Author Archives: cindybrandle

Recently, on FaceBook, I shared my perspective on how navigating the streets of New York City can feel akin to being inside a video game where the objective is to avoid obstacles like puddles of mysterious liquids, electric delivery bikes buzzing down the sidewalks, and even the unpleasant surprises of long-forgotten poop bombs. However, thisContinue reading “On Finding The Beauty”

Thirteen months ago, I was gearing up for two occurrences. One much bigger than the other. CBDC’s 5th Annual Boulder Contemporary Dance Festival was going live and in-person for the 1st time since 2019. And, the day after the show, we would depart for our 3rd act – moving to New York City! These wereContinue reading “Prepare yourselves – I’m about to get sentimental. “

What A Difference A Year Makes Today I celebrate one year in New York City. And what a year it has been. When I mentioned to Ashay and Sami, who admittedly was still snoozing, that we had made it one year so far, Ashay listed much of what has transpired since our Big Apple arrival. Continue reading “What A Difference A Year Makes”

You know when you see two people walking together, and somehow they just fit? Or a piece of a puzzle, when you automatically find the exact spot where it should slide? It feels right; there is no jamming it into place. It moves unobtrusively together as if they should have never been apart. I’m notContinue reading “On Being Married “

This past week I traveled to Ohio to visit my parents. They had recently moved from my childhood home to a condo. In my urban mind, a condo is an apartment you purchase, maybe a townhome. But, in the midwest, and I suspect other locations, a condo appears to be a ranch-style single-family home withContinue reading “56 And My Childhood City “

It is evident that the title of my blog 56andthecity is a play on Sex And The City. I will admit to being a fan of the show, and so it seemed fitting when I moved to NYC in the fall. On occasion, I do find myself quoting a few lines, here and there, fromContinue reading “On Finding Material…”

In my neighborhood, where I walk three times a day with my dog, my eyes have been feasting lately on the hopeful sprouting of new leaves and potential flowers. The air is filled with spring, awakening from a frozen slumber and doling out a sense of optimism.  Today, even as the clouds covered the cityContinue reading “On a Budding Perspective…”

Sometimes, it is easier to find one good story or stock answer neatly packed in your back pocket when meeting up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Especially when you, yourself, have made a significant life change.  My daughter had been visiting from college for the past ten days in NYC, and someContinue reading “On Writing a New Narrative”

A few months ago, as I was on a morning walk with my dog, the fog was so thick I could barely see the Statue of Liberty. There were, however, traces showing the outline of the iconic figure, and it sparked the idea that a glimmer of hope is sometimes all we need to getContinue reading “On Seeing Through The Fog part 2”

A few days ago, I turned 57. Fifty-seven.  Aging is one of those constants in life that genuinely feels dichotomous. Of course, the definition of aging is to continue living, which is the goal. However, almost all of us want to stop time, or at the very least, slow it down. But, alas, to stopContinue reading “On Turning 57”