Writer's Block

It's not so much writer's block as not having a block of time to write. And just being overtired and overextended. That's mostly over now so I am looking forward to returning to writing next week.

Last week we had our event, Forward, and it was a raging success! We oversold tickets and even with a crowd of celebratory lushes, we were still able to meet and beat our goal, raising $15,000 for the Early Childhood Program of The Children's Aid Society. I couldn't be happier! People had a great time, the venue was phenomenal, and the guests were gushing at the experience. PHEW! Now to plan for next year...starting in a few months. We also had some phenomenally energetic guests who are excited to be part of the Associates Council, and I'm so excited to have them on board.

The past five days I got to staycation in the West Village for a friend who was out of town and needed her dog to be looked after. I was happy to oblige and realize that I've been fooling myself pretending the East Village was still a village and acceptable for my living space. It's not. Period. I'm way too yuppy to be in the EV and think I'll be reconsidering my address at the end of the summer. Being able to walk out of the apartment (granted, it is an apartment that is beyond my current pay scale with outdoor patio and double the size of my current apartment, but who's counting?) into the plethora of choices that envelop you in the West Village, all my speed, was luxurious. West Village, I'll be back. 

This weekend it's off to Manchester, VT, for one of my best friend from college's wedding. I was with her the night we met her groom and have been preparing my notes for the rehearsal dinner. I'm part of the bridal party, not the maid of honor, so I'm trying to keep it brief and fun while appropriately memorializing a decade long friendship and the night we met "the one." Well hers anyway. I should stalk said bar perpetually for my own "one." You never know. The venue is Hildene, a Lincoln Family home, and beautiful venue, and I'm sure I'll get some good pictures. (Tune in next week.) Unfortunately the weather may be rainy, but I know the group going will be righteous regardless and memories will be made. Until then....

Dreams

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind (I might use that word too much) - a bedlam of activity. From running around the country to Miami for a bachelorette, then San Diego for a wedding, then New Jersey for Easter, and Long Island to collect raffle donations and visit friends, it's been incessant. And that was just the weekends. Mid-week it's been work plus the end of my writing class and of course the ever present planning for our upcoming fundraiser, Forward, benefiting The Children's Aid Society. Program writing/proofing/printing is almost complete, logistics is in the hands of very capable ladies, the raffle prizes are amazing and almost all in hand, and the auction will be fun as well...and also thankfully in the hands of my amazing co-chair, Amy. Lots of hands people.

The tumult of activity comes at a price and last night I hit the wall of exhaustion. Physically I barrel through it, but my mind takes off on its own when it's met its limit. Arriving home from my Brazilian body workout (feeling the pain - so good - this morning), I took a nice shower, pampered myself with new facial products from Fresh, took a Tylenol PM, and read my book for about 4 minutes before passing into a comatose sleep. My dreams were out of control - I was in transit to Asia with my family, traveling via plane and apparently sailboat when the scene was interrupted by a reunion with my long lost half-brother, confrontations with my former gang of three - "the BBC," all moderated curiously by my mother, and who knows what other details that didn't quite make it to my consciousness upon waking.

Today I feel fantastic - fully rested and excited for the weekend ahead and feeling prepared for our event on the 11th. We've sold over 100 tickets and with last minute buyers out there that have promised to attend, I think the last few days will get us to our goal. But before we get there we have a thrilling weekend ahead - tomorrow is a Derby party (hat is prepped!) and the Junior League House Tours, which we've been doing bi-annually since I moved here. A chance to see how the "other half" (or super duper upper echelon) live in Manhattan. Absolutely phenomenal. I would say it's breathtaking, but we discussed how inane that term is in my writing class. Unless something literally makes you pass out from lack of breath (i.e. your lungs stop functioning) and you find yourself moments later on the ground recapturing your breath, it really can't be "breathtaking." Think about it.

In anticipation of the weekend ahead, the fundraiser on the 11th, and a trip to Manchester, VT in a few weeks for my favorite couples' nuptials, I'm rewinding for a minute to a moment I'd revisit in a heart beat. This photo, while in and of itself beautiful, brings back many memories and emotions. Just like it was yesterday...

Musings...Moms...Making a Difference

This weekend is Mother's Day, and as with most Mother's Days (and Father's Days at that), I'm not with my Mother. It's been that way pretty much since college and given our bi-coastal situation, I don't see it changing very soon. Ironically, I will be with my mom on Father's Day this year, but my dad will be off gallivanting around the globe.

Growing up, my mom (my dad too) were always thoughtful on birthdays and Valentine's Day and St. Patty's to leave a little gift or a cute note or just do something special. Just something that says "Hi, Love You!" I still remember that Valentine's Day in middle school when I awoke to a little bag in front of my bedroom door with a cute new scrunchie (reminder - this was 1990, don't judge) and probably a marshmallow treat or two and a Valentine's day card. Stricken, I realized I'd forgotten to do anything for my mom. Tears burned in my eyes as I scrambled about my room creating a handmade card to salvage my V-day proffering. She didn't seem to notice when I arrived late to breakfast and half dressed with wet hair, obviously delayed by my last minute arts and crafts crisis. But I've never forgotten a holiday or birthday or anything ever again.

This year I sent my mom a fun little "treat", which I can't share now since she'll read this and isn't allowed to open it until Sunday. But it's our "treat", our favorite treat. And if you know me, you probably need one second to guess it (or close enough.) Arts and crafts did play into my Mother's Day gift though - although not done by my hand, Women for Women International, an organization my mom and I both support offered cards made by their "mothers" sent for Mother's Day, with a donation in honor of your mom. That was my gift to my mom - in honor of my mom and other mothers - a gift to women who are survivors of war and working to make their ways in the world. Through a one-year program, woman are taught job skills, receive business training so they can earn a living, and learn their rights and how to fight for them.

My mom taught me how to be a good person, how to stand up for myself, how to be independent and learn on my own. My mom is my best friend. We all need a fantastic mom - sometimes they are our real moms, sometimes they are aunts, grandmothers, or just a close friend. I've got my fantastic mom. She's the bestest.