Honestly, this summer has been wild. There has been so much to do and celebrate that I savoured every minute of downtime I could get! What made every day so special were not only the picturesque fun entangled in every activity but mostly the heart and soul of the people that sparkled them. Now, ever since preparing for some potential educational plans next year, I couldn’t help but playfully think about that statement in contrast. If it’s the people that sparkle the best days, then the best days don’t recognize those who dim the light. Talk about sending shade on shade. Despite the fluidity of people, places and things that happen from day to day, it’s the hope that with best intention that we put our best foot forward. It’s the one thing that a friend told me that somehow I always knew from within but just needed to hear it, and it’s that of a growth mindset. It’s okay to want to do more, learn more, see more but don’t forget to be mindful of your purpose. Back to the purpose of this blog post, in it’s rawest form, it’s just a large photo dump of everything that happened this summer. As I’m writing it into the pockets of my own history, I want it to serve as a reminder to count your blessings and to pay them forward. Now, without further ado, here’s what I did this summer.
Celebrated my 31st birthday with a lovely sushi dinner at DOMODOMO and a thoughtfully gifted cake from Lady M!
Belted out and sung along with Charlie Puth at Radio City Hall for his Charlie Live Experience Tour!
Celebrated Pride at NYC’s 2023 Pride Parade where we saw iconic drag queens, Symone and Gigi Goode, and welcomed a bestie’s official move to the city!
Celebrated Canada Day, the Fourth of July, and the meeting of new friends with poutine and various Asian cuisine
Welcomed back a beautiful bestie with dolled up moments at AMC for Barbie, at Chelsea Market for snacks, and at Little Island for views
Brought Ess-a-bagel for a picnic at Central Park, went for a lovely Italian dinner, and finally saw Lea Michele perform on Broadway in Funny Girl
Enjoyed one too many drinks at different rooftop bars before grabbing delicious deluxe and truffle pizza
Explored the dry bones and wet zones of the American Museum of Natural History!
Spent a Sunday in Brooklyn starting with brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn before checking out Domino Park and grabbing % coffee
Rose to new heights at Summit One Vanderbilt for mirror magic and golden hour views
Received loving lighthearted news of being a forever sister’s bridesman over Mediterranean brunch!
Took a weekend trip to Toronto to attend Veld Music Festival with the bestest of family and friends in bold black and pretty pink
You thought it and we bought it with last minute tickets to Blackpink performing in concert at The Metlife Stadium!
Flew back to Toronto for a lovely RnB wedding where we engaged in communion, celebrated union, and partied a reunion!
Celebrated a very special birthday on a weekend getaway to Blue Point where we checked out Del Vino Vineyards and beaches in parts of The Hamptons
Crossed paths with a heart-to-heart, home away from home
Ate to our heart’s content while getting Rao-dy on the dance floor at a beautiful wedding in Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury
And could never forget all the other special moments that we celebrated this summer. To the newly engaged, to the new child on the way, to a graduate examination and to a fellowship slay.
Thank you to everyone who made this one of the best summer’s to date!
Artemio Rimando 