Oh my, oh my.

My sincerest apologies for not keeping you up to date.

I've been in New York,
and as you might imagine,
it's been hectic.

What a city.
What a big, hot, dirty, sweaty, city.

It is fabulous.
Quite.

New York is amazing and
big and pulsing and full
of energy like no other place
I've been.

But it's hot.

and mean.

I got my ass kicked by the city yesterday.

I missed so many trains by a second,
and spent so much money on nothing,
and I was so sweaty, and so tired of
everyone frowning at me...

By the end of the day,
I was miserable.

And I was staying with Kristen's cousin,
in Harlem.

I don't know what you imagine
when you think of Harlem.

But I imagine black people...
lot's of them.

I love black people,
they are great,
and different from me,
because I am a white boy,
and I've always loved being around
black people, because they have a new perspective to offer,
and a they have soul, and great music, and collard greens...

But I have never in my life,
been so surrounded by black people,
and felt so alone as a white boy,
as when I walked around Harlem.

There was a moment that defined my time in Harlem...
I was walking to the car,
and there was a group of youths,
standing slightly ominously on a stoop,
I passed by,
adopting my hardened, tough-little-honky,
NY city walk, only to look down and realize
that I was wearing my "Tru Gangster" t-shirt.

ouch.

I don't think they noticed.

In fact,
I don't think anyone notices anything in NY.

It's that big.

------

I met some great people,
great friends in backyards,
and I played at a Cabaret, and a "save the earth" fundraiser,
and we had two awesome shows,
and we had a great turn out for the last one at Kenny's Castaways,
and I had to deal with three ex-girlfriends in one night,
and I didn't smoke any pot,
even thought they can get it delivered here.

Pot...delivered.. to your door,
it really is an amazing city.

There are lots more storied to tell,
little anecdotes.
I'll try to spot them out at shows,
but for now,
I am overwhelmed.

I'm looking forward to coming home,
and seeing birds, and stars,
and people who smile,
but I'll miss New York,
it's a special place with a lot of special people.

-p