Namaste New York

For anyone who knows me, getting up at 7:00 am on a Saturday is NOT my idea of a good time. But on June 21st I participated in the Mind Over Madness Yoga Summer Solstice in Times Square.  As far as amazing New York experiences go, this one is at the top of the list. Several yoga classes were held from 8am to Sunset at the cross section of 7th Ave and Broadway at 43rd Street.  Many people know that Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, but it is not typically celebrated in Western society. Some believe that on this day when the sun is at its full force of energy we are at the height of our creative powers, femininity and fertility. This of course was not my first thought about that day...I was more worried about the cab driver popping the curb and busting in on my sun salutations!

When we got there the line was long and I was positive there was no way we were all fitting in that tiny triangle separating 7th from Broadway!  Thankfully we made it in, got our goodie bag (including a mat, t-shirt, food/drinks, etc), found our spot and began our practice.  I don't know about the other 100 or so people there, but I was completely unaware of the taxis flying by.  It was a nice practice; a good pace and energizing start in the morning of the longest day of the year.  It was amazing to feel present in the experience, but I couldn't help to stop and come back to reality of where I was. I would get into Warrior II and realize that people were standing on the opposite sidewalk taking my picture. Or realizing when I was in shoulder stand that I was lying in the middle of Times Square looking up at the sky and buildings surrounding. At that very moment the song "The Sounds of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel (maybe best know for Will Ferrell's drowning song in Old School) came on and I couldn't help but smile. I knew that I would always remember that moment.

My friend Paige and I both had an amazing experience that I hope to repeat again next year!  Here are some images from that day - click on a photo below to see more in my album. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to join me for the next Summer Solstice!  Namaste New York! 

You forgot your gorilla suit!

Earlier this month I was on my way to yoga headed west on 36th street.  As I turned on 8th Ave to head north towards my studio I was stopped dead in my tracks by the complete chaos in front of me [middle pic].  I had an idea that something was up when I heard the helicopters above me and sirens getting closer.  No cars moving, crowds of people in the streets and tons of people looking up.  First thought was "oh shit" followed by: is a building on fire? is someone going to jump? I'm a few blocks away from this "happening" at the Times Building [top pic] and finally I had to ask a guy taking pictures "what the hell is going on?" And he looks at me like I'm the crazy one and says "there's a guy climbing that building!"

Um, excuse me? Like Spidey? I got out my camera, which is a permanent item in my purse for moments like this, and tried to zoom in on this daredevil.  Sure enough, I see a dude in orange pants [bottom pic] climbing up 52 stories with no safety rope.  Of course I was worried for his life, but at the same time I was about to miss yoga because of this nut-job so I was hoping he would hurry up already and get to the top.  After my wish was granted, everyone kind of shrugged, gave a "well, that was interesting look" and the 8th Ave crowd parted like the Red Sea - just another day.

Upon further investigation, the man I saw was a copy cat climber and Brooklyn resident Renaldo Clarke.  The original climber earlier that day (yes, there were TWO) was a Frenchman named Alain Robert. He was climbing the building while dragging a sign that read "global warming kills more people than 9/11 ever week."  Too bad the sign was illegable from the streets.  Oh, and probably not the best thing to pull a stunt that reminisces Sept. 11th while insulting the people who lost their lives that day. Mother Earth: zero, Aspiring Spidermen: 1.

 Click Here for the story in NY Times.

Chapter 1

Hello and welcome to my blog!  I moved to the most amazing city in the world, New York, about 3 years ago and the moment I got here I knew I was home.  There are so many fascinating stories, interesting people, unique experiences, horrible ordeals and unforgettable moments that are the reason why living here is so great for me.  After constantly repeating my stories to friends and family back home, I decided to take their advice and start a blog.  A precursor: I am not a writer, nor will I try to be so no judgement.  This will just be a spot to share the latest happenings in my life and the city.  More specifically "See Em Hudson" will be dedicated to life the way I see it as c(rystal) m(ichelle) hudson!  So, I hope you enjoy and start to heart New York as much as I do!

-cmhudson