It is like a tug-of-war…moments where New York pulls at my heart, beckons my return…and the next, the Midwest steals it away…

Since April, I had been living life as a New Yorker. Only two months…yet long enough to adapt. Discover. Become hungry for more. The city captures your heart while steadily testing your patience…volatile moments of exhilaration bound with a constant need to push forward. I opened myself to the experience…inhale + exhale, taking in each new day. New York was good to me…

The transition back to the Midwest this week proves difficult to capture with words… Since returning, it has been a mixture of variant thoughts and emotions. As a means of conveying this adventure, it is best I share photography captured from my last weekend in New York accompanied by the randomness of past and present reflections.

Bryant Park…how I sometimes spent a lazy weekend afternoon in NYC. Submersed in fashion magazine heaven, cappuccino in hand and a Le Pain Quotidien chocolate croissant nearby…gazing up towards the magnificent Bryant Park Hotel every few minutes. Steps away from luxury.

Brooklyn Bridge Park…I could live here. The calm one cannot find in Midtown Manhattan. Quaint gas lamps, a garden in bloom…an instant reminder of a little sanctuary tucked away back in the Midwest I know all too well. Except for the bridge, now this proves challenging for comparison.

Upon returning to Columbus…walked my former brick road neighborhood, visiting that very sanctuary, in 5″ Jimmy Choo’s, remembering every path of least resistance. A woman walking by me laughed, saying, “stilettos in German Village don’t exactly mix.” Years of practice + lessons learned ending in broken heels…trust me, I know what I’m doing.

Disconnected. Shock. Lost. Those were my initial feelings…not what I had anticipated. Standing outside my favorite Starbucks in a daze, wearing a black Theory business dress, Yigal Azrouel corset belt, and skyscraper Choo’s, thinking, smiling…there I go sticking out again in Columbus. Contemplating…why am I drinking Starbucks? Isn’t there an Aromas off 3rd…oh, a different 3rd St.

Just moments after a brief rainfall Sunday afternoon, the sky clearing, I felt compelled to shoot additional photos of the Brooklyn Bridge…springtime thunderstorms on my mind. Missing the lake-effect weather. Fascinating. Invigorating. Home.

Visiting the lake on Tuesday…incredibly tranquil, calm. Slight chill in the air. Overcast. Rain beginning to fall. Inspirational for compiling thoughts + emotions. Writing. Also excellent napping weather.

I left New York to continue chasing my passion…ironically, leading me back to the Midwest. A rare opportunity of a lifetime has presented itself. Taking another risk with no regrets. Exactly where I should be right now.

During the cab ride exiting Manhattan…time to fly, goodbye New York. You have made a considerable impression in a short amount of time. I’m leaving you a more humbled, poised and wiser woman…hungry and inspired to keep the dream alive. Inhale + exhale.

~T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.

1. Lauren Luna Says:
   June 9th, 2010 at 12:38 am

   I’ve been there myself. The draw of New York is strong. Unfortunately it draws so many as well as the millions that live there already. Theres a reason why the saying is New York is the city of dreams. Even though the adjustment period back to the midwest will take a minute. Don’t forget who you are and where you’ve been. You were a New Yorker, even if it was just for a few months.

2. trasiK Says:
   June 9th, 2010 at 12:50 am

   Thank you Lauren! It was an adventure and experience of a lifetime. Now, I no longer have that what-if…a truly wonderful feeling.

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website