India revealed itself to me in snapshots. I think about it more in pictures frozen in time rather than as one continuous experience.
I arrived in Kerala, a state in the southwest region of India, at 3am to a massive thunder and lightning storm. My incredibly competent and kind driver, Jose, and guide, Rex, made their way to us (welcome garlands of gardenias intact!) and perfectly navigated the rain and windy roads that define this region. The storm was raging outside, lighting up the entire landscape down below.
“This is one wild storm,” I said sleepily.
“Look, Miss Rose, God is taking your picture,” said Jose.We all laughed.
(Everyone in India referred to me by my middle name as they often refer to one another that way by custom. Plus, my last name is a real bear!)
And that was my first insight into Jose and an indicator of all of the insights and perspectives that I would receive from him in the following days as we wound our way through Kerala. In India, no matter how grim the situation, there is always an upside.
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
8 thoughts on “Leap: God Took My Picture in India”
what a lovely thought. I love that he called you by your middle name, too. perfect.
what a lovely thought. I love that he called you by your middle name, too. perfect.
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I know. So sweet.
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I can feel the amazing beauty moments unfolding — thank you for taking us along on your journey.
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Thanks for taking the journey with me.
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Yaaayyyyy!!! Good for you!
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Thanks, Jackie! It was an amazing trip.
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So glad you had such an amazing time in India! I can’t wait to meet you in NYC!
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Thanks, Katherine. It was life-changing and life-affirming.
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