Singin' in the Rain

Sorry for the long gap, everyone!
I went to the jungle. The real jungle. With subterranean metal eels, black, glinting, mile-high trees and rivers with honking yellow fish.
New York.

One of the coolest things about New York was that I could be completely invisible. Among the 8 million inhabitants on that 12 mile island, (almost) nothing you can do would surprise anybody. I walked down the streets on my last night there, belting out Amy Winehouse, getting a couple smiles and one holler, "Where's the PARTY?!" and that was it. Imagine me doing that in Moraga?! A S.W.A.T. team would have soundlessly and successfully removed my inappropriate imposition on polite society. But not in New York.
It was immensely freeing.
I loved the feeling of being able to walk anywhere and find exotic and unusual experiences available from all over the world. I loved the proximity of art. I loved the way people "walk" the streets there. More like carve the streets. Each person's private audition as a shark cutting through minnows (that they didn't feel like devouring at the moment).
I loved that just an hour away there is lush greenery and untamed forest.
I found that I like New York much more than I ever would have imagined liking a big city.
My generous hosts, Nilufer and Kaika, invited me to their lovely home in the country (just a 1:40 hr. train ride from Manhattan). I had a sumptuous and cozy time in their loving company, enjoying oodles of Nilufer's delicious cooking and the bubbly company of their two delightful mini poodle mixes, Bella and Romeo.


Some highlights of my adventures in NY:
I got to see the MOMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (twice), I went to the posh and spa-like 24 Hour Fitness in Manhattan for free (thank you, Tatiana!!), saw the most incredible performance by the 20 piece orchestra Alarm Will Sound covering Aphex Twin in the most original and intelligent manner, spent time (and money) in Manhattans juicy Little India, lounged in Washington Square with my good friend Michael, listening to some fellas with guitars and mandalins playing The Beatles, had my 5 minutes of being lost in the Bronx (uneventfully), ate fresh canolli made in a 90 year-old Italian Bakery in Hoboken, N.J., got to run around in the NY rain (happily), took myself out to dinner on a romantic date (with...myself) on my last night to a cozy restaurant in Little Italy, and finally, on my ride out of Manhattan to the airport, was seen off by a great Mariachi band on the subway.

But really, it wasn't about all these things I got to do or see...it was about a new understanding about who I am and what I have to bring. That I really, above all, just want to serve my higher purpose. This may include a grand level of exposure in the Art World...or it may not. I'm coming to feel that if I simply work to fulfill the talents I was given with integrity, the rest will fall into place. And coming to a deeper understanding of that was the best ride of all.

I'm currently in Portland, OR after spending four days with a wonderful human being I met through Couch Surfing -- Candice. Complete and beautiful universal serendipity. She's such a soul sister, and it feels so completely, fully wonderful to know her! I'll post about the extreme level of fun I had with her and her friends in Salt Lake City when I have more photos to include (she's emailing them to me).

Looking forward to being with the Redwoods soon!

May peace be with you,

Shivani

Partytime

Have you ever seen 14 year-olds swooping through the sky and plummeting to near-deaths with smiles smeared across their faces like healthy helpings of butter? Cirque du Soleil, my friends. Some of the most incredible performing, choreography, costuming and overall artistic delivery of a concept I've ever seen in my life.
My dear friend Rainbow treated me to a 30 hour stay in Las Vegas, NV, where I luxuriated in his and Kelli's spacious and gracious suite at the Bellagio, overlooking the water show that is one of the many incredible works of art that makes that hotel famous. I soaked in the opulent Bellagio spa, ate at the only raw food restaurant for probably 500 miles, looked at the collection of modern art in the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery (some big names in there--I do love Clyfford Still) showered probably 4 times (because the shower was just that excellent), and had exquisite meals at elegant restaurants in the area. The Cirque du Soleil show was called "Love", plays only at the Mirage in Vegas and is based on the legacy and message of The Beatles. I highly recommend checking out this little taste of it (let alone seeing the show itself): http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/love/default.aspx
I had been to Las Vegas once before, but my experience of the place was not one I would have characterized with words like, "exquisite refinement" or "tasteful elegance"...and this trip was indeed made up of experiences that could be so described.
I am forever grateful to Rainbow for this beautiful experience.
My time in Las Vegas was a lavish contrast to the past couple months of camping in the cold or hot, showering with a gallon jug of Coleman stove-heated water.

Yet, I am grateful to be cozied back in the quiet of the desert.
I spent the latter half of yesterday researching painting spots in Arches National Park (Utah). I could barely drive straight, I was so taken by the other-worldliness of that place. After I finish with this post, I'll be venturing out to some select places to paint.

Another fantastic development that I can hardly believe is that I've been offered the opportunity to stay in New York for two weeks! Some dear friends of the family have offered me an apartment available to them right on Times Square. I'm a little delirious about this...hardly know what to do with myself. I've never really been to New York, and am ecstatic about the opportunities available there artistically. Even if I only get to look at work in New York, I know the time there will be rich with influence for me. If y'all have any suggestions about where to go in NY, leave a comment here!
Peace. Love. Apricots.