Subway Thoughts

The heart has deep trenches and deep tunnels that we often travel

With as deep as we’re digging shouldn’t we help each other out

I see you

and I feel you

And I know you feel me too

These layers

That others built

I can see and feel right through them

And I know you can too

Connect

Feel

Progress

Love

Grow

It’s what we’re here to do

I Just Met You, No You Can't Touch My Side Boob!

For years now I've been told I should write about my dating stories.  I've hesitated for various reasons but today is the day I share my most recent dating experience.  Let me say in no way am I ever trying to make fun of anyone, I've just been told I need to share my dating stories because my friends think they're highly entertaining.  :)  I actually haven't dated in a while so recently I refreshed my Tinder profile uploading of course the most recent and advantageous photos.

I matched with an inquisitive looking artist, a type I typically don't date.  I figured he'd be interesting and I'd be trying something new, hey you never know!  We agreed to meet for a drink at an Italian place downtown after work at 5pm.  It was somewhat of a last minute arrangement so I wasn't wearing the cutest outfit.  I felt a little frumpy and in my last choice of work clothes, but hey, this is the real me, right?  If he can't handle me at my worst he doesn't deserve me at my best, is that how that saying goes?  Okkurrrrt!

He's on time and we grab a seat in their heated covered patio in the back of the restaurant.  We each order a glass of red wine and talk about how long we've been in New York, where we're from and how life is.  We actually touch on past relationships and how important communication is.  WOW, how refreshing this is, I'm thinking.  So nice to feel depth so early!  There happens to be a jazz bar downstairs so we agree to check out the show and have another glass of wine.

It's somewhat of a small jazz bar, potentially only sitting 30 people, very dark and intimate.  We're sitting side by side with our backs up against a brick wall in high chairs behind a row of high top tables.  There are folks to our left, right, and front, also including the jazz band 15 feet away.  As first dates sometimes are, awkward, we're sitting close, hands on each others legs swaying back in forth to the music.  We actually got in trouble for talking once so we're really just sitting there feeling the vibes.  He was an attractive man and a very talented artist so I must say I was into the moment.  We ended up sharing a kiss or two while we enjoyed the music.

About halfway through the show he reaches over and puts his arm around me, OK, all good.  But soon I feel his fingers start to reach down past my shoulder, down my arm and toward my rib, but then to my side boob!  What!  I think I've known him an hour by this point!  OK, I can jolt (looking back I should have), but I politely moved my arm back to push his fingers away.  But oh, do you think that was his only attempt, of course not!  After a few more unsuccessful attempts he brought his arm back up over my shoulder but coincidentally his fingers were dangling close to the opening of my shirt collar so guess where his hands start to go.  Yep.  DOWN THE FRONT CORNER OF MY BLOUSE.  I literally had to smack his hand like a little boy to tell him to stop.  I'm boiling by this point.  What indicators have I given him to do this?  Remember, I'm in my frumpy work clothes, it's only 6:30pm by this point, I mean WHAT THE HELL!

The waiter comes by and asks if we want another drink, I had just told him I wanted to go home because I didn't want to stay out late on a school night.  Really I was completely disinterested and wanted to leave.  I'm not sure he got my hints because when I asked him which train he was taking home he leans in and says "I think we're going in the same direction" with a smirk.  OH, IS THAT RIGHT??

I'm still boiling, but more so sad and disappointed.

We get to the train and I mention I'm going north and he immediately turns and says "OK" and starts walking in that direction.  Ummmm.  I stopped and looked at him and said, "NO, I AM going this way."  He claims he can go this way too and continues to walk with me.  I cannot wait to spoil his idea if he thinks he's going home with me.  So we're on the train and I ask what stop he's getting off on, and he says "We're really not going to hang out?"  I leaned into him and said "I'm 36 years old and completely OK not going home with you tonight, this is our first date, can we not get to know each other some?"  He looked surprised.

So yeah, now I'm a bitch.  The truth is he has no idea how much of a bitch I can be.

The vibe of course immediately changes and he gets off his stop and says bye in a much more friendly manner.  He messages me the following day saying it was great meeting me and it "was cute how I was rubbing his hand." I never responded.  A few days later he messages me again saying if he did "anything that made me feel unpleasant" he apologies.  Gee, thanks.

So that's it, that's the dating story.  The sad part is, I'm actually out here looking for a HUSBAND, a PARTNER.  Women of my caliber are looking for someone who is responsible, RESPECTFUL, kind, with manners.  Heads up to any man who is trying to take a girl home on the first date don't try with a girl in frumpy work clothes who meets you at 5pm.  Thanks!

Juicy Peaches

I really enjoyed my conversation tonight with one of my best girlfriends.  I've known her for 16 years.  We lived together in college, we would dance together at frat parties and laugh until the weeeee hours of the morning.  Are you asleep we would ask each other laying in our bunk beds.....  Nope.

She just moved to Cincinnati for her husband's promotion.  They have a 1 year old and everything is different and unfamiliar to her in this new town of two months.  Tonight she described how her toddler threw his fork at her because he couldn't puncture his juicy peach sliding around on his plate, and how every home in her new town has history.  She has an 80 year old neighbor that teaches emotional support dance classes where you pour your emotions into modern dance as therapy.  This lady actually has a dance floor in her living room.  I mean, WHAT!  Why are you not there right now!  That may be one of the most amazing things I've ever heard.

We also chatted about my new life in NYC.  My job, my travels, and my dating life which is nothing short of entertaining.  I should write a book she said....  I've heard that before.  But what is the purpose of pouring out your most sensitive, hilarious, frightening, crazy, and emotional experiences onto paper?  It would be a great story they have said....  Is that what they write movies about?

Tonight was a special moment for me.  I was finally able to look at myself and see myself in solidarity.  A reflection from my friend.  One who I love and trust.  A welcoming perspective, clear and beautiful.  Her life beautiful.  My life beautiful.  A moment of seeing time, this intangible in a moment.  Tonight not only did I feel it, I saw it.  A picture of 16 years, vividly clear in one place.  Our growth, collectively and individually.  Of life, how it works, how it happens, and how it unfolds.

Collect moments, not things, they say....

Tonight was special.  Little Jose and his juicy peach.  ;)

In A Flash

Where did it start if it never really began

A whirlwind, I never thought this could've been the end

Flashing lights cover dim bulbs
Bulbs fragile like entering a new world
Comfort cracking breaks our familiar peace
Bulbs dropping breaking us into exposed pieces
Enduring the awkward always trumps defeat
Candy stores sometimes, they're just too damn sweet

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!

If you're visiting New York City, one of the things you must do is walk the Brooklyn Bridge!!!! I live in New York City and I still love doing it! Although I only do it when I have friends and family in town, I've done it three times now and still love it every time!

I prefer to walk from Brooklyn toward Manhattan because you get the beautiful skyline in the background! It's about a mile long so it goes pretty fast, make sure to take a lot of pictures! :)

Another cool thing about walking toward Manhattan, is you're fairly close to the World Trade Center Memorial. It's about a 10 minute walk once you get off the bridge, and totally worth it.

Another tip, if you take the ferry you'll get a nice view of the city! Head out from either the Greenpoint or N. Williamsburg ferry landing. It's either a $4 or $6 per person depending on the day, with amazing skyline views before you even start the bridge walk. You'll get to go under the Williamsburg Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and the Brooklyn Bridge!

Enjoy! :)

Sound Particles at National Sawdust!

I heard rave reviews about this cool new music venue in Brooklyn, so I knew I had to check it out.  It's called National Sawdust, and no corners were cut in designing this magnificent space! I browsed their calendar and pulled the trigger on this interesting show called Sound Particles. It was just what you think it would be, cool beats over nice visuals. Yeah, bro. So cool, especially after a few bourbons.

I actually found out about this place from a guy named Don. I met him some months back at a restaurant nearby. I was at the bar with my girlfriend and he walks up chatting us up. He was telling us about this AMAZING show he just witnessed at this AMAZING music venue nearby. I said, whaaaaat, where?! And it was National Sawdust!

Since then Don and I keep in touch and grab a drink every once in a while. He is hilarious! I was honored to have him as my guest at my first show in this uber cool venue. He's such a cool water buffalo. You said it Don, not me!!  ;)

I heard this place was state of the art, and I must say it was amazing. This place was also beautiful, visually. The inside was marshmallow white, walls and ceiling with abstract black accents. I was in awe the entire time I was there. What's even better is you can order food and drinks at your table!  Good bourbon and cheesy rolls were on the menu.  Yes!

The show was cool. Could have been better, of course, but I really enjoyed it. Don't want to give too much away, but it started out kind of slow, almost monotonous for a few minutes, but it slowly built up almost like a song, but the show was an hour long. The visuals morphed as well. All in all it was very cool, nice, and fun.

If you're ever in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, or want to plan a visit, see what's playing at National Sawdust!

Welcome To New York City...

Where people don't know where the fuck they're going.

Where there are tourists everywhere, in your way. 

Where people walk 3 people wide on sidewalks, holding hands, like this isn't the busiest city in the country. 

Where people don't take off their book bag on the subway, like they're supposed to, so you are cram smashed into book bags and people around you. 

Where people just stop mid stride in the middle of the sidewalk like there is no one behind you. 

Where people wear whatever they want because this city is cool like that. 

Where most restaurants are barely a few tables wide. 

Where you have to have a purpose, or you will get mowed over. 

Where there are way too many unfortunate dogs cramped up in small apartments. 

Where there are amazing sunsets on the daily.

Where every street is dirty but you don't care because you are in the coolest city in the world.



New York city throws everything at you, but that's the best way to realize what you can, will and won't tolerate.  A fast track of testing your patience and devotion.  It's the best city to learn the most about yourself in the shortest amount of time.  It's raw, scary and amazing, all at the same time.  Excitement at its best.  

My First NYC "Blizzard"

29 inches. That's it?  Yes, that's how much snow came down in New York City last weekend!   Winter storm Jonas really delivered!!!

This is my first winter in NYC, and I could NOT wait to see what this blizzard was all about!    I had a plan:  Ski gear, check! Friend, check! Go Pro, check!  The snow is here....lets GO!!!

The snow didn't start until 10pm on Friday night.  It was like Christmas Eve, knowing I would wake up Saturday morning to a winter wonderland!  And boy did I!  It actually snowed ALL DAY LONG!  Look how excited we were!!!!

Well let me back up..  the first thing I wanted to do was make my first NYC snow angel!!!  The first beautiful patch of snow I saw, I knew I had to drop down and get my angel on.  YAY!

Now that I got my snow angel out of the way, it was time to EXPLORE!!!!!

We wandered around the city, trekking through the snow in the middle of the streets, taking pictures, I felt like a kid in a candy store!  

To be quite honest, I was surprised that this storm was the second worst snowstorm in NYC history!!!  Growing up in the south, all you hear about is how cold New York is, how much SNOW they get, blah blah blah.  So I thought two feet, aka 24 inches, was a regular thing.  So now 29 inches is a big deal?!  I was quite surprised!  But I get it, it's the clean up, the inconvenience of not having public transportation, people can't get around, potential power outages, etc.

But I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed myself!  Not only was it so much fun stomping around in fluffy snow, but it was beautiful!!!!!  

Most New Yorkers are like "bah humbug" when it comes to snow.  I mean C'MON!!!!!  I mean, it's obviously not that bad since they are still living here.  But in life what you experience depends on your attitude.  Snow is going to come down, love it or hate it is up to you!  

I definitely loved it, and I cannot wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Food Critic: Pies n Thighs, Brooklyn NY

For months I've heard about this "soul food" restaurant "Pies n Thighs." I heard they had amazing fried chicken, amongst other things! And finally, this past weekend I was able to try it out! I was there for breakfast, so I went for the basic fried chicken sandwich, it just seemed right. And boy it was! The sandwich was covered in honey and hot sauce, what an interesting combination. I love both of these flavors, why haven't I thought of this combination before?

The biscuit was the perfect consistency, not too soft otherwise it would have soaked up all of the sauce and been soft and gooey. It was crisp enough to hold the structure of the sandwich. I was that girl wiping every bite in the flavor of the plate. Yes!

I cannot wait to go back and have the sandwich again, try the fried chicken and try their desserts! They had an amazing display of donuts and pies, Lord please help me. Can someone just handcuff me to the treadmill for half of the day!?

This place is a must see! Lines can be long on the weekends, obviously. So if you're able to hit it during the week you'll experience a shorter wait time.  I believe they do take out as well.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!

Finally, after eight months of living in New York City I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge! I heard this was a cool thing to do, but for some reason I never got around to it until now, and I am so happy that I did! It was truly one of the most fun experiences I've had in New York City!

My brother and his wife were in town visiting for the weekend. It was actually her first time in New York City, so I tried to pack in as many cool touristy things as I could for them, and obviously for myself! :-)

The bridge is just over a mile long. There are walkways and bike paths! But walkers beware, bikers are ruthless in this city! If you're lucky you'll hear the bike's bell "dings" as a warning sign, but worst case you may get run over or elbowed. You don't want to be that person. Try to pay attention as you're taking in the beautiful surroundings.

When visiting New York City it's important to plan your day by proximity. Where the bridge begins/ends in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan are truly special places. In lower Manhattan the bridge is fairly close to the 9/11 memorial. There are lots of things to see in lower Manhattan (9/11 memorial, China Town, Little Italy) and in Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights and Promenade), including ferry rides along the East River!

I highly recommend this if you're visiting New York City! This exposes you to some of the most beautiful places in the city, plus this is FREE!

Street Art in Williamsburg

The street art in Williamsburg (Brooklyn) is pretty awesome! In one day you can pass by so many pieces of art, expression. It makes you smile and inspires you, and sometimes makes you laugh.  

NYC by Train

Living in NYC, mass transit is a beautiful thing. Since I left my car in North Carolina I've had to learn to utilize all of these new travel options before me. Recently I've been taking the train on some vacations and I'm really enjoying it! You get to see a side of the city not normally seen when you travel by car. These are some recent photos I took from the train out of NYC. :) 

I haven't written in a long time. I just moved to New York City six months ago, so there hasn't been many spare moments to gather my thoughts that I'm still really processing. However, I read this amazing article and it sounded so much like me. Trying to make friends in a city of 8 million people is more difficult than you would think. I found a friend in this article and I wanted to share. :)



She’s worth it, your wild one.
She will set your world on fire, if you are brave enough to let her.

She will enchant you, fulfill you and challenge you. She wants you to know her, so that you can love her, quirks and all.

She wants you to understand that your adorned magnolia walls can’t hold her inside, not for long. Your expensive beamed ceilings can never be high enough or remarkable enough to be worth missing a glimpse of her beloved azure sky. Your home is a beautiful prison certainly, but it destroys her all the same.

Her spirit paces the enclosed room like a caged tigress, tail swishing furiously, looking for escape. She longs to run free. Show her a meadow full of colour, where she can dance among sunflowers. Let her roam outside with no fancy ornaments or gadgets to distract her creativity, just breeze and rolling hills. Lay with her on cool grass, fingers entwined, and watch the stars blaze a path of glory across an inky midnight sky.

Don’t ask her to sit and play happy family with you. She doesn’t care if you buy the white toaster or the black one, or whether the neighbours have a bigger car than the two of you. She isn’t interested in chasing the extra dollar to have that standard resort vacation, or attending to mindless gossip. Let her dream of a far off glen, glistening ethereally in the soft light of the rising sun. Take her to listen to the song of the dawn birds, for they are all the small talk she needs.

She doesn’t iron the sheets, or, well, anything really. She is too busy curling up with a book, engrossed in a shiny new world waiting to be explored. She has never been able to relate to the domesticated heroines of old; tumbling from her own bed to her next adventure, wild haired and bright eyed. People tell her she is beautiful in her crumpled clothes and muddy boots. Passion always is. Recognise it. Worship it. Not everyone is blessed with it and it’s not something you can fake for too long.

She may not cook you a gourmet meal, but she loves food and she delights in feeding you. Let her. She won’t follow a recipe; she will trust her imagination, throwing in delicious colours and smells as they appeal to her. Let her wrap you in small strong arms, cover you in flour and sprinkle magic into your life. She will kiss you with a mouth that tingles with spices, leaving you hungry for more. She will never let your lips starve for her.

She won’t knit for you. She is young and restless and her time is too precious to spare. Her hands have more important things to explore right now. Your face, for instance; fingers lovingly remembering every last detail. She memorises the way you shudder when she lightly strokes your collarbone and how your stubble feels against her fingertips. This satisfies her far more than a ball of yarn ever could.

Let her breathe, your wild one. She will only stay if it feels right. Your mortal hands cannot bind her by holding her too tightly. Show her your fantasies and you might inspire her. She will tell you a story about what she longs to do with you, and to you. You should stop speaking then and listen. Her words are enchantments that weave mystery into your life, and her visions will never leave you, even when you ache to forget them. In years to come you will crave the power of her dreams, and others will pale in the shadow of her intensity.

She must run away now, the stars are calling her and life tugs at her soul ready for another adventure. She cannot be tamed. Love her if you will, or let her go. She cannot do this by halves.

She is chaos; she is freedom. She wants you to join her if you can. You know where to find her. You have seen her there in your head.

She will wait for you as always, where the wild things are.

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/01/shell-meet-you-where-the-wild-things-are/



Author: JoJo Rowden



JoJo Rowden is a Business Analyst/ Story Teller for a Software Consultancy by day, with an undeniable passion for writing. She draws energy and inspiration from the ocean, letting the endless and consistent churning of the waves soothe her soul. In her free time she can be found practicing yoga, sharing good wine with good friends, pole dancing and reading anything that she can get her hands on. Catch up with JoJo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

What I've Learned Living in NYC

It's interesting the little things you start to notice when you move to a new place!  These are a compilation of moments and thoughts Ive noticed myself having since I moved to New York City. :)



- It's windy by the water!!!! Hello wind blown hair on 1,000!  You don't realize how much water you're surrounded by here too! Sometimes you feel like you live on a lake!

- You are more intimate with people on the subway than you are with your cousins at your family reunion! You see people's cuticles. You bounce off their arms and belly, almost daily.

-  I swear the drivers of the subway cars go fast on purpose to purposely make you bounce around off everyone. Then you get on the subway someday and it's slow and smooth.  It's quite funny actually if you think about it!  Your best bet is to always hold on!

- Men wear just as tight of pants as women do. That is just the style today. And I must say I am not complaining.

- You could do any social experiment in any subway car at any time. There is a good chance there is a  large percentage of the human race if you took a glimpse of the 20 people standing around you on the subway at any given time. Who has a people hypothesis!?

- Living here really helps you realize how many damn people there are in the world. There are so many people, everywhere, all the time.

- Everything is not expensive here! I'm eating cheaper lunches here than I did back home!!  Yes, you could go have fine dining every meal of the day if you wanted to. But there are plenty of normal bars, restaurants and coffee shops around with very reasonable prices. But yes, I know rent and home prices are astronomically higher than most places LOL

More to come as I think of them!

New York City in Black and White

The vibrancy and color of this city often brings moments of reflection which force peace and calm upon your immediate thoughts. I often find myself visualizing this perspective soaking in as if I was floating 20 feet above my head watching it seep into my body. You can see things happening when you feel it.

New York City in black and white is like an oxy moron, right? It's quite interesting seeing such a high energy place in only black and white. It seems so serene, right? Maybe because it is.

NYC Sunsets

I'm such a sucker for sunsets. I'm extremely lucky to have such an amazing view from my new apartment in Brooklyn. Here are some of the amazing shots I've been able to enjoy, and I want to share them with you. And from what I hear the sunsets only get better during the summer. I can't wait! :-)