December 11th 2009
Here I am sitting in my new apartment, looking out the 14 foot windows with the crystal clear morning light reflecting from the brick wall on the opposite side of the old parking lot building, and hearing only the sound of the holiday bell from the church two blocks away. Right now, contemplating and feeling completely satisfied. I am generous and good to myself which takes my life experiences to another level.
How nice if I could just keep sitting here and just enjoy this very precious time, and it would never stop ...
26th July, 2009
I was charged up with enthusiasm this Sunday morning at my gym, which had arranged a special stretching and dancing class with a modern dance company. Pilobolus, an unconventional company that evokes organic forms through improvisation and creative play, continues to grow, expanding and refining its unusual collaborative method to produce a body of ever-changing choreographic works.
It has been 7 or 8 years that I have been following the works of this company, so I feel extremely emotionally delighted ‘to dance,’ and to explore the body work this way with the professional dancers.
What strikes me the most is the free flowing jolly energy. The main dancer, who was teaching the class, explained that they’re paid ‘to play’ ... as professional dancers. She continued to remind us “Be smart and honest ... with the choices of movements”. I had so much fun with this new experience and happily lost almost three pounds after the class!!!
28th May, 2009
The following is an e-mail that I received from one of my best students who just graduated from Parsons a week ago. I am proud and happy with my own teaching efforts, so I attach her thoughtful words to share with my readers ...
Mr. Gien,
I hope you received my package today. I am on my way to the airport and I am very excited to explore London! I will contact Sally when I get over there, thank you for the contact information. I just wanted to wish you all the luck and success with your students for the next three weeks in South Africa. I feel very lucky to have had you as my teacher for the past year. I learned an incredible amount about myself and others. Your positive and nurturing nature created a safe learning environment that enabled me to confront my weaknesses and insecurities, which in turn, made me confident to explore my curiosities and aspirations. You have been more like a mentor to me and I am truly grateful for all your incite and knowledge that you have shared with me.
I cannot wait to hear about your trip and take plenty of photos!
Sincerely,
Samantha
Ps. Congratulations on the loft! It seems like time was on your side! You will be settled in, comfortably before the summer ends, just like you had foreseen for yourself!
May 27th, 2009
After running around in Manhattan for the past 3 months looking at 61 apartments, my first dream house came through last week in a beautiful loft – My new nest!
Thank you my god ... Universe!
May 18th, 2009
It has been some time of not writing ... so I am taking this relaxed moment to write a few simple sentences about how I’m feeling right now. I have had a full year of being a part-time professor at Parsons School Of Designs. I learned about my 17 young students; spent 100% of my energy crafting each of them. But I was rewarded with tremendous satisfaction and joy!
In just about 10 more days I will be flying to South Africa for another two and a half weeks of teaching at a fashion institution. I am exceedingly excited!