New York, New York - August 2010

NYC 2010 – Summer Vaycay with the Ladies.
August 27 – August 30

Christiana Clark, Tessa Flynn, Celeste Jones and Suzanne Roberts

Part 1 – the Concert:
Our mission was music; old school hip-hop at it’s finest. The destination was the Rock the Bells Concert 2010 on Governor’s Island. The lineup consisted on Snoop Dog, KRS One, Tribe Called Quest, WuTang, and Ms Lauryn Hill to name a few. We went to get our old school hip-hop ‘education’ on as KRS One said. We heard a few of the ‘singles’ and a lot of the songs only the true hip-hop heads would know. Every note was worth the sunburn, the stomped toes, the dehydration, the lines, and the sore feet.

For a few hours – we became rock stars along with them. For a few moments we were filled with joy from seeing other rock stars enjoy the show as we were. Singing along to the same songs we were. Seeing hip-hop royalty in their comfort zone, taking in a show with their crew of friends. Having them be excited to see each other after such a long time – true joy to see that they support each other. Beyonce, Jay Z, Chris Rock, Mary J Blige, Swize Beatz, Alicia Keys and John Legend all came out to show love to Ms. Lauryn Hill and see her perform.

As luck would have it, and no one could have predicted it, the stars aligned for Christiana and I that night. We were plucked from a crowed of thousands – someone noticed my smile and laugh – and invited backstage to the artist vip area. It was there where we came face to face with some of the most influential artists in the game: Rza, Ghoastface Killa, Busta Rhymes, Snoop, and Method Man. We also met the actor Michael Ealy – whom Christiana promptly fell in love with. Can you blame her? They would have beautiful children together!

We spent most of the evening with the Promoter for the WuTang Clan. G – the Promoter. He was the man who spotted us and lifted us into Artist VIP. He had great stories of ODB, and WuTang in the early years. We met some of the WuTang entourage – one of their kids gave me a NY Yankees ball cap… he had too many, didn’t need an extra one. We were almost swept onto the bus with them after their show – we almost became Wu-Wifeys – I had to pause and figure out where we were going. I then remembered there was still one more act… I’m a hip-hop head, not a groupie.

I love the festival atmosphere. I love the way the artists can command thousands of people – a sea of hands all move in the same motion, the same words said at the same time. I love that having an artist play your favorite song can make the day for you. I love that once you find your place in the crowd, the people around you become familiar, they become the festival family. They make sure that they hold their ground to keep the spot solid, not let others in at the last minute. Choose your festival family wisely… you will sing along with, sway with, fist pump with, put your middle finger up with, breath deeply with, and nod your head along with this group.


Highlights from the rest of the weekend:
• The four of us make up an amazing law firm of Roberts, Jones, Clark and Flynn. It doesn’t have to be a law firm – any business will do.
• Christiana’s stolen car was found on Sunday afternoon around 4:30 pm. She received a voice mail telling her it was found and sent to the St. Paul impound lot. One month to the day of it being stolen.
• Tessa, Christiana and I went to Upright Citizen’s Brigade and saw Horatio Sans perform with ASSCAT comedy troupe. Really funny free show.
• We had a milkshake shot at BRGR. Great burger joint near UCB. Yummy.
• We stalked Mr. Softee Trucks around the city. It was really hot and we wanted ice cream.
• I spent a reflective Sunday morning at Bryant Park soaking up sun, diet coke and a croissant. Then a walk up 5th Ave to Rock Center and a moment of peace at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
• NYC solidified Christiana’s lust for a tattoo. She had an amazing henna tattoo put on her forearm a day before we left. Everyone we met thought it was real and commented on it – including her love: Michael Ealy.
• My good friend, Jason Brinn, from Philly surprised me by visiting me after the concert. We had late dinner and drinks at ARTbar, took a walk around the city, held hands through the Waldorf Astoria, and kissed on 50th and 3rd. It was a great surprise. A moment out of a romantic comedy.
• On Sunday we did a little shopping, bought some jewelry in little Italy, bought a dress for the Ivey’s at Loehmanns, and looked at every sunglass stand, earring booth and bag boutique in soho.
• We toasted our last night with champagne, mac n cheese and kale at the Coffee Shop Bar in Union Square. We closed the place down, giggling until 3 am. We did the psyche test on Tessa… (white room, water, seasons). A fun way to find out a little bit more about your friends.
• Our first night in town we met a young man coming out of our hotel: Brian from Houston TX. He said he was in town for a modeling gig – he’s an underwear model for Calvin Klein. So he says. He was smitten with Christiana, asked where we were headed for the night and wanted to hang out. We were going to meet Celeste in Times Square so nothing too fun for him – Mr. Underpants (as we called him) offered to take us to breakfast on Saturday. A little too forward for CC – besides we had plans!!
• T-shirts I saw that I need to have in my life: “love is my religion,” “Bonita, Bonita, Bonita”

This weekend was perfectly perfect in every way. I adored spending time with my best friends and new friends alike, I loved the breezy feeling of the weekend with our only agenda being to have fun, and I loved how unexpected everything was. I love NYC. I love what the city represents for some many people, me included at one point in my life. I am happy that I got to experience NYC with true joy this weekend, without stress, anxiety, heartache, or drama.

My absolute favorite moment of the entire weekend was going to bed one night (or morning… it is NYC!) and counting my blessings with Christiana. We exchanged things we were thankful about until we drifted off. If we hadn’t been so exhausted, I am sure we could have gone on forever!