When blog friend and Tangerine Tango contributor Dawn Landau emailed me late Wednesday night, apologizing for the last minute notice, saying she’d be in New York City on Friday and asked if I was free to meet her, I didn’t hesitate for a minute. Dawn’s doctor husband had a conference and had surprised her with tickets to Wicked, so they made a weekend out of it. I met her within a few hours after she arrived at her hotel. She may have been a a bit jet-lagged, yet was ready to conquer NYC.
She’d told her husband she had plans for the day with one of her blog friends.
“You don’t know her?” he’d asked.
“Yes, I know her really well. We just haven’t met.” Not sure he got it.
Checking the weather forecast, I told her it would be raining and perhaps we’d want to walk around a museum or two; they’re good places for chatting.
I should have known that rain doesn’t stop someone from Washington state; Dawn was determined to walk and wanted to see the Christmas window displays of the big department stores. She didn’t even carry an umbrella.
Okay. I’m in and out of New York City all the time; I can’t remember ever visiting the holiday windows. Walking around 5th Avenue in the midst of December, in the cold drizzle, in the midst of holiday shoppers and tourists? That wouldn’t be me.
But I’m a good sport and hey, she was the visitor.
We lunched first at the Round Table in the Algonquin Hotel, a former favorite locale of famous writers, including Dorothy Parker, George S. Kaufman, and Edna Ferber. I figured we fit right in.
It took under a second to start talking about everything and anything. Kids, writing, exercise regiments, families, and more. We may never have met, but because we read each other’s blogs; we know a lot about each other. And then of course there’s all the stuff we talked about that we don’t write about. Sorry, what’s talked about at the Round Table stays there.
We began the window crawl at Lord & Taylor’s, 38th & 5th Avenue. A traditional old-fashioned display that included many musical instruments. Lovely, wintery, nostalgic.
We walked from there north on 5th Avenue to Saks. Something about a Yeti that didn’t really appeal to me. On our way, these beaded pocketbooks in a jewelry store grabbed our attention.
Of course we loved the one that was $2,000. Dawn bought one much less— a pretty ruby-colored bag that she felt would dress up any basic black and a perfect 5th Avenue souvenir.
Outside of Saks, protected by the awning from the rain, a trio of young men, perhaps college students, holding a video camera, asked if we’d answer a quick question. ” Sure,” we said.
“What is love?” They asked us. We each gave a short response, happy to contribute.
If I had to select a window winner, I’d choose Bergdorf Goodman. I don’t shop there; but their windows were superb. They went with holidays as a theme; each window dressed for different holidays, except Christmas. We loved how Valentines Day was portrayed all in pinks.
We cut east to Bloomingdales, whose windows celebrated gifts from around the world, all available for purchase inside. As we walked, we talked, commenting on the various fashions we noticed on pedestrians and the slinky, diaphanous gowns featured on the mannequins in the store windows. She’d point out a lighting display or a wreath, that I’d normally walk on by. I quickly caught her contagious enthusiasm and enjoyed seeing New York through her eyes.
It was time for me to start home. Dawn, tireless, kept on to see Barney’s windows—we’ll have to read her post—and planned to catch Macy’s and the tree at Rockefeller Center during the weekend.
We’d hugged and hugged again, hoping there will be other get-togethers, on either coast. In the meantime, we’ll read each other’s blogs.
Lovely window warriors! How I wish I still lived a train ride away
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A plane ride isn’t so undoable! Visit!
On Sat, Dec 7, 2013 at 3:08 PM, cyclingrandma
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There is no place like Manhattan during the holidays. It has been a long time since I saw the windows.
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It’s very festive and surprisingly not as commercial as I anticipated.
On Sat, Dec 7, 2013 at 3:57 PM, cyclingrandma
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Wow, that’s amazing Lisa! It’s true, you sure do get to know people well through the blogging community. I’m so happy for the both of you getting the chance to meet in person.
xo
Diana
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Come visit, I’ll show you around!
On Sat, Dec 7, 2013 at 9:58 PM, cyclingrandma
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Thank you Lisa. One day, perhaps!
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How wonderful on so many levels, I can’t even begin. You both look like you’re delighted to be soaking up the holiday spirit in each others’ company. Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to reading Dawn’s blog, too. 😉
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Reblogged this on Tales from the Motherland and commented:
GOT TO MEET ANOTHER BLOGGER- in NYC! I’m currently finishing up a four-day trip to New York City and having a blast! One of the first things that happened was I got to meet fellow blogger Lisa Winkler. We spent a wonderful day in the Greatest City in the world, despite the cold rain that fell all day. Read her fun take on our day here, and I’ll share my spin when I get home.
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The two of you look like sisters, Dawn. Great post…fun to read about your adventure in NYC!
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Like sisters – my thought, too!
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We kept joking that we could be sisters… on so many counts! Thanks Susan; glad you enjoyed it! My take will be next. 😉
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What a wonderful day Lisa! Ivory blonde and commented on tails from the motherland, and will share my own post when I get home and get my computer back. It was just wonderful meeting you in person and hanging out. It really felt like we’ve known each other for a long time.
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Yes, a fun day and there will be others!
On Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 12:05 AM, cyclingrandma
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Can’t wait! I had a blast. xo
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I keep thinking of things I could have mentioned — maybe you’ll include them! Remember our discussion about waxing? ha ha…
On Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 2:38 AM, cyclingrandma
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How lovely! 🙂
There are a couple of local bloggers I’d like to meet – I think I’ll suggest in the new year (Sydney, Oz here)
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How fun, Lisa. I’m jealous! That sounded like so much fun! 🙂 Make sure if you come to CA, that you stop by and meet me. 🙂
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Yes!
On Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 1:14 AM, cyclingrandma
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Ok now I’m not jealous! 😀
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What a wonderful visit…old friends meeting for the first time. Love it! 🙂
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Ha ha – worried about rain with a Pacific NW’er. That cracks me up. Lucky you that you got to meet. Dawn is the greatest! The one time we met in her home town the time just flew by. I see your name all over some mutually read posts. It is nice to comment on your site. Holiday blessings to you and your loved ones. – Mike
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Thanks! Yes, she’s the greatest and we have lots in common. Always great to meet a blogger!
On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 2:36 AM, cyclingrandma
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I love this! I have always wanted to visit New York city. I’ve passed through a few times via airplane but of course that doesn’t count. I’m putting a visit to NYC on my bucket list ASAP !
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You must! And there’s lots more to see and do than 5th Ave.!
On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 11:39 AM, cyclingrandma
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I’ll be seeing those windows when my family fem Rhode Island comes to town. We’re going to the Nutcracker Ballet too. Fun to do with small children.
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Yes! Loved taking my kids. The grands are a bit too young yet. One day….
On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 5:08 PM, cyclingrandma
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Guess I’ll have to come visit you some time – it sounds like fun.
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Yes! Come!
On Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 9:02 PM, cyclingrandma
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