and for the first time i was sad to leave ...

in the rush and commotion of working and family weddings, leaving the city loomed over some future date, some distant back burner in the corner of a forgotten kitchen. i didn't need to worry about it.

tonight we celebrated the crismon and lybbert departure from the big apple with wonderful friends and a true harlem tribute:
fried chicken
macaroni and cheese
and red velvet cupcakes

amongst chatting and mingling i caught up on job searches, baby births, future plans - it was lovely visiting with our friends but i wasn't sad to leave.

i read heart-warming notes scribbled on vintage postcards, one in particular that struck a chord: "unfailingly cheerful and positive in the most real and genuine way .... " and though it touched our hearts - still i wasn't sad.

as the final guest milled out the door around 11pm, the sisters nicolai and respective husbands collapsed on the couches. after a few minutes of chatter, the respective husbands began eagerly searching youtube for sports clips- and laughing at the nearly impossible feats of athleticism. (and nearly cried when they realized it was impossible and editing software had a hand)

the teacher returned to the task required of her, while the editor assisted - and i sat observing, feeling content with the five of us happily packed into a couple hundred square feet, picking at leftovers and making humorous and inappropriate comments. i sat from the corner of my couch, took a few deep breaths and tried to absorb it all ...

and for the first time, i was sad to leave new york. not knowing when we'll have this time together again - laughing and editing, eating and snarking.