New York state of mind

New York.

The city that people love, hate, or love to hate.

I personally fall in the first-mentioned group. For as long as I could remember I've been drawn to the city; and when I visited for the first time back in twenty nineteen, my love for it was cemented. It was a short trip with my sisters - but in just those few days I was hooked, and already looking forward to the day that I could go back. After five years, last month I had the opportunity to. Booked back in January, and counting down the days prior - it had finally arrived and I was excited (lowkey an understatement). Not only eagerly awaiting a vacation (because lord knows I needed it), but also being back in one of my favorite places.

When we stepped off the plane a smile was instantly on my face, and it only continued to grow as we got closer and closer to the heart of the city - and with each passing day it got wider and wider.

I’ve always considered myself a beach girl - maybe it's from being born and raised in San Diego and living very close to the Pacific Ocean my whole life (just a few freeways away now lol), but there's just something so different and alluring about the city. And while I do love and thrive off the California coast - I also do amongst the skyscrapers and taxi cabs. Ironically on one of the first days we were there, Manny joked about how I was a New York girl at heart - and he wasn't entirely wrong. Maybe it's all the hustle and bustle (like the energy is seriously unmatched). Or the fact that they actually experience seasons (So Cal could never). Or maybe it's the anonymity of it all - and being somewhere that no one knows me - the feeling of a fresh start. It could also be the sheer expanse of endless possibilities. There is so much to do, no day will be the same. From being able to walk or take the subway pretty much anywhere (I really wish LA had this), Girly Pop was getting her steps IN. hot girl walks who? She IS the hot girl walk. Plus the number of perspectives that are offered … astounding. Around so many corners are inspiration and beauty. Plus sunsets along the skyline. Need I say more? Now don't get me wrong, I adore a beach sunset (I could write a whole other post on these), but the New York sunsets and different views from all the different burrows are BREATHTAKING. I'd take it all in for hours and be perfectly content. It's something that I don't think I would ever grow tired of. You would most likely find me at Pier 35 or Central Park every day with my Kindle in one hand and matcha or coffee in the other…I think that's one of the things I miss most (outside of raspberry ginger ale)... the simple prospect of being able to wake up and just go to Central Park. I would wake up early on some days, grab some caffeine, and go on walks. Taking the subway somewhere and basking in it all - maybe getting a bagel or two while I was out ;) even if I ended up in a TJ Maxx bathroom lol. I’ve joked about living there for years (New York…not tj maxx..in case you needed clarification); but throughout the last few the joke has become a dream - which I hope to one day turn into a reality, even if it only for a little bit. I don't know if it's something that I'd want permanently; moving, creating a home, and rebuilding roots isn't a decision to take lightly. And what we want is constantly changing over time as we and our minds are - but what I do know is that I will never lose the love that I have for the city and the joy it gives me (literally half of my Pinterest is NY-based lol). And regardless of whether or not I do ever move there, I will still visit again and again and never grow tired of it. If you have yet to experience it, once you do you’ll understand why all of the songs are written and there's i <3 ny merchandise everywhere. Or maybe you'll just see it as another pinpoint on the map.

For me though, it will forever be more. Part of the soundtrack to my heart.

• Till next time. T