Live from New York City

Just back from a fabulous first-time trip to NYC. Who should know that a shy country girl like me would fall in love with the Big Apple?

While there I had the privilege of being the first guest in a line up of women launching Debbie Nigro's talk show at FirstWivesWorld.com. The Empire State Building was the setting for a festive atmosphere where Debbie's fun and warm-spirited welcome (with all the trimmings!) was a highlight of an awesome city.

Next day, I participated in an event for my daughter, Tirza's, PR business, BrandBloom.com in Times Square. We met editors from major magazines including O, Self, In Style and Country Living. Representing her clients, my job was to pitch the high-end products produced on a lavender farm in my hometown, Silverton, Oregon, and sold at Havenhilllavender.com.

Middle Daughter, Leyah, was a super guide through the streets of Manhattan. From her apartment on the lower East side, we traversed the island and saw everything everywhere. This included no less, a 15-minute running tour of the Natural History Museum just before closing!

We saw stars galore in the most amazing outdoor theater, Shakespeare-in-the-Park's Romeo and Juliet, and other star-sightings in Greenwich Village quaint streets. There were gourmet meals at candle-lit sidewalk cafes, a walk-about at Ground Zero, Happy-hour Harbour Cruise (top right photo), and our fair share of scary/hairy taxi rides! Just hours before leaving NY, I got the very last ticket to Broadway's The Color Purple: beautiful and moving. Not least was meeting Leyah's eclectic selection of friends and especially her darling boyfriend: Hi Eric!

I'm resonating with affection for this wonderful, friendly city. Thank you New York!