Ten years ago, almost to the minute (It's 12:38 am right now) I drove my Mazda across the Hudson River and into my new home called New York City.

I've been up and I've been down. I've experienced joy and witnessed a whole lot of pain. I've lived through a tropical storm, blackout, World Series victories, the incredible Giants Superbowl win and a series of losing seasons for the Knicks. I've had a Senator named Clinton, Mayors named Guliani and Bloomberg and stood on 125th Street when Barack Obama was declared President.

I arrived knowing 4 people and long ago was given the nickname Mayor of New York because I quickly made my presence felt in my new home. I left great friends behind in LA who I still love and speak to and gained a host of great new friends here (not to mention a few of the California friends have since located here as well).

I left a great apartment in LA and I have been blessed with two great spots here including my current apartment and studio here in Harlem.

I've lost several friends, my Uncle, my step dad and both my grandmothers, but I've gained ten years of new experiences, great memories, new friends and business associates who have taught me much.

I left LA as a senior level marketing professional who traveled internationally and spent the rest of my time producing music. Here in New York I did some freelance PR, continued making music and then quickly transitioned into a marketing consultant and club promoter. I have finally have found my true calling as a visual artist and photographer and I'm happier than I have ever been.

New York is not a place for weak, but she can nurture you in her own special way. New York is not known to pamper the meek, but kindness, integrity and honesty can take you a long way. New York can be a cold and lonely place, but when your spirit is at peace you can fully appreciate the lessons the lady has to share.

I was born in Saint Louis. Los Angeles will always be my "hometown." However, I can proudly say with no hesitation, my name is Ricky Day...I'm a New Yorker!