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One of the primary things I love about New York is what many others find daunting.

And that is the volume of people who encompass the city; including native New Yorkers, transplants, and travelers.

New York is all about submerging yourself within the mass of diverse humanity.

Now, can it become overwhelming at times? Yes, of course it can. I adore city life, but I sometimes need to take a break.

What I find hysterical though is that I am a series of contradictions. I'm a card-carrying introvert who cherishes my time alone, but who also craves being around people. I hate crowded places like bars, restaurants, and theme parks because I feel claustrophobic. Yet, a crowded city like New York not only doesn't bother me, I find it exhilarating and calming at the same time. And I don't necessarily have to talk to people to enjoy them, I can just sit in a park and simply observe them and find enjoyment. One other contradiction of mine is that I find people fascinating and a fun to be around, yet people can get on my last nerve and irritate the crap out of me to the point where I just want to go back to being an introvert again. LOL!

But still, even though people can sometimes get on my nerves, I openly choose to be surrounded by them. Which is why I enjoy city life, and careers that involve interacting with lots of people.

I need human contact because it gives me fuel.

And that is why I've always been drawn to New York.

It's all that "people-energy" which inspires and ignites me.

You see, although New York is architecturally an amazing-looking city, it's really the people who make New York what New York is.

A vortex of life-giving energy that is shared between all its people.

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I haven't made a video in years. However, lately I've been feeling more creative and inspired to do so.

Several days ago I was listening to the song, "New World Coming" by Cass Elliot of "The Mamas and the Papas", and suddenly realized how perfect it would be for putting together a music video interjected with photographs I've taken of New York over the years. When I heard this song, not only did I feel they were the ideal words for giving New York City a sense of hope and recovery, but I have forever admired the vocal talent of Cass Elliot. She had such a crystal clear voice that exuded so much heart. And that's exactly what you experience when you hear this song.

Over the years, I've seen New York recover from so many challenges. Whether it was 9/11 or Hurricane Sandy, New York epitomizes the Phoenix, which is the ultimate symbol of strength and renewal. Whatever catastrophes fall upon New York, it never remains down. It goes from ashes, to rebirth, and then rises again.

So remember New York, there's a new world coming!

This is for you, with love...


Have a spectacular weekend, everyone!
And be well...💗


*Those who read my blog via email, here is the link to the video.


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Interesting sidenote:

When putting this video together, I quickly went through my photographs and just randomly selected them. Then, when it came time to place them into the soundtrack, I also quickly selected the photos without even thinking about which ones would go where in the track. And when I hit the play button to see what I would need to do to make changes, I didn't have to make a single change because each photo was exactly where it needed to be to coincide with the words, the melody, and the emotion of the song.

In all the years I've made videos, that has never happened.


31 comments:

  1. Ron, do you know that I still have two albums (LP's) by The Mamas and the Papas that I hang on to? I bought them way back in the 60s. Loved them! And you're right about Mama Cass Elliot, she had such a strong and clear voice. I was heartbroken when she passed away at such an early age.

    Wonderful post! You write about NY the way I feel about it too. It's all about the people that makes that city what it is.

    Your video was so beautiful. You picked the perfect M's & P's song. I got all emotional. And I loved that final picture of you and the young lady smiling. I'm going to play my two albums this week because you got me the mood to listen to them.

    Thank you for creating this video, Ron. My husband and I both enjoyed it. xo

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  2. Ron, do you know that I still have two albums (LP's) by The Mamas and the Papas that I hang on to? I bought them way back in the 60s. Loved them! And you're right about Mama Cass Elliot, she had such a strong and clear voice. I was heartbroken when she passed away at such an early age.

    Wonderful post! You write about NY the way I feel about it too. It's all about the people that makes that city what it is.

    Your video was so beautiful. You picked the perfect M's & P's song. I got all verklempt. LOL! And I loved that final picture of you and the young lady smiling. I'm going to play my two albums this week because you got me the mood to listen to them.

    Thank you for sharing this video, Ron. My husband and I both enjoyed it. xo

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  3. Yes, Ron, I noticed that you haven't made a video in a very long time. I really enjoyed the ones you posted in past years. Hope you post more.

    This was such an awesome video! I enjoyed reading about how you didn't need to change anything while you were creating it. Being someone who is creative, I love when that happens. It's almost like the creative energy takes over and creates without you doing anything except following your intuition. Intuition moves fast, so you have to go with it whenever it hits you.

    I would love New York, I know I would. So would my girlfriend. I don't think the volume of people would bother us, we would find it energizing as well. The two of us are a lot like you, we really enjoy our alone time, but we also have the need to socialize with other humans.

    Thanks for the inspiration, dude!

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  4. Whaaaatttt??? You just randomly put those pictures in? Omg, they totally went with the words such as 'rise' and 'peace.' That's amazing! I've never heard that song, but I sure enjoyed it along with your photos. And so fun to see your handsome face pop in at the end with your friend. I remember that trip you did.

    And I understand about feeling like a contradiction. I consider myself an extrovert because I love parties and any social gathering and I'm happy talking to anyone. But there are times when it's too much chatter and noise and I like to retreat to a quiet place.

    I hope you have a beautiful weekend, my friend. XO

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  5. What a delightful gift you've given us today, Ron -- thank you! I love seeing your photos of New York, and how cool is it that your first try at this video was a smashing success?!


    I, too, am basically an introvert (probably why "sheltering at home" isn't a great sacrifice for me!). Every so often, I feel the need to be around people, as you say, to watch them and feed off their energy. But I've got to tell you, if I had to be in NYC around those crowds, I'd go nuts. Just thinking about it makes my skin itch!!


    Enjoy your weekend! xo

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  6. Hey there, Elaine!

    OMG, I cannot believe you still have LP's by The Mamas and the Papas. That's AMAZING! You know, when I moved from Florida back to the northeast, I got rid of all my LP's. I literally just threw them into a dumpster and drove away. I did it because of space, but I should have kept at least some of them because record players and LP's are now back in style!

    Yes, she died way too young. And I remember hearing about it on the news when I was really young. I think she was only 32 when she passed away. Many years ago, I saw her last interview on The Tonight Show.

    Glad you enjoyed the video. I was very inspired to make it, and was surprised how quickly it came together.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a GLORIOUS weekend listening to your LP's. I am so jealous!

    X

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  7. Hey there Matt!

    I know, it's been AGES since I felt inspired to make a video. But the other day I suddenly decided to put one together and it happened rather quickly. Normally it takes me at least 4-5 days to make a video. This one I did in one night.

    I LOVE how you said this...

    "It's almost like the creative energy takes over and creates without you doing anything except following your intuition. Intuition moves fast, so you have to go with it whenever it hits you."

    ...because it's absolutely spot on! You're so right, when creative intuition strikes, you have to grab it.

    Yes, I have a feeling you and you GF would feel very much in tuned with New York City because you're both creative. And what's really great about NY is that you can be surrounded by people all day, but still have a sense of being private and alone because people mind their own business and allow you to just be.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you a most excellent weekend!
    X

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  8. Yup, can you freaking believe that? In all the years I've made videos, that has never happened. Normally it takes me about 4-5 days to make a video because I have to tweek it here and there. But this one happened very fast. I think I learned something by that. I learned, don't think about it too much and just go with your instinct.

    The Mamas and the Papas were very popular during the mid to late 60's. They were labeled "folk" music. Cass Elliot was the lead singer. And Michelle Phillips was the other female singer. They both had great voices, but Cass Elliot was very special. In fact, she was the one who went on and became a single singer. However she passed away at only 32 years old.

    Yes, do you remember that trip? That was about 2 1/2 years ago. I used to work with those fabulous ladies. The blonde in the last photo with me is still a close friend who I see quite often.

    "I consider myself an extrovert because I love parties and any social gathering and I'm happy talking to anyone. But there are times when it's too much chatter and noise and I like to retreat to a quiet place."

    I think a lot of people are like that. I think we're all little bit of both, even though we may dominate one or the other. Most people think I'm an extrovert and are surprised when I tell them I'm not. I'm an INFP in the Myers-Briggs test .

    Hope you have a beautiful weekend too, my friend. It's going to be your kind of weather this weekend. Nice and warm!

    X

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  9. Helloooooooo there Debbie!

    Aw...you are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed. I was very inspired to make this video, which happened very fast. I did it in one evening. Normally it takes me anywhere from 4-5 days to make a vid because I have to tweek it here and there. However, this one came together like magic.

    (probably why "sheltering at home" isn't a great sacrifice for me!).

    HA! Me neither!! This lockdown has not bothered me in the least. The only I thing I miss is being able to hug someone or be hugged by them because I love that kind of physical affection between friends.

    "But I've got to tell you, if I had to be in NYC around those crowds, I'd go nuts. Just thinking about it makes my skin itch!!"

    OMG..that made me laugh out loud because in as much as I love NYC, I totally understand it not being something that some people would go nuts about. To be honest, I'm surprise it doesn't bother me too because like I said, I get very claustrophobic in crowds. I can't stand even flying on a plane because it's too tight and too small.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  10. Oh, my God, Ron, this video is so beautiful! And it's exactly what New York--and the rest of the world--needs right this very minute.

    I remember when that Cass Elliot song came out; she sang it on the Mike Douglas show! And even though the song is decades old, its message of hope resonates now more than ever.

    Thank you so much for putting this together!

    By the way, I share your crazy contradictions. I'm an introvert, but there are times I really need to be around people. Until they piss me off, of course, then they can all go straight to hell, while I'll straight home for Netflix and Chinese take out! The city offers you all the possibilities!

    New York does indeed epitomize the Phoenix and a large part of that spirit can be traced back to people like you who believe that good times will return!

    Take care of yourself, buddy!

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  11. Hey there Rob!

    I was so thinking of you and another friend of mine who lives in Brooklyn when I created this video. I've been following the news everyday about what's going on in New York as if it were the city that I lived. I'm more interested and concerned about NY than I am with Philly. It's been a mess here too, however, our governor is nothing like yours. He's like our mayor, a moron. HA!

    Anyway, glad you enjoyed the video. Yes....I too remember seeing Cass Elliot on Mike Douglas as well. I also remember seeing her last interview on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson right before she passed away.

    "And even though the song is decades old, its message of hope resonates now more than ever."

    You said it! And I think that's why it resonated with me when I heard it.

    "I'm an introvert, but there are times I really need to be around people. Until they piss me off, of course, then they can all go straight to hell, while I'll straight home for Netflix and Chinese take out! The city offers you all the possibilities!"

    OMG....I laughed my ass off at that! Too funny!!!

    I've always thought of NY as the phoenix because of the way that city rises from the ashes not matter what falls upon it. There is no place on this planet with the spirit that New York has.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. You and NY are always in my thoughts and prayers, sending you LOTS of positive energy!

    Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend, the weather is going to be gorgeous!

    X

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  12. Ron, I have to admit that I got a bit emotional watching this video because your photographs in conjunction with the music were so beautiful! LOVE that photo of you and your friend. I don't think I've ever met someone who has been able to so accurately describe New York the way you do. I'm a native and I couldn't put in to words what that city is all about as well as you. I think you're a born again New Yorker. LOL!

    You know, I had either heard or read somewhere about The Mamas and the Papas eons ago, but have never listen to their music. Cass Elliot has got such a beautiful voice. Later this weekend, I'm going to check out more of their songs.

    Wonderful post, Ron! And I love that first photo of Grand Central. It's incredible! xo

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  13. Ron, since I only found your blog recently, I didn't know you ever did videos. This was wonderful! How did you make them? Do you have own a special video software?

    I know of Cass Elliot (Mama Cass) because my mother and father had their music playing in our house when I was a kid. What a talent she was. Michelle Phillips is still alive and looking beautiful. She went from music into acting, after the band broke up. I've seen her in movies and older TV shows and thought she was great. I loved her as the conniving character, Anne Matheson Sumner, in Knots Landing. Oh, she was so nasty.

    Enjoyed this, Ron. Thanks you!

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  14. Hey there Candice!

    Thanks! No, I have a special software, I use Windows Movie Maker that came with my computer. It's a built-in app that comes with most PC's. I have a HP desktop computer. Once the video is made, then I upload it to my YouTube account, which is where its stored for public viewing.

    OMG....I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the TV show Knots Landing!!! I was literally addicted to that show for the whole 14 years it was on. I went into mourning when it went off the air. Back in the 80's, I used to have Knots Landing get-together's with my friends on Thursday nights. Michelle Phillips was sooooooooooo good on that show. You're right, she was so evil, but so good at it. I loved the whole Karen, Mack, and Anne conflict.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fantastic weekend!
    X

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  15. Hola Denise!

    Thank you :) The minute I heard that song, I instantly knew it would be perfect for a video that I was thinking about doing about New York. It worked out perfectly.

    I love that photo too. I texted that friend last night and sent her the link to this post so that she could see it. And she really loved the video.

    "I think you're a born again New Yorker. LOL!"

    HA! Yes...most definitely! Loved that!

    The Mamas and the Papas were popular back in the late 60's, so you're probably too young to have know about them. Its was during the hippie generation. It was a folk group that consisted of two gals and two guys. I loved their music. Still do.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're enjoying a faaaaaaantastic weekend!

    X

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  16. Nice song! I'm not familiar with it; I pretty much only know "California Dreaming" and "Monday, Monday" by the Mamas and the Papas. I like it. And great job with the video! Everything really does flow together nicely. I guess we can chalk that up to serendipity.

    I'm somebody who finds that sheer mass of humanity completely intimidating. Funny how, over the years, I've moved to places with fewer and fewer people every time. Just today, Tara was talking about how we have too many people around us and she'd like to buy some land where the nearest neighbor is a mile away. Maybe someday!

    Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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  17. Thanks, Mark! And you're right, that was definitely serendipity!

    LOVE the two songs you mentioned by the Mama's and the Papas! Another one of my favorites is "Make Your Own Kind of Music." It was actually used as the soundtrack to a movie I had seen years ago. Again, the melody and the words were perfect for the movie topic!

    Yes, I can totally understand your feeling about the mass of humanity in a city like NY. It is not for everyone. Even my brother said that he enjoyed visiting, but he could never live with all those people around him.

    "Just today, Tara was talking about how we have too many people around us and she'd like to buy some land where the nearest neighbor is a mile away. Maybe someday!"

    And I bet someday you do buy some land where the nearest neighbor is a mile away.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your weekend as well!

    It's been gorgeous here the past couple of days, so I've been outside enjoying the sunshine and perfect-temperature weather!

    X to you and Tara!

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  18. Great choice of vocalist, Ron and, you are so right in saying that Cass Elliot left us way too soon. I have a couple of Mamas & Papas CDs and still enjoy listening to them. The songs that remind me of my younger days, and sometimes better days, never leave.

    Yes, I also enjoy city life and remember riding the bus from NJ to NYC to see Broadway shows (TKTS line). My trips were always solo and I never had the need to talk to anyone, but just watching them was so fascinating (still is but on a smaller scale). Even now, people watching is quite entertaining even though it can be annoying at times especially when some are doing foolish things.

    Hopefully, you will be able to do a return visit to NYC in the near future. As you know, I also spent time in Philadelphia and now that we live in New England have spent short times in Boston. They are big cities, but neither have the same vibe of NYC.

    Hope you too are having a good weekend, my friend, We finally have some warmer temps so it's outside for me to read (and people watch). It's free entertainment!

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  19. Helloooooooo there DA!

    Didn't Cass Elliot have such a beautiful voice. Yes, she left us way too soon.

    "The songs that remind me of my younger days, and sometimes better days, never leave."

    I agree! As soon as I hear any of their songs, I am immediately transported to a different time. Funny though, I appreciate them more now than I did then.

    OMG....yes!!!!! I so remember TKTS in Times Square! I miss seeing that. I got so many great discounted tickets at that place when I lived in NYC. I got amazingly inexpensive tickets to A Chorus Line when it opened.

    I love to people watch. And that's the cool thing about city life (especially in NY). I love grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting down in front of the The Plaza and just watch people walking by. Its fun and it FREE!

    I can't wait until I get back to NYC. It probably won't be until either the end of the summer or fall.

    Never been to Boston, but I hear really good things about it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Yup...warmer temps here as well. I spent yesterday and today sitting in the park and enjoying the sunshine. Hope your Sunday was faaaaaaaabulous!

    X

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  20. Aw, I love that! And I love that it just fell into place almost without effort. A meant-to-be thing.

    I have always liked that song and it fits so well for this time. It's hard to imagine what's ahead for us all, but I have hope. (ALso, love the shot of you and your friend at the end!)

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  21. Thank you :) Me too, I was literally blown away when I looked at the video and realized for the first time ever, that I didn't have to change anything. Even the way the photos moved in and out and side to side was in harmony.

    I know, it is hard to imagine what's ahead for us all and how different life will be; especially in the next several months. But like you, I have tremendous hope. And to be honest, I don't feel afraid.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend! Have an AWESOME week!

    X

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  22. Great video, Ron! And the song goes perfect with the times. Where did you take the cityscape shots? They're amazing! As you know, I share your love of New York. It's one of those places that either connects with your soul or it doesn't. I know several people who like to visit, but could never spend all their time there. Some people find it just too much. Not me. I love it.

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  23. Hey there Daniel!

    As I was reading your comment, I kept thinking, "Yes!...Yes!...Yes!" agreeing with everything you shared. You feel like to do, and others who feel drawn to that city. Like you said, it's a city that you feel a deep connection to or you don't. It's not for everyone, and I understand why. There's a lot going on there so it can be overwhelming.

    Thanks! I took all those cityscapes shots on the same day several years ago. I was at Top of the Rock. It is truly the BEST view of Manhattan because you can see downtown, uptown, and the Eastside River and the Hudson River. AND, you also get the perfect view of all the NYC landmark buildings.

    Thanks much for stopping by, my friend. Always great seeing your comments. Hope all is well and have a great week!

    X

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  24. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comWednesday, May 20, 2020

    Love the message of hope in your video!

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  25. Thank you, Fiona!

    Sending you and your loved ones lots of positivity, hope and love!

    Have a a great rest of your week, my friend. And thank you for stopping by!
    X

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  26. What a heart-felt post! I can certainly appreciate your feelings about NYC, I know how you've always loved it there. Your need for human contact and people-energy is relatable, or rather I remember being that way too, just not so much now. I really was a total extrovert ... sat in bookstores for hours chatting to everyone... workers, friends, strangers. Talked on the phone for hours (I still do spend a good bit of time on with my daughter) with family, friends, hung out with neighbors, had people over for lunch, belonged to a group that met for monthly lectures, etc. Now, I just want to be home and wander out occasionally for necessary purchases. It's not even so much just since Covid-19 and the restrictions, I've been pulling back for a while. That's ok though, not minding the change.
    You're very in tune to things, not surprised the video worked out like it did. Great photos!!!

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  27. Mary, isn't it something how things (we) change throughout our lives? And that's a positive thing because we're meant to change. And that's one of things that I think Covid-19 is teaching me. Nothing remains the same.

    And it's not that I'm becoming more an extrovert because of this virus, but rather this virus is showing me how important "human contact" is. And not only for me, but for others as well, because I can feel (sense) that coming from other people who I see on the streets. People are craving human contact again.

    This virus has been devastating in many ways, but it's also been a great teacher.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Always so great to read your comments!

    X

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  28. This. Is. So. Awesome! And don't think for one second the music and photos paired perfectly by coincidence. New York has had its fair share of Phoenix Moments. I'm sure it will recover from this one as well. And, you're so right about Cass Elliot having such a strong, clear voice. Truly a special talent taken from us too soon. Thank you for sharing your creative side today. X

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  29. Aw....thank you for your sweet and kind words, Lisa! I felt almost Divinely guided to created this video, which is why I think it all came together so quickly and easily.

    Didn't Cass Elliot have such a beautiful voice? She was only 32 when she left this world.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my posts, my friend. Appreciate that! Hope you're having a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  30. I agree, the top of Rockefeller Center is the best view of Manhattan! Seeing your photos makes we want to go back up there and bring a camera. The first time I visited the Top of the Rock, I went without a camera. Can you believe that?

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  31. OMG, yes, the next time you go back to visit you have got to take your camera. I went up there and spent an hour taking photographs. It was a very cold, but sunny and clear day, so it was perfect for taking pictures.

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