Pet Projects

Let me preface by saying…

Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by the outcome of those who dream big.  One story that will always stick with me is that of Walt Disney.  As a native of Southern California, my family and I frequented trips to Disneyland at least a couple times a year.  It's such a whimsical place for a kid to imagine.  My favorite ride was, It's a Small World.  There is a message that everyone should take from that ride and it's a message of peace and brotherhood.  New York is also a great place for those who dream big.  It is a densely populated city that has a thriving community.  Even on a bad day, I can reflect on how the city has changed me to appreciate what it means to give back to those who inspire me. 

~REFLECTION~

After graduating college in 2009 in Southern California, I contemplated what I wanted to do with my degree in Communications.  Ultimately, I decided that taking a break for a year would be a good idea.  

At the peak of winter in February 2011, my three close girlfriends and I made a bold decision to trek to the East Coast and try it out for at least a year.  At the time we had been actively performing in a local community theatre group for past 8 years.  We had hoped that some of our friends from the group would also be inspired by our vagabond idea and follow along with us.  Within the first year, a mass exodus across the country began and to date there are roughly 18 California transplants that are still here in New York pursuing theatre.  

I couldn't have done it without the support of all of my friends who moved here with me, however I have since ventured away from theatre and have started my own photography business and dog walking service.  I have acquired many clients who I have also gotten the pleasure to know very well.  I am intrigued by their stories as most of them are also transplants pursuing some kind of art. 

~WHAT IS PET PROJECTS?~

As of today I have lived in New York for 1,061 days.  My days here are numbered though, as I will most likely be moving back home to California in 2015 for my wedding.  I am starting this blog to ring in 2014!  My reservations for the next 365 days are to document my clients, friends, or anyone I meet on the street for that matter.  I want to get to know:

1) The essence of New York City's people and pets and ultimately what brought them to the city in the first place.

2) To observe their journey, because after all, most people come here for a purpose and living in the big city is not for everyone.  

3) What their projections are for the next 5 years.

___________________________________________________________________

My first interview of 2014 begins with;

Musician: Garrett Williams    Age: 27 years

Dog: Corgi named Hank (a.k.a. Puppy, Hankadopolous, Hankasaurous, Hankerton)    Age: 6 years

Hometown: Indiana, Pennsylvania. 

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Hank and Garrett at a New Year's Eve party in 2012 at their home in Brooklyn.  Our interview took place a year later. 

This photo sums up the bond that this duo has. They are best friends and they admire each other.

Garrett grew up thinking he couldn’t have a dog because his mom thought she had allergies. Shortly after moving to New York, Hank was basically handed over to him after a break-up with an ex-girlfriend.

Their favorite thing to do is explore the park where they live. Hank says, "Off leash we go through the trails at Prospect Park.  We go almost everyday and always find some place new." Garrett responds, "Yes, good times mucking around in the park."

I witnessed both boys favorite past-times. I must say Hank and Garrett have honed their skills at fetch and "banging at the keyboard", respectively.

Here's a short summery of our chat.

1) What brought you to New York?

In college, my first day in line at the book store I met Sarah Fleck, the drummer of our previous band, Sarah Fleck and the Palpitations. We pretty much talked about music.

2) How did music come about in the conversation? I talk about music with everybody. Guitar players are everywhere but when you can find a drummer it’s like, okay now we’re getting somewhere. 3) What was your goal?

Once we found Patrick, our guitarist, we wanted to give the band a shot. We didn’t think we were going to make it big, but we worked really hard at rehearsals and have been together for nine years. None of us were planning on going on to graduate school so we decided to move to New York.

4) How is the band doing now?

(at this point Hank interrupted our interview for some serious one on one fetch time, so naturally I took some action shots.)

...The band split up because our guitarist moved to California to work at a brewing company.

5) Are you still playing music I play piano for, The Irresponsibles. It’s very new. Based around Rachel, who has an amazing rich and soulful voice, we basically like getting together for fun. Different people bringing different influences together. It's got a soul, Motown vibe. Our first show was last night.

6) How did it go? It was in David’s (bass player) basement at a Christmaka party featuring us closing out the night. We played 6 songs.

7) How do you make a living other than music? At the moment, I work for BuildingLink as a software trainer. It sounds complicated but it's actually pretty interesting.