HAD A BALL IN THE BIG APPLE!

I haven't posted anything since Thanksgiving and there is good reason. I was preparing for a very special trip. But before those details let me share some others. First, I want to address the question that I know has run across many minds that have seen my picture. The fact that I am bald always raises them so let me clear that up before anyone gets the wrong idea. Usually the first thing people think is that I have cancer, however, I am blessed not to have that life-threatening illness. The reason for my baldness is an autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata. It's a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles "by mistake" and causes the hair to fall out. It's not hereditary and I had never really known anyone with it until I contracted it myself. I have lived with it since April 2007 and it has been quite a journey. The lows, the shock, the amazement was all part of my getting to the point of acceptance. After all, like India Arie says "I am not my hair" and I can live life without it. Knowing the importance of support when dealing with a challenge, I immediately went online searching for and found the Alopecia Areata support community. Today I am an active member and communicate with other women with the disorder to share my experience, strength and hope. Some of us are blessed with more resilience to bounce back from life's unexpected surprises, and it is our responsibility to be there for those who need a little extra love.

So, having said that, now I will talk about my wonderful trip to New York! My main reason for the trip was to attend a luncheon. It was sponsored by Thea Chassin who founded the event and named it "Bald Girls Do Lunch", as a way for women with Alopecia to meet other women who have it. I had read about the event and knew I wanted to experience one, so I decided, and God blessed me, to attend the one in Manhattan, New York. It was a couple of firsts involved, 1) I had never been to New York before, and 2) I had not been to one of those luncheons, so I got a double-dose of good time! (Forgive me if I use the word blessing a lot but that is the only way I choose to describe things that happen in my life today .) In view of the fact that I am blessed with a son who works for Continental Airlines, the only thing standing between me and New York was distance and time, so off I went!!

First let me say that New York is an amazing city and I was awestruck from the moment I got there. The taxi ride from the airport down E. 57th was amazing with all the designer stores, lights, display windows and droves of people. Riding by 5th Ave. and Park Ave was an exciting moment and all the expansive buildings was really a breath-taking sight. The restaurant that the event was held, Shelly's Trattoria, was beautiful and the people and the food was great. Meeting Thea and the other ladies was an experience I will always cherish and sharing our intimate details was an unforgettable and spirit-filled time. We were women who shared a common bond in spite of any difference in race, background, lifestyle or profession. We came from all walks of life but still found so much in common. The luncheon was a smashing success and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend.

The next day, after a good night's rest, I "did New York". My itinerary ended up being 1) a trip to Times Square on the subway, and 2) a trip to The Empire State Building Observatory. Incidentally, one of the ladies I met at the luncheon worked at the Empire State Building and offered me a free pass! Talk about perfect timing!! I thoroughly enjoyed my entire day of touring and shopping, but one particular event was the height of my day. You see, for those of you who may be familiar with it, Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time, and in Times Square there is a restaurant, Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., based on that movie. I was as excited as a kid in a candy store when I ate lunch there, and it really made my trip complete.

New York is a great place and I am planning to return and see all the other sights. But for now, my palate is satisfied because; 1) I got to meet some great ladies and now have some great new friends, and 2) I took my maiden voyage to the Big Apple!! Life is good.

Just a couple of photos. LOL till next time.