Spring is not a myth. It actually does exist and it's coming soon! Yay! It got up to 58 degrees today. I couldn't have picked a better day to leave work early due to an appointment. After I left the doctor's office, I figured that it was a perfect day for a stroll and Chelsea Pier would be my destination. I figured that I could get through some of my Dean Koontz book while at the pier. I must say, I felt rejuvenated from the day before (I walked from work in Washington Heights to my apartment in the Bronx! Yay Me!) I thought, hmmm...how far will I get today? The possibilities were endless. As I listened to Sade's new album a feeling of serenity took over me and I felt as if I were floating along. The air even smelled different, cleaner, crisper. I didn't smell any piss or dog poo or garbage juice...WOW! I felt that we were blessed that the sun decided to pay NYC a visit. It was definitely affecting everyone. Everyone looked happy or at least content. The bounce that I get every so often was not only afflicting me, but everyone walking in this beautiful weather. Strangers said hello if I made eye contact with them, they said sorry if they bumped into me, a guy offered me money. Ok, that last thing didn't happen, but it didn't seem unlikely on a day like today.


Initially I wanted to head to the pier to read. What I forgot was that the wind is insane near the water and it felt like 15 degrees cooler...BRRRRR. Ok since reading was outta of the question, I decided to keep walking once I reached the pier. Getting to Chelsea Pier can be quite dangerous I must tell you. First there's the great feat of crossing the West Side Highway. This highway scares crap outta me! Yes there are stop lights but it's still intimidating. Once you get to the pier, you spend half your time making sure you don't get trampled by bikers and runners. STAY TO YOUR RIGHT OR DIE! True serendity is at the water's edge. I can lean on the fence forever, just watching the sun rays dance on the water. You can barely hear the roar of the traffic even though its only a few steps away...weird.
For miles there were people laying in the grass, playing frisbee with their dogs, groups of mommys with baby strollers, teenagers skateboarding, people jogging, biking, and rollerblading. Nobody was taking this day for granted and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I switched to my old school R &B jams on 98.7, it was the perfect soundtrack to such a glorious day. Gosh...simply beautiful!


Streets Walked
1st Avenue (33rd-42nd Street)
42nd Street (1st-9th Avenue)
9th Avenue (42nd-26th Street)
26th Street (9th-Chelsea Pier)
Chelsea Pier (26th-Chambers Street)

Trying to stay focused

Trying to make sure I don't leave my blog by the wayside. Still walking often, but often walking in the same areas so I haven't been blogging. However, I did cover some new territory.

3/7/10
Broadway (187th-181st)
181st Street (Broadway-Amsterdam)
I walked all the way home to the Bronx from Washington Heights Woo Hoo!!

3/6/10
Broadway (187th-204th Street)

2/27/10
Washington Heights!!
Broadway (145th-197th Street)

2/13/10
Lexington Avenue (36th-14th Street)

2/11/10
40th Street (Broadway-Lexington Avenue)
Lexington Avenue (40th-86th Street)

2/5/10
3rd Avenue (14th-72nd Street)
Walked through Central Park

Still getting it in!

Still getting the walking in! Life has been grand, and I must say I've been preoccupied and haven't had time to write as much as I should in my blog. I have been getting more and more into my poetry and writing short stories, that I have put my blog on the back burner some days. But I'm not seeing it as a negative thing. I'm happy and taking advantage of the opportunities set before me. The power of prayer is no joke. Ask, believe, and you shall receive. OMG I am sooooo blessed! I just pray that I continue to feel like this and enjoy the people in my life that make me happy. Head has been in the clouds a bit...in a good way. Sigh...

Streets Walked
2/1/10
Park Avenue (14th-40th)
40th (Park Ave-Broadway)
Columbus Ave (70th-110th Street)
110th Street (Columbus Ave-Broadway)

2/2/10
16th Street (6th-1st Ave)
17th Street (1st-6th Ave)
18th Street (6th-1st Ave)
19th Street (1st-6th Ave)

Getting It In

I'm not writing much for this post. But still want to document that I am still "getting it in". I've been a little distracted and I'm gonna try to walk everyday this week.

1/27/10
6th Avenue (14th Street - White St.)
Church Street (Franklin Ave. - Cortlandt Ave.)
Trinity Place (Cortlandt Ave. - Morris St.)
Greenwich Street (Morris St. - Battery Place)
Battery Place (Greenwich St. - Broadway Ave.)

1/28/10
Lexington Avenue (58th Street - 40th Street)
40th Street (Lexington Avenue - Broadway Ave.)

Greenwich Village & Harlem

From 1/25/10
Today I was totally aimless and I guess it reflected how I was truly feeling inside. I felt a bit scattered and needed to walk to get my mind together. I was pleasantly surprised when my friend wanted to walk with me and I guess I needed the distraction from the negativity that threatened to creep in. We ended up walking towards Washington Square Park. I have many memories of this place. I used to take clients there for a relaxing day out during the summer. There were always musicians performing, someone dancing, or just plain randomness in Washington Square Park. We would pass the hours watching teenagers try and fail skateboard tricks and watch people with their well-groomed dogs in the doggy park. This place is a people watchers' candy store. Being that it's winter, it was a little less festive but still a warm place to stroll through. I stopped and smiled at two toddlers dancing to the music of an acoustic guitar. I got so tickled because the little girl was really busting a move and encouraged the little boy to do the same. We watched as long as we could and then mutually decided to walk away because the "tick-tock" of my biological clock began to get louder and louder. LOL!


On our zig zag course, we ended up on 7th Ave and 11th Street (Mulry Square). There is a fence here with decorated tiles dedicated to the victims of 9/11.




I have stopped by this fence many times and don't think I've had a chance to look at them all. It's heart-wrenching looking at some of the tiles dedicated to 3 and 4 year olds that died on those flights. Not all of the tiles are dedicated to people who lost their lives. Some are inspirational quotes that give some sort of hope that peace will eventually become a reality. I feel that "Tiles for America" was a very unique idea and hope that it remains there for years to come.

After my friend and I parted ways due to the rain. I planned to head to the Bronx early but ended up getting off the the train at 125th St. 125th St. is like a 2nd home to me. I go there to get my hair braided at any of the 1,000 African Hair Braiding Salons. Let me tell you, my African sisters know how to hustle! If you are wearing a headwrap, a scarf, or have an Afro, they will pounce on you as you come out of the train station asking if you want your hair braided. It's a bit pushy, but hey, everyone's gotta make a dollar right? True story: One evening I had already decided I was going to the shop where I had my hair done previously. I went to the beauty supply store to buy hair for my extensions. An African woman comes up to me all cool and said, "Whoever was going to do your hair, I can do it better. You will not be disappointed." She shows me her little book of hairstyles she's done and it was impressive. She really had game,she helped me pick out the right hair cause she just KNEW I was going to give in. And she was right. Hahaha! Truly, I just respected her hustle and that's why she got my business. I loved the way my "Kinky Twists" turned out and I will definitely be a repeat customer.


I stopped in a few African craft shops to look at a few masks and statues I want for my apartment. I looooove the smell of these stores. It always smells like Nag Champa incense (my favorite). But then again all of 125th Street smells like Nag Champa incense due to all the street vendors selling what else?...Nag Champa incense!! Hahaha. There are street vendors every ten steps. Books, shea butter, jewelry, more shea butter, perfume, body oils, art, more shea butter, and black soap. You never even have to step INSIDE of a store. While in this craft store every time I stopped at a piece of art, the owner would come over and tell me the significance of this piece. He had to most beautiful complexion. His skin tone was almost blue-black and completely flawless. His salt and pepper beard was neatly shaped and he had the most beautiful accent. Shoot, I stayed longer just to hear him talk. And to top it all off he smelled like Nag Champa! I think I might have had a little crush! The statue above is about appreciating our ancestors. I appreciated that he took the time to explain each piece. I felt kind of guilty leaving empty handed, but he didn't seem to mind.

Have you've ever watched "Good Times"? You know with JJ and Esther Rolle? This painting reminds me of the painting they show at the end of the credits. I love love love that painting. I believe the name of that painting is "The Sugar Shack". I'm not sure if the same artist did this one as well. It certainly is the same style.
It's DY-NO-MIIIITE! Sorry, couldn't resist. LOL! I enjoyed browsing around the custom frame shop dreaming of how I want to spruce up my apartment, they sell some of the most beautiful art. Many of the prints are familiar but some are originals. I'm getting really crafty on getting people to let me take pictures in their stores. Usually just being nice works, sometimes I bend the truth just a little, and sometimes they assume I work for a magazine or something. But many simply give me the ok when I tell them I'm writing about the neighborhood.


I felt guilty for not walking this weekend so I power-walked (kinda) from 125th to 102nd on Madison Ave. Gotta try to reach my first weight loss goal of 50lbs! I think I ended up making a detour to Harlem for a reason. There are no coincidences in life. Being in that art store made all my creative juices start flowing and I already have a few ideas of some things I may want to paint. I need to just buy the darn paint! Why am I stalling?

Streets Walked
5th Avenue (14th Street-Washington Square)
Washington Square North-West 8th st.
West 8th Street (MacDougal-Greenwich Avenue)
Greenwich Avenue (Christopher Street-7th Avenue)
7th Avenue (Greenwhich Avenue-14th Street)
125th Street (Lenox Avenue-St.Nicholas Ave.)
St. Nicholas Ave. (125th-126th Street)
126th St. (St. Nicholas-Frederick Douglas Ave.)
Frederick Douglas Ave. (126th-123rd Street)
123rd Street (Frederick Douglas-Lenox Ave.)
Lenox Avenue (123rd St.-125th St.)
125th Street (Lenox-Madison Ave.)
Madison Ave. (125th-102nd Street)