She’s tall and thin, that Manhattan, but she can be cruel. In the winter, the winds whip through the spaces between the tall buildings that block out the sun, leaving only slivers of light to melt the snow. The summer air can be stifling, and filth and poverty are lurking on every corner. But it is also the lights of Times Square and hordes of people flowing like rivers as they move from place to place. Time can be suspended on a beautiful day, hanging out in the empty fountain at Washington Square or along a ruddy lake in Central Park. There are fine stores, and rooftop parties and movies. My favorite thing about New York is the people–from long time friends to the new folks you meet on any given night out and about. To this, goes Matt Dentler. As I’ve heard several times this week, his star is on the rise and indeed, he is leaving SXSW and Austin to join the throngs of NYC. I’m sad to hear the news but I’ll grin and bear it, like so many others here in Austin, as he has been unfailingly supportive to me. I’d like to wish Matt bon voyage and all luck and happiness in his new endeavors.

A friend told me when I moved back to the New York area from my stint in DC, to let New York take me by the hand and lead me. I found it to be helpful advice. If you feel like you are swimming upstream, take a deep breath and let the city be your guide.