new york, full circle

My month in New York has been wonderful. It turned out to be quite eventful, too. I find it difficult to sum up the month in photos. There was lots of ridiculously good food* (perhaps too much?), dear, dear friends, dancing and dance classes, a minor earthquake (didn't feel it) and a hurricane-slash-tropical storm. Much more than anyone could expect to see in a month. Although, not surprising considering where I was. It also became busier than expected in terms of work. I met some inspiring individuals. Interesting to realize that I moved to Toronto exactly one year ago this week. ...Full circle, as they say. 

I would be lying if I didn't admit that I miss it. Having been away for the good part of the past year, I was also able to see New York objectively. It IS a much more exhausting city to live in than probably any in north American or European city. It DOES take a lot out of you. But the trade off is being in the midst of SO MUCH action. New York is a machine and a magnet of creativity, of new ideas and the people behind them. It requires more energy and ambition to thrive there. It is not an easy city but it is intoxicating. That, I knew. You take the good with the hard in New York. Like that proverbial ex-boyfriend, it still has a hold on me... and that's okay. 

One thing I've been able to have this month is perspective. It was great to look back at my year of change – from Brooklyn, where it all started. Being back in my apartment a year later was grounding, comforting. Like home. Lexie felt instantly relaxed there, too. I took stock in what I've been able to accomplish (creatively and otherwise) amid a huge upheaval. I thought about things that mattered, decided on what (and who) to leave behind and what to take with me. I see how I've grown, the relationships I have, what I want, my strengths and my weaknesses. I saw everything that's still ahead of me – things I have yet to learn about Toronto. The future is still wide open. These realizations made me happy

All in all, it's been a superb few weeks. A fantastic close to my summer (and to the past year). I'd like to use ALL of this energy to continue propelling myself forward. I needed it.

Thank you, New York. See you in a few months. 

*Check out my recent dining adventures in New York on Foodspotting.

Prospect Heights the day after the hurricane and Lexie by the window at work