I'm long overdue for an update, but to tide you over ..  here's some sexy hold music from my current obsession --

southern family fun. (and somehow, i've returned without burn)

Had a fantastic visit last weekend down in Nashville. Spent time with family, including our new addition, Henry. He is, as expected, extremely adorable -- I think we got along just swimmingly.

Also got to see fellow NY'er / recent Nashville transplant / longtime friend Reno Bo take the DJ reigns at Foobar, on the East side of town. He kept me dancin' up a storm! If you're in the area, be sure to check out what he's getting into.

It was a brief visit, so I didn't get to explore as much as I would have on a longer trip, but my interest is definitely piqued. Friendly, arty and fun. Will soon return for more. 

Here are a few fave pics. (speaking of, I've decided to actually use my dusty ol' flickr account, you can see more there at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracymichelleny)

Up next: Portland, Oregon!

Professor Eisenberg (Oh word?)

Ok, so I'm not actually a professor...(yet). But for one whole week this Fall, I will be a resident guest teaching artist at SUNY Potsdam!

Lori Russo, the actress I've long been working with on the one woman play I choreographed, Love, Isadora will be performing this work and leading courses in the drama department.

Me, I'll be with the dance students, given free reign to teach original choreography while taking over their technique classes. Oh, how I will run them ragged. Oh, the floorwork I have planned .. those kids won't know what hit 'em!

I will also (as I'd mentioned previously) have to lead a lecture / Q&A session. It's difficult to narrow down which aspects of my life are "lecture-worthy" - the first things that keep coming to mind are "save money. no, i mean seriously. save money now." and "go to your performance and production courses! you do need to know about dimmer packs and light focusing!" -- (to name a few)
I can only hope they understand that all journeys are unique. I'm no fortune teller.

This is a project we've been discussing on and off for a few years - I'm so happy to have it finally be a reality. I adore the department, the town, the breathtaking surroundings. It's been far too long since I've seen the Adirondacks in all their October glory. I hold the time I studied there very close to my heart... and what better reason could there be to return! For the dance!

... and in obnoxiously proud aunt news ...

 Henry

                                        ...and Henry's beautiful cousin, Maggie Sophia

me (center, elevated) and some of my favorite people on my birthday...

fare thee well, bay ridge

Well. I did it. I cut the chord.

I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet, leaving home. That’s what it feels like when you’ve lived in the same place you did as a kid, a mere 23 years old. It seemed like such an adult step back then - moving to the city, finding roommates, getting a job, paying an electric bill for the first time…

I’d found my way to Bay Ridge when I was suddenly ousted from my apartment in Washington Heights (long story for another time). So that I wouldn’t have to commute to my li’l desk job from Poughkeepsie, my good friends Mary and Mark benevolently let me crash on their living room futon here in the neighborhood. In that month’s time or so, I fell in love with the neighborhood. It had the perfect blend of suburbia and accessibility; deep roots, multi-generational households, family owned businesses … great food. There is an utter lack of pretension or longing to be current with urban trends - I was/am often the hippest gal on the block - (no. really.)

Like most, I found my apartment by way of Craigslist - suspiciously cheap for being in the center of all the 86th St. action, I had my doubts. Turns out, it truly was a lucky find. 3 ladies of about the same age were here to greet me. I remember feeling so instantly cozy with my initial family of girls. Parties, drama, laughter, tension, friendship … this was 516.

As roommates and sleeping quarters rotated over time, the dynamics shifted further from what had made my life here a comfort --- drifting more toward a place where I simply hung my hat maybe a little too far from the city. Having been financially dependent on the relatively low rent, I stuck around until I had more means and stability to make a real move. I'd also been attached to the convenience of Frank living nearby, so late-night recording sessions weren't an issue ... and then he abandoned ship for Staten Island.

And so, with all signs pointed toward "it's time", the day has come and off I go.

I found an adorable (albeit much smaller:) apartment in one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York - Park Slope, Brooklyn. Not exactly an enormous leap (an 81 block leap north, to be precise), but certain to be an adjustment -- one that I’m equally apprehensive and thrilled about. The swift commute alone just may send me into shock (related, I anticipate more frequent, less travel-weary visitors)

I have a month to make the transition - and I don’t know where to begin on the accumulation of 7 years here in this once home. I suppose I’ll begin with boxes and bags and lots of them ... doing my best to bat away the range of emotional triggers from the past.

I’ll soon no longer be the coolest kid on the block (that title belongs to Maggie Gyllenhaal) but I trust I’ll find a little pocket to squirm and settle into - calling this apartment and neighborhood a place I belong before long.

And I can’t WAIT to be all up in that park.

All in all, a positive change … I look forward to the fresh view.

Helpless? We hope!

While Ben selfishly ditches our lesson schedule to tour and make a living, my homework is to both sing and play Helpless by Neil Young, start to finish. Complete with less-than clunky strumming.
In a few weeks, I may even post a little recording for your ears to feast upon. Don't worry, I'll post discriminately. Applause-worthy milestones only.