Friday, January 26, 2007

the pathways home...

Based on the title of this post, it would seem as if I had just returned from a trip...when in fact it is quite the opposite. I am preparing for a forthcoming journey.

I will be traveling to New York City where I will spend time being enveloped in the hustle bustle of a very busy almost frantic metropolis. This will be my 4th visit to the BIG Apple. All of my previous trips have taken me to Manhattan on business, and this one is no different.

If you have ever been to New York, then you know that it is a place like no other. Everything is surrounded by concrete, asphalt, metal, wire, steal, and glass. There is hardly any place for an individual to stand much less sit down to soak in the dazzling display of lights, sounds, and images flashing by you at lightning speed.

New York emits an energy like no other place I have been... determined serious faces race by you, no such thing as strolling down the street, and no one is ever smiling. Judging by my tone you would think I dislike the place. On the contrary, it is a urban jungle that is extremely interesting and somewhat intoxicating.

Being an artist, I quickly find myself enthralled with the textures, and colors I see. There are fanastic vivid images, graphics, and gritty graffiti art plastered across everything both above and below ground. I am exposed to new and cool products that I might not run into where I shop here in Kansas. The diversity of the many cultures and people you meet are fascinating. One neighborhood blends into another so that you can hardly tell where one starts and the other ends until all of a sudden you are smack dab in the middle of almost a different world.

Ahhh.. New York... I can almost see, hear, and taste it.

I must admit the trip is a welcomed distraction from the January melancholy I seem to be feeling. And, although this adventure is one that will keep me entertained with my mind focused on the business tasks at hand, I will return from my trip just a little different than when I left, for no journey is taken without changing you in some minute way. Yet, I know in my heart that each day, and every minute will bring me one step closer to the moment when I come full circle having traveled the pathways back to a place I call Home.

11 comments:

Shari Beaubien said...

Have a blast in NYC, Tracie. Or, to offer up one of my favorite quotes from Harry Potter, may you have "well-mannered frivolity". Find some time in all that business to nurture your artist. I'll miss you! Hugs, Shari

Anonymous said...

What a great description of NYC; I can almost see you walking the streets, soaking up the ambience, camera in hand taking photos. What a wonderful winter break for you - i hope it drives the melancoly right out. I've never been to NY (or east of Michigan) sO would you take a bite of some of that really tasty NY food for me. I hear the food the street vendors sell is yummy! Have the bestest time, Tracie.

XOX

liz elayne lamoreux said...

this is so beautiful...your words and your art.
i am having some january melancholy myself...started this week and i am hoping it doesn't morph into february melancholy...i wish we lived closer so we could have tea and talk and talk...
we will soon...

sending you peace and blessings on your journey

Anonymous said...

January melancholy does seem to be in the air-will be damn glad to see February roll around:) Have a safe trip!

Anonymous said...

New York, New York! Have a wonderful time there. Make sure to stop in at Tinsel Trading and get some sparklies to add to your art!
ENJOY the energy there. I think It is time for me to take a trip back there soon..........

Mary Stanley said...

What a great adventure! Can you check out the Folk Art museum?

Your new fiber house piece is Dee-licious!!! Lucious colors...mmmmmm! Have a fun time in NYC>mary

Jill said...

What a beautiful piece! Have a terrific time...I have never been to NYC...would love to go someday.
Come home soon!

Anonymous said...

soak it all in sweetie...it's a trip i have always dreamed of...annie

Kari said...

Have a great trip! LOVE this piece of work....just gorgeous!!!

Anonymous said...

New York sounds great... but the best part of your post is having you back home !

Anonymous said...

I love your descriptions on NY. You've put my thoughts into words. I feel exactly the same way. I'm not sure how I ended up on your blog but your trip to NY caught my eye. Maybe I'll end up meeting you on one of your trips to the gift show.
: )
Michelle