Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

"And now I know, Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say. I thought I knew, but now I know 

that rose trees never grow in New York City

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true, You stand at the edge while people run you through

And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you, I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers, turn around and say good morning to the night, 

For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why, they know not if it's dark outside or light

This Broadway's got, It's got a lot of songs to sing, if I knew the tunes I might join in, I'll go my way alone, grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown in New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down, Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown

I thank the Lord for the people I have found, I thank the Lord for the people I have found"

This really is the city that never sleeps! One half of Manhattan is up at 5am with their tall skim double shot capps, making deals, buying, selling, trading and tricking. The other half ends some restaurant industry shift around 4am, then heads home to get a good 'nights' rest. So there on the subway sits a Wall Street guru leaving his luxury high rise, to his left is a bartender en route to his five floor walk up shoe box, and across from them is a homeless man just trying to stay warm. Being here has forced me to really think about my life, life in general, and the possibilities that this city holds today, and has represented for over one hundred years.  People came from everywhere, suffering through illness, poverty, and loss, for the chance to live a life of freedom and opportunity. There is no telling where you may end up, how you get there, or who will be there at the end. What really matters is today, where your are, what you are doing now, and who is by your side or in your heart...

Facebook messages that I never want to forget:

Cass Nash:

Hi Jamie!! It was so fun hanging out with you guys yesterday! You are so awesome! I still can't believe you are actually moving to NEW YORK! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to come visit!! Good luck girl!! Remember...ANYTHING can happen. :) Love you lots...

Danielle Morris:

Okay James, I guess this is my "goodbye" I love you VERY MUCH and wish you luck. I know you don't need it, though......You are an AMAZINGLY AWESOME woman and you will LOVE it out there, when the snow is gone! New York is the PERFECT place for you. Good Luck in school. You will do AWESOME! We will all plan a trip out when it gets a little more warm! HAHA! LOVE YOU! ♥ ♥ ♥

Michelle Morris:

Hi Cousin, I am so going to miss you!! We will plan a trip out there soon, hopefully we all can come at the same time... a cousin thing. THAT would be awesome. I love you and have a safe trip and good luck in nursing school, your going to be great!! ♥♥♥

Carrie Neiman:

Hello my favorite gypsy! Me and my six bags will be seeing you tomorrow evening! LOL I am so excited for our adventure! I don't think I could've chosen a better partner in crime ;) I'm so thankful we are in it together and I just cannot wait to get there! Love you to pieces :)
♥, your nomad

Jessie Martin:

I will be missing that smiley face of yours ♥ :) Have a great time! Post post post. Xoxo

Stefanie Haggerton:

Just read your first blog to Amanda and Sara and when I finished Sara got teary eyed like she missed you and I looked at Amanda and told her this was the way we would be able to hear about all aunties adventures. Amanda was just looking at me and I couldn't read her face, so I finally said, "What's wrong, you miss Auntie?", and she said, "I'm just happy she followed her dream." Ahhhh!! After a few minutes, Sara sat on my lap and said, I'm glad Aunties following her dream too!

Janna Denhart: 

I was just thinking about those precious little ones missing their auntie. She is the best aunt ever and so loves her nieces and nephews.

Sara Sullivan via Stefanie Haggerton:

Sara: "When is auntie gonna come back Mommy?" Me (Thinking...is this just Day 4 w/o her?) say...."I miss her too, baby, we'll see her soon." We miss and love you Auntie Jamie!!!

Kristie Kretchman Linhares:

Love you Jamie!!! It was so nice to hear your voice! So glad your living your dream. Miss you like crazy, enjoy every step of your adventure!! Xoxo

Gina Meyers:

Nurse Auntie Help, Marina had a very loose tooth, told her to pull it before she fell asleep, its morning and the tooth is gone, cant find it! I think she swallowed it!

Susie Lopez Walsh:

Enjoy your last week of your 20's. It only gets better in your 30's : )