California Dreamin’

The rumors are true! The Rock&Roll gymnast is moving to the west coast! I’ve lived my entire life in the New York tri-state region, the daughter of a Wisconsin born patent lawyer and a West Virginia born registered nurse. I guess you could say I have always been a person who seeks adventure. Fifteen years ago I made, what I thought at the time, was a major life move from suburban Long Island to the upper east side of Manhattan. It was. And now the life journey continues!

That decision fifteen years ago to move to Manhattan was one of my best, as this is truly where my wings took flight. A determined and fiercely independent bundle of energy, I landed in this wonderful little pre-war coop and the stars aligned. I met Sharon Patrick, a brilliant and highly successful business woman and philanthropist, a powerful role model simply put, a dear friend. I don’t believe life is random. Sharon opened up my world and showed me what is possible with integrity, intellect, and courage. Courage doesn’t mean I am without fear. To the contrary, fear is always present, and sometimes it even reaches a level of terror. But the commitment and determination I have to achieve my dreams and goals is unstoppable. In this very creative phase of my life, I seek to build upon a veteran capital markets finance and technology background, to have music be center in my life, and to live nestled between the mountains and the ocean, where huge palm trees are abundant and the weather is sunny, warm, and dry!

Southern California has been a second home to me since the 1980’s. I know the lay of the land between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara like the back of my hand, and I simply love the climate and the landscape. I have many good friends here, and of course there is my dear Aunt Ursula, another tour de force in my life, who has lived an incredible life and has been a great supporter, friend, and wise counsel to this energetic Type A! I am thrilled to be able to see her more often! So, after months of considerable analysis and thought, I have decided to purchase a home in Hollywood Hills. It’s a region steeped in rich Rock&Roll history with a great vibe and energy! With a laptop and an internet connection, I can continue to service my clients and complete my online Masters Music Business coursework from virtually anywhere. Bob Hope Burbank airport is a fifteen minute drive and Jet Blue has daily direct flights to and from JFK. My amazing brother, who is fully supporting me in this decision, is in great hands living in Riverdale, supported by an incredible organization, Special Citizens Futures Unlimited. He will anchor the east coast while I anchor the west coast. Of course there will be weekend get togethers in New York every few months and my brother is very excited to visit at Christmas to see my new pad, and of course to visit Disneyland and Universal Studios. Did I mention my brother has a girlfriend now and he has also discovered songwriting? He wrote new lyrics to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” in tribute to his girlfriend Jasmine and his many hobbies, including his impressive knowledge of civil and military aviation. We are a family where music fills our soul !

And yes this phase of the life journey is bold and ambitious and doesn’t stop with Hollywood Hills. I love the Pacific Northwest and have set my sights on Portland, Oregon, a really smart and charming city. This “Silicon Forest” is experiencing strong real estate growth that can only continue, and is still within reach, from a cash real estate investment perspective, for a gal like me. Portland, which boasts zero sales tax, and has no other taxes offsetting that, has figured out the right mix of industry and government that supports the core American economic philosophy, that sustained growth comes from the middle class. The economy is comprised mainly of healthcare and science, software technology, athletic apparel, and associated advertising. There is also a fair amount of music business in this culturally rich region. Are you getting the picture? The rest is small business and is very entrepreneurial. Despite significant population growth from outside the region in recent years, traffic is still very manageable, and I can personally attest to the lovely communities in the Northwest and Pearl districts. You must check out the Jo Bar & Rotisserie at 701 NW 23^rd Street, at the heart of all the action. Perhaps you will be as lucky as I was, in winning a $40 dinner coupon, which I will use when I return for my next visit.

So how can I do all this? Two words. Timing. Location. Moving to Manhattan was the single best investment decision of my life to date! And now is the time to capitalize on that investment. Onward and upward!

Of course we have to talk about music. I could write an entire post on my life’s musical journey that began with piano lessons from my church’s organist, singing in youth choirs, and playing the clarinet in band. I will certainly never forget my very first Rock&Roll concert in junior high school at Madison Square Garden with my best friend, and our mothers as chaperones.  I am grateful for the opportunity to sing in adult choirs, and I can’t wait to start practicing piano  again on my new electronic keyboard.  And my devotion as an adoring Rock&Roll fan has graduated to the level where I now regularly purchase airline tickets to go see my favorite band multiple times in one year.  My love of music in harmony with my finance analytical brain has led me to the incredible Berklee College of Music, their Rethink Music Initiative and the decision to enroll in their Masters Certificate Program in Music Business. What an amazing journey!

Life is short and precious. Be open! Be purposeful! Be courageous! Find the light and give it all you have !

I leave you with this iconic and legendary musical performance from the 1960’s. I was very fortunate to see a live performance of this very work, with an older John and Michelle Phillips, and their daughter Mackenzie on the stage in October 1982 at my college roommate’s father’s bar “Ashleys”. We were seated at a table next to Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli. What a night! Yes music is center in my life! Enjoy!  California Dreamin’