Dora & Friends in NYC!!!🍎🗽🎉💕

What a whirlwind it has been in this CITY that never sleeps. The last 20 days have felt electric- nonstop action. For some reason I’m so busy here. As much as I don’t like to rush any time by in this dream world I’m living, .I’m looking forward to spending 2 weeks in the peaceful Cape before returning to AZ. And a quick shoutout Birthday to Papa Cohen who is 86 today!!! Extra love sent your way!

I’m living on the UWS in the most spacious gorgeous 1000 sq ft apartment. I love this place. I feel like a princess, it’s a bit crazy to be honest. Not sure how I got so lucky? Absolutely filled with gratitude daily. I have explored the neighborhood and am a stone’s throw away from a Trader Joe’s, Fairway, and the 72nd st subway station. And….Central Park is a block away, lots of beautiful paths in this magical gigantic park. It’s a perfect location and a great building. I can afford 1 month, would need to win the lottery to live in this city the right way. The first week here I was solo, which was SO nice and a wonderful break. I got to visit with my cousin Julie 3 different times. We had brunch at a yummy Israeli restaurant, a dinner out, drinks, took walks, got cheap massages, and caught up like old times. And she brings Darla doo everywhere she goes, so she was an extra snuggly bonus with us too. Over the weekend, we walked 7-8 miles while staring into the Hudson river making our way from Chelsea down to Battery Pk area for a wine bar on the water on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The month of September is true perfection for weather in NYC. Minus the humidity hair dilemma. Bonus, my pseudo niece, Marley moved here (Jackie’s niece). Julie & I went to see her new apt and meet her roommate, plus she has been over for dinner to my home. It’s crazy how many people I know who live here. Never a dull moment.

I met up with Drew, the famous talented artist who blows me away. I’ve known him since he was born, my childhood friend, Jennifer’s son. He is a professional painter/artist who has been signed on by galleries in Paris, LA, NYC, and has stuff on display in museums in Miami. Talk about a kid who made his dreams come true after graduating from RISD. So very proud of him. We met up at a fancy french restaurant called La Grande Boucherie. To eat like royalty often is becoming a serious problem again. For my waist line and wallet, lol- we had a great night filled with wonderful conversations. Thankful for my step counts here, always around 15-3OK. Thank goodness!

The rest of the week was busy with work and finally healthy dinners at home. Stephanie & Olivia showed up early Friday morning. I had taken the day off to play and be there personal tour guide. We ate SO much in 2.5 days, it was bad for my tummy, yet delish! To name a few….we started with Bagel’s, made our way to Joe’s pizza for a slice, had to try the banana pudding at Magnolia’s, a yummy Funny Face hot fresh cookie, and dinner was at the french Cafe Luxembourg. We had toured this town, as Olivia had never been, and Steph hadn’t been here for 20 years. We took the Staten Island ferry to see the Lady! We went by the NY public library, Bryant Pk, Grand Central, The Plaza, walked down Madison Ave, and haggled with some street vendors to get Steph a fake purse.

Crazy small world……, as we were walking along the water on Friday, we were approached by 3 Jewish orthodox girls. One inquires if any of us are Jewish, I say yes, they offer us shabbat candles to light tonight. I ask if they are from Crown Heights and shared my special experience from last years meeting with the other 2 girls and my tour I experienced of the ultra orthodox neighborhood in Brooklyn. They wanted to know who it was, I shared my photos from last year, and……these girls all know each other. They let me know both girls are now married. I was shocked and had to reach out via text. Shayna from last year shared her wedding photo and suggests getting together. Serious Serendipity at its finest!

We walked through Chelsea Market and got drinks at the Starbucks Reserve nearby. We walked the high line and had the great opportunity of seeing a bunch of famous models leaving Hudson Yards from fashion week. We truly did NYC right for them in a quick weekend trip. We saw the broadway show, Chicago, walked Central Park, toured the MoMA, and ate at a yummy italian restaurant on the UES, and ended at Anita Gelato. The MoMA had a social justice theme going on, which was fascinating to experience. I made us walk mainly, although we did take a few subways to save time. Poor Steph got some blisters. We clocked 11 miles one day and 12.4 the next. Olivia is in love with NYC, and is seriously such a grateful child. She must have said thank you 100 times for the experience. She is an awesome singer, and I swear will be famous one day! These kids with special talents living out their dreams is quite impressive to me. Having watched this gorgeous child grow up, it’s pretty special to be walking alongside her seeing NYC through her eyes. Pure Magic. We said goodbye late on Sat night, as they had an early flight Sunday. It was a fast meaningful- memorable trip.

Upon their departure, I had a peaceful Sunday, making friends in the neighborhood, I explored the Riverside Park with gorgeous views of the Hudson with NJ skyline in the distance. Met up with my Cousin Debbie at a yummy hand roll place for dinner & gelato. A diet is definitely in store for me again. Some quiet time before Tracy arrived on 9/10. She is my next visitor and the first to stay with me at the apt. Tracy is here to spend her birthday in NYC and works remotely like me. We did a few wonderful things in this CITY, more eating….. Her birthday dinner was spent at RH Guest House, a fancy place for Miss Fancy! We both worked from my home every day, and played at night or had home cooked meals. She was here for 6 days. We went to Fire Island, which was an incredible beach day spent in one of my favorite places. I love sharing this pretend land with others who have never been. It’s wild how organized NY makes this transfer happen. We catched a subway to Penn Station where we boarded the train to Bay Shore, upon arrival a shuttle bus awaits to drive you to the ferry dock. Making this 1.5 hour commute so user friendly. The island is swarming with deer, no cars, many bikes & golf carts, lots of ice cream, and cafes. We enjoyed staring into the Atlantic on a beautiful beach day. The best part was another traditional Shabbat dinner spent at my friend from last years sisters home in Crown Heights. We got to meet Shayna’s husband, sister, and more family at a warm inviting home in the middle of the extremely religious area in NY. We arrived to the neighborhood early so I could tour Tracy around and show her the wig shops, modest clothing stores, the kosher bakeries, all the hebrew signage, etc. Fascinating and special. Tracy was SO inquisitive at the meal, asking her many questions about all the rules and expectations of the orthodox way. We certainly learned a lot.

Sunday, we ventured to my farmers market for fresh eggs, made our way to SoHo for shopping, walked through the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy, made our way to Chinatown for foot massages, and ended up in Chelsea to walk the HighLine. And, we ended up meeting up with Yitzy (a dear friend from AZ, originally from NY) & his sister who happened to be in town for a family wedding. At the end of Sunday we had hit an all time new record in mileage, having walked 15.7K miles. WooHoo!!! Tracy left at 4am on Monday and I have had a week of down time solo.

Not that it slows down around here…..My work life in this CITY is booming. I had the opportunity to speak at Spence-Chapin (one the oldest adoption agency’s around) on behalf of PairTree at the PathWays to Adoption event. With 50 people attending and getting to meet many professionals and families in person it was an honor. I met with another pillar in our space, Becky Fawcett with HelpUsAdopt. This meeting was off the charts, as she and her organization has contributed 8 million in adoption grants since 2007. Incredible!!! Today I met with Kenzi Locks, another adoption professional in person helping to educate families on infertility loss when building your family through adoption. I still have 2 other big meetings planned over the next 10 days while in this vibrant City. Another professional in person meeting is planned for Boston before heading home. The beauty and bonus of remote work when clients/partners are scattered around the US.

When I say Dora & Friends, holy moly this city is swarming with friendly faces I’m blessed to be connected too. Life is precious, hug the ones you love extra! Sadly, my sisters mother- in-law( Pauline) passed away yesterday. The funeral will be in AZ on Monday…my 2 nieces ( her grand-daughters) are on there way to be my next visitors for the upcoming weekend. Stay tuned for quality family time in NYC. It will be SO nice to squeeze them extra tight and have quality time with Family! ❤️ Keep your loved ones close by and snuggle when possible. Missing each of you and cherish our relationship more than you know. I appreciate all my readers. Wishing everyone a beautiful day!

Love Laurie Sue

AKA Dora The Explorer!! XOXO❤️😘

PS. Some Food Photos for the readers who love to drool at all the yumminess………