06 June 2008

Life Update...

This is way overdue, I know, but I thought I would let you all know what's been going on in my life since I left Martha's Vineyard 42 days ago.

A week after taking that ferry from Vineyard Haven to Woods Hole, I made my way west to participate in commencement. I met up with fellow graduates Jenny Baird (Semester 12) and Mallory Graham (Semester 13), feeling an immediate level of kinship with them both. This kinship quickly turned to jealousy as they told stories of the CMC reunion that had taken place a week before.

Graduation itself was a strange experience. There was the euphoric sense of accomplishment that I had been expecting but a stronger sordid disconnect that accompanied these emotions. Jenny and I were both struck with how close we felt to the people we had spent three months with verses three-and-a-half years. I don't think I knew more than five people in my graduating class by more than a distant name-and-face knowledge.

I returned to PA and worked the craziest week of the floral fiscal year: Mother's Day. I actually love working holidays because the days are packed and there is no downtime. It makes me feel productive.

After Mother's Day, I began to send out more resumes, trying to find summer work nearby. I got a phone call from Tara-Leigh Cobble, an independent singer/songwriter who lives in New York City. She offered me an internship to help her with booking and artist/tour management. Needless to say, I took the offer and began to make every effort to make it work out.

So I'm writing this from an apartment in downtown New York. I'm living near the World Trade Center, close to the Hudson, reminding me of another beloved Island. Along with the internship, I'm waiting to hear back from the Apple Store about a retail position at the Soho branch and am working out a deal with a music store near Columbus Circle to hopefully begin teaching private piano lessons as well.

It's crazy how much happens so quickly. I'm astonished I'm even here, but feel so grateful for the opportunities. I am indebted to many of you for equipping me and encouraging me towards this. And, if any of you are in the city, look me up. I would love to see you!

Peace,
Lori