2. "The Subway Artist of New York"

Day 2- Enrico Miguel Thomas

Grand Central Terminal. It's like a whole other world. So much to soak in! There are people found peacefully snoozing away on benches while others are booking it to make their departing train. Some are trying to find their way while some are admiring the architecture- from high ceilings, chandlers, and little boutiques along the way.

I was one of those on a mission. My buddies and I was let loose in the wild jungle to do whatever it takes to create a result of inspiration. Here we were, getting ready to leave, when at the corner of my eye I caught an easel with a subway map and an artist deep into his work, gracefully drawing every well-thought-out stroke.

Yes, an artist was drawing on a subway map with a sharpie. Too cool.

What Enrico was currently working, until we said, "hi."

So I skipped my way behind him and excitedly shouted, "Hey! What are you up to?"

He jumped, startled., "Oh god, you scared me."

He glanced up, his eyes confused, as if my voice broke him out of his deep trance. He rubbed his hands to his face and let out a soft chuckle. He looked at my friends and me, and says, "You guys aren't the jebeezus people, are you?"

We laughed. Nope, we just wanted to stop and chat. His name is "Enrico," Enrico Miguel Thomas. His smile was smooth, sly, and shining with authenticity. Enrico spoke softly, a deep humbleness in his tone. He held his Sharpie uniquely, strongly between his thumb, index, and middle finger trio, his heart and soul bleeding across the map with his every stroke. He may often be spotted sketching away in the underground subway. As the weather gets nicer, he'll take his art outside. Sometimes it would take him 6-7 hours or more!

Enrico excitedly pulled out some of his other artworks from his packed bookbag, his proud creations on a subway map, as well his feature in Time Out magazine. He is coming back from a break and looking to come back into the world of art.

By now, more people were looking, and even stopping to chat with us. He asked us to watch his things as he ran quickly to the bathroom. I couldn't believe it, he left everything with us. In only chatting with him for 20 minutes, he trusted us with his belongings.

When he came back, I asked him for his favorite quote. He thought for a long while, running through his brain for his favorite. "There's this quote that I've read from a book when I was younger. And this quote has stuck with me since then..."

"Well, what is it?"

He smiled and said, " 'The patient knows.' "

There's something comfortable and trusting about strangers. It's all about the way YOU are being, how you choose to show up. Everyone is always in reaction to you. So if you think it's awkward... it's is awkward because you say so! Enrico is AWESOME and when you catch him sketching away on his easel, be sure to stop and say "hi." Promise he's an amazing and inspiring friend you'd definitely want to meet!

Be sure to check out Enrico's artwork and learn more about him here! Shalom and there are plenty of artists running wild in the jungle waiting to meet you.

The amazing Enrico with a completed work he was sharing with us.