Awesome.

So my lovely new friend Sheila and I hung out over the weekend in SoHo. After a YUMMY meal including some boy-talk shared over my favorite chicken sandwich from Spring Street Natural Cafe - we set out looking for the CB2 store for Sheila's first introduction to Crate & Barrel's apartment sized furniture.












Along the way - we stumbled upon a new store...she introduced me to London's TopShop! We went in!

Three floors included highly overpriced "H&M quality" clothing for twiggy people - I gasped when I saw THESE ladies!! I immediately asked for an autograph. They were a little standoff-ish...but agreed to a picture.

Apparently their coiffure is top SECRET! "No Pictures!!" (the 12 year old sales "lady" reprimanded me harshly...twice) "Pfff!" I said, snapping my camera like common paparazzi "...I will snap her like a popsicle stick!"

MM-hmmm - that's RIGHT. Don't get between me and my subjects!

Aren't they the awesomest!!

Classy and fabulous.

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." These are the words of Coco Chanel - a fashion CREATOR who advised a woman that upon seeming perfection - a woman take off one accessory before walking out her door.

The New York City style on the streets is usually diverse and creative, to say the least.

Walking to work today I was very pleased to have my camera with me to share with you this lovely lady.

This woman misunderstood Ms. Chanel. She's what I call Ghetto Fabulous for simultaneously wearing EVERY hair accessory she owns!

Enjoy...I got a terrific chuckle! But then I was simply in awe.

This is it!

Today as I walked my dogs around the reservoir it hit me:

"I am having the time of my life...right now!"

I'm living in NYC - a dream of mine. I'm in my own apartment in a fantastic neighborhood. The last chapter of my life has ended and the story is new and I feel excited and envigorated! I am volunteering with an interior design firm - something I've wanted to do for 5 years but didn't have the time or opportunity. Now, while looking for a job after being laid off - I'm getting to learn all sorts of fun stuff!

For the first time in...maybe never - I actually LOOK FORWARD to my day's work! I don't think I've ever been able to wholeheartedly say that.

So this is what it feels like.

I wake up after a full 8hrs of sleep and get ready for work at a time that fits my inner clock (rather that 7:30am). I dress to impress and leave the house, walking only 5 blocks to the "office". (I pass two Starbucks on the way - how's that for NYC!) The office is a GLORIOUS upper west side apartment that is owned and has been meticulously and expensively interior designed by my boss. It is a decadent setting from huge soft rugs to down sofas and an amazing kitchen. Not to mention a terrific view! I so enjoy the people in the office. It's such a kind, relaxing atmosphere.

And today - one of the designer's tiny, playful doggy was in our midst. AN OFFICE AFTER MY OWN HEART!

I have plenty of time for exercise, enjoying the outdoors of spring and photography. I am still looking for a job - but make no mistake - I'm having the time of my life here in New York City!!

Photo credit nysocialdiary1

Life outside my window!

The view from my window is coming alive with color! It's invigorating just turning to look out my window at the potpourri of different people, cross-body bags, maps and cameras in hand.

Living next to the Museum of Natural History brings tourists galore and there's nothing more fun that offering to take a handful of great photographs of a group on vacation with their cameras! Walking away and hearing "wow, what a great shot of us!" or "perfect!" makes me smile widely!