Miss Gulley in Manhattan: From my heart to the heavens....

I have had a wonderful weekend. It started with my last day of work at Cranky's on Friday. I thought for sure I would be a basket case and cry and cry and cry all day but I really didn't. It was a very weird day at Cranky's though. The morning was so slow and people would trickle in one by one. It was so nice and peaceful. Lindsey came in early and told Emi, the barista, she could go home at 12:00PM. As soon as Emi was cut literally 50 people at one time came through the door and sat down for lunch! It was crazy. Lindsey told Emi she couldn't go and we were crazy busy until it was time for me to leave. Kevin came by to say by on Thursday and Friday. He has been so awesome and encouraging to me I love him to death. Ashley Mitchell came by to meet me because we were going to a show later so I started closing out my drawer and saying my goodbyes. That consisted of lots of pictures being taken and sadness but no tears. To me it felt like a brief parting because I'll be back next summer. So it wasn't "goodbye" it was "I'll see you later." When I left, Lindsey gave me a huge hug and said "I love you" and it was so sweet so I hugged her back and said "I love you too." Then I had written Kevin a little card and he gave me one of his CD's and then we said our goodbye. I cannot tell you how lucky I am. The job at Cranky's was totally a gift from God and I know it. I was blessed beyond measure by the people I met and that same job is already lined up for next summer.
I was really glad Ashley came to visit because I think it sort of softened the blow of leaving. I was sad, but like I said, it wasn't really a goodbye forever sort of thing. Ashley and I got on the train to Times Square and then bought student tickets for Masterclass with Tyne Daily. We met up with David and had a lovely dinner at Don Giovanni's and then headed to the show.
Masterclass was about Maria Callas' life as an opera singer and based off of her series of Masterclasses given at Juliard. It was a very interesting show and I enjoyed it. After the show was over we hung out at the stage door and got a picture with Tyne Daily. I love how some actors are gracious and will talk to everyone waiting. Then there are some who just think they are too good for their fans like Sierra Boggess. She walked out talked to four or five people on the other side of the stage door and left. She didn't even turn around to see the other side. People were calling her name and it didn't even phase her. She just left. That was annoying. So, David, Ashley and I had a few words to say about that. LOL. After that Ashley and I met up with Maxwell at the Disney store and hung out for a bit then I headed home.
Saturday, I woke up at noon and I cannot tell you how good that felt. That was the first time all summer I had been able to sleep that late. Aahh it was amazing. Then, I found a mouse in my trash can so I called home and vented for a bit. Then I headed to the Brooklyn Flea one more time to get some baby gifts for my pregnant friends. Basically I shopped all day and I loved it.
I really wanted to see Anything Goes and Saturday was really my last chance. I went to the TKTS booth and they were all sold out so I went to the box office and ended up getting a standing room only ticket for only $30.00. I watched the show with a giddly, schoolgirl smile on my face the entire time!!! I love musicals and I thought Sutton Foster was amazing. I loved watching the show because you could tell that every single person was having a total blast! I would describe Anything Goes as old school Broadway with huge chorus numbers, Cole Porter classics and tap dancing! I'm gonna say it again, I love musicals. They are like food for my soul!
Sunday I woke up and went to Trinity Grace for the last time this summer. I have really enjoyed that church and I'm so glad that's where I ended up going. After church Noel got a group of people together to go eat in my favorite place, Central Park. I wish that I had been going to lunch with these people all summer because I met so many new people. Too bad I'm leaving tomorrow. Anyway, hindsight is 20/20 right? Even so, I enjoyed it. Then, of course, I went shopping some more and ended up having a very interestesting converstation wtih a lady named Bonnie at Laila Rowe. There was a pair of shoes I wanted at the Laila Rowe on 72nd. They didn't have my size so they sent me to the one on 84th. Well, they were all out too but my conversation with Bonnie was orchestrated by God. Bonnie and I talked about the lost people in the City, we talked about our churches that we go to and she told me all about her goal of producing a show that follows praise bands throughout the country. It was a beatiful moment when we realized I was sent to that store for a purpose. Oh Jesus you're so good!
I had planned on going to Hillsong at 5:00 yesterday so I could go to the free Tango lesson in Union Square. Well, that didn't happen and I'm so glad because I love the 7:00PM service. Hillsong is a place like no other and I have never experienced another church like it. I feel like I talk about it all the time but it's really a special place and I feel like the Lord is going to use those people and that church in a mighty way here in NYC. We sang a song with these lyrics and this is my prayer "From my heart to the heavens, Jesus be the center. It's all about you." The music was over and people kept singing and singing for at least 20 more minutes. They were praying and praising the Lord with such devotion and freedom. That's why I say Hillsong is a glimpse of heaven. I did end up going to the Tango lesson afterward and my private teacher Bill came to say hi from last week. He showed me a few more things and then we grabbed a drink at a japanese restaraunt. I'm crazy for hanging out with strangers but hey, I wouldn't have had the experiences I've had if i didn't. Bill was very nice and told me all about the education system here in NYC and I need to do some research because I have thought about teaching here maybe next year. But who knows. After our drink he drove me home and then I got some beauty rest.
Today is my last full day in the city and I can't believe it's over. My summer went by way too fast. I have lots to do today so I'm gonna live it up in the city one last time.