On New York

A few weeks ago, I was in New York for business. I was really excited to go. I hadn't been in

New York in about 5 years, I think, and I was due for a "big city fix".

I have been to New York several times in my life. I have had only one incredible, memorable time there. I stayed at The Algonquin with my friend Glenn who was the musical director for Andrea Marcovicci's cabaret act. She was singing at the famous Oak Room there. (She was memorably and ridiculously dramatic.) But Glenn and I explored - asfriends - all the best the city had to offer and I will never forget that trip. It was New York as New York is described in "Marjorie Morningstar". Perfection.

I have wanted that kind of experience since. But the city as a whole isn't that kind of romantic anymore. Time Square looks like the Vegas Strip. And the rest of it is just busy.

Not to say there isn't much still to see, do and enjoy, but I guess I have grown a little weary of it. On this trip, tourists stopped me to ask for directions. That has never happened before. Clearly the shine is off - I blend. So during the day, I attended the Fancy Food Show and gave presentations to advertising agencies and in the evenings, I visited friends. Friends I hadn't seen in a while. Some in a long while.

I did a little bit of sightseeing too. I walked over to Rockefeller Center and went in the shops to escape the mind numbing heat. And then I ventured over to St. Patrick's Cathedral across the street and went in. It was really beautiful. And even though I am not a catholic, I lit a candle for my departed Catholic family - Anne, her mother, her brother Donald and my mother-in-law Marilyn. I ventured down the aisle and sat myself down at a pew about midway up. The church was fairly full but mostly with tourists. It would probably have been a more profound experience if not for all the camera flashes. Cameras, cameras everywhere. More than if you were there for a

wedding. I found all the cameras somewhat disrespectful and more than a little annoying as I tried to concentrate on prayer and being thankful - for the blessings in my life, for my job, for

my family, for my girls. I spent a full 30 minutes in there - taking it all in. It was a truly

beautiful place. And then it was time to go.

So I took a picture.

I had a marvelous dinner at some little Italian restaurant on 9th Street in what is known as Hell's Kitchen, with Matt, an old friend from my two years at the San Jose Civic Light Opera. He and the risotto were delightful!! Saw my hilarious friend Sandy as well - great career AND townhouse. Saw Errol, a friend and colleague from Disney, who invited me and my family to his home in "up-state". And then Monica - whom I hadn't seen in 37 years when I was a junior in high school. She looked the same! No, seriously. The. Same. She has had quite a amazing life and it was really something else to connect with her again. It felt rather like rolling off a log.

I am always a little amazed that people live normal lives anywhere other than where I live. I saw my friend Marsha and she was talking about having returned from a trip to San Jose (where we met so long ago) and how, once her cab drove her from the airport back into the city, she felt that comfortable feeling of "home". I know that feeling. But I can't image feeling that feeling approaching New York.

I met Marsha at a little health food deli across the street from The Algonquin Hotel. Marsha has been doing quite well doing "voice overs" (who knew!) and had just come from an audition for a production of "Sunset Boulevard" My brain quickly raced to imagine what role?

I mean, aside from Norma Desmond - the deluded and aging former star of the silent screen - how many significant female roles could there be? I couldn't think of one. "Which role?", I asked. "Norma!", Marsha replied. I looked at her like she had two heads. "What?? You're not old enough to play Norma." I mean how could she be? I am certainly not old enough to play Norma. Maybe a little too old to play Marjorie Morningstar but certainly not NORMA! However, upon later reflection I realized that Gloria Swanson was 2 years younger than I amnow when she originated the role in the 1950 movie. And when I googled it, I could see that minus the campy make-up and grandma pin curl hairdo, she looked a great deal younger than I do now. Yet - she is the deluded and aging movie star. Deluded and aging. Sound like anyone I know?

I hate that show.