So for about a month I’ve been in that funk every artist gets in where I can’t seem to get enough creativity in my life…  No matter what I’m always hungry and searching for more to do or see.  I totally feel like a giant sponge even more now than I normally do.

Of course, as soon as I entered this oh-so-familiar place, I started searching for ways to break out of my comfort zone.

A few of weeks ago I met a very cool guy at an audition who introduced me to an awesome new place to rock out to some raw talent in Astoria, Queens.  I’ve gone every week since.  Its a cute little cafe called The Waltz Astoria (http://www.waltz-astoria.com) and I LOVE IT.  They do open mic nights on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and its pretty easy to get on the list of performers.  In fact, my second night there I performed without having anything prepared.  I just made friends with Pedro and Song (the owners) and was encouraged to sing and play.  I borrowed a guitar from a guy who had performed earlier in the night and did the damn thing.  It was so freeing!  I was very nervous to perform music in front of people, but I was proud of myself for doing it despite my inhibitions.  There are some extremely talented people that come through there.

I haven’t gone up since that night, but I truly enjoy watching and listening.  Its inspirational witnessing people vulnerably expressing themselves by sharing what they absolutely love in front of a small crowd.

I might play at the open mic again next week.  I have been making myself giggle by learning a couple Britney songs on guitar, slowing them down, and making them folk-y and different.  I’m aware this idea isn’t totally new.  If you run a YouTube “Britney Acoustic Cover” search, you’re going to see a lot of people have done this in the past but I am doing it anyway because… well… I can.

I am also currently taking my second improv course at The Upright Citizens Brigade.  Its an intensive.  Four days a week, three hours a day for two weeks.  My class performance is on Sunday, October 26 which I am excited about because my mom will be in town to catch it!

I have lived in NY for over six years, but I went to the MET for the first time last week.  Insane, I know…

I am going to try real hard to write more frequently, but for now I need sleep.  Class in the morning!

Oh, and do yourself a flave and listen to this song when you have some time to just close your eyes and relax.

Its absolutely beautiful.

\”A Long Dream\” by Tyler Ramsey

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