A Postcard from Miami

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If you haven’t heard me say it already, let me repeat myself yet again. Miami was amazing. I had been in a work-induced frenzy for the entire month of March, and was so exhausted by the time this vacation came around I was questioning whether I even wanted to go. I know, ME not wanting to travel. It was bad, guys.

I was headed there with friends for the Winter Music Conference + I knew that it would be a stretching trip for my introverted self. Meeting new people, being in crowds, little sleep and minimal alone time – these do not a happy introvert make (can I get an amen from any fellow introverts out there?). But at the same time, I somehow just knew in my gut that I needed to go. And even though it took me a full 48 hours to really settle into the pace of Miami, once I did, I realized how much I needed it.

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During the course of the trip, I ate the most amazing Cuban food, Colombian food, some really delicious pizza + my bodyweight in frozen piña coladas. And of course it wouldn’t be a proper vacation without at least one nap on the beach + one terrible sunburn. Check, check, + check.

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We spent most of our days (+ all of our nights) listening to the most amazing music, in venues ranging from huge dance clubs, swanky hotel rooftops, tiny kitschy bars + everything in between. My personal favorite was Do Not Sit On The Furniture, mostly because of its disco ball shaped like a shark + bar decorated with cassette tapes. Somebody give their interior decorator a high five.

It was so genuinely incredible to see the way music transcended so many levels, so many different + distinct venues, yet in the end everyone was there for the same music. Art is such a powerful thing! To meet fellow artists who were so in love with their craft, that they had such high energy + passion whether playing to a handful or to a crowd – that was one of the great gifts of Miami for me. Sometimes being an artist can get a little isolating + lonely. You can find yourself so deep into your current project, into the comparison trap, or just in too many conversations with your inner critic. But there is nothing like community: it gets you out of your own head + into such refreshing conversations + experiences. I connected with so many genuine, inspiring souls on this trip + I am so grateful.

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PS. If you want to hear more about what I learned about life + business on my trip to Miami, sign up below for Postcards from Evergreen Lane. The first newsletter is going out later this week!

PPS. The video I shot while in Miami (ok, so I did work while I was there…but only for an afternoon!) will be up on the blog later this week. I can’t wait for you to see it.

  • VictorApril 14, 2015 - 9:14 am

    I am glad and honored that you came and experienced Miami. Miami is always in my heart, it took me in and it gave me a place in Southbeach and for that I am humbled. Miami can be mean when it comes to its music and i soo happy I have survived that. I hope that you will be able to join us next yr! I am happy that you got into the pot with us and see whay we do and we gp through. House music baby!ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle NeedlesApril 14, 2015 - 9:29 am

      It was perfect Victor! I definitely went to Miami with the right people 🙂 thank you so much for bringing me along + showing me such a great time! And I’m definitely coming next year…you’re not going to be able to get rid of me now!!ReplyCancel