skills as a writer. He reads a combination of both non-fiction and fictional pieces ev- term supporters of the arts as well, and he was hired. He now works as the sandwich
eryday. As he reads, he takes notes on diction, syntax, and style. He reads fictional chef at the restaurant. Though the North Shore, Port Jefferson, and Toast are all just
pieces in rotation by genre; he will read a piece in the genre he loves and writes: dots on Mahay’s map, he values his time here. He adores the “homegrown shops
dark, fantasy, almost science fictionesque and restaurants” and their “willingness to
stories and then read a classic. In addi- branch out and take risks”—again much
tion to reading daily, he sets aside time to like Mahay himself.
write everyday. When asked what does the future hold
Mahay’s passion for the arts is not for Mahay, his response is much like that
limited to his brain, notebook, or blog. of a kindergartener’s when asked what
He utilizes his skills as a web designer he will do when grows up. Mahay’s life
to create a space for artists to share and has barely started. Once his wife has
collaborate on the internet. The website completed her graduate studies, Mahay
is deemed “beyourart.com” and is essen- plans to complete his MFA in Creative
tially a network of talented artists who Writing. Naturally, he will also continue
share their knowledge, expertise, and to write and will be published. Then
business contacts with one another. Ma- he may teach at the college level and
hay does not charge for the service. He go onto obtain his PhD. Once in his
believes so strongly in what the service mid-forties, he plans to return to school
can do for art and artists; therefore he to obtain his law degree and begin his
would never deny someone the oppor- political career. Along the way, he also
tunity to join because of a fee. The site would love to start a family- something
is designed as a tool to deliver practical he knew he wanted since he was fifteen.
business advice to artists from every field This may seem like a tall order, but after
and is not a site to sell work. speaking with Mahay, it is evident he
In a way, Mahay’s life seems to be can accomplish what he sets his mind to.
leading him around the world and he His dreams may be grand and his goals
finds exactly where he needs to be at the far-reaching, but he does not take himself
right time. For someone like Mahay, too seriously. He values living his life
who came to Long Island because his more than making a living, so he does
wife received a full scholarship to attend not allow his fears of failure to control or
SUNY Stony Brook’s Graduate program hinder his decisions. He believes having
in Dramaturgy, he couldn’t have found a faith in the road to accomplishing his
better niche than Port Jefferson. Luckier goals because one can learn more from
still, he couldn’t have found a better place to work than at Toast. Mahay happened the journey than from the actual goal. And ultimately, he believes in himself.
upon Toast when his wife convinced him to apply for a job there. Mahay and the To learn more about Judah Mahay, to read his works, and to follow his fantastic
owner “hit it off,” something to be expected because the owners of Toast are long- journey, please visit his sites www.judahmahay.com and www.beyourart.com.

Northshoerian JuneJuly 2009.indd31 31 6/16/2009 1:19:42 PM
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