A few years ago I had the opportunity to study fashion design at Parsons and live in NYC. It was the most amazing experience. I found the perfect apartment in the West Village - a block from my subway stop, which I took each day to Times Square. The apartment was very spacious with over 900 square feet. In addition to this living space, I also had a large bedroom, walk in closet, and an entryway that was large enough for a queen size bed! I also had a doorman - so I had the safety of someone always see me come and go. The windows you see in the picture overlooked a small park - and it was fun to see people coming and going. I was on the second floor - so I definitely got the sounds and smells of NYC - like sirens all hours of the day and night - and garbage pick up in the middle of the night.
My days pretty much consisted of getting on the subway each morning - for my class that started at 8:30 - and I would spend the entire day in the Times Square area - that is where my class was. Then, at night I would take the subway back to my apartment. In the evening, I would walk somewhere to get dinner - and then work on homework. I loved the sights and sounds of all the people - and the excitement of everything the city had to offer - pretty much anything you wanted was just a subway ride away!
This is the 10 piece collection that I designed. I was inspired by the NYC architecture and building lines. My fashion design course was an accelerated class. In a month, we had to learn to sew (on industrial machines) and pattern what you designed. We had to sew one of our designs. We also had to learn to draw these fashion croquis - these elongated fashion models - and style them with our designs. We also had a digital component - where we had to come up with concept boards - and render different prints all online through products like Photoshop. It was an intense time - but the most fun I have had! I loved the experience - and so glad I got to be a part of it.
Just in case you missed it - I shared 5 fun facts about myself yesterday HERE.
Another thing about me is that I love rollerblading!
It was warm enough yesterday that I was able to get out on the trail for the first time this year I am thankful to live near a 13 mile trail that winds through wooded areas and farm fields that is a great place to rollerblade. It is great exercise, but it never really feels like work.
I went rollerblading for the first time over 30 years ago - and I still love it today - and I look forward to getting out more and more this spring/summer!
As far as my exercise routine, I go ice skating 3 times a week, and then on alternate days, I go walking. I do strength training with weights (upper body) and lower body more ballet-style strengthening.
Did anyone else watch the final four basketball games this weekend, and happen to catch the UCLA vs Gonzaga game? UCLA looked like it was going to force a second overtime - when Gonzaga hit an amazing 3-pointer from about 40 feet out to win the game. What an ending to the back and forth game.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
1. I have this uncanny ability to remember dates and years. I can tell you what year, month, date, or weekend some events happened in my life or others. And not just recent events - things that happened over 30 years ago or more.
2. When I was in elementary school I could run faster than the boys in my class - and I would actually challenge them to races to prove I could run faster.
4. I had a professor in college challenge us that we should go out with at least 50 different guys before we got married. I took him up on the challenge. My roommate would always tease me because I would go to the library to study, and come home with a new date for the weekend.
5. I skipped 7th grade math. I took 8th grade math as a 7th grader. This allowed me the opportunity to take Calculus my senior year - which was one of my favorite classes.
I thought I would share part of an Easter devotion from my favorite pastor.
"Hope is one of the most emotionally packed words in any language. When it is spoken, the impossible suddenly becomes possible, where darkness is overtaken by light and despair turns to joy. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we have hope—not only for the future but also for the past and present."
I know this year many people are struggling. If you are having a rough time or know some that is - I pray that you can find hope and encouragement this Easter season.
