Wanderlust Wednesday: Brooklyn Love

August 26, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / 7 Comments

I have to admit, Brooklyn was not an area I visited often when I lived in NY. Though, in theory, it was a short trip from where I lived, the truth is the traffic was normally a nightmare, and mass transit wasn’t appealing to a person who likes to get in the car and go. So when my sister announced she was getting married in her neighborhood in Brooklyn I decided to take my vacation time to be with family and we booked a night at the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge the night before the wedding.

Brooklyn, much like NYC, is an area in that is growing and evolving. Truth is, when we drove in, I was stunned by the amount of development that had happened since I was last there. The Barclay Center, which debut was in 2012 , has created an epicenter for new construction, businesses and entertainment. Built where Fort Greene, Prospect Park and park Slope neighborhoods join, I heard many locals grumble that as the neighborhood has expanded, so has the cost of living, pushing out many of the same people that has made Brooklyn the eclectic and artisan haven so many flock to.

Though I was intrigued by a lot of the great restaurants, it was Friday night. People just getting out of work or coming to the area to start their weekend flocked to the area so we settled on roaming into a Shake Shack that was, by far, the best burgers and fries I’ve had in a while (not to mention the shakes) Even though it was a fast food joint, the urban decor with its reclaimed wood accents and huge windows opening up to the busy streets, added to the “hey, I’m in Brooklyn” experience.

After finishing the night drinking a couple of Berry Mojitos at the hotel bar we called it a night. The wedding was taking place at 9am at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and a trolley would be picking us up at 8:15am (have mercy!)

Being a hairstylist, there was no way I wasn’t going to do the bridal party’s hair so I recruited my dearest friend and partner-in-crime, Ramon Montalvo.

Thank God he made himself available (and was my date for the affair) because not only is he a brilliant hairstylist but a perfectionist that was quick to dive in and adjust my sister’s hair throughout the event, leaving me to marinate in the joy of the event.

With the temperature a cool 75 degrees, the guests walked through the beautiful gardens and marveled at the breath-taking venue. There was a feeling that we were the only ones roaming about even though it’s in the heart of Brooklyn.

Their ceremony and vows perfectly reflected their union. Heartfelt, refreshingly unique and enough quirky elements that made you feel like you were on an adventure. How many weddings have all that?

After the ceremony we all boarded a trolley, passing local landmarks like the Brooklyn Flea (oh, if I only had more time!) and arrived at a lovely French cafe, Chez Oskar.

As we entered, the string quartet played Bittersweet Symphony by Verve, my ALL TIME favorite song.

The food, the music, the great conversation and the bustling neighborhood made for a brilliant morning.

Though we had to quickly depart after the reception was over (had to pick up my son), rumor has it the bride and groom walked home in their bridal attire to change for their honeymoon. As they walked through the streets, locals clapped and cheered the newly weds and the bride, realizing she never threw her bouquet, threw it into a crowded sidewalk cafe as onlookers cheered on.

….and they lived happily ever after.

Music Monday – Long Distance Love

August 24, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

1) Otis Redding – Thousand Miles Away Listen

“I want my share, baby give it to me. Ooh, but you’re a thousand – I can’t get it from ya.”

2) Billie Holiday – We’ll Be Together Again Listen

“Your kiss – Your smile – Are memories I’ll treasure forever – So try thinking with your heart – We’ll be together again.”

3) Billy Joel – You’re My Home Listen

“Well I’ll never be a stranger and I’ll never be alone. Whenever we’re together, that’s my home.”

4) Deer Tick – These Old Shoes Listen

“Oh, I will take these old shoes to get to you. Yes, I will take these old shoes to get to you.”

5) Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine Listen

“Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone – It’s not warm when she’s away – Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone – And she’s always gone too long – Anytime she goes away.”

6) Postal Service – Brand New Colony Listen

“I want to take you far from the cynics in this town – And kiss you on the mouth – We’ll cut our bodies free from the tethers of this scene, Start a brand new colony.”

7) Blink 182 – I Miss You Listen

“Don’t waste your time on me you’re already – The voice inside my head (I miss you miss you)”

8) The Velvet Underground – I Found a Reason Listen

“Oh I do believe – You’re all what you perceive – What come is better that what came before.”

9) Nick Cave – Far From Me Listen

“You who are so far from me – Far from me – So far from me – Way across some cold neurotic sea – Far from me.”

10) Beatles – Across The Universe Listen

“Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns – It calls me on and on, across the universe.”

11) Proclaimers – I Would Walk 500 Miles Listen

“When I’m lonely yes I know I’m gonna be – I’m gonna be the man who’s lonely without you. When I’m dreaming yes I know I’m gonna dream – I gonna Dream about the time when I’m with you.”

Music Monday – Breakup Mix

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

It’s Monday. I’m not feeling it. I am dedicating a playlist to those of you who are going through a breakup. Music always helps me heal. I have been single for about 8 months, so I did not just go through a fresh break up. I am living the single life and am fairly content most of the time. I just felt like being an asshole and making a breakup playlist, also because I seem to be a pro at failed relationships. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I made this playlist prior to the consumption of caffeine, which is when my soul at it’s darkest. Had I made this list post caffeine, I would have made my mix about rainbows and shit.

1) Death Cab For Cutie: Your New Twin Sized Bed Listen

You look so defeated there lying in your new twin size bed. With a single pillow underneath your single head. I guess you decided that that old queen was more space than you would need. Now it’s in the alley behind your apartment with a sign that says it’s free.

2) Cold War Kids: First Listen

Cheated and lied, broken so bad. You made a vow, never get mad. You play the game, though it’s unfair They’re all the same, who can compare?

3) Tegan and Sara: Where Does The Good Go Listen

“Where do you go with your broken heart in tow? What do you do with the left over you? And how do you know, when to let go?”

4) Old 97s: Valentine Listen

Heartbreak, old friend, goodbye it’s me again – Of late, I’ve had some thought of movin’ in – Of all the many ways a man will lose his home – Well, there ain’t none better than the girl who’s movin’ on.

5) Elliott Smith: Somebody That I Used To Know Listen

I know you don’t think you did me wrong – And I can’t stay this mad for long – Keeping ahold of what you just let go – You’re just somebody that I used to know.

6) Trampled By Turtles: Drinkin’ In The Morning Listen

It’s comin’ home to you But still you’re gone – When I get home – You’re runnin’ down town again. And girl I’m lonesome – Like the whistle On a Sunday mornin’ train

7) The Clash: Train In Vain Listen

When we were close – I’ll remember these things the most – I see all my dreams come tumbling down – I won’t be happy without you around

8) Owen: The Ghost of What Should’ve Been Listen

What I wouldn’t do to be a ghost like you, to be somewhere new. To leave everything, The way you left everything that reminded you of me.

9) Morrissey: You Have Killed Me Listen

As I live and breath, You have killed me, You have Killed me. Yes I walk around somehow, But you have killed me. There is no point in saying this again, But I forgive you.

10) The Descendants: Pep Talk Listen

It’s not the end of the world Since your baby left you – It’s gonna be okay – You don’t need her anyway.

11) The Coral: Dreaming of You Listen

Up in my lonely room – When I’m dreaming of you – Oh, what can I do? I still need you, but I don’t want you now.

12) The Cure: Pictures of You Listen

If only I’dthought of the right words, I could have held on to your heart. If only I’d thought of the right words I wouldn’t be breaking apart all my pictures of you.

13) Sia: Elastic Heart Listen

And another one bites the dust. But why can I not conquer love? And I might’ve though that we were one. Why not fight this war without weapons? And I want it and I wanted it bad. But there were so many red flags. Now another one bites the dust – And let’s be clear, I trust no one

14) The Avett Brothers: Do You Love Him? Listen

I do love you, I do feel you, Each day and night – But I can’t tell right from wrong, or fear from insight. But you always knew everything and that is what is clear. Do you love him? Do you love him? Do you love him, my dear?

15) Greg Laswell: Comes and Goes (In Waves) Listen

This one’s for the lonely, the one’s that seek and find – Only to be let down time after time. This one’s for the torn down, the experts at the fall.!Come on friends, get up now, you’re not alone at all