I love living in New York City - magical things can happen both when you A) open your mouth when you shouldn't and B) sit quietly and listen when you don't have the time.

Today I had a few business meetings in Manhattan, starting downtown and working my way up. Rising early to finish shipping out 30 more Repo Scalpel Necklaces at the post, my first stop is Union Square. Meeting in Barnes & Noble to pick up the latest Gothic Beauty Magazine (in which Repo, Dances of Vice, and my Clockwork Earrings are all featured), I hand off some stuff to Bianca, a fellow shadow cast member for this weekend's Wicked Faire.

Then onto Herald Square, in which I am hand delivering a custom Lust Chain and Medallion Necklace to a customer; for his very lucky girlfriend's birthday. Graciously he buys me a frappuccino before returning to work in the Empire State Building. Me and my loud mouth, I notice a man and his friend waiting for java behind me - one is stunningly dressed in a burgundy buttoned shirt, black vest, tucked tie accented by a cameo pin - I am impressed by his gothic aristocratic flair. Additionally offset by a pocket watch and layers of heavy silver chain bracelets, I have to compliment him on how fabulous he looks. "Steampunk" is one of the first words out of his mouth and before I know it, introductions are made and I am invited to enjoy my coffee at their table (at which there was a black top hat with small animal skull - vole? - waiting with their overcoats).

The man happens to be Steward Noack - the very steampunk photographer and engineer who is pictured on my website and myspace! The previous MTV Steampunk feature pauses on him and his monocle contraption when not playing...