Mending a broken heart...

My mind is one that never seems to rest.  It turns and cranks every scenario I do/could encounter...sometime causing more stress and worry than I could want.  I find myself in moods or ruts sometimes because of my thoughts.  Maybe its just because I become hypersensitive to my thoughts, but most times I find other peoples conversations and even music around me to match, cause, and influence more thoughts.  On my mind a lot lately...relationships.

Lets be honest from the get go, I have little to no reference on the subject, how ever, I know quite a lot.  I am the man who has always kept himself so busy with work and school so there was no need for a relationship.  I am the man who sees his friends and families growing and moving away with their life partners.  I am the man who goes to meals and events alone, and comes home with no one to see and share my daily joys and pains with.  I am the man who has a heart so large it murmurs and pulses when emotion is true.  I am the man who can make someone happy.  I am someone who would cherish a partnership of friendship in love.

All my life I have watched with open eyes relationships and gathered what I felt was the keys to success.  Goods and bads, dos and dont's, dreams and fair tails.  Its never simple that's for damn sure!  Relationships don't work like a cookie cutter, but more like and eggs.  Eggs can be cooked in many ways, yet you still end up with an egg in the end.  Eggs(relationships) are fragile things that if broken can never be fully be put back together.  You just have to either cook it another way or toss it out and try again. 

Like I've said, the last personal relationship I "had" was in 6th grade; when eating at the same table and walking to classes together meant you had it all figured out.  I've avoided the subject really well to date...I'll tell you what, I've saved a lot of time and money too.  For what though?  To be 24 and not know what it is like to date and maneuver a world that is so fast and non traditional unlike what I've envisioned all my life and been taught.  How do you even begin to feel like capable when kids half your age are in relationships you aren't?  Do you just jump in doing what ever it takes or do you sit back and wait for something to happen? Or better yet, what percentage of the two do you mix to get your result.

I guess I've always seen two types of people when it comes to relationships.  Those who are always looking, and those who are waiting for it just to happen.  I have been the later of the two....what good that has done me...I'm still waiting.  I want a FRIEND who becomes more...but we all know that comes with the possibility of things never working and a friend becoming lost. 

I'm jealous.  I'm jealous of happiness and love.  I'm jealous of the people I love who have what I don't.  I jealous of courage and dedication even when its rough.  I'm jealous of my friends finding persons first.  I'm jealous I'm the one always loving and not being loved.  I'm jealous I care SO MUCH and don't know how to not care.

Someone recently told me I was in a "different part of life" than them and not to stress because things will come in time.  I get it...But don't discredit my heart for being any less capable of love and emotion just because of my age and track record.  I see the happiness in the friends and family members around me.  I see the pain as well.  That's where I am pretty freaking good at seeing what works and doesn't work.  That's where I don't have the personal stories to help you through your needing someone to talk to, but I know how someone should be treated and feel when it comes to a relationship.

Maybe my standards are to high and I will end up old and alone.  That's what I don't know.  I don't know how to play this game.  I don't know what its like to put someone else ahead of myself and have them do that same in return.  I don't know what it is like to have a relationship....but I DO know how to love.

As you can tell, there is a lot in this post.  And this is only a sample of what my head looks like at any given moment.  All I want is someone to talk to; someone to care what my day was like; someone to do something for you because they want to not because they have to; someone to know a hug or kiss is needed or give them even when you don't need them; someone to make laugh; someone to think about and know they are thinking of you; someone to miss; someone to defend; someone to fight for you; someone to fight with; someone to surprise; someone to talk about like they talk about you when your not around; someone to love and be loved.

I may not have ever had a relationship but trust me when I have loved.  I know the pain of a broken heart before its been loved back...think about what my heart is capable of when it is loved...

Wet suits, platform boots, plus a pig and a mirror cat.

Time...It amazes me how February seemed to creep day to day and now I cant seem to hang on to March to save my life.  What a month and a half it has been since I last posted.  Fun times, great visits, big news, and weather that just isn't sure what to do.

February was slow and my "more regular work" swinging at Lion King slowed quickly as well.  I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.  I found myself knowing all the tracks there and only being able to sub when needed.  I quickly jumped back into the resume world getting things ready to hit the streets again.  I also reconnected with the shows that wanted me to come work with them but I wasn't able to at those times.  Luckily I booked almost three weeks with Mamma Mia on Broadway and knew I would have those days worth of work in the beginning of March.  The best part of that!...I would get to see the wonderful Stacia that I worked with on Next to Normal back in Florida last year.  Back at Mamma Mia I subbed the male ensemble track I originally learned in December....talk about a crash course the first night after that long....and then two more days after that.  I was also blessed in this booking stint to learn a new track in the building and then get to sub it for almost 2 weeks.  I worked with the male principles in the show.  The three dads and the daughters boyfriend in the show.  Great men!  I had a lot of fun with them and I was actually a bit sad to be leaving when my time was done.  While working at Mia again I got all the experience one could want with wetsuits, Lycra rock jumpsuits, and platform boots.  I can't work a normal dressed show can I?


Mamma Mia house from up center stage.

  

I tried on Stacia's swim cap...don't tell!

 Right at the beginning of March my sister in law came to town after making a trip to D.C. for work.  She convinced them to let her fly to NYC and then fly home because it was cheaper for them.  She spent a couple days and nights with me and I tried to give her her first NYC visit crash course quickly.  We enjoyed a trip on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, a night of Costco Margarita pizza and some wine, sushi, shopping in the city, and even a New jersey Devils NHL game....just to name a few of our doings.  I LOVED having her with me for the couple of days and didn't want her to leave.  I'll admit, as the car drove away from the airport, I fought tears back but had to wipe a few.  Words cant explain how important my family is to me and how much they give me life.  I can't wait to get home next!

The day my sister left I jumped into my stint at Mia.  While working there I was also lucky enough to start doing some day work doing an ironing call on Fridays.  I've learned the person who had been doing that call is no longer available for it, thus why I have been doing it, and I hope to maybe get that call permanently.  Hopes and prayers please!  It would be another for sure 4 hours of work every week in the pocket book.  Just coming off my Mia work I dressed, between Mia and a couple last minute day off subs at Lion King, 17 shows in 12 days and worked 17+ hours of day work, rehearsals, etc.  Oy!

Now...I know some of you maybe wondered what I meant by "Big News" in my first paragraph.  It's kind of a crazy story.  The night I was with my sister at the hockey game, I got a text from the wardrobe supervisor at  Lion King saying "he might have some dressing work for me starting the 3/26 for 6 months on a principal track and was I interested".  Through that eve and the next morning I spoke with him in a couple different media ways, and learned through him and a couple other people in the building, the current principal dresser put in his two weeks minutes before I was called and I could take his gig.  Long story short I have taken the position and start for the first time FULL TIME on Broadway this coming Tuesday!!!  I can't tell you how amazing, crazy, exciting, scary, and blessed I feel all at once.  At this moment I will be full time for 6 months.  The man leaving has taken a new non theatre related job back home in up state New York and his position comes with a 6 month trial basis.  He is covering himself in case things don't work out, but knowing him and the computer job he is taking, I will be shocked if he returns to the show.  I was told this could become permanent permanent if I wanted when they know he is not returning.  Time will tell...I'm just taking the 6 months for now and not over stepping.

That's my life to date...Kind of boring and not much to write about other than the couple big events.  On days off I have been trying to focus more on myself as a person and my home and personal needs.  I have gotten back into bargain shopping for more room decor and am working on building a couple lighting fixtures/shades for my space.  I have been trying a few new restaurants with a little help from others and have even eating new things like grilled chicken hearts from a Brazilian place (not bad either even though they totally were full hearts I just ate whole).  Along with my adventures I am working hard again in the gym working on my summer body to hit the NY area beaches and the rooftops for daily tanning.  Lets see how good I can look eh?

I miss my friends and family a lot this month and am working toward figuring out a trip home for a couple weeks during the summer.  I hate missing out on things like friend cruises (a group of my friends fly out tomorrow to board the boat on Saturday) so hopefully I can figure out something fun when home.  Have a blast on the boat all, and I'll maybe catch you in a tube on the river in July!

Ringing in the New Year with Style.

2013 was brought in with style for sure!  Well, that was until I arrived home at my apartment at 8:30 AM.  No, it was an AMAZING night full of new and newer friends, a ton of laughs, multiple bar hops around Hell's Kitchen, and for sure some drinks. 

New Years Eve was spent dressing a matinee show of the Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre in NYC.  I was lucky to pass thru all the security gates and check points in order get to work, and see from above in the warmth of the theatre lobby, all the craziness of Time Square.  Unlike anything you will ever see anywhere else.  All those people in the cold, trapped in cages all day without even the simple thing of a bathroom.  I don’t know that I will ever see the ball drop that way in NYC and am okay with doing it on TV at a party with friends.  After the afternoon show, I left Midtown and all the blocked off subway stations and arrived home making a half of a Costco margarita pizza and popping a bottle of wine to relax.  I soon after received a couple gathering offers back in the city with Lion King friends.  I decided I need to make memories of my first New Years in the city so that I did.  I got dressed again making my way back to 49th street just above Time Square to a friends beautiful studio apartment full of his closest friends....that in itself was amazing to me.  I was invited to a party with these people from all walks of life that met thru Kellen...and I got to be a part of that! Shortly after the ball dropped Kellen gave a speech talking about that very thing.  He said that through all the things in his life the people in the room have meant the most to him and wanted all of us to love each other the way he loves us.  Talk about a great talker and movement maker he is.  My year was set to a standard at that very moment.  Shortly after that...when the mood jumped back up....we put on our coats and started to bar hop around his area of town.  A couple bar later, we found a good spot and stayed there until the bar kicked us out to close.  A night cap...morning?...was the next step back at his apartment until I knew I was tired and needed to head home.  A slow subway ride home later I slept really well most of that afternoon. 


NYE Eve Prep



NYE Eve Prep




NYE Eve Prep from the Lobby.

January has for sure been a month of style and friends!  This last month I got to welcome a mentor from college and students from my university on a study abroad trip that I was part of 4 years prior.  The third trip of this Jan Term program visited for roughly three weeks and gave me the opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new amazing students ready for the next parts of their careers.  I found myself rejuvenated and hopeful for what I could have next in my life.  More meals, shows, drinks, and fun was had with this group...maybe that’s the theme of this year?... 
While my mentor and even better friend Brooke was in the city I was able to spend some great one on one time with her talking about my career, hopes, dreams, and even share some of the perks of my life these days.  Arranged from ahead of time, she brought some of her best duds and we hit the town for a Lion King actor’s 50th Birthday party high atop The Sky Room.  A party is never a simple party with that group of friends and a night it was!  I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else with me that night to share in the personal grand entrance of the host, the songs for him, A runway style picture wall, dances, and wonderful cake made by my housemate.  The bar alone was unlike anything I have witnessed.  A bar full floor bar on the 36th story above the city just below Time Square with a glass walls that allowed for a full view of Manhattan in any direction.  The Empire State Building was just blocks away at eye level...no big deal or anything!

Just my buddy and I with our routine party picture like always.

January ended strong and February started with a bang, subbing a three week stint in the principle hallway at Lion King with three amazing ladies who treated me so well.  I was actually sad to have to leave the room on my last night...I guess I know I'm working somewhere worth wild and I am doing what’s right for me right now.  The down fall of February is that work has slowed quickly....as expected though.  I knew there would be a time when Holiday season ended, vacations that weren’t able to be taken until after ended, all the tracks would be learned.  That time is now.  This week I only worked a couple day calls and was called for one subbing shift at Lion King.  I miss the people! lol,  I jumped back onto contacts with other shows I had turned down when starting my 4 month stint with Lion King, and asked for work.  After a couple days worrying and not knowing what’s next, I was called and booked at Mamma Mia again for almost a full 2 weeks over roughly a 3 week period.  I will do a couple day calls, sub the one track I have already learned there, and learn and sub a new track (a male principle track).  Yay work.  I since have booked a couple more days of day work at Lion King this week.  I am living the true life of a swing in the city.  Its a bit stessful but, I came to the realization that; after coming to the city, finding 4 months of steady work after 3 weeks, and now having a couple says off; I have to take a couple knocks and not have everything come so easy.  I'm getting used to that.

This week I had more friends in town too...and being I had time off from work I got to see them in way I never would have been able to if I was working every night.  I had a fellow intern from Florida arrive for a day this week.  He was auditioning for a cruse ship and it was nice to see him even if it was just for an hour walking around midtown.  Two fellow Alums from school where also here on breaks from their work with the Missoula Children’s Theatre company.  Last but not least, this week I had long time family friends from wrestling as a child.  I sadly was not able to see them but talked to them on the phone while they were seeing their suns place here in the city. Adam and I will have to meet up soon too as I haven’t been able to meet up with him since I arrived.  Last night I was able to FINALLY after multiple turn downs, see my lovely friend sing.  The same doll who took me in for almost a month when I was couch surfing.  She sang back up with a NYC singer at a club.  It was so wonderful seeing her on stage again and doing what she is meant to do.

As you can see, I have been busy, and am now learning to enjoy my time off....spending that time more at the gym which is a win in itself.  This past month or so has really grounded me and I am rejuvenated in my art and career.  I love my life and am learning to spend it a bit just for me in the moment.  Who knows what’s next...but, Ill take it moment by moment hopefully.

I miss home lots and am trying to figure out when I will be home next.  I've received my first couple summer wedding save the dates...maybe I will be able to hit a couple of those....and no, not even a step closer to that in my life...I might as well be running backwards from that haha

Our finest threads and new digs

Once again, life has gotten the better of my time and I have been distant from you.  A lot has been happening and some major changes have taken place in my life since we last...connected. Let’s see what I can cover in this blog:

The start of November brought my 24th Birthday and a night spent out in style with a group of my new friends.  I intended to lay low for this one but when some of the male dancers found out during intermission of that nights show that I was just going home they quickly threw together a plan of attack and told me to just be ready to go when the show was over.  I was taken to one of my favorite places in the city to date.  The R Lounge atop the Renaissance New York Hotel in Time Square.  It is a beautiful square glass room that literally looks out at all of Time Square.  A few cocktails there and then we walked to another club setting bar for a night cap and then home.  It was simple but had enough class to make me feel once again like I have started to make it in this biz.

The section between bliiboards is The R Lounge.

  

Dancer LaMar Baylor at the R Lounge.

From left to right: Jaysin McCollum, Derrick Davis, Me, Lawrence Alexander, LaMar Baylor, Kellen Stancil, and James A. Pierce III.

I am a full fledged Theatrical Wardrobe Union, Local 764 Member!  I was sworn-in in mid November and I have since received my member’s card in the mail.  A very special family member supported me in the financial means of this process, loaning me the money with no time limit to return, and forgiveness when I become a known name…we will see about that one.  At this point, I have every intention of repayment quickly.

To date, I am still at the Lion King learning and subbing tracks (I even have my own photo ID and can get discounts at local bars and restaurants with it!) . To date I know 15 of the 16 wardrobe tracks in the building, making myself the second most knowledgeable person/swing in the building.   I am only second to the full time internal swing whom has been with the show in one way or another for all 15 years of its existence.  I had been booked with LK thru the end of the year (2012) but this past week was booked for all of January 2013.  Work for another month!  During that month Ill finish my 16^th track and sub vacations for both dressers and the full time wardrobe stitcher.  Know all 16 tracks will boast in make me very valuable in the next year when it comes time for needing short term and long term subs and covers.  While I have been busy at LK, I have also made my way over to the Winter Garden Theatre and started learning tracks with Mamma Mia.  I have learned 1 of the 9 tracks in that building.  Knowing more shows and tracks will be to my advantage when things start to slow in the theatre world at the end of winter before the summer push.  I was lucky to get into the city just off the end of summer slow and the new Fall/Winter push.  It’s all about timing and things, I know…I mean that’s what’s going to pay my bills in the end. 

All that being said, the first half of November was huge and busy at the Minskoff Theatre.  The 15^th anniversary came and went at LK and we are still gliding down on the buzz.  I was shocked when even I, a swing, was included in all the festivities and gifts that came with the events.  I am the proud owner of a beautiful anniversary tee, new IPod mini, and a card signed by all the big names with the show.  During the time leading up to the anniversary, I was able to meet some pretty amazing people involved with the show, and be part of many television tappings and live broadcast.  I helped dress actors for a Juju Chang Nightline interview with Thomas Schumacher (President of Disney Theatrics) and Julie Taymor (designer and creator of the Lion King), I helped dress news a special taped spot with Good Morning America anchors Josh Elliot, Lara Spencer, and Sam Champion,  I dressed actors for a live performance on Good Morning America, for a special third act arrangement of circle of life I dressed Rafiki actresses from Japan, Sao Paulo , Germany, and London, and to top it all off, I rubbed elbows with the entire creative team and producers of the show and the Disney movie I grew up on.  After the amazing anniversary show I was dressed with a beautiful lady on my arm to attend a breathtaking party at Gotham Hall just south of Time Square.  The food, drinks, sights, music, and people of the evening were everything I imagined and more. 

Julie Taymor and Juju Chang during the taping of the Nightline interview with actress Chondra Profit our Sarabi.

Red Carpet.

Gotham Hall.



My beautiful date and I inside at the party.



Dancer LaMar Baylor and I.



Young Simba Caleb McLaughlin and I.

  

Special 3rd Act Rafiki Brenda Mhlongo and I.

Singer Rema Webb and I.

Singer Selloanne A. Nkhela and I.

Myself, (roomie) Singer Derrick Davis, and Child Wrangler Rick Plaugher.

In early November I secured a permanent residence and am now living with a coworker from the male singing ensemble at LK.  We have a beautiful and spacious true one bedroom apartment but we both have our own rooms.  His room is the true living room and I have the just smaller true bedroom.  We are a good match and things are drama free to date!  It feels amazing to finally have my own place to be excited to come home to each night!  The worst part of this arrangement I’ve found is there is almost always cake or a baked good in the oven.  Papas been on a continued descend in body size and weight and my roomies cooking isn’t helping!  I am slowly purchasing my first post college adult bedroom décor and stressing over it every moment.  I am determined to have a cohesive collecting made up in my room. When this are complete Ill let you all see it…maybe.

I spent my second Thanksgiving and Christmas away from my family this year but spent them in Panamanian style with my roomies family.  I was blessed and welcomed into the family with open arm…literally...and they told me I’m welcome when ever I need a dose of family time.  I truly was thankful for what this world of theatre has given me while I have to be away from my own family.

The weekend after Thanksgiving I took my first ever vacation as an adult.  6 actors/dancers from LK and I left after Sunday’s shows and drove thru New Jersey to Pennsylvania near the Poconos and rested in a gorgeous three story rental home.  Over 2 nights and 2 days, we ate, drank, and got to know each other more.  Drama free, laughter billowing, game playing time was had growing closer together.  Just being invited on the trip was amazing to me; having an amazing time was the icing on the cake.  The others and I can not wait for the next time we can do this type of thing again.  I mean, $190.00 for the car rental, gas, house rental, food, and booze was a great deal!!!

Our rented car and house for the weekend. Three floors, 6 bedrooms, spa room, game room, lounge with bar, etc.

New Years was supposed to be quite because I had just come off a 10 show week in 6 days at LK.  I found my way home Sunday after the single matinee show and cooked half a Costco margarita pizza, and had a glass of wine.  Mid show that day I received a couple party invited but I clearly was unsure of what I wanted to do as I went home after the show.  I decided I wanted to make my first NYE in NYC a bit more fun than sitting in my underwear in front of the TV craziness in Time Square (I had a breath taking birds eye view from the lobby of the theatre that afternoon).  I pulled myself together and attended a good friend’s apartment party just blocks North West of Time Square.  I arrived about 11pm and rang in the New Year with a couple LK folk and new friends that I met through the host.  We then took the town bar hopping and returning to the host’s apartment after we were kicked out of the closing bar.  One more…Morning?....cap and I decided to head home getting home at a crisp 7am.  So much for a quite restful night right?!  I wouldn’t have wanted anything different though!  I was once again reminded while out with that group how amazing they are as human and how thankful they are including me in their lives.  Good people…

So, with the New Year here, and I have been clearly living it up with party after party, I do want to make a humbling and sincere point.  I have been told I am changing and a different person these last months.  I quickly was hurt and defensive, but now see a light of truth covered with misunderstanding.  I AM changing and adapting to my surroundings with work and the people in my life.  I however AM NOT faltering my integrity and morals along the way.  Growth happens thru change in many ways; locations, jobs, people, and everyday tasks.  I AM NOT the same person I was when I stepped off the plane 4 months ago (can we just take a moment to breath with me after I just gagged at how I’ve been here for 4 moths already!!!!).  I am not the same person I was when I left Kellogg for college, Spokane for my internship, etc., but I will say I think I am doing a pretty freaking good job at being me.  My have and always will believe a journey is what makes a human who they are.  Because of the good and bad times I have had and the people who have and haven’t been in my life, I am Court.  Now, I may have different clothes, live in a different place, and talk with/see a person less than before, but I have not forgotten their personal and ever importance on the path I am taking.  Love may be one of the only thing a person has when all other things are changing and out of their hands.  I know I love the people and things that have gotten me to this place in my life, and I am excited to see what comes next in this year.  So, I’m sorry if people are hurt or I have seemed distant.  Not a moment goes by where I’m not sharing a story about someone I love or a story from my past.  Not a day goes by where I don’t think I wish I was home with someone that means the world to me.  Not a month goes by where I see how important my education is to me and how I am using it each and every moment…even at cocktail parties (you’re welcome Diana).  Not a year goes by where I am a human and have faults and successes.  But, I will tell you, I AM changing for the better, for the open hearted, for the dreams that burn deep in my chest, and for the hope that I can one day die having CHANGED a life in even the smallest of ways.

Call it what you may, but I’m always here.  To one of the biggest years in my life thus far, and for what is to come next.  Live…

Dreams and seams.

I’ll be totally honest, there is going to be a lot of big news in this post!  I actually had the thought the other day, if I was better about updating you all on a weekly basis, writing these wouldn’t be such a task in trying to get everything in and not miss a single juicy part.  I really do think of you all that follow on a regular basis, and how I want you to know everything as if you were right there with me on the winding road I travel these days.  I guess you'll just have to come visit!!!

NYC; Yes, that’s the place!  Today, I find myself sitting/sleeping on the same wonderful couch I started on just over 2 months ago.  Housing is finding itself to be a struggle in that I get close to feeling like I have something, and either I see the place and its not what I thought it would be, or the people pull it out from under me for someone else they know (this one has happened three times now).  I am looking at a couple more places tonight, and I am also in talks with a wonderful new friend about maybe taking a place in his apartment.  He is thinking he wants to convert his living room in his apartment in efforts to start carrying a roomy.  I'll know more soon but please pray for closure on something soon as the holidays are coming and so is the cold and snow.  I will say though, I have some of my best friends here in this city; so warm, welcoming, and willing to do whatever it takes for me even if that means I am back on her couch for the third time in 2 months.  All that and never once asking when will I be leaving.  She is a pretty amazing person.  I thank God and her family for instilling such a loving heart in her.  During this life transition, I am even more thankful for patients and generosity in others.



Ready for my first night at Lion King....later found out black isn't what they wear there.

Other than housing, life has been a dream come true.  To date, I have been working at the Lion King on Broadway for just over a month (after 3 weeks of beng in the city) and have learned 6 of the 16 wardrobe tracks (Tracks learned = Male Dancers, Mufasa/Simba, Scar/Zazu, Male Singers, a mixed Male/Female singer track, and Nala/Shenzi/Rafiki/Timon) making myself a valuable member of the swing team.  Everyone is very supportive of me at LK even commenting on a regular basis things like,

“Another track!?” “Holy shit Court, whose job are you gunning for!?” “Didn’t you learn a new track just yesterday!? Now you’re doing another one tonight!?”

Not trying to take someone’s job thats for sure, just trying to learn and keep growing.  I love the show and most of the people have been more than welcoming to me.  Not only have I been able to step in and dress some amazing track thus far, I have recently been given the opportunity to start stitching on day work shifts, and this week I will start working rehearsals and even work a couple early morning television spots dressing actors.  I will be a part of a couple different Good Morning America and Night Line spots in the next couple weeks.  Oh, this would probably make those TV spots a bit more clear…November 13^th is the Lion Kings 15^th Anniversary of being on Broadway.  There is a special anniversary show on November 18^th were all sorts of extra people from past shows/the creative team will be implemented back into the show in special spots.  There will also be a small 3^rd act added to the show with a once in a life time “Circle of Life” sung in native languages by 7 different Rafifkis representing 7 countries that Lion King is based in.  Lots of things will be happening in the next couple weeks and I am so excited to be a part of it!  Ill try and lwt you know when tv things will be happeing....even though you wont be seeing me directly.  I also get to go to the BIG party that will follow the hwpenings/shows!!!  I could not ask for more in the way of work at this point, I am happy and I am doing things I love.  The people are amazing, and I can tell am making some new life long friends.  I AM the young guy at work….and trust me I get shit for it on an hourly basis….but I know I have the skill to be doing what I am doing at this age!  Here I can only learn more and get even stronger at my craft.

Lion King theatre enterance

Back of house shot pre-show.

The theatre from up stage center.

I have clocked all my local union days and will be paying my money this week and be inducted at the members meeting in a couple weeks.  All of this has come so fast and even I don’t really know how.  I am very blessed though, and trust me when I say, I take NONE of this for granted.  I have been told I will be kept busy during the holiday season even if that means lots of day calls.  My supervisor added,

“I don’t want to lose you, so we will do what we can to keep you busy. No ones leaving at the moment so…”

Not totally sure what he meant by that, but I am happy just to be working at the moment.  I know he has been very impressed with my sewing skills and speed during my day work so that alone boasts well for me.

The lobby view of Time Square at night.



Back stage shot of storage.



Scar.



A bit of back stage fun waiting for my actors.



On a bigger NYC topic, Sandy has done quite a bit of damage.  The city is pulling together and things are quickly returning to the way they were little by little.  Trains service is growing daily and more and more buildings are gaining electricity and heat again.  I was lucky enough to be safe and sound thru the storm, but many others whrere not so lucky.  Prayers go to those still suffering day to day.  Around the city you can find many nightly benifit shows raising money for efforts toward regrowth.

Life is busy once again and I love it!  Housing will fall into place I know, and then I will feel like this move is a bit more complete.  I look forward to unpacking the couple boxes that still sit in a friend’s car trunk.  I also can’t wait to do a bit more city exploring with all the free time I am currently spending looking for a place.  I also am going to start learning  to knit!  Another skill I’ll be able to add to a resume lol.

I miss you all and hope all is well with the holidays around the corner.  Not sure I’ll be home for them directly, but soon after I am hoping.  If I work the season, some good money and extra shows are there.  Tough being a big kid these days…but I get to be a big kid that plays with lions so… J



Central park in late September.



Central Park Zoo Late September

 

Princess Kate Middleton in Time Square early October. Shot from the Lion King Lobby.

 

Went and saw this. It was the first Colombian Musical to show in the USA.  Kinda weird but cool to be a part of it.



More soon

Stirring the pot and watching the dye set.

Well, two weeks in, starting on three, and I feel as though I am the dye in a dying bucket.  I have dropped just over 40 resumes (the dye in this analogy) in two weeks time and I am learning to wait (stirring the water and color checking the dye) for things to fall into place.  Yes, I am continuing to email people, drop off thank you cards, and even find more and more places to submit my credentials at.  Someday, I'll be signing a contract (adding salt to set the final stages of the die) and finding myself working my first city gig.  Maybe if I hit (bleed my dye) enough desks people will realize color (me) is far better than white (the boring people they are working with now) and make their lives a bit more wild and creative.  Don’t judge, I had something to do with dye and the color spreading in water last night in my dream, thus I equivolate it to my work at the moment.  Plus, I had to come up with a clever costumey title to carry on my themes of my blog.  Don't judge that either.

The end of week one wrapped up with a couple fun events.  I took part in the NFL kick off party in Time Square eating free pizza, playing games, and taking the Pepsi challenge.  I eve found myself on a NYC Time Square billboard.  You better believe I snapped a couple shots of that to show the nephews when I'm old and grey.


NFL Kick Off



More NFL Kick Off

 



T.S. Billboard



















As much fun as this week has been I found myself very distraught one afternoon finding MY idea for NYC work was stolen!  Recap...the evening before my world was rocked I was telling friends how there was the Naked Cowboy, and me being a Native American myself, should create work being the Naked Indian.  I would have suction cup arrows to keep the kids safe and I could be part of Cowboy and Indian wars in Time Square...back to reality...WRONG!!!  Someone took my idea and already ran with it!

I was also very confused when just one more block away from Cowboy and FAKE Indian was Asian Naked Cowboy….Hum.....  Oh!, and this random old guy in a bikini was around that part of town too.  I think I may have to make it a mission to candidly capture all the naked people in NYC!  Mission...I may think so.

I also finished off my week with a beautiful wedding via Skype to Hawaii for two of the most amazing people I know.  Not a very good picture, but I figured I wanted at least on picture to prove I attended the wedding.


Taylor and Courtney.

 Week two found me at another college friend’s apartment in Astoria.  I like the area a lot with its slower pace and more community feel.  Harlem was beautiful too, both places are just different in many ways.  The cute little 24 hour fruit stands in Astoria make me want to eat fruit ever moment I see them too!  I think I stopped by at least once each day in the past 4 days.

So yes, this week has been all about exploring Astoria as this is the area that everyone seems to think I should live.  I’m told it is much cheaper and still just as easy to get to and from the city; it is much younger and more artist live there; and you get more space and friendly neighbors more often.  It is a beautiful area that’s for sure and yes, the subways to and from are newer and much cleaner. Wee!

Here I have met up with a couple people I first met while working in Florida and have enjoyed many meals and nights catching up.  I even had my first pickle martini....not going to lie, not bad at all. 

One of my big events this week was to stop by NYC Fashion week at its new home at Lincoln Center.  Prior to my attendance this week I watched a documentary on Hulu titled Tents which told the history of fashion week and its new home this year.  For anyone interested in fashion, history, or even NYC, I recommend it.  I made my way to Lincoln Center to drop off resumes for Christmas specials at both Lincoln Center and NYC Ballet and decided to spend a couple hours people watching and let’s be honest...judging.  I found a whole lot of fun simply dressed myself in shorts, flip flops, and a short sleeved button down.  The experience told me a lot about what I thought was something else all together.  Yes, there were cameras every where and very dressed up people.  But what I found interesting, besides the occasional celebrity sighting, the people getting their pictures taken time after time where the people WITH the cameras.  Fashion lovers trading pictures, trading business cards, and trying to get info for their fashion blogs.  Weird right?  Even photographers only there to try and get styled photos of other photographers hard at work shooting.  Not to say I didn’t see important people.  I saw Joan Rivers, Kendall Jenner, that really tan bald guy that I cant think of or find him thru searches, and many other people I wasn't sure who they were.  Right before I decided to go I stayed around and watched people mingle and drink at the outdoor Juicy Couture gala.  Oh so many funny people and wild personalities.  If nothing else, this city is giving me lots of people watching and character development for future use.  Enjoy some shots from the evening I spend at Lincoln Center.


Yes, that's a ridding crop.






















Mind you this man was taking pictures and coaching here with a turn, point, and shoot throw away camera.





The courtyard.



Obvi there this would happen there too.



Both boys...















 

I also visited Central Park this past week and very Marry Poppins or Bed Knobs and Broom Sticks of me, took a nap on a bench with a saxophone player near by.  There are so many things going on all at once when you are in the park.  People selling things, people working out and just sitting/napping, artists working and creating, and kids playing and laughing.  I for sure will make this a regular visit during my time here in the city!

Mostly, I have been doing a lot of planned and unplanned thinking and stressing over my current life situations.  Many phone calls resulting in tears of happiness and fear, and many reminders that I knew this wasn’t going to be easy or fast.  My brother reminded me today, "You need to go back to your roots to see why you are doing this.  Florida, College, High School works, and even dreams as a kid.  All those things lead to where you are today and have given you the grounding and drive to keep doing what you love."  Well, hell if he isn’t freaking correct 100%!  A smart man he is reminding little brother things will be okay and work if I keep trying.  It’s so nice to be reminded he is just as proud of me, if not more than all the other people that have my back with all this.

I still don’t know when I will be home again next or even what next week looks like.  I just know if I don’t give this move my all, I will someday regret not trying or only half assing it.  So, in closing, I am happy to report that this morning I received my first call!  The wardrobe union and I will be meeting Thursday afternoon for my orientation into the system.  A stepping stone that will hopefully bring more good things to come.

Much love and thanks for prayers and good thoughts.

Roof top picture of Harlem before the skype wedding.

P.S. I had a coule videos from fashion week and Central Park that I couldn't get to work. Those soon!