This morning, looking out on the Back Forty.
Oh, it will be so hard to leave all of this. I’m such a homebody, such a nester – leaving is always hard, especially when I will be on my own in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Everything in me screams, “Stay home!”
On the other hand, this is a wonderful opportunity and an adventure. A job – the biggest I’ve ever had. And I’m profoundly grateful for it. I know it will be exciting and scary and my first thought is “I have no idea where to go when I get to the first shooting location, or what to do when I get there!” But, I’ll figure it out and as Don says, there will be people there to help me figure it out.
The first few days will be about acclimating myself, figuring out the subway from Brooklyn and where I connect in Manhattan. There’s a Whole Foods two city blocks away from my apartment – I’m pleased about that! We spent some time online yesterday looking at the neighborhood, trying to figure out what is where, etc. Don is in charge of driving directions, which, as you might expect when you’re traveling from upstate NY, through parts of NJ, across the George Washington Bridge, down to lower Manhattan/Battery Park and then through a tunnel to Brooklyn, are very complicated. Then he has to reverse them and drive back home. It will be a long day for him. But he has to go back on the same day as his car is in the shop and he’s expecting a package.
He’ll come back on the weekend, probably on the train.
I’m very fortunate to be renting this apartment from Annie, who is a former student of mine from my Boston University days. She and her husband own and live in the building, which is a brownstone in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. The apartment is on the top floor, but I enter through their house. Annie has already answered a lot of my questions and I’ll have plenty more of them re: mass transit. She often works in Manhattan, so she’ll have all the answers. So, it seems like the best of all possible worlds.
Traveling into Manhattan for filming will take some time and adding the Brooklyn leg to the trip means my commute will be longer than usual, but I expect I’ll have it down soon enough.
Anyway, this post will be it until Tuesday, as I have a LOT to do today and tomorrow.
Wish me luck.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
it’s going to be wonderful! that’s due in part to your great work experiences and talents, all your planning and kind, open personality. also all the support from don, annie, jim p and others on set. have fun!
xo
kathy
I will! Once I get there and report to the set on Friday, I’ll have a better idea what I’m doing, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Kathy and I will follow you on your journey of the next few weeks…your fans
Driving in NYC is problematic…I did it years ago…not that many…lol…love the subway system and the taxis when inclement weather…my last visit was 2018 but soon…when you know what is better…enjoy….prayers
Yes, I’ve driven into the city many times, but not into Brooklyn from the city!
Thanks, Brenda.
Stay safe.
Does she have other apts. granddaughter will be working in the city soon.
No, only this one and it’s an Air BnB, Brenda.
xo
My family stays in those and have for few years from Colorado to Virgin Islands…however she needs long term or will…thanks
This little old lady will be waiting on your film with Sally Field…lol
Good luck!
HI,
I am so excited for you! What a thrilling ride you are embarking on. I do totally understand the sad feeling leaving your home, it will be that much sweeter when you return.
Take Care and stay safe,
Kaye
Park City, UT
As we say in my family…you are going on a new and exciting adventure. You’re past life experiences have prepared you for this…and you will continue to learn as you go. You got this!
Have fun…enjoy this experience. And…good luck!
Good Luck on your new and wonderful adventure!
Good luck and safe travels
Wishing you all the best for your adventures.
Good luck, take care and stay safe. I know you will do great once you are acclimated!
It all sounds so exciting. I look forward to sharing in your new adventures, albeit vicariously. Sometimes, being a spectator is almost as great as the real experience.
Be well.
I had a friend who told her kids we’re going to have a ” never did day”. Any new experience was called that.
I’m glad you’ll have supportive people around for your “never did” experiences.
I understand your sadness at leaving your lovely nature, and home comforts.
I hope the excitement of this project makes up for it.
Just think, your name will be in the credits for a movie.
I’ll be thinking of Don as he has a journey home. I will also be thinking about how wonderful it will be for him to share your new adventure with you on weekends.
The last18+ months have changed everything for us.
Here’s celebrating a brave new you👏👏👏, you’re doing it anyway!
One More Day, I have the song from Les Miserables ( sorry this type pad doesn’t let me place an accent over the first e) in my head now! Good luck and enjoy all of this wonderful opportunity.
Safe journey wishes for Don too.
As mentioned previously, Ben’s detective drama start tomorrow evening and is shown over four consecutive evenings.
Good luck on your new journey! Can’t wait for updates from you. Safe travels, Claudia. xo
Oh I am so excited for you!! New York City!!! I understand how you can find it challenging as I am a nester too. And to leave your cozy home. But adventure awaits you! Enjoy!
Marion
Shaw
All good wishes for an easy transition into the city. It’s exciting, Claudia. And you will be and do just fine. You know that already. Big smiles for you! The living situation couldn’t be better!
As soon as I saw the title, I began humming Les Mis myself!! That head held high attitude will get you through! Glad you have a few days to settle in and catch your breath before going into the studio. And a fun city weekend with Don ahead will make the first days fly by, I am sure. We all know you have got this. Can’t wait for pics and to hear your impressions of this new adventure, as we have so enjoyed being with you on many others over the years. Take care and enjoy!
I’m excited for you Claudia! It’s going to be an adventure.
Godspeed.
So lucky to have Annie to not only provide a spot for you to live but to be able to help you navigate how to get around.
I started humming “One More Day” from Les Miserables when I saw your title today!
Be well. Safe journey. Embrace your amazing experience!
X Chy
The homebody in me is yelling no way. But what a great opportunity for you. Lifetime memories to be made. Best of luck!
I’m excited about this adventure you will be on and I know you will share with us what you can! Have a safe trip!
I DO wish you the BEST of luck, Claudia! I’ve always thought your life is interesting and, yes, exciting! Although you’re working and some of it will be hard, you are embarking on quite an adventure and, before you know it, you’ll be back in time for Christmas at The Cottage; until then, happy-everything to you and Don!
Hi Claudia,
I know you will be great! I would be just like you because I am the ultimate nester!! Best of luck to you and try to enjoy every minute! My thoughts will be with you!
You will handle this new situation just like the professional you are!! You can do this! Enjoy this new experience!
Wishing you the very best of luck ! This will be exciting!
Another homebody, here. But I do love risk and adventure at times. So I’ll be living vicariously through you, this time around! Have fun and enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime…
I am sure it will be a fun adventure as you have friends there to help you. Good luck and have a safe trip!
Wishing you luck! I like the Oprah quote about luck being “where preparation and opportunity meet.”
Claudia I haven’t taken the time to wish you well with your movie adventure cause I know you’ll do amazing work. You’re an organizer, a planner, and very good at what you do. You already have a relationship with Jim Parsons and Ben and they will help you navigate. It will be tiring, but what a coup! Now I will brag about being within 2 degrees of Claudia Hill-Sparks.
Wishing you a great first week on the movie set.