Oct 30
An Attitude of Gratitude
This month’s issue of O, The Oprah Magazine is about the power of gratitude. It’s an emotion I’ve been feeling a lot lately, thanks to some truly wonderful events and milestones.
October began with a family celebration of my dear Aunt Lydia and Uncle’s Joe 50th anniversary. My cousins Dana and Carla hosted a lovely party at Long Island’s Colonial Springs Golf Club, complete with their wedding video on a loop, delicious food and a fantastic doo-wop group singing classics like “Stand By Me” and “In The Still of The Night.”
Aunt Lydia and Uncle Joe celebrating their gold anniversary
As I watched my aunt and uncle dance to their wedding song “More,” I found myself thinking of another couple whose devotion and commitment to each other endured—my beloved parents. They would have celebrated their 45th anniversary this year. I knew they were smiling down on all of us and I felt blessed all over again to have grown up in the light of their abiding love.
The next day, I was back at Penn Station again—this time for a girls night out in New Jersey with two of my best friends, Sara and Lisa, followed by an afternoon of apple picking at New York’s Masker Orchards.
Sara, me and Lisa
We did a lot of laughing, talking and swooning collectively over the movie that everyone’s been talking about (justifiably), A Star Is Born. In a word, spectacular. Do not miss it!
Speaking of fun with friends, galpal Lori and I made our own to trek to Jersey, to see Phil Collins at Newark’s Prudential Center. It had been almost 25 years since I last saw Phil live and, once again, he didn’t disappoint. Despite ailments necessitating that he remain seated, he put on one hell of a show, in fine voice and backed by a fantastic band and backup singers.
Phil was in fine form at Newark’s Prudential Center
One musician in particular stood out—Phil’s 17-year-old son Nic. Taking over for his legendary dad on the drums and piano, Nic played with the talent and ease of a veteran rock star. You could feel the connection between them, and Phil’s huge pride in his son. It added a moving dimension to an already memorable evening. The set list had just about every song you could have wanted—from “Against All Odds,” “Take Me Home” and “Sussudio,” to Genesis hits like “Invisible Touch” and “Throwing It All Away.” One of the most unforgettable moments came when Phil stood for “In The Air Tonight.” It was the only song he did this for and a powerful illustration that at 67, he’s still got plenty in him. Bravo, Phil.
It’s also been an exhilaratingly action-packed month at work, from the kickoff of season two of Broadway At The Pierre with the dazzling N’Kenge to the hotel’s annual celebration of Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights. These ongoing traditions are part of why The Pierre isn’t just my dream job—it’s the job of a lifetime.
All smiles with my Pierre family at Diwali
I feel so supported and appreciated by my incredible colleagues. They were truly behind me as I finally accomplished something I’ve been working toward for several months. When I thanked one of them for his part in making it possible, he replied—
“We’re a family here and we wouldn’t have done anything less.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Achieving this long-desired goal reminded me how you never know what’s around the corner. And how important it is to cherish and be thankful for every day you’re here to rediscover that.
Jan 1
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
When it comes to the holiday season, there’s no place quite as magical as NYC. For many years though, I’ve dreaded the period between Thanksgiving and New Years– a time when I always feel the loss of my beloved parents more acutely. Now, at long last, I am finally appreciating what I have and trying not to dwell on what I don’t.
With a more festive perspective in mind, I happily invited my beloved cousin Alexandra to experience an annual Pierre Hotel tradition and first for me- the tree lighting in Two E lounge.
Alexandra and me in Two E
The festive event featured live music from Grammy-winning sax player Frank Catalano, and festive cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. As always, Alex and I talked the night away, catching up on work, life and plans for 2018. Like the city that surrounds it, The Pierre is a winter wonderland, with colorful holiday decor throughout the lobby and public areas.
Decorating my own abode was lot more fun than its been in awhile–especially now that my home is finally a reflection of me instead of the past.
Continuing the interfaith traditions I experienced as a child, I have both a Christmas tree and a menorah. I thought of my Dad with every candle I lit during Hanukkah. And how fortunate I was and am to have grown up with two parents who exemplified the beauty of honoring both religions, teaching me that what matters ultimately is having and honoring faith–not which house you worship in. I think of that powerful, healing lesson a lot in these divisive times and how much better the world would be if there was more of such mutual respect for spirituality.
All smiles and hugs with my Mount Holyoke dear friends Ahu (middle) and Sara
One of my favorite traditions growing up was our annual holiday party, a large gathering of family and close friends. With Dad’s birthday in mid-December and Hanukkah often bumping up against Christmas, there was always plenty to celebrate. Since 2008, every year except one, I have hosted an intimate soiree at my place. After skipping it last year because of my depression, I felt doubly blessed to have an evening with some of my dearest friends and family.
It was a perfect night from start to finish. There was yummy Italian food (from a fabulous neighborhood caterer), decadent drinks (wine, rum-infused eggnog and vodka shots) and decadent desserts (I made my late Grandpa’s vanilla pudding and first ever cinnamon-sugar monkey bread). And lots of laughter, affection and, of course, love for Benji.
This was Benji’s first big event at home since I adopted him in July. Like everything else, he handled it with charm and grace–happily seeking out belly rubs and parking himself near all the action. Several friends brought gifts for my little guy, who has become one of the best dressed pups on the Upper East Side!
Benji and I with the glow of my tree and menorah
The holiday festivities continued in Delaware, with a visit to my brother and sister in law Ray and Barb. We enjoyed an intimate Christmas full of reminiscing and watching our dogs hit it off with each other.
Friday, after a delightful lunch in Midtown with my dear cousin Carla, I walked over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, I felt a warmth envelop me as I thought about how far I’ve come since last Christmas.
Rockefeller Center selfie!
A year ago, I felt joyless and unable to appreciate anything about the holidays, wishing them away like I have so often since my parents died. Now, thanks to feeling whole again and my sweet Benji, I treasured every part of this season.
Even for a writer like me, it’s difficult to put into words the gratitude I feel for the new beginning that God has given me. 2017 will always be the year that I found my way back to the light–and to a new chapter as a dog mom. I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings.
Happy New Year all!
