God, I love Oprah. I grew up on her, watching her show every day. I've received years and years of her magazine. I believe she is an Emotional Genius, able to articulate thoughts and connect with others in a way that's beyond most of us - and yet it's in the simplest way.

I didn't know she was receiving the Cecil B. DeMille when I decided to tune into the Golden Globes solely to see what the vibe was like in our #TimesUp post-Weinstein era. But when I saw her sitting in the front row, I felt a thrill. And when I heard she was receiving the honor, I had to stay up to see her speech.

Good riddance, 2017! 

Not since 2007 have I disliked a calendar year quite so much. While it was a bruiser, it was also filled with lessons. And plenty of fun, too. 

So I got Lyme Disease. It packed a punch but was relatively quick to come and go. In 2018, I vow to reconnect with my body again. To feel strong and fit, to have fun at some new classes, to not feel winded when walking up the subway stairs (WTF!?).

Between work and taking care of the peanut, it's very rare to get to the movies anymore. It usually happens only if I take a day off from work and go to a matinee - a rare treat that happens once, maybe twice a year.

I've been fried and under the weather these past few weeks. My dear aunt passed away and I took a day just for myself before traveling to the services. And... I went to a matinee—to Call Me By Your Name.

The peanut turned three in October. She is curious, clever, loving, funny and makes my heart swell. She is also stubborn and defiant and prone to wickedly irrational meltdowns. 

As I find myself well into my second act, doubting my talent and career more now than I did in my twenties and thirties, I am so grateful to have this giant source of passion and pride.

Well. Suffice it to say I’ve been errant. I’ve neglected this blog and site for the better part of the year. Happily, that is going to change.

First, my excuse. I started a job earlier this year that was a huge adjustment. It was demanding in both a practical and emotional sense, and I felt drained. For months. As time has passed, it’s gotten better. I’ve made some mental adjustments and created my own personal plan in order to feel more empowered and in control of my day-to-day life and my long-term career. (Which, PS,  is so important to do, even when you’re content with your current job and situation!)

From Connecticut to Houston to Buffalo, quality time with my family

Watching the peanut blossom into a thoughtful, smart, creative and caring little thing

Finishing my manuscript

Going to Duran Duran with my BFF

Plowing through a bit of writer’s block to finish my piece on the Hudson

A visit to Paris!

Autumn. The season sentimentalists and traditionalists love. And I get it. But I’d rather be stuck in summer—like we are right now in NYC. Give me warm temps and relaxed dressing any day of the week.

I understand the thrill of sweaters and cocoa; roasting instead of grilling; all the implicit coziness, you break out the candles and blankets, and turn inwards. But I don’t buy it!

This past weekend, I changed out the peanut’s summer wardrobe for fall and winter. Every time I have to do this—there were big ‘out with the old, in with the new’ phases at 3 months, 6 months, last fall at one year and this past spring for the new season—I’ve relished the feeling of purging. Getting rid of stuff that doesn’t fit. Passing the clothes on to friends and family who have younger baby girls. Moving on. Sayonara!