Week 5: Clarks Invade NYC

He had bare feet and was dressed in a loincloth. Bold stripes of red paint were applied carefully to his tanned face, and a feathered headdress adorned his crown. I was transfixed by his attire, and startled by the sound of his hand crashing against a drum. Soon the loud booms became rhythmic, and seemed to synch up with the beating of my heart. As the drummer pounded against the canvas, the small hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. But his music was not the only thing that had captivated my attention. Lions slinked across the savannah, and tropical birds flitted through the sky, each singing a different song.

There is only one street in New York fit to contain such a diverse array of beauty. That street is Broadway.

When my parents and younger brother, Scott, came to visit me in New York City, we saw The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. The show was breathtaking. The music, costumes, dancers, actors and sets were amazing - and I was especially glad to see the on-stage version of a movie that I so loved as a kid. When Simba's father Mufasa was killed by the stampede of wildebeests, I felt once again like the 1st grader who burst into tears on the playground when we reenacted this scene from the Disney movie. What can I say? I owe it to the fact that my Mom has always worked for Disney, but maybe I just had a flare for the dramatic.

Having family to hang out with in the big city was comforting and such a blessing. We had a blast walking the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Times Square and just spending time together. Thanks Mom, Dad and Scott for such a great weekend!

Scotty and I on our way to the Statue of Liberty.

Next week I return to California. I can't believe how quickly this adventure has gone by! I am saying farewell to my teenage years with my 20th birthday on August 6th, and I start RA training at USC on August 7th. The weeks ahead will be busy, but I am so excited to start my senior year at USC! And as I mentioned before, I will continue to blog about my experiences in New York to make sure I share the stories of my last couple weeks with you.

The next blog post will update you on my Editorial Internship! I am being challenged but also thoroughly enjoying myself at the literary agency, so I can't wait to share these stories with you! Thanks for reading, praying and encouraging me with your supportive comments during my summer in NYC.

Big love from the Intern,

Kelsey

Week 4: Fourth of July in New York!

Forks clinked against knives, and the oven door creaked as warm berry crisp was brought outside to cool. Children's footsteps fell with a thud on the back porch, and the grill sputtered as steaks were pulled from the flames. Considered separately, these sounds bare no significance. But together they create something of a symphony, with music that can signal only one thing. A summer barbeque.

Aside from food and favorable weather, one of my favorite aspects of a summer barbeque is being surrounded by family. I am grateful that the Shaws invited me to spend the Fourth of July in Long Island with their clan. Alexis' family is filled with gourmets, so the food was delicious, and their lively group of friends kept us laughing all night. We watched beautiful fireworks from their backyard, which was extra-special because I got to enjoy the show with a cup of coffee in my hands and a plate of dessert on my lap. Alexis knows me too well, because wow...this combination of caffeine and cheesecake is my idea of heaven! Best of all, though, was spending the holiday with a family that made me feel right at home, even 3,000 miles away from California. Thank you so much Shaws! And to those reading, I hope you had a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Before the BBQ, I spent the day in Central Park watching a Fourth of July softball game!

Central Park has become my favorite place to read and relax in the city. For July 4th I brought along The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (inspiring story and a quick read for the beach, definitely recommend this one!) and my prayer journal which has one of my favorite verses on the cover - Joshua 1:9 "For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

With Alexis on the back porch for her family BBQ :)

Dinner time!

Quite possibly the best dessert arrangement ever! Fresh fruit, Eileen's Cheesecake (Zagat voted Eileen's the best cheesecake in Manhattan...and it's located right next-door to my apartment! Uh oh), vanilla ice cream, yummy berry crisp made by Alexis Shaw, and pastry from a local Jewish bakery.

Alexis with the berry crisp she baked. It was so delicious!

The Fourth of July marked Day 29 of my adventure in Manhattan, and it's safe to say that I am having the time of my life! I am playing catch-up with the blog since work and city explorations have kept me busy (the best kind of busy) but I will make sure that every story and fun photo makes it to the blog, even if it's a couple weeks after the event :) Thanks for reading, and thank you for your continued support, prayers and well wishes. Every day in New York is so much fun, but I am also excited to return to California in August and see all of you! Keep on the look-out for these upcoming blog posts: the Clarks visit NYC and Kelsey treks to THE JERSEY SHORE! I hope you are having a great summer.

Best,

Kelsey