new york city

Cat Books, Cat Art, and a New York City Christmas

Author's Life| 7 Comments

Columbus_Circle_Holiday_Market

New York City is my favorite city any time of the year, but at Christmas time, the city transforms itself into a wonderland of Christmas tress, lights and over the top decorations you won’t find anywhere else in the world. And I feel a little bit like a kid on Christmas Eve, because I get to part of the magic that is New York at Christmas time: I’ll be the guest of digital artist Deborah Julian at her booth at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market on December 11 from 2 to 6pm.Continue Reading

Join me for a New York City Christmas

Author's Life| 8 Comments

New York City Christmas

There’s nothing better than New York City at Christmas time. I love New York at any time of the year, but during the holidays, the city takes on a magic that you just can’t find anywhere else in the world. And this year, I get to be a part of the magic that is New York at Christmas time: I’ll be the guest of digital artist Deborah Julian at her booth at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market on December 19 from 1 to 8pm.

 cat christmas card

The Christmas card above is just one of the many beautiful pieces Deborah sells at her booth. Continue Reading

A Change of Pace, a Shift in Energy

Author's Life| 2 Comments

central-park-new-york-wallpaper

No matter how much you love your life, your environment, and your routine (and I do), sometimes, it’s good to have a  change of pace and a change of scenery.  Following the same routine day after day can lead to stale energy, and a quick and easy way to shake things up a bit is to get out of your normal environment.  So last weekend I went to visit a friend in New York City – my favorite city in the whole world.  What’s not to love?  In addition to being able to walk everywhere you want to go, there are so many great restaurants on every block, there’s Central Park, and there’s the incredible energy of a city of millions of people.  And I hadn’t seen my friend in two years, so it was long past time for a visit.

I had a fabulous weekend, and the trip reminded me how important a change of pace and scenery and an opportunity to get out of one’s normal routine can be.  Instead of my usual routine I spent the weekend walking around the city with my friend.  We caught up on each others’ lives, ate at wonderful restaurants, went to a comedy club (celebrity sighting:  Judah Friedlander from 30 Rock!), and hung out with my friend’s cats.  I came home feeling relaxed and recharged.

Even if you can’t get away for a weekend, there are simple ways to incorporate a change of pace into your day.  You’ll be surprised how even small changes can shift your energy, and as a result, free up creativity, open your mind to new and different possibilities, and make you feel great.

Some suggestions for a simple change of pace:

  • Take a different route to work.  Instead of going the quickest way, go the scenic route one day.  If you work from home, find a different place in the house to work from.
  • Make small changes in your daily routine.  Do you always follow the same sequence when you first get up in the morning?  Shake things up a bit.
  • Try a new food you’ve never had before.  Is there an ethnic cuisine you’ve  never head but always wanted to try? 
  • Rent a movie that’s different from your usual fare.  Do you usually watch dramas?  Try a comedy. 

You’ll be surprised how these seemingly small changes of pace can shift your energy.