>New York, New York

>My whirlwind three-week traveling spree ends here, in Manhattan.

Improbably, I’m deep in the financial district, typing away in an underground Starbucks while two of my friends have boudoir photos taken in a nearby studio apartment. I’m wearing a ruffly gingham dress and sandals in a sea of gray and black suits and understated business attire.

I do not fit in here.

That fact would have deeply bothered me ten years ago- but now, I love it. I love doing all the “don’ts” of New York- making eye contact, smiling, stopping to peer up at a gorgeous old building. People look at me like I’m some sort of alien, but a very pleasant alien. It’s great fun.

I think I could walk around here for hours, just looking at all of the faces and all of the clothes. New York really is a melting pot of all different types, and for a people watcher like me, it’s fascinating.

Today’s the only day I have a few hours to explore the city; from tomorrow morning on, I have a schedule packed full of parties and events that runs all the way through Sunday afternoon. Once that’s done, I’ll return home for good, get Punky ready for the upcoming school year, and catch you up on all that’s been going on in my life. I have lots of great stories to tell.

I hope to meet some of you at BlogHer. Be sure and introduce yourself if you see me.