Thursday, March 22, 2012

I'm in a New York State of Mind...

So I was in a New York State of mind (click on this!)
and decided to do a road trip. Tootled around up north for a week or so, crossing the Hudson a few times to see "the SI-TEE", my city. Just like I pictured it, crawling like an ant hill with activity, I packed in as much food and friends as I could and left wanting more of the above!
BTW (by the way) Homeboy Bruce was in town, too, playing at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, but did I score tickets? NOOOOOOO, don't rub it in, already!


A smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and smells, New York never stops moving and it's like nothing you can even imagine. It's hard to "pull over" out of the bustling surge of pedestrians just to snap a photo or two, never mind to look around. Keep moving even if you are not sure where you are going, listen to your GPS set to "walk" and watch the traffic lights! You can get mowed down or very close to it. Hey, New Yorkers are in a hurry. "What are you looking at?!" They have places to go and people to see, it's no joke pal. And I love it.

It's not like down south where people eagerly wave you to "go ahead" at a green light when they have the right of way. No, no! Move or get run down. Ok, so that might not be the healthiest attitude. But in New York, the streets are like one giant conveyer belt, hop on, hop off, but don't block the lane! Pleaze!

Need a break when you need to get far from the maddening crowds? 
Try PINKBERRY! So far, this is my #1 favorite frozen yogurt destination. While in New York, I hit the one on 32nd Street and found school had just gotten out. Bad timing. Kids galore! Some whining, some tantrums, (and that was just me!) but I waited online because it is worth it, I swear!

Two locales in Charlotte- at the Arboretum on Providence Road and Phillips Place-been to both and I love the decor: cheerful and retro; it makes me smile for many reasons. Occasionally, (really) I don't mind calling this lunch and sitting alone slurping down their "daily swirls". I prefer the solitude of taking my sweet ole' time to fully immerse my taste buds in each unique flava flav. My yums go to: salted caramel and pomegranite. OMG! Did someone say that it's also Kosher. Oy veh! Top mine with fresh fruit (no syrupy soggy stuff like some other yogurt places!) and toasted almonds. If I feel especially wicked, brownie bites and some shaved dark chocolate to send me swooning! Ok, enough exclamations, just go try it. Opens at noon and rocks into the night!


WORD UP Heard a new word listening to NPR driving for hours on end and thought I'd share:  Nomophobia is the fear of being out of mobile phone contact. The term, an abbreviation for "no-mobile-phone phobia". Gotta love it.


smART: McColl Center for Visual Art has a gallery reception 6-9pm this Friday March 23 showcasing art from artists in residence- click for more details. Free to attend with a cash bar featuring $1.00 beer. 




MONSTERs anyone? Mad Monster Party (click on it) this weekend at the Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell Street, Charlotte. 


Over 40 monster movies will be screened, scary-queen contests, celebrity monsters will appear, such as the creature from the black lagoon, my friend dated him, I think! Creators of Monster Magazine in 2011promoters Eben McGarr, writer-director-producer (House of the Wolf Man, Sick Girl) and Joe Moe whose many talents include filmmaking, writing and singing (his website also reveals that he "once operated the front half of beloved Muppet, Snuffleupagus". 
If you go, PLEASE send me some photos: kbshoots55@gmail.com and I will post them! 


REtail: Missing Sedona Boutique which had been in Providence Promenade some time back, I accidentally "rediscovered" it tucked behind Crate and Barrel at the Village at Southpark Mall. One of a kind items from around the world, shopping here is a visual delight. Everything is colorful, opulent and decorator perfect! Do hit the 50% off sale corner! My finds: great jewelry and colorful leaf bowls. De lovely. 













QUEENS CUP RACES/Tailgate!




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Where is this? If you know where this is, send me a comment. You can decipher the place by reading this sign- if you are dyslexic!





(in Charlotte!)
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JAZZY: MONDAY March 26 at 6PM
 Bechtler Museum of Modern Art features lecture and performance to highlight abstract art and hard bop jazz. Sounds intriguing! Cash bar opens at 6pm, Ziad Jazz Quartet and pianist Noel Freidline perform selections from Miles, Monk and Coltrane.

$8.00 admission fee   or free for members
Call 704-353-9200 for more info or click on Bechtler Museum (above in purple).

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Songstress from New York moves to our town! Lucky us- !
Presenting Liv Zato...performing 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 
Mugs Coffee 
5126 Park Road, Charlotte
Open: 7 am - 9 pm
Have a cup of Joe and support a home town girl!