Fleeting

Cherry blossoms symbolize renewal and new beginnings, while also serving as a reminder of life’s impermanence. Their brief, fleeting bloom encourages us to cherish each moment, as their beauty and presence are temporary.

A Reminder

Halo

The Nutcracker!

I finally did something Christmasy this season. For obvious reasons, I haven’t had much motivation to seek out decorations or take festive photos this year. On a bit of a whim, I bought last-minute tickets to see the New York City Ballet perform The Nutcracker. I hoped it might bring me some comfort. And thankfully, it absolutely did!

Cherry Blossom Woes

Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m living in a blur. The weeks tumble into each other, and when the weekend finally arrives, instead of feeling like a breath of fresh air, it just feels… blank. I used to do a photoshoot or a little activity on several weekends throughout the month. But now, even the thought of planning a shoot or going out for the day feels exhausting. 

Cabaret!

I finally saw Cabaret on Broadway! I'm so happy I saw this production featuring Adam Lambert and Auli'i Cravalho. You may not know this, but I’ve been a fan of Adam since my early days of watching American Idol. He was an obsession of mine, and his powerhouse vocals, flawless performances of Queen songs, and glam rock aesthetic still amaze me. It’s shocking that he was the runner-up on season 8 back in 2009. I couldn't miss the opportunity to see him on Broadway! 

Swan Lake!

Seeing the New York City Ballet’s rendition of Swan Lake has been on my bucket list for a while. I remember back in 2018 being disappointed in myself for never having seen a ballet live, despite my love for the art form. Naturally, I decided to see six ballets over the next two years. That's just how I approach life—it's all or nothing, apparently. At that time, I had finally secured a stable job and had minimal responsibilities, thus more disposable income.

& Juliet!

I originally wanted to see Chicago again when I stumbled down a Broadway rabbit hole. Wicked reignited the musical flame that was sparked when I took two dance classes as part of my high school electives. My teacher introduced me to the wonders of Bob Fosse, 42nd Street, and classical ballet. I don't know why this passion has remained dormant until now. I finally rewatched Chicago, and OMG! I forgot how brilliant this film is! Every song is a BANGER. It's my all-time favorite musical. I remember the buzz and excitement surrounding the musical when it was adapted for the big screen. My grandparents even gifted me tickets to see Chicago on Broadway in high school because I was THAT obsessed, but I haven't seen the show live since.

Merry Christmas! 🎅🏻🎄🎁

Industry City! ✨

Dyker Heights! 🎅🏻

This past weekend, I finally made the trip to Dyker Heights, a Brooklyn neighborhood famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations. I had been putting off getting ready to leave the house due to a wave of anxiety that seemed to hit me this month. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would regret missing out on the holiday fun if I stayed in. With rain forecasted for the week ahead and colder temperatures expected later on, I decided to seize the day while the weather was still pleasant. I layered up to ensure I wouldn’t be too cold or warm while walking around.

Christmas in NYC 🎄

In between battling anxiety and hatred for everything and everyone, I left my house to get into the holiday spirit, even though my attitude was more Krampus than jolly. 

Rolf’s NYC!

I finally had the chance to visit Rolfs, a festive German restaurant in NYC renowned for its enchanting Christmas atmosphere that draws large crowds during the holiday season. Funnily enough, my visit took place on the last weekend of September. I decided to fully embrace the opportunity by donning a Christmas outfit for the occasion, which made for some cute photos in an empty restaurant.

Oh, There's an Empty Place in My Bones

I feel like I’ve put too much pressure on myself to enjoy fall this year, and I might be mentally and physically draining myself in the process. Usually, I need time to focus on myself. Leaving the house on a weekend can be stressful, and venturing out both days is exhausting. When I go out, I can only manage to be away for about 5 to 6 hours - girl, I cannot handle all-day activities. So, during the spooky season, I find myself battling internal conflicts. One part of me wants to go outside and experience the atmosphere and fun activities, while the other wants to stay home, read, write, or lazily watch a movie or show. I’m literally fighting real demons during the Halloween season. LOL.

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Bitch? 🪄✨

 

Cityside Pumpkin Patch 🎃

During a weekend in October, I decided to check out the Cityside Pumpkin Patch in Long Island City. I had seen this place advertised on my Instagram for a while, so I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. The Summer Club, known for hosting seasonal pool parties on the rooftop of the Ravel Hotel, had been transformed into a full-fledged pumpkin patch featuring locally sourced pumpkins from upstate New York. This unique Halloween-themed rooftop experience offered a variety of activities, such as pumpkin smashing, scarecrow archery, and a pool filled with pumpkins. Additionally, they served fall-themed cocktails and treats, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Gang is Back Together!

It was great to be with my friends again on Saturday. We even had a photoshoot with one of my favorite photographers. It's always a bit of a challenge to get Felipe available to take our photos, but we managed to wrangle him for a few shots. LOL. He's a rare unicorn sighting.

Sunday Walks in Brooklyn

Danny and I visited Shore Park and Parkway in Bay Ridge for stunning views of the Verazzano Bridge. It was a beautiful day at 72 degrees and sunny. These are my ideal summer days, but they may be few and far between. I feel somewhat depressed now that summer is beginning, so visiting somewhere new in Brooklyn and taking a walk was nice while the weather wasn't too hot. I don't know why I haven't visited here before after living in Sunset Park for three years, but alas, I've conquered taking photos of all the famous bridges in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Comic Con

Danny and I attended Brooklyn Comic-Con this past weekend for the first time. I wasn't aware the convention had legitimate wrestling, but lo and behold, there was the ring as soon as we walked in. The convention was at Major R Owens Wellness Center near Prospect Park this year. The center is a modern structure with ample natural light and is spacious enough for a convention layout. Thankfully, the event wasn't crowded on Sunday, and I felt comfortable all day there.

Birds of a Feather