"TFF"... a dream come true.

     Can I just start by saying "how great is our God?!"  I give Him all the praise and the glory, for it is because of Him that this post can be written....
     A lot has happened since I wrote last... including me coming "home", catching up on my zzz's, reading three different books all at once, and spending some quality time with my family and closest friends before beginning my next adventure!  But before any of this, let me go back and share about my latest "dream come true."

     The Tribeca Film Festival was by far one of the most fascinating jobs I've had the opportunity to be part of since beginning my freelancing production career.  I not only met one of the most beautiful and loving friends I've ever known (Carrie V... you have a heart of gold and a personality that shines just as bright!...), I also learned invaluable knowledge that I know will better me in any upcoming jobs I may have in the future!  And to top it all off, I learned more about film (and the "Future of") which, of course, was right up my alley!
      My position as "travel coordinator" was such a fun one! The weeks prior to the festival, which turned out to be just as wonderful as the festival itself, called for long hours in the adorable Tribeca office (complete with a really awesome coffee machine and a "jackpot" coffee selection!), a lot of research, and many a' back-and-forth emails... with the occasional (and very hysterical) Carrie V. joke on the side! :)  I awoke each morning, to the NYC sunrise, and couldn't wait to head in and begin another day.  All my co-workers were incredibly welcoming, making me feel right at home from the moment I stepped into the office.  As the days quickly flew by, one by one, my anticipation for "Day 1" of TFF became almost uncontainable!  A few days before opening day, I found myself arriving to the all-staff meeting extra early, partly due to the fact that I had forms to hand out, but mostly because I was so excited.  As I stood there in the Tribeca loft, staring at the sea of chairs that would soon be filled with the many TFF staff, I literally found myself brushing away the tears that streamed down my cheeks.  It was at that moment, that I realized that I was actually there, living out one of the deepest dreams of my heart.

      Not only was opening day a success (and a day that I'll remember FOREVER), the entire two weeks of the festival turned out to be quite extraordinary! 

     To scratch the surface... I had the chance to meet many wonderful filmmakers, actors and actresses, see a most memorable film, and even assist in co-producing the fascinating TFF "Future of Film" lunch series (which turned out to be one of my most favorite things of the festival, by the way)!

     As it would take a book (or roll of film in this case) to even begin to share the many wonderful stories of my experiences at TFF, I will stop at the "preface", keeping it 'short' and sweet... a "short" as those in the film world like to call it! :)
     All I can say is, it was a dream come true... an absolute dream.  And now that I'm home enjoying my time off and preparing for my next gig (with my adorable brothers and "see-sters";), I still find myself thinking back to those short weeks ago, when I was "there", walking the streets of that Concrete Jungle, learning and laughing and living some of the very best days of my life.  

                 ~on my way to the TFF office for my final day of work~

"before I settle down, I want to..."

     Over the weekend, in between working the closing of the film festival and grabbing a bite to eat, I came across this billboard (what-ah-shock-gasp, a billboard in NYC?!) while strolling about the streets.  I admit that I caused a bit of a traffic-jam as I stopped to take pictures of the thing, but how could I not?!  I think Honda (which by the way, is what I drive) made this ad campaign just for me!  It's advertising their new CR-V (although I drive a Civic), and the commercial that goes along with the ad campaign is a favorite of mine as well.  I'm sure you've seen it:  the girl travels to all 50 states in her Honda CR-V... ring a bell?

     So anyways, the billboard reads, "Before I settle down, I want to ______," then features a smorgasbord of fun to-do's such as "experiencing zero gravity" (ha!) and "going skydiving".  

     Although those two things aren't on my "before I settle down" list, there were some things that are, such as "visiting all 50 states"!  

     Anyways,  I loved this billboard so much that I had to share it with you all!  And I even found the super-cute commercial that goes along with it!  Watch it here!