A Walk that is Worth it

Yesterday I had a short break between rehearsal and a voice lesson, so I grabbed a bite with Super Friend and Super Swing Morgan Karr! I've been busy with rehearsal and getting ready to leave, and Morgan's been busy with all kinds of Super Projects, so taking the time to meet up and reflect upon life and work was much needed!! 

We ate the usual "in rehearsal mode fare" of sushi and a desert of Red Mango and sat at some tables outside of New World Stages on 49th Street.  A lull in the conversation gave Super Swing Morgan a chance to suggest a Super Adventure.  

"Hey, have you ever been over to Riverside Park?"

"Uh...no I guess, I haven't.."

"Let's go over there now!"

"Well....isn't it far?...and I have to be back for my voice lesson....uh, I don't have much time--" 

"Oh, you'll get back in enough time!!  I can't believe you've never been over there!  Who cares if your late?  Come on let's go! Let's go!"  Morgan jumped up out of his chair and practically started skipping towards Tenth Ave., so I threw away what was left of my Red Mango frozen yogurt and hurried after.  

At first the walk towards the water was nice and the weather was beautiful, but my bag was heavy, I was tired from rehearsing all day, and once we had been walking for around fifteen minutes, I started to complain.  

"Morrrrrgaaannn....how far away is this park?!?....I'm tired....I have to be back for my voice lesson...."

"Oh, quit complaining!  It's not much further...just up the hill and under that bridge/overpass thing and then a little farther...and then we'll be there!"

"Under a bridge?!?  What?!? Where are we going?!?"

But Morgan wasn't listening to my complaining and when we passed some homeless dude under the bridge playing the star spangled banner on an accordion, Morgan just sang out "....And the rockets red GLARE!!!"  in true Super Swingin' style.  It made me laugh, and then I sang a bit too.  

Finally, after what seemed like the longest walk of my life,we came across some bike paths and docks, and trees and the water and a beautiful NYC skyline.  It was gorgeous and calming and definitely worth the walk.  

I had Morgan take a picture of me with his I-Phone and we walked along the water a bit.  For as much as I'm in Midtown, I couldn't believe I hadn't once ever taken the time to walk over to Riverside Park.  Sometimes you need a friend to give you a little push to venture outside your comfort zone.  

We didn't stay long.  After all, I had to get back to my voice lesson.  I was right on time, and the walk back seemed faster.  Isn't it funny how the walk to some place new always seems harder and longer than a route you are familiar with?

Morgan and I said goodbye and parted ways.  I promised to see him at my Goodbye NYC! party and to send him some music we had chatted about.  I think it might be the last time me and Super Swing Morgan go for a walk together just me and him for the next year or so...but who knows?  

I definitely learned a little something from Super Swing Morgan yesterday that I will take with me on tour. I can't believe I've lived In NYC for three years and had never walked to Riverside Park!!  I'm going to be in a lot of new cities over the next year...I won't have three years, and I want to see everything!  

Even if I think I don't have time, or I'm tired, or don't have a friend to push me to go out, I can't be afraid to venture off, and go for a little walk.  The walk always seems worth it once you reach that water!  

--  Emily Kinney

Comments

[Jean Kinney]

And I want to see a picture of you from every city! When your kid gets sick you wish you could be sick instead of them, but when your kid experiences joy, you just want to see their face. That's being a parent.--Love ya -- MOM

[Jean Kinney]

Who am I kidding?? I wish it was ME flying all over the country. ---MOM