The City That Never Sleeps

This summer, my mama and I took a "mother/daughter" trip to New York City to spend some quality time together! The last time that I was in New York was in March of 2002, just months after the terrorist attacks. I have forgotten how much I love that spectacular city!

A walk to through Riverside Park sent chills through my body as I stood on the steps where Meg Ryan lived in "You've Got Mail."
What girl doesn't have that classic memorized beginning to end?

The boys record and watch every episode of The Cake Boss 

religiously, so it was then off to Hoboken we went on a mission to 

buy t-shirts for the kiddos.

Little did we know that the line to get into the shop for a cupcake 

wrapped around the block and was a 6 hour wait!

Luckily, I ran into Mary (I honestly had no idea who she was, but everyone was screaming her name). Mom snapped a picture (without looking through the view finder apparently), and leaned in to ask if we needed to wait in line just for merchandise. If you know my mom at all, she has no shame 

in asking anyone a question!

Next thing we knew, we were in Carlos' Bake Shop, 

with t-shirts for the boys!

A walk through Central Park is just what we needed to walk off all of the wonderful Chinese and Italian food that we ate all week long! As we took off on a stroll to locate The Boat House to rent a paddle boat, we realized that the only thing we forgot was to pack a picnic to enjoy on the 

Great Lawn.

We passed by many ponds, but no Boat House! 

We walked, and walked, and walked...

And walked...

We heard musicians...

And walked some more...

And rode the carrousel...

And walked, and walked, and walked...

About 5 miles later, we found the boat house!

Each night, we saw a Broadway show.

Memphis - a FABULOUS musical with dancing 

through the years of segregation

Rent - My favorite musical of ALL time, yet it was my 

first time to see the show! So worth it!

Hair - a story of Hippies...Congrats to Emily (Thompson) Afton 

on your Broadway Debut!

War Horse - There are no words to explain this story about 

a boy and his horse during war.

The Cast of Hair (Be In) - A charity show given by the 

cast of Hair, in which Emily performed.

All of the Salina girls together for Emily's Be In. 

I love reunions with old friends!

On the last day, we traveled to downtown Manhattan. Mom has always wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, so we did! I must say, 

it was SO fun!

A stop by Ground Zero was a must.

We said prayers for all of those who lost loved ones ten years ago.

We will never forget.

And finally, we had to make one last stop on our way out. 

There is nothing in the world like Chinese food from Chinatown in NYC! 

Delish!

Thank you for a wonderful weekend, Mama!

Can't wait until next time! 

Love you.

The Great White Way

Growing up, I was so blessed to be part of a community that is so full of talent! Dance, art, theatre, music...you name it, we had it. And with some of the best teachers in the Midwest, I was so lucky to be a part of Salina South's Fine Arts department in high school. To this day, I love dance, music, art, and any type of Broadway! I have the community of Salina to thank for that!

And it's because of this love for fine arts that a group of my friends from high school actually traveled to New York City this past summer to see one of our very own on the Great White Way!! Emily (Thompson) Afton performed on Broadway in the cast of Hair! What an unforgetable experience it was for us to sit there as the opening number of Aquarius began to play, and a dance party to Let the Sunshine In after curtain call! Goosebumps!

Look! I know her!

Although you are restricted from taking photos inside any theatre, 

Emily escorted us up onto stage after the show for a photo shoot. 

Salina Girls

On the following evening, the cast of Hair hosted a "Be-In" for the LGBT equality organization. Emily was so kind to invite us for the night. Of course we had no idea where it was or what to expect in the least. When we arrived at the hotel, the concierge showed us to the elevator and punched the top floor. Sure enough!

One of THE most unforgettable nights of THE most profound talent I have ever heard. There are no words to even explain the emotions in the room that night. I know how close a cast becomes during a show...you become a family. It was during this performance that we witnessed what a Summer of Love these amazing people have had, and how much they care for each other. Thank you, Emily, for a truly memorable weekend!

Genevieve

The stage for the evening. Notice that the glass doors open to a full walk-around deck, facing downtown Manhattan. (The building that you can see lit up is the new World Trade Center.)

Emily's rendition of Justin Bieber's "Baby"

The gorgeous Manhattan skyline.

A glass railing?? Are you kidding??

Take 1 

Four Girls and Wind

Take 2

Four Girls and Still Wind

Dear Emily,

Since the first time we saw you on stage at our very own SCT in Oliver, we knew you were a star!

You have worked so hard and deserve everything in the world! 

You were a dreamer, and are living proof that dreams do come true!

Congratulations! We Kansans are so proud of you!

Love, Your First Ever Stage Family