Keeping my NYC dreams alive & well in Detroit through art!

Art has an extraordinary way of connecting us to our dreams, no matter where we are. Whether it’s a photograph, a painting, or a canvas filled with bold strokes of color, art serves as a tangible reminder of what we’ve accomplished or what we’re striving toward. I love waking up and seeing this every morning, reminding me of what I am capable of!

This framed print of Washington Street in DUMBO (NYC) perfectly captures that idea for me, turning a dream into a daily reminder. Whether it’s a photograph, a painting, or a canvas filled with bold strokes of color, art serves as a tangible reminder of what we’ve accomplished or what we’re striving toward. For me, that connection became deeply personal during my time living on Washington Street in DUMBO—a place I never imagined I’d get to call home. I genuinely still dream about it! Heck, this the view Barry had during his potty training puppy phase….what the hell, lucky boy!

Barry getting to experience the good life RENT free hahaha. Oh, to be a dog.

Moving to New York City had been my dream for as long as I could remember. Since I was 15 and saw Home Alone 2: Lost in NYC (if you have not yet seen this, please go WATCH right now!), I genuinely knew I’d live there one day. Over my 20s, I applied countless times. I once landed an interview at NBC in 30 Rock and got the call while I was delivering pizza in Michigan….I took the next Megabus out there (19 hours, do not recommend lol) and while I didn’t get it - it was a taste that it was totally possible.

My time finally came when I had somewhat let go of NYC and was happily living in Philly! Funny how that works. (I’ll make a separate blog post for how this all came to be!) When I finally arrived, landing on one of the most iconic streets in all of NYC, I felt like I was living inside a postcard. Washington Street, with its cobblestones and the breathtaking view of the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building (MY OFFICE, WHAT!) in the distance, was more magical than I could have ever imagined. It’s a view I’ll never forget, and one immortalized in this iconic print that now hangs in my Detroit bedroom!

I remember watching tourists flock to the street, saving up for years just to experience the moment I got to wake up to every day. It often brought tears to my eyes. Their joy reminded me of how lucky I was, not just to live in New York City, but to have reached a dream that once felt so out of reach. Living there wasn’t just about the views; it was about feeling like I was a part of something extraordinary, a place that had inspired countless people around the world.

Genuinely in awe of my view every single day of the two years it was mine. I was always playing tourist in NYC!

Every time I look at this print, I’m transported back to that magical time in my life. It’s a reminder that dreams can come true, and that persistence and patience can lead us to places we never thought possible. That print doesn’t just show me where I’ve been; it reminds me of where I can go. It truly reminds me to reflect daily and remember all the tiny baby steps I had laid over the course of my young adult life to get to that moment. It’s not easy, but dang it - now I knew it was possible! You jus thave to be willing to put in the steps day after day.

Art, in all its forms, has a way of grounding us while also lifting us up. Whether it’s a photo of a cherished memory, a painting that inspires hope, or a canvas that captures your aspirations, art is a powerful tool for reflection and motivation. It connects us to our accomplishments and keeps our dreams alive, no matter where life takes us.

Leaving New York City wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It wasn’t because I wanted to leave—I was at a moment in my life where I knew I needed to be closer to family for a time. Even though it was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made, my time in DUMBO remains one of the most cherished chapters of my life. I think having this print in my eyesight everyday keeps the dream alive that one day NYC will be back in my story! I am practicing being present in Michigan and embracing everything I am learning, while still keeping my dreams in my pocket and chipping away at them behind the scenes each and every day.

So, if you’re ever feeling stuck or disconnected from your aspirations, surround yourself with art that speaks to your heart. Let it remind you of where you’ve been, what you’ve accomplished, and what you still want to achieve. Your dreams—like a framed print on your wall—are always within reach. Keep going, and let those reminders of your journey inspire you every day. And I will leave you with me sitting on a bench underneath the Brooklyn Bridge one night waiting 3 hours for a proposal to happen. One of the best parts of NYC is you don’t need to do much to see a whole lot!! Until next time NYC xoxox