A few times a year I come to New York City to meet with current clients, to market my work, see tons of family, and as of last year, I now also make sure to see Steemit friends. This time I'm having an exceptionally enjoyable and fruitful trip and it mostly has to do with giving myself enough unplanned time.
the view of this rainy grey day out my window
the Queensborough Bridge in the view - my father wisely once said that one finial on this beautiful bridge has more design than most new apartment towers these days
Of course there are about 10 extra things I'd like to do every day in this city that never sleeps but I've finally learned - and it only took me 20 years - that the perfect formula is only 1 work thing, 1 social thing per day along with keeping up with misc communications relating to my studio back home. And equally important is to have my own space for at least most of the trip. This means no couch surfing nor staying where I don't have my own room....I'm far too much of an introvert to recharge unless I have some of my own time and space. Otherwise I am sick for a week when I come home and that's not worth it at all! Because of this plan, I'm having a lot of fun and feeling happy, focused and healthy.
I've made 2 presentations of my work at architectural firms so far. My aim is to show them a variety of my commission and production work so that they can call upon me when they have clients who want something special beyond what factories can produce.
my "wave" repeating design
So far, these presentations have gone well! Yes the reception has been very good but more than anything else, I'm rating the experience by how well I do as a presenter by my own measures. I decided before leaving that I wanted to improve my presentations and had a few new things to try. So far so good! I tried shifting my attitude - not sweating the details which wind up undermining my confidence. Instead I'm simply enjoying the experience of showing my work and meeting new people and this feels so much better and much less stressful.
Yesterday after a presentation -thus the suit- I met up with some Steemian friends which as always is a GREAT thing! These dear people are among my closest core group on this platform and I really enjoyed the in-person time more than I can say.
left to right, me, 
Each day I spend some time with family and here I am with my beloved niece: Photo taken by my sister and I think she added a little stardust ;-):
And of course Rob and facetime each day and here he is showing Lucy to me. We are all such a super close family unit and I always miss them terribly from the moment I leave.
Still more than half of my 9 day trip to go....more work, seeing lots of art, some friends and much more family!
Be well and I'll give you some more to see in a few days I hope. Thank you for your support, it's truly appreciated.
the night view outside my window
