celebrate – Christa Avampato

A month ago today I packed my rental car and moved back to New York City. Yesterday while I walked Phin in Central Park, a man I didn’t know stopped me and said, “You’re the happiest person I’ve ever seen in New York.” I think he’s right; I was smiling wide for no reason at all.

Being away from New York for almost three years made me even more grateful for what this city has to offer. Every day I wake up and think anything can happen. Possibility is everywhere. Part of making things happen has to do with my energy and efforts and part of it has to do with the energy of this city. Put them together and something is bound to happen. It always does.

creativity

In the pause: Today is a special occasion

March 28, 2017March 26, 2017 Christa Avampato

“Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.” ~Mary Engelbreit

We often think that to do something, we have to wait for the right time. I sometimes catch myself saying things like “when I get a few hours of uninterrupted time, then I’ll write that piece I’ve been thinking about.” The truth is that we have to take every moment we can get to do what we love. Sometimes that means just a small snippet of time, and sometimes it means we get an entire afternoon or day or week. We can’t wait for an ideal time for anything. We have now, and now is enough.

creativity

Wonder: Josh Ritter and Elephant Revival make me happy

February 24, 2016February 24, 2016 Christa Avampato

My favorite shot of Josh Ritter at the 9:30 Club. A musical watercolor.

Last night I had the supreme pleasure of seeing and hearing Josh Ritter and Elephant Revival live at the 9:30 Club. I danced until my feet hurt and smiled until my cheeks ached. It was a fantastic display of the power of music to make us whole and connect us to others. Music makes the good times better and the tough times manageable. It helps us celebrate and it helps us grieve. It’s a constant companion, and for that I’m very grateful.