Inspiration in the City That Never Sleeps

I just got back from a birthday trip to New York City with Elisabeth. For a quiet, reclusive guy like me, it’s a world away from my normal pace. But sometimes you have to throw yourself into the chaos to really appreciate the peace in your own life. And in the middle of all that noise, there’s magic.

One of my favorite moments was seeing an older street vendor who made hand-cut pop-up cards. His work was intricate, delicate, and absolutely beautiful. Watching him work reminded me that no matter how old you get, and no matter how tired your hands may be, you can still create things that inspire.

Then there was lunch with Elisabeth, sitting where we could take in the patterns, textures, and curves of the city’s art deco buildings. Somewhere between the food and the skyline, we decided to collaborate on a leather art piece depicting the beach town of Walnut Beach in Milford. We were so inspired by what we saw that we started mapping out ideas right there. Now comes the fun part, trial, error, and discovery until we bring it to life.

The trip was more than just a creative spark. It was a reset. Lately, I’ve been helping friends through medical crises and supporting my kids through their own challenges. Getting away, even for just a day, gave me a chance to breathe, to enjoy some spectacular food, and to listen to the cast of Twin Peaks share their stories of working with David Lynch.

New York has this energy that works its way into you. It’s different than the quiet of my workbench, but it recharges something deep down. And when I got home, I found myself not just inspired to make, but also deeply grateful for the people in my life. I spent part of my birthday simply thanking friends and family for their kind words and well wishes.

Sometimes the best maker mindset comes not from pushing harder at the bench, but from stepping away, opening yourself to new sights and sounds, and letting the world refill your creative tank.