Things I Love Thursday -- June 30th Edition

First, I want to apologize for no TiLT last week. I caught the death plague and was pretty much out of it for three days. Friday I basically slept all day after I got home from work, Saturday I was a miserable mess, and Sunday I started to feel better. Right now I am still having some coughing fits but that could be due to the air quality of NYC but I am feeling much much better. So with that said let us start our weekly dose of love!

~~Attending Ring of Honor wrestling and shouting old school wrestlers names during a boring tag team match.

~~Giving Kevin Kelly directions to Harrison, NJ and having a forty minute conversation with him about wrestling. Such a nice man.

~~LAST DAY OF WORK! It feels so good to sleep past 530am every day now.

~~Being in a Second Line parade with the Hungry March Band along the High Line Park

~~The Prairie Breeze Cheddar and Fig sandwich from Lucy's Whey in Chelsea Market.

~~My parents putting my air conditioner in my bedroom! Meat locker status here I come!

~~David for just being him.

~~Ice cold tea with friends in the morning.

~~Making lists of restaurants to try.

~~Orange drink from Grays Papaya on a warm humid day.

~~Board games with my favorite students. Numerous rounds of Connect Four, Sorry, Bingo, Operation, The Game of Life were played. Loads of fun.

~~RuPaul's Drag U for another week in a row.

~~Having the ability to make small talk wherever I am whether its waiting in line for a bathroom or on a train.

~~Listening to Disturbed and finding songs that speak to my brothers situation at work.

~~Waking up at 6am only to go back to sleep since I do not have to be up at that hour!

~~Crisp night air perfect for a walk with the one you love.

~~Fireflies!


What are you in love with this week?

Thought Tuesday #22

"Fear makes us feel our humanity." ~~Benjamin Disraeli

What words or thoughts are fueling your inspiration this week?

Make Music NYC -- Second Line on the High Line

What you are viewing above is the event I took part in on Tuesday June 21st called Make Music NYC. Now in its fifth year, Make Music New York, “the largest music event ever to grace Gotham” (Metro New York), is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer. MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in more than 460 cities around the world — a global celebration of music making.

From 11 in the morning to 10 at night, musicians of all ages, creeds, and musical persuasions — from hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock — perform on streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, cemeteries, parks and gardens. From high school bands to marquee names, MMNY is open to anyone who wants to take part, enjoyed by everyone who wants to attend.

Sounds pretty cool right? Well I decide to take in Second Line on the High Line and here is the description: Join the Hungry March Band at 6:00 PM on the High Line's 10th Avenue Overlook (near 17th Street), and parade through the park's newly opened second section up to W. 30th Street while dancing the traditional Second Line steps.



Roaring out of Brooklyn comes the Hungry March Band, NYC's legendary street brass band with the anarchic style that has become their trademark. The Hungry March Band has earned a reputation for mythical revelry, having performed at guerilla art events, mermaid parades, rural raves, subway parties, eccentric weddings, community affairs, protests, high art events, the Staten Island Ferry, Brighton Beach Boardwalks, MoMA, Lincoln Center, steps of the NYC Post Office, and playing themselves in the final scene of John Cameron Mitchell's recent film Shortbus.

Now as many of you are aware, I have no problem taking part in a crawl or a parade dressed up as a zombie and get crazy looks and screams. Well this time, I wore some fishnet stockings, a black dress with a skully flower pin courtesy of Hell Razor, teased my hair, and off I walked with the Hungry March Band. It was so loud and booming and AMAZING. Also I felt this was sort of a celebration -- that winter is over and now Summer is here! The history of the Second Line goes like this: Second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. The "main line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the actual club with the parading permit; those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the "second line." The second line's style of traditional dance, in which participants walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called "second lining." It has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form — a jazz funeral without a body." The magazine of the New Orleans jazz club The Second Line took its name from the tradition in 1949. The style has spread beyond the confines of the city of New Orleans, although it remains most common in that area.



I met some amazing people who shared their knowledge of the Second Line history, danced with couples from Connecticut who were shocked by the crazy looks we got, and just felt so much energy. If you were not there, just take a look at the video above to see the excitement and I better see you first day of summer next year!

Thought Tuesday #21

"There is a crack in everything -- that's how light gets in." ~~Leonard Cohen

What thoughts or words are fueling your inspiration this week?

Things I Love Thursday -- June 16th Edition

So many things to love....so here we go!

~~All of the fabulous custom handmade items on Etsy. From hair clips to sunglasses to vintage finds, I am severely addicted!

~~Hugs after a long day.

~~Finally cleaning out my makeup shelve and headbands that are too tight on my head. Yay for spring cleaning!

~~Naps during the day after work.

~~High Line Park and Chelsea Market for a second week in a row.

~~7 more days of school! Can not wait to have summer vacation from work...

~~Not caring about what people think of my style.

~~Finding old school television programs on cable.

~~RuPaul's Drag U. It is an inspiration!

~~Promoting Sugar Slam 2011 .

~~Swimming in my local pool and seeing my students.

~~Thunderstorms that pass right over your head.

~~Kettle corn that is only 100 calories!

~~Sleeping on the couch with the air conditioning running and a dog right next to me.

~~Seeing a teacher I have not seen in a while.

~~Realizing I have a book addiction and realizing that is a GOOD thing!

~~Summer Reading programs for adults!

~~The Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Blog is forthcoming about my experience!

~~My new pink umbrella!

~~Having custom made wrestling hair bows courtesy of Lucky Cupcake coming my way! I am receiving "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Sting. Can not wait!

What are you so in love with this week?

Thought Tuesday #20

"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." ~~Bill Cosby

What words or thoughts are fueling your inspiration this week?

What I Learned When I Traveled to Paris, France

My friend Kellie over at On The Brink of Something Beautiful created a 52 Lists in 52 Weeks blog challenge in which she gives you a challenge and you try to write a top ten list with the challenge.

This week's challenge: What have YOU learned from a place you once visited? (Either another county or another state....or maybe even your own culture...)

Back in 2003, my mom, a close family friend, and myself were set for an adventure. I was without a job, without a boyfriend, without a LIFE and my mom knew that I was not feeling very Danielle like. "Would you like to go to Paris with me and Michael?" my mom quickly asked me and without a beat, I gave a resounding "YES!". Bags were packed, itineraries made, flights booked, apartment rented. We also found that the week we went to Paris, France was during a huge heat wave -- 104 degrees for 4 days of the trip. We did not care. Off we set. So here are the 10 Things I Learned While Visiting Paris, France

10) French people are not rude unless you are rude to them first. Parisians live by the old adage of "you get what you give out." If you are rude and loud to them, guess what?

9) As long as you try and speak French first, Parisians will be glad to go into English for you.

8) Soda is more expensive than WINE. Yes, France would rather you enjoy wine than fill up on a sugary drink.

7) Your meals are not all escargots and frog legs. I had the best chicken gnocchi in the restaurant at Musee D'Orsay, steak frites at least three times that week at this small bistro called Le' Curse, ham and cheese crepes, ice cream in the shape of a rose and I can go on and on. Whoever told you that French only eat snails and frog legs are severely mistaken.

6) Your neighbours will not yell at you or call the police if you have your windows open and blasting Jim Morrison, Metallica, Edith Piaf, Mozart, or any form of music you like.

5) Whether you like it or not, EVERYTHING closes at 2pm and you take a mid day nap. No if, ands, buts about it. The world stops at 2pm in Paris every day and you recharge. Restaurants and shops do not open back up until 5pm. Now if you do not feel like taking a nap, you can walk the gardens or the Champs Elysee and soak up the air and scenery but do not plan on shopping....

4) The entrances to the Metro make you feel like you constantly in an art gallery. I swear, the subway entrances in NYC are BORING after I came back from Paris. There was one entrance, I wish I had a picture, that was decked out in fairy lights. Another was filled with graffiti art. Every where you walked, there was ART. As well as the Metro stations being immaculately clean and the sidewalks hosed down with water EVERY DAY.

3) You learn to adjust to a life WITHOUT air conditioning. Most places in Paris, France did not have this luxury so I learned that drinking lots of water, taking three showers a day, and wearing loose fitting clothing will keep you just as cool as the air conditioning we love so much in America.

2) Dogs are permitted to go ANYWHERE they please and do not have to be deemed a "service" dog like you have to in NYC. Going out to dinner alone and you want to bring your dog with you? It is WELCOMED. In fact, most restaurants even have a DOG menu and will bring out a bowl of water to your dog.

1) You will learn what the words LAID BACK mean. Everything in Paris is so laid back, from the food to the shops to the gardens...they do not rush you, do not ask you every 5 minutes how everything is, and let you JUST BE. Late for the train? That's okay -- there are musicians down there to keep you entertained. Want to hang out in the cafe' of your choice reading for hours? Feel free. This was a big lesson for me when I visited Paris, France.


So now I implore you...What have YOU learned from a place you once visited? (Either another county or another state....or maybe even your own culture...)

100 Things That Makes Me Happy -- Part One

Two bloggers that I read Becky Hastings and Sofia's Journal started this trend where for the next 10 Sundays they identify 10 things that make them happy and by the end it adds up to 100. Well I decided to take on this trend as well. Here is part one of my 100 Things That Make Me Happy series. I hope you decide to join me on this adventure!

1: David Cohen—for all that he is. I appreciate him and love him more and more each and every day.

2: My Family—even though we sometimes get on each others nerves, I am grateful for all that they do and are.

3: Travel—just to be able to take to the sky or to the road and see new things makes me smile.

4: Very Good Sex with #1—need I say more?

5: Union Square Park—the atmosphere, the protests, the stores…just thinking about it makes me gush!

6: Plants in Bloom—shows life and love.

7: Warm Spring Days—I just love to sit outside and read or relax in the park on a warm spring day. Definitely makes me happy.

8: Hugs and Kisses from the people I love and cherish.

9: Laughter, especially from a young child.

10: Being there for friends in their time of need.

Things I Love Thursday -- June 9th Edition

Oh my goodness is it a scorcher out there in the NYC area! My school district is closing early today due to the extreme heat and that is the #1 thing I am in love with this week. Here is what else I am in love with this week as I gulp down water to keep myself cool.

~~Spicy Thai Lettuce Wraps from One Lucky Duck. This is a raw vegan take away menu from the restaurant Pure Food and Wine and there is a location in Chelsea Market. Gave me the energy to do the next thing I am in love with...

~~Walking the entire High Line park two times. That was a 3 MILE long walk. It was amazing and exhilariting.

~~Making a different combination of milkshake at Ronnybrook Milk Bar in Chelsea Market. That combination is chocolate ice cream and ginger ice cream. Very sweet with a kick at the end. If you can, try it!

~~Salted Caramel Pinkberry. Oh my goodness. Once you have it, you will become addicted. Trust me. I love making a fruit parfait out of it as well as adding heath bars to it. Mmmm.....so good!

~~Beating this heat! The last time I suffered through a bad heat wave was in 2003 while I was in Paris, France. It was three digit temperatures for close to 4 days and a lot of places in Paris do not have air conditioning. So I survived on taking three showers a day, eating ice pops and ice cream, and drinking loads of water. Doing the same here for the next two days and it is working.

~~My custom made Hello Kitty sunglasses that Natalie from Bake and Destroy helped me find. Thanks!

~~Hearing along the High Line "Hey is that Ric Flair in your hair?" Why yes it is courtesy of Lucky Cupcake Hair Clips





What are you in love with this week?

Thought Tuesday #19

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~ Plato

What words of thoughts are fueling your inspiration today?

Freedom of Expression & Baseball -- America's Pasttime?

About six years ago, I became a more vocal baseball fan due to my relationship with David. Now I will admit before David I was rooting for the Boston Red Sox (and still do) but I started to root more for my boyfriend now fiance' team which is the New York Mets.

Now I remember my mom rooting for the Mets and knew the back story and history, but I have never been to Shea Stadium. That changed 6 years ago. So off David and I go to our first game together and what I saw before me completely stunned me.

No rooting, no clapping, no screaming...NOTHING. I could not believe it. Here are people who are alleged die hards and most of the time they sat on their hands.

Bring in Darren Meenan...and the dynamic of a diehard fan completely changed for me. He created his own Mets fan clothing line called the 7 Line and brings fans together who might not want to wear the standard run of the mill t-shirts you see in Modells. I sure do not.

On June 3rd he coordinated the "Dont Trade Reyes" Day where 500 people wore the Don't Trade Reyes t-shirt and stood along the Shea Bridge to Citi Field. Darren held up the sign that is in the picture above and nothing happened. It was talked about in the NY Post as well as other online sports outlets...but then...yesterday it was proven that Mets Security are just like any other assholes in the world of sports. Here is the story from Darren himself from his blog The 7 Line:I started the game off on the "Shea Bridge" and decided to go down to my seat in the 4th inning for Jose's at bat. The fans around me saw the sign and were pumped up on the message. We all want Reyes on this team. When he walked to the plate I told the fans around me that we would be chanting Don't Trade Reyes clap clap clap clap clap.... They were into it and it spread to the other side of the stadium in seconds. Now I completely understand that its obnoxious to sit behind someone holding a gigantic sign but it was up for about 20 seconds TOPS. It just ended up being at the right place at the right time and it luckily caught the attention of the ESPN cameras. I was told by a security guard that I can't hold up the sign when the game is in play. I agreed. That makes complete sense. After he got a hit I put up the sign again and a supervisor then came down to tell me that I can't have the sign up because it has a website address on it. Ok... again, makes complete sense. I am getting free advertisement LIVE on national television. Makes sense. I decided to leave the section on my own and walk back to my original spot. I agreed that I wouldn't show the sign anymore. They didn't kick me out right off the bat. I folded up my sign and while walking out (while fans booed of course.. they wanted me there) and people around asked how to contact me. I gave out about 10 business cards and that is what set off security even more. That is now soliciting I guess. The guard asked to see my ticket. I did in fact have one for that section. He then confiscated the ticket and asked me to leave on my own or leave in cuffs. I asked on what charge and he said "now you are trespassing, you don't have a ticket". Real classy. I've never been kicked out of any stadium before. At first I was pissed but in the end... it was worth it.

Now this is where my opinion comes in -- I say to Darren THANK YOU. Thank you so much for showing how much the Mets mean to you as well as Jose Reyes. It all boils down to one thing and that is MONEY. Yes I understand there are certain guidelines fans must follow in Citi Field regarding banners and such and again I say it is all about MONEY. For a corporation to get advertising on ESPN, the corporation must pay an advertising fee or ad rate of how long the commercial is and such as well as if a corporation wants to place a billboard ad in a professional sports team stadium that is another fee. What happened to Darren if you think about it in a financial standpoint, the NY Mets Security had a legit claim as he violated the guidelines as other media outlets have stated. In terms of fan relations, it leaves a poor after taste. The NY Mets are not exactly on a winning streak and are compared to a Triple A ball team who happens to be part of MLB. Citi Field on most nights is EMPTY and most fans sit on their hands and do nothing. Fans like Darren should be welcomed with open arms especially to illicit such a strong movement for the team as well as an individual player. Hopefully the security will learn from their mistake and fans -- if you are going to express your fandom, make sure you follow the rules.

Things I Love Thursday -- June 2nd Edition

What do you love? That is the main question every week as I put my Things I Love Thursday feature together. I started to do this list first in my journal and now online through the very inspiring Gala Darling and I always look forward to Thursdays to write my list out for the world to see, even if my readers might not agree with everything. I love to see the things that inspire me, to make me laugh, to enjoy life just a little bit more and through this exercise it has certainly helped. I am trying to live by this idiom coined by Miss Gala herself -- The more we focus on the fabulous, the more of it we get. So now let me get on with it!

~~Losing 10 pounds. I know that does not seem like a big feat but I feel lighter, more energized, more focused. I will keep it up!

~~Missing my Zumba class that I proceed to do the steps waiting for the subway/PATH train. I do not care if people look at me funny -- dancing is a great stress reliever.

~~Blowing bubbles in Citi Field with David during the Mets vs. Pirates game. I guess you can say that David and I are gluttons for punishment since we follow the Mets so to get us out of our funk, luckily enough I had some bubble solution in my bag. Hooray for random silliness!

~~Looking at the clouds with David and trying to decide what they look like, I said one looked like my dog Hudson and he agreed.

~~Cold showers as soon as I get home from work. In case you do not read my Twitter, I spoke about how I teach in an no air conditioning building. It is HARD. But thank goodness for water!

~~Not letting stupid people and their stupid comments about what I do at work get to me. Enough said.

~~Making new friends at the NYC Zombie Crawl. Thanks Doug for an always kick ass event!

What are you in love with week?