It is with heavy heart that I leave this city that I called home all my life.There was a time when NYC coursed thru my vains. I couldn’t even ever go on vacation for fear of missing out on something in this city that I loved so much. I was in awe of it’s energy, the fact that its was always open and most of all, the immense diversity of it’s people.
I once met a homeless concert pianist on the street with his own piano! Not some keyboard, a full on Steinway piano! He didn’t have anything in the world and clearly had some issues, but he was good at one thing and even homelessness couldn’t stop him from what he loved. He pushed that Steinway all over Midtown Manhattan playing for drinking money…Only in NYC.
I mention this because of his passion, the passion that people have in this place. I’m still not sure if the passionate people are drawn to NY or if being here does something to a person, but I will say that it is that passion, that drive and that hustle that drew me in and became a part of who I am..
My wife Caroline and I have had the pleasure of calling New Brighton, Staten Island our home for 4 years and we will NEVER forget what this place has given us.We will never forget the people we have met here and the opportunity to own our lovely home on Hendricks Avenue in such a tight knit community. It is you people that made our decision to leave NY the hardest…
It is my belief that NYC is a living, breathing ever changing place that needs youth to fuel it’s growth. I have reached that point now where it is time for me to move on but I will ALWAYS be a New Yorker no matter where I am…
Enough Waxing Poetic!
We are moving to Merrimac, Massachusetts to take over a 42 acre farm and do some small scale hop farming, and eventually pursue my major passion; Brewing Beer. Our plan is to make a small farm brewery that distributes locally, has a tap room on the grounds, and eventually a bed and breakfast and beer destination. We have many other components to our plans and are anxious to get there, put our hands in the earth and get started.
I haven’t had a chance to update this blog lately for obvious reasons but I plan to hit the ground running once I become a New Englander. I will post the final installment of “Springtime in the Hopyard” and dig right in to doing what I love…Brewing Beer!
Cheers for now…
~Mark
Here a video link to Tamarack Farm, our new home:
Wow! I give you so much credit for chasing your dreams and may they all come true. Beer is the only thing I am passionate about but I would never have the guts to do what you are doing.
Mark, just watched the video of your new home. Wow. You really have a wonderful looking home and property. I’m very happy for you. I bet you don’t miss nyc so much anymore. Keep living the good life. all the best.
Mark, I just stumbled upon your blog thanks to a FB posting about the Brewing as Art article. I’m a Merrimac resident, been homebrewing for almost 2 years now. Will definitely be checking out the blog and seeing how things progress with your plans. I’m sure you’re knee-deep in all the legal, permit related stuff, so I wish you best of luck! About to bottle up some Rye IPA so maybe I can share some with you in a month or so.
Jim
Rye IPA huh? Sounds good! I think I may have a few things to sample as well
Maybe a tasting session is in order!
Cheers and thanks
~M
Only thing I’ve got ready to drink is 2 remaining bombers of a Saison. My first attempt at a Belgian of any kind. Would be cool to get your thoughts on it. I’ll keep them stashed away in the beer fridge!